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Art Reporter

ROOFTOP Promotions’ ritualistic and thought-provoking play, “Song Unburied” is currently showing in South Africa.
The play, which opened on Wednesday night, will be running at Sibusiso Kwinana in Pretoria until September 22, courtesy of the South African State Theatre in association with Rooftop Promotions.

Written by Panashe Chigumadzi, the cast comprises Dalma Chiwereva, Charmaine Mujeri, Tinevimbo Chimbetete and mbira player Abel Mafuleni.

In the play, Mujeri plays the role of Rambisai Mangosho, the first black curator at a British Museum.

Her colleague, Dalma Chiwereva shows her versatility with three roles – Mbuya, Mai Rambi and Tsitsi.

The play, which calls for the return of anti-colonial heroine Mbuya Nehanda’s remains from an overseas gallery, has opened old wounds over her unburied bones.

In African culture, a decent burial gives the bereaved parties sanctuary and comfort.

It is also believed that the dead won’t rest until they get a dignified burial, followed by a traditional ceremony.

In this play, Mbuya Nehanda is among several icons whose remains were taken to Europe as trophies of conquest.

Mbuya Nehanda is believed to have informed her killers that her remains shall rise.

Books have been written about the spirit medium’s unburied bones, which are yearning for a decent burial.