Theatre

Viva Sindile

Viva Sindile is a cultural group which, like many other groups, has for many years created art in an inhospitable enviroment, in their case mining hostels.The group is made up of mine workers who live in 'male only' hostels. It is in this context of isolation and often inhuman living conditions that their unique culture activity was born. Maginalised from the township and isolated from their women, the group started to subvert the traditional gender roles in their dances, challenging orthodox word views. While this phe is not a new one (especially where gender groups are segregated from society e.g prisoners), Viva Sindile and similar groups have moved beyond incarcreated male fantasies to create a highly entertaining and innovative dance performance.

With eraborate costumes and traditional songs, they tour the different mines and complete with other groups. We are proud to present a glimpse into the creative work of the Viva Sindile group. "From the frustrations of the retrenchments and hard work in the mines, we need to offer entertainmaint and fun. In the Elandstrand area, workers from several mining companies come together for a unique and flamboyant show. Phofung, near the Elandstrand gold mine, is a village where the Viva Sindile group originated. Viva Sindile has been around for over twenty years, and has expanded to other mining compounds in Phofung, also travelling from mine to mine with their show.

The organisation was formed to entertain and keep mine workers away from the murders in the townships. The performance take place, "underground", making use of the dead hours from midnight to the early morning to avoid attracting undu attention from the mine authority. Although the shows are not officially sanctioned by the mine bosses, there is an unspoken agreement that a blind eye will be turned to the festivities as long as there is no disruption of the working relations. Ntate Hlalele Pikoko is the coach and director of the organisation. He has spent many years in the mines and with Viva Sindile.

"We used to perform for men only, but now we intend to show other people what kind of entertainment we have here in mines." Ntate points out that "we are performers acting out roles, not gay men as many people are saying." Makgosana Makgosana, the forum's secretary, says that some of the financial constraints they experience affect costume supply, transport and refreshments. The costumes themselves are loud and colourful. Costumes worn by the players in male roles are composed of a wide variety of elements, mostly drawn from the mine enviroment, appropriated and re-interprated for the show.Flourescent luminous safety gear adds a bright and gaudy touch, along with whistles and feathered headgear.

The costumes of the men playing the women's role consist of a bra and short, colourful satin-style mini skirt with glossy tights and bright bells around the waist. The two groups engage in a flirtatious dance, testing each other and playing out a mock-curtship. The dance is fired by songs drawn from the context of rural young men, re-interpreted for the purpose of the Viva Sindile show. Viva Sindile will continue to entertain mine workers in the evenings, so as to save them, as the name suggests. They are also prepared to show other communities what they do. "I believe the time has come for us to step out into the communities to show our children courage and inspiration, by their fathers taking bold step forward. We are prepared to take our performance everywhere."

For performance or more information, contact Makgosana Makgosana, Elandsrand, room 620, Phofung, South Africa.

© Copyright Special Edition: Arts and Culture Groups in Gauteng,
edited by Clifford A Charles, Prince Massingham, Mocke J van Veuren