For the past three and half months, the South African television network SABC1 has been showing Shakespeare in Mzansi, a series of reworked versions of Shakespeare’s tragedies adapted into a South African context. Shakespeare in Mzansi consists of five mini-series: “Entabeni,” “Izingane Zobaba,” “Jolile ka Kheza,” “Ugugu no Andile,” and “Death of a Queen.” Each mini-series has six episodes.
The programs are based on “Macbeth”,” King Lear,” Julius Caesar,” and “Romeo and Juliet.”
The fifth mini-series, “Death of A Queen,” begins tonight. “Death of Queen” is based on ”Macbeth” but gives the tale of intrigue and betrayal a unique twist. The character of King Duncan is transformed into the Rain Queen, the sister of Macbeth or in this case, Prince Matlatladiane.
The SABC1 website gives the following plot description:
When Prince Matlatladiane returns victorious with Mugudo, his right-hand man and friend, from negotiations to ensure the preservation of the kingdom, he encounters three witchdoctors who address him as the future King of Mapungubwe. They also proclaim that Mugudo’s progeny will one-day rule. Matlatladiane dismisses the thought outright. For the prophesy to come to pass, history will have to be turned on its head and his own younger sister, the Rain Queen, will have to die.
Death of A Queen airs Tuesday, July 15 at 8.30 p.m. on SABC1.
Web Resources:
Tonight - If Macbeth’s in Limpopo it’s Shakespeare fo sho
