By parts comedy, mystery and drama, The Return puts a South African twist on the adage that you can’t go home again.
In this case it turns out that Buntu Somdaka (Pakamisa Zwedala) can indeed go back to his parents’ house after 18 years in exile with his African-American wife in tow, but not without having to almost literally confront the ghosts of his past.
The action takes place on a set that includes the accouterments of middle-class life in the Cape Town suburb of Langa. Buntu’s father, “Tata,” (Mzwakhe Mdidimba) picks up the remote now and then to change the channels on an implied television, while “Mama” (Nohmhle Nkonyeni) fries up some food.
It all seems cozy and familiar, even though the conversation is dotted with references to the political troubles that took South Africa from apartheid to black rule. The entrance of Buntu and Isis (Astara Mwakalumbwa), his wife, seems to set the stage perfectly for a lighthearted culture clash between young people who own laptops and the older generation.
Although we do get chuckles from the cultural misunderstandings, that’s not really the whole story. Instead, we slowly come to realize that there are deep tensions simmering beneath the surface and secrets this family can’t—or won’t—talk about. It’s not giving anything away to say that most of them center on the fate of Buntu’s late brother, Sipho.
During yesterday’s matinee performance, the tension onstage kept the audience quiet and focused as the truth about Sipho was fully revealed.
Although all the members of the cast turn in good performances, Nkonyeni, “Mama,” who seems to most perfectly inhabit her role, is the most memorable.
The Return is directed by Roy Sargeant, who helped establish the Siyasanga Cape Town Theatre Company.
The all-African cast sprinkles the dialogue with Xhosa, the language spoken by many residents of South Africa. Playgoers should know that the characters also sprinkle their anger with profanity.
■ The Return returns for its last performance of the festival at 8 p.m. today at the Arts Council Theatre, 610 Coliseum Drive. Tickets are $37. Call 723-7907 or visit http://www.nbtf.org.
■ Wesley Young can be reached at 727-7369 or at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).