Let’s preserve our culture, tradition: Mhlanga

BULAWAYO-BASED choreographer, Alexander Mhlanga is working on a production — Mary Jane, which focuses on local traditional beliefs.

The production encourages people to value and protect their culture and traditions.

“The production looks at how we can be able to practice our traditions and value our culture and nor ms,” said Mhlanga, speaking to Standard Style.

“It is alar ming how traditions are disappearing and even the use of our local languages to a point where we value English so much.

“This has been a trend and parents are seen teaching their kids wester n nor ms and raising them in wester n environments.

“It is of importance to value ourselves, and to protect our values. Now is the time when we need to change the context of the power of being an African.”

Nadine L Hlabangana stars in the one hour long solo performance.

In addition, Mhlanga said: “Mary Jane is the use of foreign names given to us and not using many local names.”

“Mary Jane was brought up in a first class and went to private schools and speaks only English.

“The twist is that now her ancestors are calling her, showing her who she is and her origins,” he said.