Review of Gogo and Big Sister

Review of Gogo and Big Sister.

Gogo and Big Sister directed by Princess Zinzi Mhlongo a 2012 standard bank young artist award recipient, she has proved that she is indeed a versatile director who can create wonders in theatre, Music Director is Ezbie Moilwa.

If anyone can reveal the secrets of what happens in a dressing room will be amazingly shocked by the realities and difficulties of one goes through before the opening show. Gogo and Big Sister is a simple, clean, cathartic storytelling with music interludes about the love of music in three generations of talent.

This beautiful music get away is made up of Thembi Mtshali-Jones who plays Gogo, which the word Gogo makes you think of experience and maturity, a person that has something to share. I have never heard Thembi so up close and honest, it feels like her experience told in three different generations.
 The story dives in how she as gogo started her career, who she encountered on her way, who she met and indulge with.

A vivacious diva trapped in drugs but still contains a beautiful broad range voice with a commanding sassy presence is Hlengiwe Lushaba she plays Big sister, in the story she represent those who are stagnant and trapped yet still passionate in music. She plays her role with full honesty and consistency which shows her skill as an actress and a singer.

Lillian Tshabalala she shines in her light as well, with a husky jazzy soprano voice entangle in a senseless young girl who dreams to be a star innocently she plays little sister who is 20 years old.

Three different voices of different age, and experience yet blend beautifully and compliment one another so graciously. I sat smiling and filled with tears of joy and remembrance of how blessed Iam  to have witness this storytelling that equally celebrates our legends. 

How ever I do think that the script feels like it was written too quickly it needs polishing and more research, it appears to be cliche' and easy. Would be more interesting if the writer dived deeper and tell us what we have never heard being told before.
I hope Gogo and Big Sister can tour and share this proud beautiful story.

Grahamstown Festival 2014

Review by Philisiwe Twijnstra