Shakespeare in Mzanzi
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
THE SOLDIERS HAVE RETURNED SAFELY FROM THE DANGERS OF WAR… NOW THEY HAVE TO NEGOTIATE THE
CHALLENGES OF LOVE…
Much Ado About Nothing is a joyous comedy that is cut through with
undercurrents of jealousy and near tragedy. The story brings together the
glamour of brave soldiers returning from their duties with the elegance of political
society. Love, deception and wonderfully festive resolution unfold in the lush
surrounds of the KwaZulu-Natal midlands.
This story captures the intricacies and intrigues of adults in love. The stakes of
this love matching are heightened by their playing out in the mature world of
political society and the military. This also gives us the chance to see these
sections of South African society in a positive, humanist light which these days is
often hidden behind the acrimony of real world politics and negative sentiment.
Through the camera we are both the fly on the wall in this story and integral to it.
From the opening excitement of the soldier’s arrival through to the celebratory
ending we are both observer and confidante to the characters and their journeys.
As such we are able to be part of the public and the private stories and this
insider knowledge captivates our emotions as we watch the stories unfold.
THE FORMAT
BEATRICE brings us, as the camera, immediately into the story with the
excitement of the soldier’s arrival. We feel instantly part of the Governors
household. However we have more freedom than the other characters in that we
can sometimes ‘spy’ on characters in their most private moments. This creates a
tension for us as audience because we are party to knowledge that the other
characters do not share and the tension of our anticipation is heightened.
In keeping with the overall mood of the story the feel of the film is light and joyful,
with the soft light of spring and its fresh beginnings. The Govenor’s Mansion and
compound is an attractive home set in lush grounds. Everywhere the bright floral
colours and verdant greens of KwaZulu-Natal give the story a spectacular setting.
The characters bring both the formal glamour of the military to the story and, on
the GOVERNOR’S side, restrained, political society elegance. We respond to the
characters because they are good looking, sincere characters whose emotions
we can empathise with. We are delighted to discover that in matters of love and
life they are just like us.
The language reflects both the formal elegance of ‘high’ society and the casual
warmth of generous and intelligent characters. As spice we also have the
hilarious verbal fabrications of Constables DLAMINI and DLODLO threading
through the plot.
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© ADAM NEILL SEPTEMBER 2010
Shakespeare in Mzanzi
THE CHARACTERS
GOVERNOR MANDLAKHE:
Early 60’s. A larger than life figure in spirit and physical appearance, the
Governor is well loved as the Provincial leader. He is generous to and
loving of his family. He is proud to host the returning peacekeepers and is
keen for his daughter to marry one of the respected soldiers. Slightly
naïve, he is completely deceived by the political machination of COLONEL
KHUMALO. His emotional devastation turns to jubilation by the happy
resolution of the story.
MZAMO:
Late 50’s. The GOVERNOR’S brother and a successful local
businessman. He is likeable, honest and a very good advisor to his
brother. He is childless and dotes therefore on LUNGILE and BEATRICE
as much as his brother does.
BRIGADIER GENERAL KHUMALO:
Early 50’s. Upright and honest he has been a soldier all of his life. Of royal
lineage he has the respect of his men. He has strong struggle credentials
and a brilliant record as the leader of the peacekeeping force. A good man
who gets caught up in the conspiracy of his evil younger brother.
COLONEL KHUMALO:
Mid 40’s. The BRIG. GEN’S. younger brother, but there are rumours
around his legitimacy. He is jealous of LIEUTENANT LWANDILE and
angry that LWANDILE and LUNGILE have fallen in love. An arrogant
tribalist he plans to destroy the relationship between the MANDLAKHE’S
daughter LUNGILE and the Xhosa LWANDILE. A cunning and mean man
who eventually gets his just deserts.
LIEUTENANT LWANDILE:
Early 30’s. A young and handsome Xhosa soldier. Intelligent and sensible
he is new generation who sees the country as only one nation. He falls for
LUNGILE instantly but his sense of honour blinds him to the evil plan of
COLONEL KHUMALO. He is genuinely remorseful and is rewarded with
the resurrection of LUNGILE and the blessing of the GOVERNOR.
LIEUTENANT BHEKISISA:
Mid 30’s. A handsome and sharp witted Shangaan soldier. He is
independently wealthy and has joined the army to pass the time until he
takes over his father’s business. An avowed bachelor, his verbal battles
with BEATRICE provide some of the most delightful exchanges of the
story. Needless to say these spats conceal real and deep feelings that
they have for each other. His feelings are drawn to the surface by the
efforts of his friends and the reward is a true marriage of love.
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© ADAM NEILL SEPTEMBER 2010
Shakespeare in Mzanzi
BEATRICE:
Early 30’s. An attractive and independent modern woman. She has a
career, perhaps in the media or public relations. She lives with her uncle,
the GOVERNOR, as his daughter and brings him much joy as such. Whilst
she is not flamboyant, she is very elegant in a down to earth way. She is
more than confident enough to spar with BHEKISISA but like him, needs
her friends to tease her true emotions out so that her love can be fulfilled.
LUNGILE:
Early 20’s. The attractive, young and innocent daughter of the
GOVERNOR. Just out of university she instantly falls for the handsome
soldier LIEUTENANT LWANDILE. She is a modern girl but with great
respect for the traditions of her family and of her culture. She loves her
father deeply and his accusation of her is deeply hurtful. Her innocence is
regained and there is a sense that her and LIEUTENANT LWANDILE’S
love will be stronger for the ordeal.
CONSTABLES DLAMINI and DLODLO
Early 50’s and mid 20’s. A comic duo of overeager, not-too-bright and
eccentric policemen. DLAMINI, as older, takes command and has been in
the service of the GOVERNOR for many years. He acts as mentor to
DLODLO but his methods are dubious to say the least. DLODLO is
equally eccentric and one senses that he is the younger mirror of
DLAMINI; destined to become as quirky in old age. They take the job of
guarding the GOVERNOR’S compound very seriously and with an
enthusiasm that results in some unusual interpretations of protocol.
Nonetheless it is they who are integral to foiling COLONEL KHUMALO’S
plot.
FRIAR FRANCIS:
Late 60’s. A well meaning and level headed priest from the local mission.
Although white he has been at the mission and part of the community for
many years and is fluent in several official languages. He is respected and
liked and helps to set the near tragedy of COLONEL KHUMALO’S plot to
rights. A clear thinker in a time of crisis, he delights in the joyful marriages
that conclude the story.
KWANELE and BONGANI:
Two soldiers under the command of COLONEL KHUMALO. They carry
out his plan and are captured by CONSTABLES DLAMINI and DLODLO.
Whilst not innocent they are really just pawns in the evil scheme of
COLONEL KHUMALO.
MARGARET and URSULA:
Maids in the GOVERNOR’S compound, they are also friends with
BEATRICE and LUNGILE. MARGARET is tricked by BONGANI into being
part of the plan to spoil the marriage of LUNGILE and LIEUTENANT
LWANDILE.
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© ADAM NEILL SEPTEMBER 2010
Shakespeare in Mzanzi
THE SYNOPSIS
We enter the story with BEATRICE excitedly coming to tell us (the camera) and
LUNGILE that the soldiers of the 12th Regiment, newly returned from
peacekeeping duties in the Congo, are arriving and that GOVERNOR
MANDHLAKE has invited them to stay at the Governor’s compound.
There is much joy and excitement at the prospect of their arrival.
The soldiers arrive and are welcomed by the GOVERNOR. BEATRICE and
BHEKISISA bicker but we have the sense that they are really flirting behind the
sharp words. LIEUTENANT LWANDILE and LUNGILE are obviously smitten with
each other and LWANDILE asks BRIGADIER GENERAL KHUMALO to woo
LUNGILE for him. COLONEL KHUMALO notices the blossoming love and vows
to ruin the match.
At the welcoming dinner and dance that evening the BRIGADIER presents
LWANDILE’S feelings to LUNGILE, who is deeply flattered. BEATRICE
unwittingly admits her love to BHEKISISA but also manages to wound his pride.
BHEKISISA admits to himself that he has feelings for BEATRICE. COLONEL
KHUMALO tries his first deceit by telling LWANDILE that the BRIGADIER is
actually wooing LUNGILE for himself. The plan fails when the GOVERNOR
announces that he has approved the marriage of LUNGILE to LWANDILE.
Later that night COLONEL KHUMALO tries a new plan, telling LWANDILE and
the BRIGADIER that he has proof that LUNGILE is unfaithful. The COLONEL has
them hide where they can see LUNGILE’S window and then, using the night as
cover, has KWANELE pretend to be a lover of LUNGILE’S. LWANDILE believes
the deception and is shattered.
Fortunately CONSTABLES DLAMINI and DLODLO catch KWANELE and
BONGANI as they patrol the grounds. They lock them in the guard house. They
try to tell the GOVERNOR of the arrest but it is too late and he is distracted with
the wedding plans. He tells them to extract what information they can in whatever
manner they see fit.
At the wedding the next day, held in the gazebo in the garden of the Mansion,
LWANDILE rejects LUNGILE at the altar, accusing her of being a harlot. She
faints and is carried out. There is understandable outrage from the GOVERNOR,
MZAMO and BEATRICE. The GOVERNOR is eventually convinced that
LUNGILE has taken a lover and he rejects her as his daughter. MZAMO and
BEATRICE are not convinced and MZAMO and FRIAR FRANCIS hatch a plan to
have LUNGILE’S honour restored.
BEATRICE seeks out BHEKISISA and tells him to prove his love by challenging
LWANDILE. He does so, telling LWANDILE and the BRIGADIER of the death of
LUNGILE. They are shocked and start to think that they must have been wrong
for her to have died from the accusation.
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© ADAM NEILL SEPTEMBER 2010
Shakespeare in Mzanzi
DLAMINI and DLODLO present their findings and the false accusation is
confirmed. We learn that COLONEL KHUMALO has fled the Mansion.
LWANDILE begs the forgiveness of the GOVERNOR. The GOVERNOR gives
his forgiveness on condition that LWANDILE now marry the daughter of MZAMO,
his brother.
No one has ever seen this daughter and so everyone thinks she must be very
unattractive. LWANDILE says he will marry her no matter how ugly as a
demonstration of his penance.
Everyone returns to the gazebo. MZAMO’S supposed daughter is brought out
and the marriage ceremony is completed before she lifts her veil to reveal that it
is LUNGILE! There is delight and rejoicing all around.
The excitement is interrupted by FRIAR FRANCIS who asks BHEKISISA and
BEATRICE if they too want to be married. They both try to pretend that they are
not in love until CONSTABLES DLAMINI and DLODLO step forward with love
letters that they have found in the garden that have been written by BHEKISISA
and BEATRICE. They relent and the single marriage joy turns into a multiple
marriage and a huge celebration.
THE GEOGRAPHY
Apart from some establishing footage of the KwaZulu hills, the entire action of the
story takes place in the Govenor’s Mansion and its grounds. Within that area
there are 4 locations;
1. The Mansion is set among the lush hills of the KwaZulu-Natal midlands. It
is a house fitting of a Governor but not ostentatious. It is comfortable and
well lived in, though perhaps a little run down having been inherited from
the colonial administration.
2. With the Mansion come extensive grounds. The grounds, like the house,
are slightly un-tended but are nonetheless attractive. Bright flower beds,
flowering bushes and tall, shady trees dot a verdant lawn. Cobbled
pathways and secret nooks are part of the garden’s charm.
3. Deep in the garden, with a view over the surrounding hills is an old
gazebo. It is decorated with flowers and freshly painted for the planned
wedding. It is also a space where we are able to catch characters in
private moments either together or alone.
4. At the entrance gate to the Mansion stands a Guardhouse. From this
typical style guard house operate the comic duo of DLAMINI and
DLODLO. It is both their residence and their work space. A manually
operated boom, as well as the old ornate gates, provides the opportunity
for the CONSTABLES to demonstrate their zany saluting routine as guests
arrive.
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© ADAM NEILL SEPTEMBER 2010
Shakespeare in Mzanzi
THE STYLE
Camera:
This is a strongly romantic comedy, despite its dark elements. As
such the camera captures the softness of the settings and
costumes, and the edit is smooth, not jarring.
The camera can be both fluid when hand held and formally
mounted for the larger set-pieces. At all times we are aware that the
camera is present in the action; at times giving us the sensation of
being hidden or conspiratorial and at other times openly engaged
as events unfold.
Settings:
We are in the here and now and the settings, costume and props
are modern. That said, the style is not ultra-modern urban but
rather a slightly rustic, countryside modern. BEATRICE and
LUNGILE have decorated the Governors Mansion with charm but
not opulence. Perhaps the Governor’s car is an old, well kept
Mercedes rather than a brand new one. Elements of the traditional
mix comfortably with the more current conveniences of the house.
The soldiers carry modern weapons when they arrive and their
uniforms tell slightly of a long journey. They change then into their
dress uniforms which are elegant, with appropriate medals and
braiding. They wear the blue caps of peacekeepers with pride.
Language:
In keeping with the setting, the language of the piece is more formal
than it might be in a city setting. There is no street slang but rather
the polite, casual cadences of the countryside. The soldiers and the
GOVERNOR use formal language where appropriate (e.g. in
greetings and in the more serious discussions). BEATRICE and
BHEKISISA’S exchanges must sparkle with wit and intelligence,
word play and double meanings.
We want to give a sense through the language of a polite,
respectful and almost regal environment that is broken by the evil
plot of COLONEL KHUMALO and is then restored in a reflection of
LUNGILE and LWANDILE’S regained honour.
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING : 6 of 6
© ADAM NEILL SEPTEMBER 2010