Coming Home Dead back on stage
Returning to the main stage of the National Theatre of Namibia (NTN) on 24 May 2024 is the independent theatrical production, Coming Home Dead.This play deconstructs the tortured history and contemporary psyche of the 1904-1908 German Genocide through a poetic blend of original poetry, music, ritual, and archival materials, aiming to restore dignity to the genocide's descendants.
Produced by Creative Culture Investments (CCI), Coming Home Dead premiered at NTN on 1 December 2023. It is written and performed by acclaimed Namibian poet Keith Vries and directed by visionary dramaturge Patrick Sam.
The play underscores the importance of documenting the histories of indigenous peoples and countering narratives that erase their experiences. It uses contemporary and historical texts to provide an accurate account through poetry and live performance, facilitating healing and justice for affected communities.
The play emphasises the Khoe/Khoi/San people's status as the world's oldest living community and the indigenous inhabitants of Southern Africa. Both local and international audiences will be moved by its exploration of this painful history and the ongoing legacy of depression, displacement, and death in contemporary Namibia.
Coming Home Dead reflects on the first genocide of the 21st century, portraying the resilience and dignity of the genocide’s descendants. Originating from Keith Vries’ poetry at the 2022 Stuttgarter Sommerfest in Stuttgart, Germany, it evolved into a theatrical production presented in Bloemfontein, South Africa in July 2023, as part of the Pan-African Creative Theatre Production Exchange (PACE).
After its staging on 24 May 2024, Coming Home Dead will premiere in Berlin, Germany on 30 May 2024, in partnership with Heinrich Böll Stiftung and the Neukölln Museum.
Tickets cost N$200 via webtickets.com.na or at any Pick n Pay store countrywide.