With Wessex Archaeology’s involvement in the SS Mendi, a group from the Geoservices team were keen to attend the new production of SS Mendi: Dancing the Death Drill currently on at the Nuffield City Theatre.
The show provides an insight into the background and final journey of the SS Mendi and her crew of over 800 predominantly black South African men, from a range of backgrounds in the South African Native Labour Corps, volunteering for the British Army. The SS Mendi sank on the night of the 21 February 1917 after being hit by the steamer Darro in fog; further details can be found here. Over 600 lives were lost that night. In 2009 the wreck site was classified as a Protected Place under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986 by the Ministry of Defence (awarded protective status in 2009). This protection identifies this site as a war grave due to the loss of life.
Watching SS Mendi: Dancing the Death Drill, we were given the opportunity to see a brief snapshot into the lives of some of the men who were on the ship in the lead up to the fateful day, with their hopes and dreams versus the reality experienced while onboard. With simple dress and props, the audience was taken on a journey rich with a rainbow of vocal chorus, in a range of languages, packed with purposeful movement and actions carefully choreographed and performed so that every person became fully immersed and invested. The gravitas of this poignant performance is hard to put into words, and those words do not do it justice and will not recover the injustice felt by many.
We all thoroughly enjoyed the production, each taking something from it and leaving speechless; it will not be forgotten.
Working at Wessex Archaeology we regularly assess data to identify objects or sites of archaeological interest located on or below the seabed, sometimes there is a known history, sometimes the history is still to be revealed, but all too often tragedy is involved. The SS Mendi was one site of significant interest for many, which Wessex Archaeology has had the privilege to be involved with.
One thing we all share after seeing this show, is that whenever we identify a wreck or site of archaeological significance in the future, there will be a momentary pause to reflect on the history of the ship and the people onboard, with a thought back to the Dancing of the Death Drill.
Claire, Geoservices
‘Every ship wreck has a story and more often than not it involves tragedy. This show brought the tragedy to life through music and dance, the singing was beautiful and you felt every emotion, we left the show speechless.’
Holly, Geoservices
‘Such a powerful performance and emotive re-telling of the SS Mendi’s final voyage. The immersive nature of the set (angled down towards the audience) removed the barrier between stage and spectator, bringing the hardships and maltreatment of the South African troops to life. A thoroughly poignant piece which − quite deservedly − received a standing ovation at the end! Would definitely recommend.’
Laura, Geoservices
‘I hadn’t fully appreciated that the South African troops would have come from different parts of South Africa with their own languages and cultural practices and how they would have integrated with each-other in such a confined space. The different languages, songs, movements and dance reflected in the short show was very clever and very poignant. Not least of all the representation of the Death Drill that was led by Isaac Wauchope Dyobha.’
Sam, Geoservices
‘A truly stunning performance that challenges a range of emotions, immersing the audience in a wonder of visual and vocal richness, bringing to light the hopes, hardships and issues faced by the crew before and after the tragedy. Thought provoking and unforgettable.’
Simon, Geoservices
‘An immersive and magical performance. I was blown away by the richness and beauty of the songs, enhanced by the array of eclectic instrumentation scattered around the stage. The quality and sensitivity of the writing and performance brought to life one of the little-known but equally important stories of the war.’
The production was based on a book by Fred Khumalo and adapted by Isango Ensemble and Gbolahan Obisesan as a co-production by the Nuffield Southampton Theatres and Cape Town based Isango Ensemble. It runs until Saturday 14 July, for more information click here.
By Sam Strutton, Claire Mellett, Holly Rodgers, Laura Andrews, Simon Varley and Megan Metcalfe