Travel Tip: Pop Culture and Cinema in South Africa
Nothing but the Truth

John Kani: Nothing but the Truth
Directed by Janice Honeyman

Nothing but the Truth explores the relationship between those who remained in South Africa to lead the struggle against apartheid and those who returned victoriously after living in exile, the destruction of a man's aspirations at the very moment when democracy promises their realisation; examining family secrets, sibling rivalry, exile, memory and reconciliation.

Cast

John Kani: Sipho Makhaya
Motshabi Tyelele: Thando Makhaya
Welile Tembe: Mandisa Makhaya

Character Briefs:

Sipho (Kani) is a highly skilled and enthusiastic librarian. When an opportunity arises for a senior librarian post he counts on being the chosen one only to lose out to a younger man.

Thando (Motshabi) a modest but independent young woman who works as a translator in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Mandisa (Welile), the niece who grew up in London coming home for the first time to bring her father's ashes to be buried.

Lighting Designer:  Mannie Manim
Set and Costume Designer: Sarah Roberts

Since its world premiere in 2002, John Kani's first play as a sole author has been hailed as a contemporary South African classic. It has toured extensively, including Lincoln Center in New York and the Sydney Opera House in Australia. When it opened, the play won five Naledi Awards and three Fleur du Cap Awards in South Africa. In 2007, the play was made into a major feature film, premiering at the Milan Film Festival. The film recently won the Silver Stallion Award at the Pan African Film and Television Festival.