Characters

Main Characters (On-Stage)

Sipho Makhaya

• Occupation: Assistant Chief Librarian in Port Elizabeth, close to retirement.
• Personal Truth & Reconciliation:
  • Bitter and resentful over past injustices, especially involving his brother, Themba.
  • Over time, he learns to forgive and move forward.
• Respect for Tradition:
  • Shocked by Themba's cremation, as he planned a traditional burial.
  • Raised Thando with traditional African values.
  • As the eldest male, expects to be consulted on family matters.
• Work as a Librarian:
  • Disappointed at not becoming Chief Librarian.
  • By the end, he accepts this and plans to build a new public library.

Thando Makhaya

• Sipho's daughter and a teacher.
• Works as a translator for the TRC amnesty hearings.
• Strong and Independent:
  • Has a social conscience and believes in justice.
  • Challenges her father when necessary but respects him.
• Cultural Values:
  • Supports traditional African customs.
  • Plans a traditional marriage to her boyfriend, Mpho.
  • Disagrees with her father's strict views at times.

Mandisa McKay

• Themba's daughter, raised in England.
• Studied fashion design.
• Western vs. Traditional Values:
  • Embraces modern Western culture.
  • Materialistic and outspoken.
• Conflict with Sipho & Thando:
  • Disagrees with the TRC process, believing it forgives too easily.
  • Clashes with Thando over values and traditions.

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Important Off-Stage Characters

Themba Makhaya

• Sipho's younger brother, a political activist against apartheid.
• Lived in exile and never returned to South Africa.
• Two sides to his character:
  • Public Image: Seen as a hero and ladies' man.
  • Private Reality: Selfish—betrayed Sipho by having an affair with his wife.

Luvuyo Makhaya

• Sipho's son, also a political activist.
• Killed by police while reading poetry at a funeral.

Sindiswa Makhapela

• Sipho's wife, mother of Thando.
• Had an affair with Themba, leading to her separation from Sipho.

Thelma McKay

• Mandisa's mother, a human rights activist.
• Chose to cremate Themba despite Sipho's wishes.

Mpho

• Thando's boyfriend, a history teacher.
• Plans to marry Thando traditionally.

Derek Loxworth

• Mandisa's ex-boyfriend in England.
• Wealthy and described as a "true gentleman".

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Supporting Characters

Funeral Arrangements

• Mr Khalala: Undertaker for Themba's funeral.
• Reverend Haya: Advises Sipho on the funeral.

Sipho's Colleagues

• Mrs Meyers: Gave Sipho his job at the library.
• Mrs Potgieter: Former Chief Librarian, recommended Sipho for the role.
• Mr Spilkin: A lawyer who failed to fulfil his promise to help Sipho become a lawyer.