Zaphamban’ izindlela!
4 Apr 2012
What happens when a corrupt old policeman and a market woman switch bodies? The latest in the "Crossroads" series hit the airwaves for Women’s Month in South Africa. CMFD produced the isiZulu, South African adaptation for People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA), supported by Oxfam GB. Previously produced in English, Swahili, French and Portuguese, the drama uses humour to get people thinking, and talking, about women’s rights. POWA is facilitating discussion groups, listening on stations such as Alex FM, Kasie FM, Eldoz FM and Ndofaya FM.
The story...
When a market trader becomes frustrated with the local police inspector who is more interested in lining his pockets than finding her missing daughter, a magic drink provided by the local alcohol brewer causes the trader and police inspector to switch bodies. Each has the opportunity to see how the other gender lives! - with hilarious results and eye-opening perspectives. All the while, the search for the missing woman continues - will she be found in time?
Bringing the AU Protocol to communities
The latest in the Crossroad series launched on 9 August, South Africa National Women’s Day and will broadcast throughout the month. Organised by POWA, community-based listening groups will gather to listen to the weekly episodes. Each package of Zaphamban’ izindlela! includes:
- 2 CDs with 6 episodes, a promotional trailer, and the drama's theme music;
- A presenters guide with episode summaries, discussion questions, ideas for programmes, and background information;
- Leaflets with background information about the Maputo Protocol and women's rights.
If you are interested in receiving a copy, please email us info [at] cmfd [dot] org
Adpating the drama In order to ensure that that the South African isiZulu adaptation and translation is relevant to the country context, the first step was to undertake an adaptation process. This involved reading through the script and discussing a number of key points to find out...
An initial review of the scripts was done by CMFD to make some suggested name changes, edits some of the contextual script, and highlight areas for review. Representatives from CMFD, POWA, Oxfam, and Thetha FM convened at The Cottages in Johannesburg to listen to and review in depth scripts for the first two episodes. The ideas generated from this meeting were integral to the adaptation process. Following the meeting, the remaining 4 episodes were reviewed for other suggestions. POWA also sent legal information to be incorporated into the drama. Once the edits were complete, the scripts were translated into Zulu. Oxfam reviewed these Zulu scripts and additional edits made.
Click here for examples of adaptation changes made Recording & Production Auditions were held and a cast of actors chosen to play the characters of Crossroads, which was recorded in CMFD studios. Two of the actors are with Alex FM, and several come from the Alex area. Ahead of the recording, work was done on the sound beds of the drama, For example, the sfx of motorcycles were replaced by sfx of cars. Rural sounds were replaced by per-urban sounds.
The music
Each version of Crossroads included an original theme song, designed to set the drama apart and attract attention, which reflects local musical styles. For Zaphamban’ izindlela, we worked with local musicians and recorded original theme music in Zulu, with a style that is Zulu, with a funky influence.
