Captured

 Dear Fellow South Africans 

I am writing a unique, South African series for newly open SABC TV. I'm sure that they will be open to airing it. 

The series, working title 'Captured', should rival the BBC's dramatization of 'War And Peace'. Coincidentally, it also features a scarlet  - clad, Napoleon - like conqueror.

I am just a little concerned that audiences may find some of the events far-fetched, even for an epic of this nature.

Without giving away too much of the ever-thickening plot, a brief overview:

A former singer, dancer and comedian turned politician seizes power in an African state. He has a chance meeting with some foreign businessman from a powerful family. Over a spicy vegetarian meal, he falls under the spell of their quick wit and charm.  Working on the premise that the quickest way to a politician's heart is through his stomach and it's immediate environs, the family worms its way into the halls of power.

There are dramatic scenes to rival some of William's work. In one such, the president, about to be deposed, cries out like a rain-drenched King Lear: 'What have I done?' Leavening the drama are some darkly humourous moments. A mixed martial arts contest in the house of parliament is one such. Another is the scene in which politicians struggle to carry a rotund, martyred comrade to the prison gates. "We should have done this on the return journey", one of them mutters.

With something for everyone, the series also has a Bollywood feel. The dancing of the politicians, led by the nimble-footed president, will have you tapping your toes. Jazz tunes by The Brothers make for a memorable score. The horns and pipes are hypnotic in effect. A musical high point is a courtroom scene in which the estranged wife of one of the main characters sings like a nightingale. I still have goosebumps.

There is a bit of everything in the series and a lot of some things. To say more would be telling. Coming to a small screen near you. Suffice it to say that a sequel is a distinct possibility. Waiting, like Hamlet, in the wings is the eloquent son of the deposed president.

Of course, any resemblance to people living, dead or difficult to categorize is a helluva coincidence.

I am still a  little worried that I might have stretched the limits of suspension of disbelief. I'd value your opinions. Will it fly?

Yours in the struggle for original African epics. 

Richard