The Story: This play concerns the rise and fall of the mighty African warrior-king, Shaka Zulu. From humble beginnings, he came to rule a nation larger than the state of California. Shaka's courage, fierceness, intelligence and organization forged hundreds of feuding clans into a superb fighting force to challenge the encroachment of Europeans in what is today South Africa. Denied by his father at birth, who cursed him as "Beetle," -- the derisive meaning of his name -- Shaka grew in stature and fame and his powerful tale swept around the world, becoming known in major capitals East and West. His doting mother, Nandi, was the driving force behind his relentless drive to rule far and wide. She was his strength and weakness because wen she died, so did faith in himself. Tortured by the rejection of his father's people, Shaka doubted all, save Nandi, even to the point of destroying the beautiful Semane, who loved him most. Shaka's brief 10-year rule ended when he was assassinated by his half-brothers, whom he spared in hopes they would come to love and respect him. Sadly, beneath the trappings of court and powerful warrior, there was a lonely little boy seeking adoration from others that he only got from his beloved mother.