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....