Roped into trouble

New e.tv telenovela The Black Door is tempting and teasing viewers with its raunchy setting.

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The world of sex-work is looked down upon but it’s taking centre stage with e.tv’s brand-new lineup (see more on p14) in the form of new local telenovela The Black Door. Set in eMalahleni in Mpumalanga, it follows idealistic Khaya (Zamani Mbatha) whose world is ripped out from under his feet and he’s forced to work in a high-class brothel to repay a debt that’s not his.

e.tv General Manager Local Productions Helga Palmer says that “we wanted to give our viewers a world they’ve not seen in our shows. It’s aimed at an adult audience who’ll appreciate the raunchy elements juxtaposed against the ordinary, everyday family and community dynamics of the show.” It’s going to be a little on the raunchy side but there’ll be no explicit nudity on show, adds Helga. “We also conducted research that’s rooted in reality. We conducted consultations with the owners of such institutions, as well as sex-workers to get an authentic, real feel for and understanding of the industry.” And balanced beside the goings-on at The Black Door will be a family’s fight to survive and their refusal to give up, no matter what.

THE PEOPLE TO KNOW

Khaya is the show’s protagonist and hero. He’s a truck driver by trade and he has dreams of opening his own trucking business and building a life he’s always wanted. He’s the breadwinner for the Sokhulu family and tries to lead by example, but his world crashes down when his brother lands him not only in trouble, but in debt to one of the town’s hardest businesswomen who plans to exploit his famous sexual prowess and physical abilities she’s heard stories of.