Mzansi Theatre Review

Photo Credit: Regardt Visser Bitter Winter is the highly anticipated new play by theatre legend Paul Slabolepszy, currently showing at Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre, until March 16. Produced by Weslee Lauder and directed by Lesedi Job, this poignant production offers audience members a front row seat into the struggles and victories of an artist’s journey, capturing the resilience and passion of South African creatives chasing their dreams. Set in an audition room, Bitter Winter tells the stories of two actors — one nearing the end of a career, and the other just starting his journey. The magic and madness of this make-believe world come to life, showcasing the unwavering dedication actors hold, despite the challenges they face. Starring Andre Odendaal, Oarabile Ditsele, and Chantal Stanfield, Bitter Winter honours the strength, commitment, and passion of South African icons who continue to inspire and shape the nation’s artistic landscape. The play also celebrates the rising s...

Can Themba’s short story “The Suit” is a classic tragedy. It’s a story of love, devotion, marriage and commitment, infidelity, betrayal, and the consequences that come with failure to forgive while also not walking away. But watching the play “The Suit” one will not have the feeling of grief and sadness but cheerfulness, laughter and soulfulness throughout the performance because of the unique and clever delivery of the production.   The Suit follows the story of Philemon, a man who punishes his unfaithful wife Matilda, aka Tilly, by making her carry her lover’s suit as a constant reminder of her betrayal. Set in the backdrop of the old Sophiatown on the brink of the forced removals at the height of apartheid, Can Themba walked away from telling stories of black resistance and the struggles of daily lives but narrowed down to the daily happenings inside one household which looked very exemplary from the outside. Philemon appeared to be a happily-married man who was smitten wit...