'Mantsopa': A powerful tribute to Basotho heritage and womanhood in theatre

The cast of Mantsopa (from left to right): Leomile Motsetsela, Tseko Manaheng, Itumeleng Mofokeng, Lebohang Banyane, Florence Masebe. Picture: The Market Theatre.

Having missed the official opening of the iconic Mantsopa earlier this month, I seized the opportunity this past Saturday to witness what many have already dubbed one of the most significant theatrical works of the season. And boy oh boy, I am that I heeded that call.

Even amidst the excitement of the Soweto Derby dominating the national mood, an equally electric energy pulsed through the city's cultural veins. It was a thrill, a moving experience, to see the Market Theatre filled to the brim, not just with regular theatre-goers but with proud men and women adorned in vibrant Basotho regalia. 

The unmistakable elegance of Seanamarena blankets and beaded accessories painted the theatre in waves of cultural pride, creating a deeply symbolic and fitting way to celebrate Africa Month, honouring heritage not just on stage, but in the very presence of the audience.

“This production is a cultural journey into the heart of the Basotho people,” says Mofokeng wa Makhetha.

The moment we stepped into the John Kani Auditorium at the Market Theatre, the sound of Basotho folk songs filled the air, instantly whisking us away to Lesotho, the "Kingdom in the Sky", a land steeped in soaring mountains, sacred traditions, and ancestral voices that refuse to be silenced.

At centre stage, a powerful portrait of Nkgono Mantsopa, draped in colourful beads that cascaded like a waterfall of memory and power, welcomed the audience. The simple yet evocative set, comprised of a keyboard, percussion instruments, and traditional motifs, promised an experience that would bridge time, soul, and sound.

Written and directed by theatre legend Dr Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha, this production acts as a profound love letter to Basotho heritage, meticulously spotlighting the pivotal role of women in shaping the spiritual and political legacy of Southern Africa.

The cast of Mantsopa performing at The Market Theatre. Picture: Thandile Zwelibanzi.

Long before her name echoed through history books and sacred sites, Mantsopa Makhetha (1793–1908) defied the ordinary. A survivor of famine and the horrors of cannibalism of her era, she rose to prominence as a revered seer, powerful rainmaker, and trusted advisor to King Moshoeshoe I, the founding father of the Basotho nation.

Her prophecies, often eerily accurate, guided Basotho warriors through the tumult of colonial expansion. By defiantly speaking truth to power even within patriarchal confines, she has immortalised herself in the hearts of those honouring ancestral wisdom.

Yet, Mantsopa is not merely a historical retelling; it is a multi-generational narrative that cleverly uses the present to revisit the past. At the heart of the story is her great-granddaughter, Tholoana, portrayed by the acclaimed songstress Leomile Motsetsela. Tholoana, a rising musical star, finds her ascent to fame disrupted by ancestral echoes, spiritual callings beckoning her to inherit her great-grandmother’s sacred gift.

What unfolds is a gripping internal conflict between artistry and calling, public persona and sacred duty. Caught between a world where auto-tuned voices and commercial success threaten to drown out ancestral drumbeats, Tholoana begins to uncover the true power of her voice under the compassionate guidance of her mother, Mma-Tholoana, brought to life with stirring authority by the legendary Florence Masebe.

What makes Mantsopa stand out is its intentional musical layering. Rather than relegating music to the background, it becomes a narrative device—nearly a character in its own right. Under the skilled musical direction of Mawande Stuurman and Godfrey Mgcina, the sounds of contemporary jazz, African spirituals, and traditional Sesotho melodies meld seamlessly, drawing the audience into a soundscape that is both ancient and achingly current.

Mofokeng wa Makhetha describes the play as a contemporary interpretation of Mantsopa’s legacy, appealing to younger generations without losing the heartbeat of tradition. 

“This production is a cultural journey into the heart of the Basotho people through one of our most extraordinary icons, Mantsopa, revered by all who witnessed the accuracy of her wartime prophecies and felt the first raindrops as she summoned the floodgates of heaven for rain,” says Mofokeng wa Makhetha.

The cast of Mantsopa performing at The Market Theatre. Picture: Thandile Zwelibanzi.

“It is theatrically realised through a blend of dramatic action and musical storytelling, tapping into the traditions of Basotho as people of narrative, song and dance. The delivery appeals to the current times, allowing audiences to view Mantsopa from a modern perspective.”

Indeed, Mantsopa transcends being merely a play; it is a spiritual awakening, a cultural reclamation, and a feminist anthem challenging women to not only embrace their power but to redefine how it looks and sounds in a changing world.

In a time where African stories are often filtered through Western lenses, Mantsopa stands as a triumphant act of self-definition. It reminds us that our ancestors are not relics of the past but living, breathing legacies whose songs still echo within us.

If you haven’t seen Mantsopa yet, there’s still a final chance to experience it. 

The show has been extended for one last week, running until Sunday, May 18. Tickets are available at Webtickets or the Market Theatre box office, starting from R170.