‘The Cry of Winnie Mandela’ and ‘The Pillowman’ are your tickets to theatre bliss in Joburg
The smorgasbord of stage productions coming up should keep the diaries of theatregoers pretty full over the next couple of weeks.
In the meantime, here’s a friendly reminder that “The Suit” will be returning to Theatre on the Square tonight, “The Jungle Book” and “My Fair Lady” will be staged at the Pieter Toerien Montecasino Main Theatre and The Teatro, Montecasino, respectively, from tomorrow.
That said, below is a list of productions that are not to be missed this February.
“The Cry of Winnie Mandela”
This production is not new to theatregoers. It’s been staged several times and makes a comeback at The Market Theatre following a limited run at The Baxter Theatre in Cape Town.
Based on Njabulo Ndebele’s novel of the same title, this production has enjoyed critical success over the years.
If you haven’t seen it yet, here’s what you should know about this production, which is directed by MoMo Matsunyane.
A household name, Thembisa Mdoda-Nxumalo slips into the skin of Winnie.
The actress and presenter is joined by the inimitable Rami Chuene, Ayanda Sibisi, Siyasanga Papu, Les Made and Pulane Rampoana.
Matsunyane describes the play as “a courageous story of every woman who has endured loss, suffered loneliness and experienced the chilling anxiety of waiting”.
She added: “Winnie Mandela continues to be a powerful, multi-layered figure to explore. Her revolutionary spirit, resilient character and generous heart have become anchors for many women of all generations and identities, each seeing herself in her legacy.
“Indeed, she did not die; she multiplied.”
If that haunting description has piqued your curiosity, you will delight in the performances of the female leads who, through their respective roles, unpack their anxiety while awaiting the return of their husbands.
In seeking comfort through their shared struggles, Winnie becomes a beacon of hope and strength.
That said, the emotions are imbued with unsettling feelings of isolation, vulnerability and mental challenges.
As such, the audience is exposed to intense drama and humour that’s cleverly woven into the fabric of the narrative.
The press release added: “You are invited to join these resilient women as they gather, share their stories, sing, and metaphorically drink their ‘tea’.”
Where: The Market Theatre.
When: February 26 to March 23, 7pm and 3pm, on the weekend.
Cost: Ticket prices vary between R100 - R200 and can be purchased through Webtickets.
“Dancing Queen: A Tribute to Abba”
The toe-tapping, finger-snapping moment has arrived with “Dancing Queen: A Tribute To ABBA” at the Joburg Theatre.
Of course, irrespective of how old you are, you would have come across the music of the Swedish pop group from the ‘70s.
Not only have they gone down in the music annals as one of the most popular and successful groups of all time, but they are also celebrated for being one of the best-selling music acts.
SA actress Jessica Driver channels Agnetha Fältskog in the tribute show. The other cast members in the Showtime Australia show, which has been successfully touring the world since 2022, are André Behnke as Benny Andersson, Jimmy James as Björn Ulvaeus and Giverny Allen as Anni-Frid Lyngstad.
This is a full-scale concert production featuring more than two hours of fun, energetic musical performances with a live backing band, replica costumes, theatrical lighting and effects and all the dancing an ABBA fan can handle.
In the meantime, music lovers can start familiarising themselves with the lyrics to “Knowing Me, Knowing You”, “The Winner Takes It All”, “Money, Money, Money” and “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!”.
Where: Joburg Theatre.
When: The limited run is from February 8 to 16, 8pm. Weekend show times differ.
Cost: Ticket prices vary from R180 to R390 and can be purchased through Webtickets, Joburg Theatre Box Office or online at www.joburgtheatre.com.
“The Pillowman”
Martin McDonagh’s critically acclaimed International play will be running at the Theatre on the Square from February 18 to March 2.
Celebrated as a provocative masterpiece, it explores the intersections of art, truth and morality through tormented lenses.
Directed by Ildi Kungl, it stars Hugh Becker, Wentzel Lombard, Teboho Tladi and Helena Herbst.
“Set in a world rife with suspicion, ‘The Pillowman’ unravels the story of a writer whose unsettling short stories begin to mirror horrifying real-life events. This darkly comedic and suspenseful narrative will challenge perceptions, blur the line between reality and fiction and leave audiences questioning the power of storytelling itself,” read the press release.
Where: Theatre on the Square.
When: February 18 to March 2, 7.30pm.
Cost: Ticket prices vary between R150 to R170 and can be purchased through Webtickets of the Box Office on 011 883 8606 / 083 377 4969.