This week, Durban will host two inspiring one-woman productions, showcasing the talent of acclaimed stage and television actresses Kajal Maharaj and Shika Budhoo.
With unique narratives that push the boundaries of storytelling, the productions are set to enchant audiences, demonstrating the power of personal reflection amid engaging performances.
A Woman Apart: Who am I when my story ends? – the show of award-winning actress Maharaj – will be staged at the Seabrookes Theatre at Durban High School in Musgrave, from April 24 to 26.
The one-hander drama was written and directed by Naresh Veeran, and executive produced by Prakash Naidu.
The story is about Tash, a successful, married lawyer. Her story unfolds while she is scrolling through her phone, waiting for an Uber in the midst of a moral and ethical crisis.
The production will feature an immersive theatre experience – through a creative mix of AI and video technology.
“The overall effect is that of a live screen-play,” said Naidu.
He said it was a performance within a performance, which featured virtual cameo appearances from artists, including Daisy Spenser, Suria Govender, Darren King, Rahul Brijnath, Vukani Cele, Shika Budhoo and, via Instagram appearances, comedians Aaron McIlroy and Lisa Bobbert.
“It is a story of personal freedom that comes only through honest reflection of one’s choices and decisions,” added Veeran.
“The key message of A Woman Apart is that it is a self-generated consequence of what remains of us when such pursuits are seen for exactly what they are. Through Kajal’s performance, this play shows one possible how.”
Maharaj who is best known for her performances on the television series, Imbewu, and her recent lead in the comedy-drama, My Cousin’s Big Fat Durban Wedding, is looking forward to returning to the theatre once more where she began her career at the age of 9.
“Live performance is art, and the story of A Woman Apart is like a rich tapestry of colours and textures woven together by an artist whose sole occupation is creating beauty and spreading joy. It’s an amazing ride, and I’m really looking forward to sharing it,” said Maharaj.
The production will be staged on April 24 at 3pm and 7.30pm; on April 25 at 4pm (a fund-raiser for the SA Women Lawyer Association) and 7.30pm; and on April 26 at 7.30pm. For enquiries and tickets, WhatsApp 069 433 9728 or via Instagram @NareshVeeranLive. Due to the adult content of the production, no under-16s are permitted.
Meanwhile, Roti Queen, performed by Budhoo, will be staged as part of the Saree and Sweetmeats Festival at the Umhlanga Apart-Hotel on April 26 at 2pm, and at the Westville Theatre Club on May 1 and 2, at 7.30pm.
Budhoo, known for her work on stage (Shika-Land), screen (Kalushi), radio (Lollipop Lane), and novels (Aiyo Rama Wedding Drama), now turns the spotlight on an unforgettable heroine who proves that resilience can rise, round and perfect, like the softest roti.
Roti Queen follows Amrita, a Durban wife and mother preparing for her 19th anniversary dinner. As she kneads, flips, and fries rotis, she navigates family expectations, memories and the quiet question of identity and selfhood with Bollywood music playing on the radio.
When asked about her preparation for the show, Budhoo said: “It’s heating up. Every time I do this show, I wonder why I put myself through learning the choreography of 10 Bollywood dances, timing rotis cooked from scratch, while remembering all the lines, and embodying a range of local characters. From first flour flop to the hot-off-the-thawa sizzle, it’s a feat of note.
"Rehearsals are taxing and strenuous because I am not a dancer or a good cook, but Amrita’s story of love, life and letting go makes it all worth it. Amrita is a strong woman who bravely rolls out her love story for the world to see, and come what may, whether the rotis come out round or not, the taste of this play will keep you coming back for seconds.
"I always say: if we don’t tell our stories, who will? This sentiment drives me to ensure our stories are told, shared and accessible – celebrating all the local flavour Durbanites bring every day.”
The play is co-written and directed by award-winning writer and actor, Dhaveshan Govender.
Roti Queen is also being published as a play text, offering theatre lovers, avid readers, artists, students and arts institutions, the opportunity to engage with the work beyond the stage.
"The publication aims to support the inclusion of contemporary South African stories in school and tertiary curricula, while also providing rich, locally-grounded material for actors seeking authentic audition pieces," said Budhoo.
"By placing this proudly Durban-born story into the hands of readers and performers, Roti Queen continues its mission of amplifying diverse voices, and celebrating the power of homegrown storytelling."
Roti Queen is suitable for audiences aged 13 and older. Tickets are available at Computicket.
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