THE CRY OF WINNIE MANDELA. By Njabulo S. Ndebele. Adaption by Alex Burger. Directed by Momo Matsuyane. With Les Nkosi, Romi Chuene, Ayanda Sibisi, Pulane Ramapoona, Siyasanga Papu and Thembisa Mdoda-Nxumalo. Baxter Flipside.
MEGAN CHORITZ reviews
This is not a review in the true sense of the word, but rather a deeply felt response to a magnificent piece of live and political theatre.
I feel like the luckiest person because I got to see this extraordinary play, and I almost missed it. In fact, after spending the duration either close to tears, or in tears, I realised that this production made me feel how I remember feeling about theatre – something I haven’t felt in a while. I felt transported, mesmerised, moved and engaged. Totally immersed in the story, performances, songs, moments, emotions. Captivated by what was happening on stage with no critical inner voice rattling at my edges.
This is not a biography of Winnie Madikizela Mandela. Nor is it a fictionalised account of her. It is a play about women, and their lives with men, and the invitation to Winnie Mandela to share that part of her own story. Even though she doesn’t. She won’t. She remains defiantly, emotionally herself.
Magic for 90 minutes
Utterly riveting performances all round and delicate but bold direction on an incredibly beautiful set created nonstop heart felt magic for 90 minutes.
I am very picky about what I see at the moment. I have a very low tolerance level because of what is happening in the world, but this brilliant work managed to have echoes and parallels to much of my thinking, and the final quote, on the screen as the play ended really got to me. “I am not sorry. I will never be sorry. I would do everything I did again if I had to. Everything.” Winnie Madikizela Mandela. I am reminded of the Palestinians and how they refuse to be anything other than themselves, in resistance, despite the demand that they be better victims.
What: The Cry of Winnie Mandela
Where and when: Baxter Flipside from 29 January to 15 February 2025
Tickets: Webtickets
WS
