Actor and television personality Thembisa Nxumalo has expressed her excitement about playing Winnie Mandela in "The Cry of Winnie Mandela", a powerful theatre production currently running at Cape Town’s Baxter Theatre until February 15.
The production, brought to life by The Market Theatre, will later move to Johannesburg for a run at The Market Theatre from February 26 to March 23
Nxumalo took to social media to share her enthusiasm, writing on X: "This is the day that the Lord has made. If I could bottle up my excitement and sell, I would!!!!!."
This is the day that the Lord has made 💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾🚀🚀🚀🎭🎭🎭. If I could bottle up my excitement and sell, I would!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/uJevF81Sqo
— Thembisa Liyema Nxumalo (@tembisanxumalo) January 29, 2025
"The Cry of Winnie Mandela" is adapted by Alex Burger from the novel by celebrated writer Njabulo Ndebele.
It is a powerful exploration of resilience, history, and the strength of South African women.
The play, brought to life by The Market Theatre, captivated audiences during its previous sold-out run in early 2024 and has returned by popular demand.
The production weaves together the stories of four women who reflect on their experiences of waiting during the absence of their men, drawing a poignant parallel to the life of Winnie Mandela.
Through moments of intense emotion and carefully placed humour, the adaptation explores themes of isolation, longing, and perseverance.
Award-winning theatre-maker MoMo Matsunyane, also took to social media to introduce Nxumalo in her role, writing on Instagram: "INTRODUCING THE INCREDIBLY TALENTED @thembisamdoda IN THE ROLE OF WINNIE!!! I am thrilled to have her on our team.
"Today is our first preview at the @baxtertheatre and we cannot contain our excitement… Tickets are already selling like crazy so book yours now to avoid missing out! WHAT A GIFT IT IS TO TELL STORIES FOR A LIVING."
Nxumalo leads a talented cast, including Rami Chuene, Ayanda Sibisi, Nambitha Mpumlwana, Siyasanga Papu, Pulane Rampoana, and Les Nkosi. Together, they bring to life this moving story about the strength of South African women.
Tickets are available at the Baxter Theatre and Market Theatre box offices and online booking platforms.
IOL