Don't Believe A Word I Say: a journey through Black girlhood in theatre
Tankiso Mamabolo’s Fleur du Cap Award nominated Hilarious One-Woman Play, Don’t Believe a Word I Say, returns to Cape Town.
Image: Supplied
Audiences in Cape Town will soon be able to experience the compelling narrative of Don’t Believe A Word I Say, a one-woman play by acclaimed writer and performer Tankiso Mamabolo. This witty production, which examines the nuanced and often overlooked stories of Black girlhood, returns to the Theatre Arts from 23–25 February and again from 2–4 March, each evening at 20:00.
Initially taking shape as a 15-minute excerpt at the Teksmark, the play has since garnered attention and accolades across South Africa, including nominations for the prestigious Fleur du Cap Award for Best New Director, thanks to the directorial insights of the talented Faniswa Yisa. Following successful appearances at various festivals, such as the KKNK and the Zabalaza Festival, Don’t Believe A Word I Say made its Johannesburg debut at P.O.P Art, earning critical acclaim for its heartfelt storytelling.
This autobiographical play navigates the intersection of childhood memories and adult reflections, focusing on the protagonist's experiences as an awkward Black girl. The narrative shifts between the present day and her seventh-grade dance, where she dreams of a crush asking her to dance. As Mamabolo unearths her inner child, she explores themes of life, loss, desire, and the quest for acceptance in a world dominated by unrealistic beauty standards set by Hollywood romantic comedies.
Drawing on her personal journey, Mamabolo satirises these cinematic ideals while illustrating how they adversely affect self-esteem and contribute to self-doubt for many Black girls. Her deft transition between her adult self and childhood persona allows the audience a raw insight into her humanity, encapsulating both her vulnerabilities and her strength.
Make sure to book your tickets to watch Don’t Believe A Word I Say at the Theatre Arts.
Image: Supplied
Critics have praised the production for its unique ability to blend humour and heartfelt reflection. Theatre Scene Cape Town describes it as a “quirky, heart-warming, comedic, biographical one-woman play” that offers “brave and beautiful storytelling”, capable of evoking laughter and tears simultaneously. The nuanced narratives within the play resonate deeply, providing a platform to discuss experiences that have long been overlooked.
In Mamabolo’s own words, she emphasised the importance of creating a narrative that highlights the complexities of Black girlhood: “I am dissecting, reminiscing, and recreating Black girlhood in a way that utilises humour without dehumanising Black girls. I wrote a play about my childhood that gives voice to parts of Black girlhood that are often overlooked, e.g., we can also be hopeless romantics despite the world and what is happening around us.”
Tickets for the run of Don’t Believe A Word I Say at the Theatre Arts are now available for purchase at www.theatrearts.co.za. Don’t miss this captivating experience that promises to be both a reflective journey and a celebratory exploration of Black girlhood.