Award-winning actress and TV presenter Thembisa Mdoda swoons over her portrayal of the iconic Winnie Madikizela-Mandela in a theatre production named Cry of Winnie Mandela.
The theatre play directed by the award-winning MoMo Matsunyane has debuted in Cape Town at Baxter Theatre, it has been showcased at the Market Theatre for three weeks and was sold out. Because of popular demand, the play had to be extended for another two weeks. The play is set to be shown in the Mother City from the 29th of January to the 15th of February at 7.30 pm and Saturday at 3 pm.
Thembisa excitedly took to her X (formerly Twitter) to share the news, captioning her post: “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 based on Njabulo Ndebele’s novel and has been adapted for the stage by Alex Burger. The play is packed with a star-studded cast that includes Rami Chuene, Ayanda Sibisi, Pulane Rampoana, Siyasanga Papu, and Les Made.
In another post, the thespian shared that she is back on the theatre stage after a seven-year break. She revealed that she is so honoured to be back in such an iconic role joining an amazingly talented ensemble.
Back like umqolo, on the theatre stage, after a 7 year hiatus. So honoured to be back in such an iconic role; joining an amazingly talented ensemble?❤️?. Opening night, at the @BaxterTheatre , this evening. On my late mother’s birthday. Alignment ???. #TheCryofWinnieMandela pic.twitter.com/3cqJsLLtd7
— Thembisa Liyema Nxumalo (@tembisanxumalo) January 31, 2025
X users weighed in on Thembisa’s performance:
I just came back from the opening night of this show and it is absolutely brilliant. If you are in Cape Town I am begging you to please go see it, what a brilliant and beautiful play!
It is at the Baxter Theatre from 29 Jan – 15 Feb https://t.co/QJKFEUfnBz pic.twitter.com/yNrRdpSoKh
— Asisipho Burwana (@Shoun_B) January 29, 2025
Oh she is SO amazing, she got on that stage and poured her heart out!
— Asisipho Burwana (@Shoun_B) January 30, 2025
Also see: Thandiswa Mazwai honours late Thabang Tabane
