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You are at:Home»Cue»Womandla: True Stories Told Well
Cue

Womandla: True Stories Told Well

Cue 2023By Cue 2023June 30, 2023Updated:July 1, 2023No Comments2 Mins Read
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An image of one of the performers exhaustedly laying on a bed During the performance of Womandla. Photo Gavin Gaka
An image of one of the performers exhaustedly laying on a bed During the performance of Womandla. Photo: Gavin Gaka


By Sandile Dudu Saki

Seven women sit in a prison, and are forced to confront their demons. Although this sounds like an episode of Orange is the New Black, it is the story of Womandla – inspired by true events. 

The piece is written and directed by Palesa Mphafi who is president of Drama Queens; a movement opening up spaces for women in the arts. Under Mphafi’s training, and the mentorship of Kholofelo Kola (Bra-Skroef), the cast explores the different experiences of black women in South Africa. 

Within the guarded prison walls, the women shine a light on teenage pregnancy, infidelity, coercion, sexual assault, homophobia and gangsterism.The piece itself begins as a political narrative and continues as a call for the empowerment and protection of women. 

The spine-chilling stories are often difficult to deliver due to their heavy emotional weighting, but through the accompaniment of acapella, discerning use of sound, and a strong cast, the narratives resonate well beyond the stage. Although, at times, it does feel as if the play could  benefit from a less literal narrative interpretation of the harsh realities its characters face.

The use of props should be commended whilst the quality of the acapella songs could be improved with a few reworkings. Nonetheless, the production is strong and well coordinated. Womandla! 

An image of one of the performers, who is an inmate smoking a cigarette while lying on top of a bed. Photo Gavin Gaka

Womandla is on at the St Andrew’s Drill Hall until 29 June.

Previous Article“Don’t support the arts, let the arts support you”: In conversation with Sophie Joans 
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