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ONE LAST CHANCE! THE CRY OF WINNIE MANDELA EXTENDED UNTIL 30 MARCH!

with Thembisa Mdoda-Nxumalo as ‘Winnie’

Following its critical and popular success, The Cry of Winnie Mandela – a play based on the Njabulo Ndebele novel of the same name – makes a highly anticipated return to the stage. Adapted by Alex Burger and directed by the award-winning MoMo Matsunyane, The Cry of Winnie Mandela has returned to The Market Theatre from 26 February to 23 March 2025. Due to popular demand the show has been extended to 30 March 2025!

Award-winning TV actress, theatre practitioner and presenter, Thembisa Mdoda-Nxumalo, takes on the character of ‘Winnie’. Mdoda-Nxumalo joins the remarkable cast comprising of Rami Chuene, Ayanda Sibisi, Siyasanga Papu, Les Made and Pulane Rampoana in this searing adaption of Njabulo S. Ndebele’s seminal novel.  

Director, MoMo Matsunyane, describes The Cry Of Winnie Mandela as a courageous story of every woman who has endured loss, suffered loneliness and experienced the chilling anxiety of waiting. “Winnie Mandela continues to be a powerful, multi-layered figure to explore. Her revolutionary spirit, resilient character and generous heart have become anchors for many women of all generations and identities, each seeing herself in her legacy. Indeed, she did not die; she multiplied,’’ says MoMo.

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In the play, four women meet to reflect, joined together by their anticipation of their husbands’ return. Engaged in sacred moments of sharing and fellowship, they lean on the heroism of Winnie Mandela, and the connection they feel towards her. The women interrogate their – and other women’s – reasons for waiting, and what the wait did to them. This interrogation leads to a series of hearty, haunting, and critical conversations, drawing audiences to reflect on the historical struggles of women, while drawing parallels to our own contemporary lives.

All this is done with intense emotion and cleverly injected humour, weaving together the characters’ private accounts and exposing the shadows, isolation and complexities of their journeys against the backdrop of the life and times of Winnie Mandela. You are invited to join these resilient women as they gather, share their stories, sing, and metaphorically drink their “tea” – a potent blend of strength and vulnerability.

Tickets for both The Baxter Theatre and The Market Theatre runs are available on Webtickets. Audiences can unlock a 30% OFF special when they buy tickets during the festive season until 7 January for all performances of The Cry of Winnie Mandela happening at The Market Theatre.

Start 2025 by being inspired by this powerful exploration of love, resilience, courage, and the indomitable spirit of women.

ENDS!

For media enquiries, please contact Bongiwe Potelwa (Publicist at the Market Theatre Foundation) at bongiwep@markettheatre.co.za.

For reduced price block bookings (of 10 or more) and school groups, contact Anthony Ezeoke (Audience Development) at AnthonyE@markettheatre.co.za or 083 246 4950.