The critically acclaimed play, based on Njabulo S. Ndebele’s seminal novel of the same name, returns to The Market Theatre for 6 performances only, following its run at the National Arts Festival. It will sit in the John Kani Theatre between 08 – 12 July 2026.
Directed by MoMo Matsunyane, the much-loved play brings together four women bound by the shared experience of waiting for their husbands’ return. Through intimate moments of reflection and fellowship, they draw strength from – and locate themselves within – the legacy of Winnie Mandela. The women interrogate their waiting, and the emotional, psychological, and social impact it has had on their lives. These explorations unfold into layered, haunting, and deeply resonant conversations that connect the historical struggles of women to contemporary realities – highlighting how the past continues to live in the present.
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.