In this brand new work, the story of diviner, seer and rainmaker, Mantsopa, is shared through the journey of her fictitious great-granddaughter, Tholoana, who has inherited the gift of song. Tholoana’s blossoming music career coincides with echoes from the spirit world to take her great-grandmother’s gift. As she struggles to reconcile the gift and the calling, Mantsopa’s towering greatness compassionately guides her through the internal conflict. Tholoana’s journey of refusing to be reduced to the entrapments of fame delivers a powerful message for women to claim their power.
Writer and director, Mofokeng wa Makhetha, calls the play with music both a contemporary interpretation of Mantsopa’s legacy using modern musical instruments that will appeal to a broad audience, and a celebration of the Basotho people more than 200 years since King Moshoeshoe I formed the nation.
“This production is a cultural journey into the heart of the Basotho people through one of our most extraordinary icons, Mantsopa, revered by all who witnessed the accuracy of her war-time prophecies and felt the first raindrops as she summoned the floodgates of heaven for rain. It is theatrically realised through a blend of dramatic action and musical storytelling, tapping into the traditions of Basotho as people of narrative, song and dance. The delivery appeals to the current times, allowing audiences to view Mantsopa from a modern perspective,” states Mofokeng wa Makhetha.
Award-winning multilingual actress, Florence Masebe, takes on the role of “Mma-Tholoana”, while one of Lesotho’s finest musical exports, Leomile, prepares to stir our heartstrings with soulful notes as “Tholoana”. Additionally, renowned actor Tseko Monaheng’s powerful voice adds depth to the story, with the little dynamite – Itumeleng – challenging him. Lebohang Banyane returns to the play, after being part of the staged reading during its development phase last year. Accompanying and flavouring the story with music are Mawande Stuurman (on keyboards and musical direction) and the legendary Godfrey Mgcina (on percussion).
Come celebrate the transcendent life of an iconic woman, and the rich history of the beautiful Basotho nation.
Tickets for “Mantsopa” are available on Webtickets, with all Wednesdays at half-price. Special discounts are also available for preview performances and groups of four or more.
ENDS
The Market Theatre is a Division of The Market Theatre Foundation, an agency of the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture.
For media enquiries, please contact Bongiwe Potelwa (Publicist at the Market Theatre Foundation) at bongiwep@markettheatre.co.za or (011) 832 1641.
For reduced price block bookings and school groups, contact Anthony Ezeoke (Audience Development) at AnthonyE@markettheatre.co.za or 083 246 4950.
