WeeklySA_AdminACCLAIMed: The play continues to resonate deeply with audiences, serving as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of love, the crucial need to embrace one’s identity and resilience of the indomitable human spirit when confronted with adversity…
By Themba Khumalo
“Gogo.” The very word evokes feelings of warmth, unwavering love, and strength.
In Gcina Mhlophe’s acclaimed play Have You Seen Zandile?, Gogo transcends the role of mere grandmother. She embodies the fierce love and formative influence that grandmothers hold in shaping young lives. She is vulnerable and powerfully devoted, even in the face of formidable challenges.
The play introduces us to Zandile, a bright and spirited eight-year-old girl living a blissful life under Gogo’s loving care in Durban. Zandile dreams of classrooms, chalkboards, and a future as a teacher, her aspirations nurtured by her grandmother’s unwavering support.
However, this idyllic world shatters when Zandile is abruptly taken by her biological mother and thrust into the harsh realities of rural Transkei. Suddenly, dreams of education are replaced by traditional expectations, arduous labour, and the looming threat of early marriage.
Have You Seen Zandile? is a powerful exploration of tradition, freedom, and the difficult choices that define us. Zandile’s journey highlights the strength of the human spirit as she confronts the painful absence of her Gogo and navigates societal pressures that threaten to extinguish her inner spark. Set against a backdrop of financial hardship and political unrest, the play unveils the power of love, the sting of broken dreams, and the resilience that lies within us all.
Now, a fresh new production, directed by the exceptionally talented Momo Matsunyane, is set to breathe new life into this timeless classic. Matsunyane, who previously played Zandile, brings a profound empathy and nuanced understanding to the story. Her experience on stage guarantees an authentic and deeply moving experience for audiences.
Zevangeli Mampofu, a rising star who honed her skills at the Market Theatre Laboratory, embodies the role of Zandile with captivating grace and power. Adding another layer of brilliance, Siseko Velelo delivers an awe-inspiring performance, seamlessly transforming into four distinct characters: Gogo, Lulama, Lindama, and the Old Woman.
Have You Seen Zandile? is a play that resonates long after the curtain falls. It serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of love, the importance of embracing one’s identity, and the indomitable resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
This heartfelt and emotionally charged story will be playing at the Gibson Kente, Soweto Theatre from April 15th to May 2nd, 2025. Tickets are priced at an accessible R100. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience an evening of theatre that will stay with you long after you leave the building.
