Thembisa Mdoda-Nxumalo to Star as Winnie Mandela in Powerful Stage Play

Award-winning actress and presenter Thembisa Mdoda-Nxumalo is set to bring the iconic struggle figure, Winnie Mandela, to life in the stage production The Cry of Winnie Mandela. The much-anticipated play, adapted by Alex Burger from Njabulo S. Ndebele’s influential novel, will return to The Market Theatre from February 26 to March 23, 2025, after a successful run in Cape Town.

Mdoda-Nxumalo will headline a talented cast that includes Rami Chuene, Ayanda Sibisi, Siyasanga Papu, Lesley Made, and Pulane Rampoana. The production, directed by the award-winning MoMo Matsunyane, promises to be bigger, bolder, and more powerful than ever before.

Director MoMo Matsunyane describes The Cry of Winnie Mandela as an exploration of waiting, resilience, and the sacrifices women make throughout history. “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. Women of all generations and identities, each see herself in her legacy. Indeed, she did not die; she multiplied,” Matsunyane said.

The play follows four women who gather to reflect on the anticipation of their husbands’ return. Through raw storytelling, humor, and moving performances, they weave their own stories into Winnie Mandela’s, exploring the cost of endurance and the price of patience. This powerful narrative results in a deeply emotional theatrical experience that encourages audiences to reflect on both historical and contemporary struggles.

This second installment of the production highlights the impact of the show while celebrating the strength and resilience of the women whose stories it portrays.