Actress to play Khwezi- Nompumelelo Mayiyane
The South African State Theatre in association with Village Gossip Productions is proud to announce actress Nompumelelo Mayiyane is cast to play main character Khwezi (Fezekile Ntsukela Kuzwayo) in the highly anticipated theatre production “KHWEZI…Say My Name” opening this week.
Mayiyane is a BA honors graduate of the South African School of Motion Picture and Performance “AFDA”. Her theatre and film credits include Africa Umoja, Songs of Jazz town, Too much punch for Judy, Rock of ages, Mad buddies and Oscars submission Little One.
The 31 year old is a multifaceted performer who has performed on international stages in over 9 countries, on the local screen and stages as well as corporate events around the globe.
With only a few days left before the play takes to stage, Mayiyane has only chill for the character that she agrees has a lot of expectations from the public.
“I have treated this character like how I treat others with respect and I have gone my artistic process without worrying too much about people’s expectations. As a team we are going to present as much truth as we can,”
said Mayiyane.
The actress will work alongside JT Medupe who plays Jacob Zuma in the musical play. The star-studded cast also include “Skeem Sam” actor Nicolas Nkuna (as Zweli Mkhize), Madge Kola (as Beauty, Khwezi’s mom), Gaolatlhe Manthenyane (as Diza, Khwezi’s Father), recent Naledi Award recipient Ntambo Rapatla, Willie Ludik, Lechelle Lerm, Cassius Davids, Theresa Mojela, songstress Bridget “Solace” Maswanganye, 2017 Idols SA Top ten finalist Thokozile Ndimande, Tumelo Malalane, Katlego Nche, and Tshegofatso Mabele.
“KHWEZI… Say My Name” tells the story of a young girl, KHWEZI who grew up in exile as part of a communal village of aunts and uncles who fought an evil system. The noble cause against apartheid, was and 24 years of democracy later, remains a battle ground upon women’s bodies on different fronts.
In her quest to know her father, Judson Kuzwayo, and to preserve his political life’s story, KHWEZI ends up in Forest Town, where she is sexually appropriated by her father’s former best friend, Comrade-Malume Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma. Its written and directed by multi award winning playwright Napo Masheane, adapted from “KHWEZI…The remarkable story of Fezekile Ntsukela Kuzwayo” by Redi Tlhabi.
The eagerly anticipated new musical play “Khwezi.. Say My Name” will be on stage from the 25th July till 12th August. Both 25th and 26th of July days are reserved for previews ahead of an Opening Night (or Media Night) on the 27th. Tickets are R110 at Computicket outlets nationwide, even online https://goo.gl/538iqm
