BITTER WINTER - Paul Slabolepszy's powerful new play - a poignant tribute to South African Theatre
Acclaimed playwright Paul Slabolepszy pens Bitter Winter –
A new play paying poignant tribute to South African Theatre
Pieter Toerien’s Studio Theatre at Montecasino
20 February – 16 March 2024
Jozi audiences are in for a treat as Bitter Winter, the latest play by acclaimed South African playwright Paul Slabolepszy, makes its debut at Pieter Toerien’s Studio Theatre at Montecasino from February 20th – March 16th, 2025.
Paul Slabolepszy, a recent recipient of a Naledi Lifetime Achievement Theatre Award for his work in Theatre, is one of South Africa's most revered playwrights, known for his character-driven stories that speak to the human condition, with a body of work that resonates both locally and internationally.
The production boasts a stellar cast, with André Odendaal as Jean-Louis Lourens. Odendaal, who won a Naledi Award for Best Actor for his role in DOP, is also well-known for his TV roles in Binnelanders, Getroud Met Rugby, and Dwaalster.
Oarabile Ditsele, fresh from a sold-out run of Rapela and Kill Move Paradise, as well as the acclaimed production of Woza Albert at the Baxter Theatre, takes on the role of Prosper Mangane.
Chantal Stanfield, best known for her work in 7de Laan, Getroud Met Rugby, and her one-woman show From Koe’siestes to Kneidlach, recently starred as The Widow in the sold-out musical Mamma Mia!, and now plays casting director Felicia Willemse.
Directed by award-winning director Lesedi Job, whose notable credits include When Swallows Cry, Brutal Legacy and Kill Move Paradise, amongst others and produced by Weslee Lauder, this production promises to deliver a powerful and moving theatrical experience.
A Story of Resilience and Self-Discovery
The Sheriff in the American Western film Six Guns at Sesriem is not the role a classically-trained actor in his mid-70s would typically aspire to—yet for Jean-Louis Lourens (Andre Odendaal), this casting could be his lifeline. As Jean-Louis waits at a high-stakes audition for the arrival of the American movie director, he encounters Prosper Mangane (Oarabile Ditsele), an up-and-coming television and film star. Prosper’s youthful energy and adventurous spirit offer Jean-Louis a new perspective on their shared profession—a career both rewarding and unforgiving.
With slick and efficient casting director, Felicia Willemse (Chantal Stanfield), keeping the actors updated on the impending arrival of the hot-shot director, Jean-Louis and Prosper are left alone to reflect on their journeys in the cold, barren audition room. Their dialogue takes audiences through the struggles and triumphs of actors who remain deeply committed to their craft despite the challenges they face.
Director Lesedi Jobs exclaims; “Bitter Winter is a play that deals with the shared human experience of our struggle for relevance and identity in a world that can often prioritise one identity over another. Through this heart-warming tribute to the resilience of artists, we are reminded that every stage of life holds value and that every soul deserves dignity.”
A Heart-Warming Tribute to South African Talent
Bitter Winter offers a heartfelt exploration of the artist’s life. It celebrates the legends of South African theatre while shining a light on the new generation of rising stars making their mark on the global stage. This tender tale takes audiences along the winding, sometimes rocky road that many artists feel compelled to travel in pursuit of their dreams.
Playwright Paul Slabolepszy adds; ‘Bitter Winter’ is my 'love song' to the theatre. My 'second home' is a place where captivating stories of the human experience are shared with audiences hungry for connection.
In this brand new play, two actors, one at the end of a career spent mainly on the 'classical stage, and another starting out on his journey, the magic and the madness of this 'make-believe' world is on full display.
Whether one is acquainted with the entertainment industry or not, this tender, heartfelt production is for everyone!”
Bitter Winter will be on stage at Pieter Toerien’s Studio Theatre at Montecasino from February 20th – March 16th, 2025.
Performances are Wednesdays – Fridays at 19h30, Saturdays at 15h00 & 19h30, Sundays at 15h00.
The show is approx. 80 minutes with no interval and has a suggested Age Restriction of PG.
Patrons are advised that the language mix in the show will be approx. 75% English, 25% Afrikaans.
Bitter Winter is a must-see for anyone who appreciates the power of storytelling and the magic of live theatre. This production pays homage to the resilience, dedication, and passion of South African artists who continue to inspire and entertain.
Producer Weslee Lauder concludes; “I’m excited to be bringing a fresh South African play to the stage, especially one by the legendary Paul Slab!”
He continues; “Inspired by a talk by Lizz Meiring on the Theatre Benevolent Fund and its role in supporting local theatre makers through hard times, this production is especially meaningful. A portion of each ticket sale will go to support this important Fund.”
