A new play written by Paul Slabolepszy
Directed by Lesedi Job
Produced by Weslee Lauder
At Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre and Studio, until March 16, 2025
Featuring: André Odendaal, Oarabile Ditsele and Chantal Stanfield.
THE VERDICT: A powerful, must-see production that transcends personal drama to become a searing commentary on South Africa's treatment of its artistic legacy. Masterfully written and performed. In Paul Slabolepszy's latest work, a veteran actor played by André Odendaal faces his winter years with diminishing prospects and mounting struggles, in an encounter with a young rising star, Oarabile Ditsele, presently basking in the newfound limelight of fame and financial success.
Once celebrated on stage and screen, the no longer established artist now finds himself ‘out in the cold’ navigating an industry that increasingly views him as irrelevant. The fledgling performer must contend with a fickle success that may well eventually be just as fleeting and unforgiving towards him.
If you want the short version: this is theatre at its finest - profound, moving, and urgent. Go.
From The Stage to The Soul
In 1996, as a Standard 9 student at the National School of the Arts in Braamfontein, I was cast in Slabolepszy's 'Boo To The Moon.' That experience shaped my understanding of theatre's power to illuminate truth. Nearly three decades later, 'Bitter Winter' demonstrates that Slabolepszy's pen has only grown sharper, his insight deeper. André Odendaal delivers an achingly authentic performance as Jean-Louis Lourens. His subtle shifts from proud professional composure to barely contained dignity is devastating. Oarabile Ditsele plays Prosper Mangane the arrogant upstart who reveals a heart-tugging depth of character as the story unfolds. Chantal Stanfield portrays the conflicted casting director Felicia Willemse who must do the director’s dirty work despite a nagging guilt that grips her conscience.
Beyond Personal Drama
While 'Bitter Winter' could be viewed simply as one actor's story, it resonates as a broader explorations of our collective cultural amnesia. The play is another jewel among Slabolepszy's earlier works like 'Saturday Night at the Palace' and 'Mooi Street Moves,' continuing his tradition of using personal narratives to illuminate national issues.
Cultural Crisis
The contemporary relevance is hard-hitting. I can’t help but consider the recent passing of several veteran performers who died in poverty, having been ‘put out to pasture’ without provision. There continues to be quite a number of surviving artists now living hand to mouth despite their stalwart stage and screen credentials. The Theatre Benevolent Fund, which this production supports, reports an increasing number of former artists, once revered, now requiring basic assistance.
Who Are We Without Our Elders?
'Bitter Winter' is not just a play about an aging actor; it's a mirror reflecting our society's values. How transient and superficial our ideas of fame and success can be - it's a challenge to our collective conscience. It’s also a stark reminder of how little those who govern the nation’s arts and culture value the nation’s cultural heritage. It beggars belief that people who know nothing about the arts can be elected to manage it.
This production represents theatre at its finest: technically accomplished, emotionally resonant, and socially relevant. It deserves not just to be seen, but to be heard, discussed, and acted upon. The standing ovation it received on opening night wasn't just for the performances - it was recognition of an uncomfortable truth laid bare. I left the theatre rubbing my chest, my heart ached so much.
It's a thoughtful and skilfully written play, with a gifted and capable cast, well-directed on a beautiful set. I can’t recommend it enough from the perspective of stage craft. But it’s the story that I want you to see. It’s the heartbreaking, alarm-bell-ringing message that needs to be heard.
Bitter Winter - A new play written by Paul Slabolepszy
Directed by Lesedi Job
Produced by Weslee Lauder
At Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre and Studio
Featuring: André Odendaal, Oarabile Ditsele and Chantal Stanfield
Dates: February 20– March 16, 2025
Comments
Post a Comment