The much-anticipated theatre musical production, Mantsopa: A Woman with Power Beyond Herself, made a stunning debut during Macufe on Thursday, 4 September, receiving a standing ovation from a sold-out crowd at the 14:00 show. The performance attracted learners from various schools in Bloemfontein, creating a vibrant atmosphere of anticipation and excitement.
Written and directed by Dr. Jerry Mofokeng Wa Makhetha, the musical explores the journey of Nkhono Mantsopa’s granddaughter, Tholoana, who grapples with her self-discovery and attempts to evade her true calling. As Tholoana diversifies her life with music in a bar, a love interest ultimately guides her back to her spiritual path, leading to a profound acceptance of her calling.
The production featured an eight-member cast, predominantly composed of talented actors from the Free State. Boitumelo “Be” Mohutsioa, in the lead role of Tholoana, delivered an Oscar-worthy performance, infusing the character with life through an impressive display of singing, dancing, and raw emotion. Her portrayal was a standout, capturing the audience’s attention and admiration.
The cast as a whole shone brightly, delivering a world-class performance. Lebohang Banyane, a skilled actor in both theatre and television, convincingly embodied his role, evoking deep emotions that resonated with the audience. Meanwhile, Tseko Monaheng brought humor to the production, expertly executing his role and eliciting laughter as he narrated Mantsopa’s significant story.
The eight cast members demonstrated exceptional talent, showcasing the richness of Free State artistry. Each performer understood their character deeply and portrayed their roles with precision and excellence.
Beyond entertainment, Mantsopa serves as a call to the audience to reconnect with their roots, embrace their calling, and cherish their culture. The production successfully honors the legacy of Nkhono Mantsopa, using music, dance, and praise poetry to keep her story alive.
The technical aspects of the show also deserve commendation, especially the sound engineering and the musical band, who harmonized beautifully with the actors, elevating the scenes and enhancing the overall experience.
Mantsopa is a must-see production for the Basotho community in both Lesotho and South Africa, inspiring pride in their language and heritage while encouraging them to share their stories authentically.
Mantsopa, was born in 1793 and died in 1908. She grew to become a trusted advisor to King Moshoeshoe I, correctly predicting victorious battle outcomes for Basotho against colonial settlers and speaking truth to power with unshaking honesty.
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