Projects
Encouraging discussions surrounding social ills, aiding to social awareness and leading to change.
Fragmented
A once-silenced woman speaks out, from a place unfamiliar to the rest of the world. Desperate to be heard, she takes us on a journey of what was once, and what could have been. Her memory, however, is so disorientated, the events are questionable. A ten-minute extract of the production was showcased at the 2022 Teksmark. Now a fully-developed script, this performance is one to look out for, starring Jane Mpholo under the direction of Peter Taljaard.
Monehelo
For years, I have questioned the concept of “ancestors” and their place in my life. I have never felt the urge to talk about them or even acknowledge them, at least not in a way my fellow people do. I saw death as the end. That’s until I came to Tankwa and started regarding death as the beginning of something greater.
This is my offering to my ancestors who have been with me even though I refused to acknowledge them. With pride and comfort, I am happy to finally accept them. I welcome them and I look forward to hold hands with them. Journeying into the unknown.
Psalm 69
An autobiographical theatre show based on the life of Jane Mpholo and her tribulations and triumphs. From being raped to losing parents to HIV and losing her sister to homicide.
The Motheo district school tour reached thousands of learners. This show is available in 4 different versions directed by different directors.
Sehlabelo
Sehlabelo is an interdisciplinary digital theatre art product that merges the elements of theatre and film. Shot in Bloemfontein SA as one of the projects funded by the National Arts Council of SA, this is a visually captivating audiovisual product with themes of #spirituality #GBV #Loss #Betrayal #Reproduction. It has originally composed music and stars the most talented performers in the province of Free State. The production is set in the spiritual, dream and physical realms.
The digital stills of this wonderful show were nominated for the Fak’ugesi awards.
Cleanse
This multi-international award winning short film gives a glimpse into the life of a ‘domestic worker’ whose dreams were shattered at a young age. Her journey unfolds through the complex relationship with the element ‘water’.
The Dawn
‘The Dawn’ (part of the intensively mentored 2021/22 NATi Yong Sterre scripts) is an interdisciplinary theatre production that explores gender-based violence (GBV) through the eyes of a young girl. Growing into a young woman; she is haunted by memories of the past and struggles to escape from a patriarchal cycle of abuse. Set in a spiritual world and driven by her relationship with her ancestors; she is on a journey to healing. The story unfolds through the use of spoken word, music, physical theatre and innovative audiovisual elements.
The Naked Truth
When her online lover suggests that they meet up in person, the self-isolated Naledi is forced to make tough decisions. Will she take back her power, or continue to live in shame? A film tackling taboo topics in female writings.
Perception
Inspired by the many journeys woman walk and the constant conscious choices that comes with being ….
- Mothers
- Partners
- Themselves
- Career women
Journeying into the unknown
These are represented by the “branches/arrows”
Depending on how one looks at this, it can feel like a burden and all these roles seem as though they are all taking different routes.
However with a shift in perception, the woman can see herself as a tree with leaves growing in different directions. She can be grounded and grow for as long as she waters the roots. The roots of course being symbolic of her physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
Phoenix
Jane Mpholo unleashes the writing skills of 5 talented female artists in NC. Funded by the NAC, the final product premiered at the Northern Cape Theatre.
Ha Wa Le Bona
In Jane Mpholo’s ‘Ha wa lebona’, Lerato gives her former best friend, Palesa, a dressing down after malicious gossiping did the rounds. Tankiso Mamabolo performs the monologue, directed by Mahlatsi Mokgonyana. ‘Stemme | Voices | Amazwi’ is LitNet’s series of 15 short, powerful monologues presented in collaboration with Suidoosterfees, NATi and ATKV.
Mourning/Morning
“Morning/Mourning” is a site-specific performance that delves into the concept of mourning within an African context. It follows the journey of a woman and the cultural expectations that encompass this phase of her life. The performance is dedicated to restoring her agency and purifying her.
The focus is on her black dress and the need to release the burdens it symbolizes. While the dress appears free-flowing, a closer look reveals its constricting nature, obstructing her path.
The presence of a waterfall enhances the performance, providing a beautiful backdrop and representing the pure essence of water. Water possesses the power to give life and yet has the potential to drown.
The character’s movements from the river downstream to the uphill portion by the waterfall symbolize the challenges associated with her prolonged grieving process. She is constantly faced with the choice to persevere or let go.
This journey is demanding and lengthy, but it is undeniably essential.
