Theatre that speaks: Robert Mugabe's legacy and Charlie Chaplin's laughter take centre stage
Image: Supplied
From a thought-provoking psychological drama to a magical musical tribute, this week's offerings will keep theatregoers engaged.
Breakfast with Mugabe
Directed by Calvin Ratladi, who scooped the 2025 Standard Bank Young Artist for Theatre honours, this production enjoyed a magnificent premiere at the National Arts Festival in Makhanda.
Now Joburgers will get to see it at The Market Theatre.
Breakfast with Mugabe, a play by acclaimed British playwright Fraser Grace, features an outstanding cast. Themba Ndaba stars as Mugabe, with Gontse Ntshegang portraying his wife, Grace. Craig Jackson takes on the role of Mugabe's psychiatrist, Dr Peric, and Zimbabwean actor Farai Chigudu plays Mugabe's bodyguard.
The script has garnered praise, with many likening it to a modern-day 'Macbeth.' This comparison stems from Mugabe's torment by the vengeful spirit of a deceased comrade.
Drawing from reports of the former Zimbabwean president seeking help from a white psychiatrist, the narrative explores themes of grief, healing, faith, nationalism and legacy.
The script delves into the complexities of Mugabe, using theatrical flair to expose uncomfortable continental realities. It tackles the descent of African liberators into ruthless dictators, societal myths surrounding mental illness in Africa, and the persistent structural violence inherent in colonial systems.
'This is not a biography or a courtroom drama. It's a psychological reckoning - a fictional encounter between Mugabe and a psychiatrist that lays bare the cost of unprocessed grief, the violence of ego, and the burden of legacy.
'Through sharp dialogue and intense performances, we explore Mugabe not as a historical figure frozen in time, but as a deeply wounded man wrestling with ghosts. Audiences may find echoes of their own leaders, their families, even themselves, in that struggle,' Ratladi shared.
Where: Mannie Manim, Market Theatre.
When: Runs until August 10, 7pm.
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THE TRAMP
Wêla Kapela Productions, who brought us the multi-award-winning Vincent, are back with a musical love letter to Charlie Chaplin.
Under the direction of Amanda Bothma, the two-hander, starring Daniel Anderson and Paul Ferreira, guarantees audiences an emotional rollercoaster of laughter, heartbreak and revelation.
Using a distinctive blend of popular music, the aesthetics of silent film, and Chaplinesque charm, The Tramp delves into the bittersweet relationship between creator and creation. It explores how this iconic character served as a shield for the profoundly complex man behind the moustache.
Digging deep into the fractured bond between man and myth, the show moves from playful comedy to cutting political satire. It reveals how the advent of talking pictures silenced The Tramp and left Chaplin vulnerable to scandal and persecution.
'Life is tragedy in close-up, but comedy in long-shot.'
Where: Theatre on the Square, Sandton
When: Runs until July 26, 7.30pm.
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