TV Series (1989)

The Game by Duma ka Ndlovu (1995)

The original text

A Kente-style musical melodrama. The play focuses on the lives of nine black women in the Maximum Security prison at Middelburg, each with a tale to tell. (Kruger, 1999, p195.)

Performance history in South Africa

1996: Staged at the Windybrow Arts Centre in July/August 1996, directed by Duma ka Ndlovu, with Sophie Mgcina, Nomhle Nkonyeni, Suthukazi Arosi, Thandi Zulu, Lindi Chibi, Baby Cele, Vanessa Jansen and Busi Nake.

1997: Presented by the Windybrow Arts Centre at the Grahamstown Festival in 1997, directed by Duma ka Ndlovu, with Mary Twala, Thandi Zulu, Nomhle Nkonyeni, Baby Cele, Lindiwe Chibi, Suthukazi Arosi, Vanessa Jansen, Sindi Dlathu and Abigail Kubheka. Stage manager Mpho Mataboge. After the festival the production went back to play at the Windybrow Arts Centre in August 1997.

Translations and adaptations

2020: During the COVID-19 epidemic lockdown, the South African State Theatre presented The Game of Mosadi Poo, a digital adaptation of the original stage drama, made for Season 04 of State Theatre’s online streaming service, presented as part of women's month from 10 to 31 August 2020. Written by Mxolisi Masilela, directed by Mapula Setlhako, with choreography and music composition by Xolisile Bongwane, and a cast of eight consisting of Nomangaliso Tebeka, Nonhlanhla Dube, Happy Khafela, Amanda Khumalo, Gifter Ngubeni, Raymong Ngwenya, Mongezi Mabunda and Bongwane.