8 Minuets

The original text

The play consists of four separate narratives that explore the female condition as experienced in the township communities. The stories range from a young girl who, out of necessity, has to become the head of the household, to women entering the corporate world and having to take on the roles more ordinarily occupied by men. Here, the four narratives are accompanied by musical ‘spirits’, who add an extra soundscape to the action. A minuet is a slow, static dance – here providing a backing to the action that communicates the stoicism of these extraordinary women, living their relatively ‘ordinary’ lives.

Translations and adaptations

Performance history in South Africa

2010: First performed art the Zwakala Festival, then selected for a full professional production in the Barney Simon Theatre at the Market Theatre from 10 to 30 May, directed by Clive Mathibe with Kedibone Manyaka (woman 4 and grandmother), Kea Sampisi (spirit), Jeanet Nkomo (spirit), Tlhapang Petso (woman 1, aunt/child), Pamela Ndlovu (woman 3), Mathepelo September (winger), Sibongile Nomfundo Ngele (woman 2), Madge Ntambo (singer and spirit). Performed in a double bill with Madi by Mike Makou.