Women In Theatre (WIT), are set to debut the play, A Woman’s Song at Amakhosi theatre’s Plays on Sunday on the 24th of this month.

This will be the first project by WIT, which was formed through the partnership of Amakhosi and Nhimbe Trust, in response to pleas by the latter for the training of female theatre practitioners, so as to increase their presence in a male-dominated field. Under the project, female practitioners are mentored by professionals in production, directing and writing. A Woman’s Song will be the project’s pilot play, with more practitioners set to premiere their works during Plays on Sunday.

A Woman’s Song details the story of Fanta, a young woman who is caught in between modern and traditional values of marriage. Fanta is torn between the differing voices of two prominent women in her life, her mother-in-law who accuses her of barrenness and her aunt whose thoughts are geared towards acquiring material wealth through Fanta’s marriage. Although dealing with the complexities of marriage for young women in modern day society, the story also gives hope to the marriage institution. Julius, Fanta’s  husband, is the knight in shining amour in the tale, as he stands by her side and promises to love her forever with or without children.

The cast of the play features prominent figures in the city’s arts scene, with former Amakorokoza actress Precious Makhulumo set to play Fanta’s mother-in-law, while Nama-nominated poet and actress Sithandazile Dube will play Fanta’s aunt. Nomvuyiso Mabi Mpofu will be tasked with playing the lead role as Fanta while Kenny Chikweza will play the heroic Julius.

Nonhlalo Dube who is the project co-ordinator of WIT will be the play’s producer, while Thembelihle Moyo will handle the directorial duties.

In an interview, Dube said that WIT had taken huge strides since its inception and she hoped the play would help encourage more women to come forward with their works.

“We have taken big steps already although this is the first project under WIT to premier at Plays on Sunday.

“We are in search for more women theatre practitioners, as we would like to see them coming forward to showcase their work,” she said.

Moyo said WIT already had six plays that were now ready for a full run in theatre.

“We already have six plays that will come after this one so as of now we are on track with the project,” she said.