Imbokodo breathes new life into old play!

DIRECTOR excited about her new project.

The South African theatre classic, You Strike a Woman, You Strike a Rock opened at the Joburg Theatre on Sunday, 23 February, and is set to run until 9 March.

Directed by Rorisang Motuba, the production highlights resilience and struggles of women during apartheid.

Daily Sun spoke to Rorisang about her experience directing the play, gender representation in the entertainment industry and the production's opening night.

Reflecting on the play's opening night, she described it as "a proud moment".

"It went incredibly well, with an amazing cast and crew. This is an important play and I feel privileged to direct it. It engages deeply with the experiences of women and girls," she said.

Asked about her experience as a female director, Rorisang emphasised supportive spaces she's worked in.

""I act, write and direct across all mediums. So far, I've directed plays and in terms of acting and writing, I've worked in film and TV. It's been wonderful in many ways. Theatre is always complex, but my experiences aren't necessarily gendered. Most of my plays and theatre projects have had majority-female casts, which has created a safe and beautifully considered space.

"Of course, our workspaces, in general, need to be more considerate, but the Joburg Theatre has been great. As a woman in this space, I've been happy, which is why I keep coming back," she said.

Born and raised in Joburg, Rorisang has had a colourful presence in the entertainment industry, being featured in commercials for well-known brands including Wimpy, Absa and MWeb, and appearing on popular TV in shows such as It's Complicated, and Sober Companion.

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She's also acted alongside Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong'o in the Disney movie Queen of Katwe.

Daily Sun also spoke with the play's three lead actresses, Ziaphora Dakile (Sdudla), Keitumetse "Kitty" Moepang (Mampompo) and Barileng Malebye (Mambhele).

Each actress shared their interpretation of the phrase: You strike a woman, you strike a rock.

Ziaphora sees it as a declaration of power.

"I'm powerful and a trailblazer. I claim my freedom," she said.

Kitty views it as a reminder of women's resilience.

"It represents our ability to endure, overcome and keep going," she said.

For Barileng, it's about self-recognition.

"It encourages women to realise their strength and stand firm in it," she said.

Rorisang echoed these sentiments, emphasising the phrase's lasting impact.

"Women will always be resilient, important and present. That's what I hope people continue to understand," she said.