Madame President, written and directed by Edmund Mhlongo, with music and direction by Linda Ngcwensa (leader of the gospel group Avante), looks at just that scenario. The large-scale production is ideal for public audiences, as well as for daytime school groups. The show’s run in Johannesburg appropriately coincides with Women’s Month.

A woman plots her course

“Our musical seeks to show that our country, South Africa (like Liberia), is ready to be led by a woman president,” explains its creator. “The production also illustrates the challenges facing women who aspire for top leadership posts in the country. It does so by following the journey of Nobuntu (played by Samke Mkhize), who has her “eyes on the prize”. Madame President challenges stereotypes, and examines the hurdles faced by ambitious women in the past. Acclaimed female African leaders in history serve as Nobuntu’s role-models, as she travels towards achieving her goal.”

Beliefs and attitudes

Former president, Thabo Mbeki, had this say on the subject in 2005: “African women are ready to lead, but social beliefs and attitudes hinder their quest. United we stand, divided we fall. We have to make the point practically, not just in words, to have a woman leading in an equal position with a man.”

Women played an important role in the liberation of South Africa. Like their male counterparts, they suffered restriction, imprisonment, torture and even assassination. Despite the noble stand that they took, however, it appears that there are still barriers to their advancement, and these impediments come under the scrutiny of Mhlongo’s musical play.

The production also showcases the talents of Thembisile Ntaka (of Coca-Cola Pop Stars fame) and pop group Adila.Thembisile, who originates from Durban’s Hamasdale township, has just returned from a three-month tour of Holland, where she appeared in a production called African Mamas.

A successful track record

Madame President debuted in Durban in August 2009, and its largely sold-out two week run proved to be a good omen for the production. The next stop was the Izulu Theatre in October 2009, and the show then went on tour internationally, covering Dubai and Italy, in addition to New Orleans and New York in the US. It was last staged in June and July last year at the Kingswood Theatre.

The production company

K-CAP is known for its high quality productions which have received international acclaim. A talented cast of 25, consisting of energetic dancers, singers and actors are contributing factors in the company’s ongoing success. This innovative outfit has a history of staging topical productions which address distinctly South African issues and tell relevant historical and culturally-relevant stories. Among their productions are Bayede Shaka – The Spear Is Born (2001 – highly praised by former president Mandela); Chief Albert Luthuli Tribute – One Among Many (2007-8); Jabulani SA-Celebrate (2004); Our Voice, Our Rights (1998), Cry Not, Child (1997 - their trademark production), We Are Alive Kids (1995-6) and Just Don’t (2006) – all of which have successfully toured Europe and America.

Madame President – The CD is distributed by REVOLVER RECORDS.

Venue: Victory Theatre, Johannesburg

Date and time: 3 to 7 August at 19:00

Tickets: R100

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Bookings can be done at any Computicket outlet, including at Checkers/Shoprite stores, or online at www.computicket.com.

For enquiries re block bookings, contact Xolani Majozi at 031 504 6970 or [email protected].