Florence Masebe Announces Latest Acting Gig
Florence Masebe Announces Latest Acting Gig. She is by far one of the most talented actress to ever grace our screens. Florence Masebe has been in the acting industry for decades, displaying a huge range in portraying complex characters on our TV screens. It’s heartwarming to see her still getting gigs in the competitive industry.
The award winning actress is part of the Mantsopa play, which celebrates the resilience of African women. Following a highly successful staged reading performed at The Market Theatre on 5 October 2024, “Mantsopa”, a play with music written and directed by veteran actor and theatre-maker, Dr. Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha, makes a return as a fully developed production, running for 10 performances from 30 April – 11 May.
“I told the theatre gods that I am ready to play again and they said, “walk this way…“, Florence wrote.
Overview
Mantsopa, whose grave lies at Modderpoort in the eastern Free State, was born in 1793 and died in 1908. A survivor of famine and subsequent cannibalism, she grew to become a trusted advisor to King Moshoeshoe I, correctly predicting victorious battle outcomes for Basotho against colonial settlers and speaking truth to power with unshaking honesty. Mantsopa’s tale is interwoven with the very existence of Basotho, highlighting the immense contributions of women in shaping history. Gifted with sharp foresight and divine wisdom, she stands as a symbol of resilient femininity and a source of hope to many women battling structural limitations.
In this brand new work, the story of diviner, seer and rainmaker, Mantsopa, is shared through the journey of her fictitious great-granddaughter, Tholoana, who has inherited the gift of song. Tholoana’s blossoming music career coincides with echoes from the spirit world to take her great-grandmother’s gift. As she struggles to reconcile the gift and the calling, Mantsopa’s towering greatness compassionately guides her through the internal conflict. Tholoana’s journey of refusing to be reduced to the entrapments of fame delivers a powerful message for women to claim their power.
Florence, takes on the role of “Mma-Tholoana”, while one of Lesotho’s finest musical exports, Leomile, prepares to stir our heartstrings with soulful notes as “Tholoana”. Renowned actor Tseko Monaheng’s powerful voice adds depth to the story, with the little dynamite, Itumeleng challenging him. Lebohang Banyane returns to the play, after being part of the staged reading during its development phase last year.
