“There Are Some Stages You Never Really Leave,” Gabisile Tshabalala On Her Return to Theatre After 16 Years of Absence
“There Are Some Stages You Never Really Leave,” Gabisile Tshabalala On Her Return to Theatre After 16 Years of Absence. Gabisile Tshabalala has acted in numerous South African television series, films, and stage productions. From her impressive resume, it goes without saying that she is one of the most decorated actresses of our time. She just took a moment to appreciate having been cast in a star studded theatre production earlier this year.
“There are some stages you never really leave… you just find your way back to them
After almost 16 years away from professional theatre, January 2026 brought me back to the stage (@markettheatre) with MARABI and what a beautiful homecoming it was.
I got to step back in time, become a young woman from the Marabi era, tell her story, sing, dance, act and experience the magic of live theatre all over again.
The rehearsals. The costumes. The music. The nerves. The laughter backstage. And that feeling when the lights came on and there was a LIVE audience in front of me. 🥹
Looking back now, I realise this was more than a role for me. It was God reminding me that some gifts may lie quiet for a season but they never leave you.
A very special thank you to our incredible director, Arthur Molepo a veteran, a legend and an absolute master of his craft abuti Generations 🤣😍🤭What a privilege it was to be directed by you daddy and to our producer @molepo.m thank you for trusting me and giving me the opportunity to be part of something so special.
And then THE CAST! Yooohhhhhh guys 😭🔥 I was surrounded by some of the best in the business LEGENDS bafwethu! To share a stage with that level of talent experience and excellence was a gift all on its own. I learnt, I laughed, I grew and I soaked it all in.
Almost 16 years later and the stage still felt like home.
Thank you MARABI for reminding me who I am.
What a way to start 2026
#Marabi #Theatre #tbt #viral #fyp,” Gabisile said.
