In Conversation With Bitter Winter's Director, Lesedi Job

Paul Slabolepszy’s new play Bitter Winter

Paul Slabolepszy’s new play Bitter Winter is now on stage at Pieter Toerien’s Studio Theatre at Montecasino until 16 March 2025.

Director Lesedi Job and cast members Andre Odendaal (playing Jean-Louis Lourens), Oarabile Ditsele (playing Prosper Mangane) and Chantal Stanfield (playing Felicia Willemse) are delving deep into the roles, finding all the nuances and back-stories of this character-driven piece that speaks to the human condition and tells the tale of a story of resilience and discovery.

Bitter Winter offers a heartfelt exploration of the artist’s life. It celebrates the legends of South African theatre while shining a light on the new generation of rising stars making their mark on the global stage. This tender tale takes audiences along the winding, sometimes rocky road that many artists feel compelled to travel in pursuit of their dreams.

While the characters sit in an audition room, audiences are taken through the struggles and triumphs of actors who remain deeply committed to their craft despite the challenges they face. It tells the story of two actors, one at the end of a career spent mainly on the classical stage, and another starting out on his journey, the magic and the madness of this ‘make-believe’ world is on full display.

Director Lesedi Job took time out for a Q&A to give us some behind-the-scenes insight into Bitter Winter.

Q: What was it that drew you to this play?
A: Initially what drew me to the play was the story of an actor’s journey in the South African Arts industry that reminded me of my own complex love affair with theatre as an artist. But as I started working on the play, I became aware of how this is a story that inspires self-reflection and I love telling stories that leave an audience thinking even after they have seen the play.

Q: Do you have a preference in telling original South African stories, or big international block-busters? And why?
A: Gosh, I would love to take on an international blockbuster but I do think there’s a preference to telling original South African stories. I am a South African and I am passionate about being part of a next generation of storytellers within South Africa that contribute to the history of South African Theatre. Bitter Winter is the fifth new South African play I am directing and I think this is not only the case out of choice but also because it is my purpose.

Q: Which themes of Bitter Winter resonate most with you?
A: I think the themes that resonate with me the most are that of an older generation versus the younger generation. I am reminded of my mother and her wisdom and the quiet knowledge that comes with age and experience. The other themes are that of the complexity of our identity as a Nation that is informed by our history, our languages, our traditions and culture as well as our scars. And that of humanity.
Maya Angelou says: “During bad circumstances, which is the human inheritance, you must decide not to be reduced. You have your humanity, and you must not allow anything to reduce that.”

Q: Take us through your director process as you work on a new work?
A: The process of directing new work requires the straddling of preparation and spontaneity. A collaborative process as well where the creative team bring their voices to create the world of the story. I spend a lot of time before the rehearsal process preparing, researching, interrogating and unpacking the script to get a handle on the story, the world and the characters.

Once in the rehearsal room, I “download” information to the actors and plant seeds for them to think about; allowing an actor to bring themselves and their choices to the creative process. The process requires planning and thinking on your feet, humility and grace as the director knows that at times you might not know what to do and to not get stuck on an idea you may have had beforehand. It’s a step-by-step process of creating, rehearsing, thinking and tweaking the play up until the play feels as close to the “truth” as possible.

I also incorporate a lot of prayer as all my processes as a director are in co-creation with my creator.

Patrons are advised that the language mix in the show will be approx. 75% English, 25% Afrikaans.

Show Information:
Bitter Winter

Johannesburg

Venue:
Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Studio Theatre

Dates:
20 February – 16 March 2025

Times:
Wednesday to Friday at 19h30
Saturday at 15h00 and 19h30
Sunday at 15h00

Tickets:
From R150 – R220 via Webtickets or the Theatre Box Office (011) 511 1988
and selected Pick ‘n Pay stores

Duration:
Approx. 80 minutes with no interval

Age restriction:
PG

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