Going behind the scenes at rehearsals of Paul Slabolepszy’s new play Bitter Winter
Rehearsals are underway for Bitter Winter – the highly anticipated new play penned by acclaimed South African playwright Paul Slabolepszy, which premieres at Pieter Toerien’s Studio Theatre at Montecasino from February 20th – March 16th, 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.
Producer Weslee Lauder took time out of rehearsals for a Q&A to give us some behind-the-scenes insight into Bitter Winter.
How did it come about that you became producer of Bitter Winter?
Andre asked me to read the play as he was honoured that Paul wrote the role with him in mind and I read it, I was hooked. The idea of a play with such an important story, especially since SA actors have been bearing the brunt of an industry not taken care of by its governing parties spoke to me. I believed and still do, that people need to see it through the eyes of someone else so, Andre and I spoke logistics, I mentioned to him that I wanted to start producing and saw the opportunity, fast forward to now – I’m producing it. 🙂
What kind of time frame has it been, from first hearing about the play to now being in rehearsals, about to open it in Joburg?
We’ve been toying with the idea and planning since early 2023 so, it’s been a long time coming.
What do you see as the most important themes to get across to the audiences?
The concept of youth honouring the elderly speaks to a powerful truth: the young often forget that the paths they walk were paved by the generations before them. In a world that so easily overlooks the elderly, it is vital to remember the legacy, wisdom, and sacrifices they’ve left behind—and to show gratitude in every aspect of life.
Please expand on how the play will be benefitting the Theatre Benevolent Fund?
The TBF is such an important fund that assists elderly theatre professionals with an array of things, from financial assistance to health, food etc. Contributing to them financially is important as it takes the pressures off them from having to look under every rock to try find funding. Bitter Winter is donating a portion of ticket sales to TBF and every cent counts.
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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