Putting issues and lessons at centre stage
Acclaimed thespian uses theatre to explore, entertain and educate
She started off as an actress in a career spanning two decades, and steadily evolved to become a writer, director and producer. "The truth is that I was actually a lousy actress and I am still at a loss as to why they picked me for roles in those productions," says Reshoketswe Maredi with a bellow of laughter. She acted in plays that were written or directed by theatre veterans Zakes Mda, Sandra Prinsloo, Selaelo Maredi, Malcolm Purkey, Aubrey Sekhabi and Walter Chakela. Shokie, as she is popularly known, is preparing a new production — Rocks and Roses, a thriller that deals with political issues — for the Market Theatre in Johannesburg, opening on October 28. She is one of a handful of female black thespians who write, direct and produce plays — a rare feat on the domestic theatre scene. "It is not easy though," says Maredi. Rocks and Roses — produced by Maredi’s Agang Productions, with Maredi leading the creative team — has performed to critical acclaim at Soweto Theatre, Olive Th...
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