Developed over three years of research, workshops and interviews, the production tells of the experiences, opinions and aspirations of the participants, some born at the end of the Apartheid era and others representing the “Born Free” generation of democratic South Africa. Their stories are a mixture of moving personal testimonies about their lives, reflections on religion, politics and men, culminating in the ultimately uplifting dreams for both themselves and their country.  These stories are framed by traditional dances and songs that complement the narrative strands of the piece.

The Mamela project was first developed in the Eastern Cape in January 2011, through a series of workshops meeting young women aged 16-30 from all over the province. 9 young women were cast from 100s of participants. The cast came together for the first time during a week-long residency and workshops at The Barn Theatre at The Opera House in Port Elizabeth.