To the CEO is a story about leadership, relationship(s), power and influence. It is a story about brotherly love, perceptions, right, wrong, truth, but most importantly, it is a story about brotherhood.
When top accountant James Mpofu lands the branch manager position after seven solid years, everything about him changes instantly!
His self-taught abstract-artist brother John worries that his brother’s promotion will be his demise. In his defence, James leaves no stone unturned, going to the unfortunate extent of insulting the memory of their dead parents, calling them ‘paupers who left their children with no inheritance.’
John feels burdened to save his brother from himself, even if it means costing James his promotion by writing a letter ‘To The C.E.O’.
Production Credits
The Play To The CEO is Produced by Refined Image Studio, a People Development Company that uses creative artforms, facilitated events and dialogue to create safe spaces for insiping growth and development.
Credit is due to the Drama and Performance Department at Howard College, University of KwaZulu Natal for providing rehearsal space, and also providing one of the cast members, Zwelihle Mdletshe.
About the Artists
Writer & Director: Gift Tapiwa Marovatsanga
Marovatsanga is a renowned multi-disciplinary performing and visual artist, a playwright, author-director, and an applied theatre practitioner. Marovatsanga is no stranger to the National Arts Festival, with his most recent appearance as a Producer and Writer of one of the 2023 Standard Bank Standing Ovation Winners; a One-woman play; 'Faces: A Woman With Emotional Scars' which was directed by Masedi Manenye and starred Ntandoyenkosi Bhengu.
Marovatsanga's work as a writer and director include Auction of The Century (NAF 2011), Hidden Closet (NAF 2012), Life-Cycle (NAF 2012), amongst other works.
Actors:
Sphelele Mthiyane (James)
Sphelele Mthiyane is a multifaceted creative force, excelling as a professional artist, podcast radio host, and entrepreneurial innovator. With a Bachelor of Arts degree in Drama and Theatre Performance, Sphelele has honed their craft through various stage acting and music performances. As a media maverick, Sphelele hosts The Inspired Podcast on DownTown Radio, a platform they co-own and operate alongside other creative ventures. These endeavors include branding, design, and visual arts extensions, showcasing their versatility and passion for artistic expression. Through his work, Sphelele continues to inspire and connect with audiences, pushing boundaries and exploring new frontiers in the arts and media landscape.
Zwelihle Mdletshe (John)
Zwelihle is reading for an Honors in Drama at UKZN Howard College. He is a phenomenal all rounder artist and has proven himself a force to be reckoned with through numerous student productions he has participated in during his studies at UKZN. Some of his remarkable performances include Anna Alone (UKZN 2023), Waiting for MacBeth (UKZN 2024).
- Venue: Dicks
- Location: Monument Building
- Ticket price: ZAR 55.00
- Programme type: The Fringe
- Genre: Theatre
- Duration: 55 min
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Ages:
16+
- Strong Language
There are no performances for this show.
