Set ko kasi ko boy's room, this strong one hander follows Thapelo—a restless and sexually impulsive figure — confronting the shadows of his masculinity. Battling internal chaos and the weight of societal expectations, Thapelo justifies his promiscuity as mere expression — until loss, memory, and reckoning begin to unravel his defences.
Through direct address and the breaking of the fourth wall, Thapelo draws the audience into his world, narrating the origins of a wound he once mistook for heartbreak. As the narrative deepens, it is revealed that his ache stems not from romantic betrayal, but from the devastating loss of both parents. This buried grief surfaces through his entanglements, as he attempts to forget pain by chasing fleeting comfort of countless others.
What unfolds is a raw and layered emotional journey — one marked by recursive losses, the reopening of old scars, and an existential grappling with what it means to be a man, a lover, an orphan and a father to a child that never arrived. As Thapelo peels back the justifications he’s long clung to, he begins to approach the possibility of healing. The back room, once a site of escapism, becomes a space of truth-telling and transformation.
At its core, this bold and unflinching work is a meditation on masculinity, memory, and the power of self-empathy. Through poetic monologue and confessional intimacy, Thapelo moves toward a new understanding of prayer — not as ritual, but as radical self-confrontation. At its heart, this is a story of a man learning to kneel — not in conquest, but in humility.
Production Credits
Written & Directed by: Solly Ramatswi
Choreography by: Solly Ramatswi
Music composed by: Solly Ramatswi
Actor: Vusi Nkwenkwezi
Musicians: Thabiso Modikoe & Napoleon Nthute
Stage Manager: Nolwazi Mbali Mahlangu
Set Designer: Sbusiso Mabena
About the Artists
Director
Born in Limpopo and currently based in Gauteng, Solly Ramatswi is the founder of Soetry Media as well as Project Translation. Through Soetry Media, he promotes language diversity and inclusivity. His initiative, Project Translation, includes online workshops, poetry and dance competitions, as well as plays integrating Sign language. Solly’s creative journey spans writing, translation, performance, and theatre-making. Inspired by his grandmother's stories, Solly's work is rich in imagery drawn from his rural upbringing. He explores themes like boyhood, love, self-introspection and historical reflections.
Actor
Vusi Nkwenkwezi is a multi-award-winning actor, creative director, mentor, and teacher as well as director of SHRAC 11 Community Development. He found his passion for drama under the guidance of Oupa “Art Prophet” Maleka, and enrolled at the Market Theatre Laboratory from 2016 – 2018. Vusi formed part of the 2019 Naledi Theatre Awards: Best Ensemble winning production, HANI: The Legacy, which was directed by Leila Hendriques. Again, he was in the NAF Bronze Ovation production, (G)old, Deurnis by Theatre Rocket, Rhinoceros by the TheatreDuo. Dedicated to leveraging the arts to bring about positive social change, Vusi did a coastal tour with 3RC as an ambassador, guiding over one thousand matriculants to make the right choice. In 2023, he was part of the Tembisa Theatre week and did a play titled Stevovo the Puppeteer by Moruti Abednigo Dlamini. Vusi’s on-screen stint includes etv’s House of Zwide as well as Nikiwe. Vusi won the Outstanding Performance award by an actor at the 30th Zwakala Festival for his lead role in Prayers, a play that also scooped the Best Production award. He is currently a practical drama teacher at Jiyana Secondary.
Musicians
Thabiso 'Jazz Melloz' Modikoe is an astounding bassist, composer, teacher and musical director from Tembisa. He started his journey in 2007, at the age of 16, at Taiwa Molelekwa Arts Foundation. He went on to be the main bass player for Taiwa Jazz Band, and got the opportunity to travel overseas to perform in various places including the Amsterdam Mudial Festival, Tanzania with Minno Revolving Art and Brazil. His musical journey is inspired by artists such as Marcus Miller, Brian Bromburg, and Phillip Tabane. He has had the privilege of sharing the stage with prominent artists such as Nduduzo Makhathini, Feya Faku, Stimela, and HHP. Currently, Thabiso is a member of a band called The Jazzmeloz, which works with the likes of Monique Bingham, DJ Maphorisa, Nontsikelelo Hlomela, Melo Music and MO Soul. He is a music teacher at a community art centre called Ntinga Music & Arts, as well as Bluenotes Music Academy.
Napoleon Thabo Nthute is a gifted self-taught musician, multi-instrumentalist, and beatboxer from Mapetla, Soweto. Known for blending ethnic, world, and meditation music, he creates soulful soundscapes that transcend cultural boundaries. His innate musical talent and deep immersion in diverse styles allow him to craft captivating performances that connect with audiences. Drawing inspiration from African roots and global influences, his compositions incorporate natural sounds, soothing melodies, and spiritual rhythms. Whether performing solo or with a group, his music fosters healing, reflection, and inner peace. Dedicated to bridging cultures, Napoleon continues to inspire through the universal language of music.
Stage Manager
Nolwazi Mbali Mahlangu is a skilled stage manager whose work is rooted in precision, presence, and deep ensemble care. With a foundation in applied drama and theatre, and training in Playback Theatre, she brings a calm authority and intuitive responsiveness to the rehearsal room and beyond. Her background in arts administration, creative research, and technical coordination equips her to manage complex productions with clarity and compassion. She is committed to holding space where story, structure, and support are in total alignment. She has worked on productions such as BAPA, Sight Side Site, and Ngwedi.
Set Designer
Sbusiso Mabena is a self-taught visual artist inspired by his grandfather. Dedicated to telling untold stories that are happening in our society, Sbusiso hosts visual art events to showcase young talent by combining all artforms in one space (poetry, drama, dance, live performance music and art exhibitions). His aim is to teach society the purpose of art. This year, Sbusiso was part of the winning production at the 30th iteration of the Market Theatre Foundation’s Zwakala Festival, Prayers, as the play’s set designer.
- Venue: Princess Alice
- Location: Princess Alice Hall
- Ticket price: ZAR 80.00
- Programme type: The Fringe
- Genre: Theatre
- Duration: 50 minutes
-
Ages:
16+
- M - MATURE CONTENT, L - LANGUAGE
