(Above: Ayanda Nzimande &
Mthokozisi Zulu)
With the massacre of women becoming a norm, Leo trains his
wife to give her a fighting chance. As lions abandon their own to find greener
pastures, this once strong bond collapses and the cycle of Gender Based
Violence continues.
Expressed is a one-act musical written and directed by Durban-based Mthokozisi Zulu. Ayanda Nzimande plays the lead role of Safia, Leo’s wife living on a land not guaranteeing the safety of women. Minenhle Sikhosana plays the role of Mama, a Matriach that has experienced Gender Based Violence and watches it happen daily. For this run, there is a special appearance of Khosi Mkhonza, playing a role that shows us a different side to the war women face.
Mthokozisi Zulu explains the reasons why he writes about GBV:
“I have been writing about Gender Based Violence since 2017 after two friends I studied Drama with, were murdered in Soweto and their bodies were found dumped. I attended the bail hearing for the perpetrators and when I saw their excitement after they received a bail of R5000 and R3000, the look on one of the late friend’s parent pushed me to do something. I wrote Scuttling Skin that same night which was performed at Soweto Theatre for the Solos & Duets Festival 2020 and then later wrote FED which received a Standard Bank Ovation Award at the 2021 National Arts Festival.
“Expressed is my latest work and features new original music that persisted as I wrote the script, initially meant to be a dramatic two-hander. The names of the two friends are Popi Qwabe and Bongeka Phungula. They will never be forgotten”.
Expressed will run at Joburg Theatre’s The Lesedi from January 27 to February 1, 2026.
Below, are the showtimes.
Tuesday Jan 27-Thursday Jan 29: 19h00
Friday, Jan 30: 11h00 and 19h00
Saturday Jan 31: 14h30 and 19h00
Sunday Feb 1: 14h30
Tickets are R120 (R100 for students & pensioners) booked through Webtickets.
Please note that the 11h00 performance on January 30 will be R50 per ticket for
schools. Interested schools to contact the theatre directly to book on 086 167 0670.