“And the girls in their Sunday dresses” tells the story of many women, and the story of sisterhood regardless of differences that may be present.
On stage at the historic Hull Street Theatre in De Beers, Kimberley, is this iconic play by well-known South African writer Zakes Mda.
Director Evelyn Maruping says that, since the play was written in 1988, they adapted the script here and there to make it more relevant for contemporary audiences.
Two characters, The Lady and The Woman, wait in line, spending long days together righting the world’s wrongs and leaning on each other in more ways than one. This play is described as a humorous commentary on social and economic inequality, and an observation of relationships that can be formed in unlikely places.
Starring in the lead roles are Retlametswe Moses and Bonolo Nteo, with Poppy Thebe and Nthabiseng Pasmeni in supporting roles. This is a women’s play, about women, performed by women, and directed by a woman.
‘Rebirth, renewal’
Maruping was approached by the artistic director of the Hull Street Theatre, Thabo Mothlabi, to direct the play. For Maruping, a prominent digital media entrepreneur, this was a dream come true. Since childhood she loved performing in front of an audience, and only in high school did she put a name to it: theatre.
“Directing this play feels like the rebirth of Evelyn. It awakened something in me that I had forgotten,” she says.
The Hull Street Theatre, built in 1899, experienced decades of decline, neglect and vandalism. In 2024 local artists, community members and businesses launched significant restoration efforts to revive this provincial heritage site.
The theatre’s restoration symbolises renewal, mirroring Maruping’s personal artistic rebirth through this production. Despite ongoing restoration challenges, the space embodies creative potential and community revitalisation, and all those involved in the play wish to foster a love for theatre amongst the Kimberley audience.
The production aims to inspire local audiences, demonstrating theatre’s power to connect, provoke, and illuminate shared human experiences.
Join the experience
The opening night of the play on Thursday 4 December was described as “the production burst onto the Hull Street Theatre stage with a force that can only be described as revolutionary. It was bold. It was unflinching. It was utterly magnificent.
“This opening night revealed a production that is both timeless and urgently now – a piercing commentary wrapped in unforgettable performances, sharp humour, and emotional truth. The theatre pulsed with laughter, tears, and moments where the entire audience held its breath.”
If you have not booked yet, do not deny yourself the experience of this iconic play in a historic theatre.
- Friday 5 December at 19:00
- Saturday 6 December at 19:00
- Sunday 7 December at 15:00
- Tickets at R100 per person are available on Quicket.
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