By Sbongile Sokela
The Mdu Group is proud to present the Women in Puppetry (WIP) Theatre Production, a unique celebration of the vibrant creativity, powerful storytelling, and incredible artistry of female puppeteers.
Sponsored by the National Arts Council, the production, titled Outcast, made its highly anticipated debut in March 2025. This original African musical celebrates the diverse voices of women in puppetry, offering audiences a thought-provoking exploration of critical themes such as environmental degradation, the fragility of community cohesion, and the resilience of marginalized voices.
The production premiered at the Rhoo Hlatshwayo Arts Centre on March 21, 2025. Outcast captivated audiences with its life-size puppets, evocative storytelling, and stunning visuals. The production continued its run with grand performances at the Sibikwa Arts Centre on March 22 and 25, 2025.
The WIP programme, founded by the Mdu Group, has cultivated the talents of an all-female cast and crew from Daveyton, amplifying the distinct and innovative perspectives that women bring to this often underrepresented art form. Through Outcast, the production showcases the remarkable resilience, imagination, and identity of its female puppeteers, highlighting their skill and vision in this unique medium.
The Women in Puppetry initiative has been empowering women and youth through comprehensive puppetry training over the past four months. Participants have gained valuable experience in all aspects of puppetry, from its rich history to script development, puppet making, manipulation techniques, costume design, and prop creation. The programme is designed to foster creativity, build confidence, and provide participants with tangible skills that can open doors in the world of puppetry, theatre, and education.
Beyond the stage, the WIP Theatre production is committed to further developing the art form through performances and partnerships with schools, enriching young minds through engaging activities such as puppet-making workshops and fundraising events. According to Bonginkosi Banda, the Artistic Director of the Women in Puppetry Theatre Production, “Marginalized communities need alternative art forms to innovate and build sustainable careers. We are introducing puppetry ekasi (in the township), hoping this production can inspire future generations to explore this dynamic art form.”
The success of Outcast marks a significant milestone in the growing movement of female puppeteers in South Africa, a field that is now thriving with creativity and ingenuity.
Through its ground-breaking performances and its commitment to artistic and community development, the Women in Puppetry programme is paving the way for the next generation of puppeteers, storytellers, and cultural innovators.
