Lesotho’s acclaimed actors, Tseko Monaheng and Lomile Motsetsela, are making headlines as they take on leading roles along with their South African counterparts in the gripping historical production ‘Mantsopa, now showing at South Africa’s prestigious Market Theatre.
The play pays tribute to one of Lesotho’s most iconic historical figures, ‘Mantsopa Anna Makhetha (1793–1906), a prophetess, rainmaker, and spiritual force who played a key advisory role during the reign of King Moshoeshoe I.
Through poetic dialogue, traditional music, and captivating stagecraft, ‘Mantsopa weaves together elements of Basotho oral history, colonial resistance, and spiritual transformation. The production reimagines the life of a woman who stood at the crossroads of tradition and change, blending indigenous knowledge systems with Christianity after her exile and baptism in the 1870s.
Monaheng, celebrated for his charisma and stage presence, delivers a compelling performance that has already earned praise from audiences and critics alike. Known for roles in film, television, and theatre across Southern Africa, the actor brings both cultural sensitivity and dramatic intensity to the stage.
“Telling the story of Nkhono ‘Mantsopa is a deep honour,” Monaheng said in an interview. “She represents the resilience of the Basotho spirit, and this role allowed me to reconnect with our roots profoundly.”
Born in Lesotho, Monaheng has long been a cultural ambassador for his country, using the arts to celebrate and preserve Basotho identity. His involvement in the play marks a major milestone, showcasing Lesotho’s storytelling traditions on a continental platform.
The production is directed by a dynamic creative team collaborating with Basotho historians, spiritual leaders, and cultural custodians to ensure authenticity and respect for the sacred elements of ‘Mantsopa’s legacy.
The set design features a striking recreation of the Modderpoort cave, where ‘Mantsopa spent her final years in prayer and healing. Through vivid storytelling, the audience is transported across time, revisiting her powerful prophecies, among them, forewarnings of the Battle of Berea, the rinderpest epidemic, and even the outbreak of World War I.
The play arrives at a pivotal moment, amid a rising wave of efforts to decolonise African history, revive oral traditions, and restore the voices of women long excluded from mainstream historical narratives.
Speaking to this publication, director Dr. Jerry Mofokeng Makhetha said the inspiration for the production emerged from his personal and academic exploration of the founder of the Basotho nation, King Moshoeshoe I, and his own roots.
“As we grow older, we realise the importance of knowing where we come from. That is what drew me back to my roots and the stories of my ancestors,” he said.
“Throughout my career, I have always been passionate about Basotho culture and storytelling. Most of the television and theatre work I have done has focused on Basotho stories. So I always knew that one day I would work on something as significant as the story of King Moshoeshoe I or ‘Mantsopa.”
He continued: “Then I met Jerry Pooe, who encouraged me to write a play about ‘Mantsopa. That happened just as I was on the verge of starting work on Moshoeshoe’s story.”
In the process of researching ‘Mantsopa, Dr. Mofokeng met Lesley Makhetha, who helped him verify historical details.
“In December 2014, I discovered something extraordinary, that I am a descendant of Makhetha. So I was not only researching ‘Mantsopa’s story, I was uncovering my own family history,” he explained.
Since its debut on April 30, the play has drawn hundreds of audience members. Notable attendees include ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba, Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha Letsoha-Mathae, and one of Lesotho’s most celebrated actresses, Matšeliso Mohale.
“This production is not just theatre, it is healing. It is remembering. It is resistance,” said Dr. Mofokeng. “We invite audiences to engage with this sacred story not simply as history, but as a living part of who we are.”
Mantsopa is currently showing at Johannesburg’s iconic Market Theatre, a venue known for staging revolutionary works that reflect the continent’s rich and complex heritage.
The show is expected to tour regional theatres, with a highly anticipated performance in Lesotho on the horizon.
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