Local playwright collaborates with Chiwetel Ejiofor

Ejiofor’s performance of Mama The Storm Is Outside will be part of the annual Children’s Monologues series directed by Slumdog Millionaire director Danny Boyle.

“To have my work done by such a well-respected actor is both humbling and a huge affirmation,” says Masheane. The monologue tells the story of Maki, a child growing up in rural Free State.

The child, who was originally meant to be a girl, befriends a ghost and tells the ghost about all the troubles he faces at school and at home. Masheane says changing the gender of the child since it will be performed by a male actor won’t affect the monologue’s message.

“The point of the monologue is to highlight some of the issues that many children face in the rural areas. “I drew from the true stories that we’ve all seen [reported] in the newspapers to make it more authentic.

Some of the things Maki expresses are the long walks to get to school, the leaking houses and the shortage of textbooks.

“These are issues that affect all children, so changing the sex isn’t a problem. I’m glad that Chiwetel has chosen to keep the child’s name as Maki.”

Masheane says she’s always been a big fan of Ejiofor’s work and believes his performance willmake the monologue even more powerful. “I couldn’t have chosen a better actor for this role myself,” she says excitedly.