Jane Mpholo-Mehlape’s solo performance, Fragmented, captivated audiences at the Performing Arts Centre of the Free State (PACOFS) on 23 February 2025, delivering an evocative and immersive experience. Produced under the meticulous direction of Peter Taljaard, with technical precision from Khauhelo Maikhi and stage management by Pulane Moleko, the production offered a profound meditation on identity, trauma, and resilience.
A compelling fusion of storytelling, poetry, and striking audiovisual projections, Fragmented dissolves the barriers between theatre and film, enveloping the audience in its haunting world. The production makes expert use of black-and-white imagery projected onto the stage, reinforcing the fragmented psyche of the protagonist and deepening the emotional landscape. The subtle yet persistent sound of flowing water underscores key moments, further submerging the audience into the show’s intricate emotional terrain.
From the moment Mpholo-Mehlape steps onto the stage, she commands attention with a performance that oscillates seamlessly between humour and heartbreak. Her ability to shift between raw vulnerability and light-hearted reprieve made for an unpredictable and gripping theatrical experience.
Audience reactions were deeply telling. Basetsana Sheane described the performance as an emotional rollercoaster, evoking both laughter and tears. The raw honesty of Mpholo-Mehlape’s storytelling resonated with many, affirming why she was awarded the Cultural and Creative Industry’s Outstanding Actor in Theatre award.
Dion van Niekerk, a film lecturer at the University of the Free State, lauded the interplay of visual and theatrical elements, remarking; “The balance between chaos and control was impeccable, drawing us deeper into the narrative.”
Oliver Bonga, a lecturer from the Durban University of Technology echoed this sentiment, hailing Mpholo-Mehlape as a masterful storyteller. “She brings us back to the core of storytelling – stripped down, vulnerable, and deeply human,” he observed.
Amira-Xandria van Biljon commended Mpholo-Mehlape’s commitment to amplifying marginalized voices, stating, “She must continue speaking for those who often go unheard.”
Perhaps the most striking response came from first-time theatre-goers who left the performance eagerly asking, “When is the next show?” Mpholo-Mehlape, a passionate advocate for audience development, regarded this as her greatest triumph. “I want theatre to be accessible to people from marginalized communities – not just as a one-time event, but as a lasting part of their lives,” she shared.
With Fragmented, Jane Mpholo-Mehlape has reaffirmed her status as a transformative force in theatre. This production is more than a performance – it is an experience that lingers, rippling through the consciousness long after the final bow.
