PRESS: Heartwarming two-hander, AND THE GIRLS IN THEIR SUNDAY DRESSES, at the Baxter this February

Baxter Theatre Centre

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Zakes Mda's heartwarming two-hander, AND THE GIRLS IN THEIR SUNDAY DRESSES, comes to the Baxter Theatre’s Studio from 13 February to 7 March 2026

Photo by Mark Dobson.

The timeless South African classic is a humorous, biting political commentary and tribute to human resilience - a reminder that behind every queue lies a story of survival, hope and hard-won dignity. The razor-sharp, deeply moving drama is set in a sluggish government food-aid queue. It follows two women - a sharp-tongued Lady and a weary, witty Woman, whose lives intersect in unexpected ways, offering an honest observation of relationships. While they wait in the queue, their stories unravel with satire and tenderness, exposing the inequalities, corruption and daily bureaucratic battles that shape their world. 

Directed by Mdu Kweyama (The Goat, or Who is Sylvia; Trouble in Mind) the play features the award-winning Awethu Hleli as The Woman and Tamzin Daniels as The Lady. Design is by Leopoldt Senekal (Trouble in Mind; The Mysteries), soundscape/ music composition by Jannous Aukema (Metamorphoses; Neighbourhood) and lighting design by Solomon Mashiane (Purpose, ‘n Pandok se Liefde).

Photo by Mark Dobson.

Playwright, Zakes Mda, is the acclaimed author of Ways of Dying, The Heart of Redness and numerous other works. A recipient of South Africa’s Order of Ikhamanga, he is a prolific writer of novels, plays, poetry and scholarly and journalistic articles. His work has been translated into 20 languages. Mda’s creative practice also extends to painting, as well as theatre and film production.

Kweyama, who is at the helm of the production, is also artistic director of the Baxter Zabalaza Theatre Festival. “What an honour for me to direct a work by one of SA’s most renowned and respected sons, authors and academics. I have loved his writing for the longest time, so this is as exciting as it is intimidating for me and I look forward - with the assistance of an amazing cast and creative team - to do Prof Mda proud,” says Kweyama.

Awethu Hleli and Tamzin Daniels are both members of the Baxter's Fires Burning Company. Recipients of the 2025 Fleur du Cap Award for Best Ensemble for Metamorphoses, they were seen at The Baxter in productions such as Othello; Of Loss: Handle with Care, Neighbourhood; Trouble in Mind; An Unromantic Comedy and La Ronde.

Photo by Mark Dobson.

AND THE GIRLS IN THEIR SUNDAY DRESSES was first performed at the Edinburgh Fringe in Scotland in 1988 and has performed all over the world. Exuent Magazine said, “Mda’s intelligent script extends the women’s plight across swathes of South Africa.” The Skinny (UK) wrote, “The show pulls off the incredibly difficult balance between humour and pathos, politics and frivolity, that many other politically charged plays miss.” 

AND THE GIRLS IN THEIR SUNDAY DRESSES, runs at the Baxter Studio from 13 February to 7 March 2026 at 8pm with Saturday matinees at 3pm. Booking is now open via Webtickets online or at Pick n Pay stores. For discounted block bookings, fundraisers and charities, contact Carmen Kearns via email carmen.kearns@uct.ac.za.