Date: 08 – 09 May 2026
Venue: Loft Theatre

Written by Paul Slabolepszy and directed by Lesedi Job, Bitter Winter follows revered classical actor Jean-Louis Lourens and rising television star Prosper Mangane as they find themselves unexpectedly thrown together at an audition for the blockbuster Six Guns at Sesriem. As they wait for the arrival of a formidable American director, initial rivalry gradually gives way to moments of revelation, as humour, vulnerability and unexpected connection begin to surface.

Intelligent, resonant and rich with heart, Bitter Winter offers a compelling exploration of ambition, identity and the shifting landscape of the performing arts. At the same time, it serves as a tribute to the enduring legacy of South Africa’s theatre and screen icons, creating a powerful theatrical experience that lingers long after the curtain falls.