Fragmented by Jane Mpholo-Mehlape at Pacofs in Bloemfontein (photo: provided)
Jane Mpholo-Mehlape’s solo performance Fragmented left a deep imprint on audiences at Pacofs on 23 February 2025. Under the expert direction of Peter Taljaard, with technical mastery from Khauhelo Maikhi and stage management by Pulane Moleko, this production was a striking exploration of identity, pain and resilience.
A bold fusion of storytelling, poetry and immersive audiovisual projections, Fragmented blurred the lines between theatre and film, creating an emotionally charged atmosphere. From the moment Jane stepped onto the stage, she commanded the space with an intensity that held the audience captive. Her performance was layered with humour and heartbreak, effortlessly shifting between moments of levity and deep reflection.
Fragmented by Jane Mpholo-Mehlape at Pacofs in Bloemfontein (photo: provided)
Audience reactions spoke volumes. Basetsana Sheane shared how the show took her on an unexpected emotional journey, leaving her in tears one moment and laughing the next. The raw honesty of Jane’s storytelling struck a nerve, with many attendees remarking that it made perfect sense why she had been awarded the Outstanding Actor in Theatre title.
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Jane Mpholo-Mehlape: “I want theatre to be accessible to people from marginalised communities, not just as a one-time experience but as part of their lives.”
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Dion van Niekerk, a film lecturer at the University of the Free State, praised the seamless integration of visual elements with performance, noting, “The balance between chaos and control was impeccable, drawing us deeper into the narrative.” Oliver Bonga from the Durban University of Technology echoed this sentiment, calling Jane a masterful storyteller. “She takes us back to the essence of storytelling – stripped down, vulnerable and deeply human,” he reflected. Amira-Xandria van Biljon highlighted Jane’s role as a voice for the marginalised, stating, “She must continue amplifying the voices of those who often go unheard.”
Fragmented by Jane Mpholo-Mehlape at Pacofs in Bloemfontein (photo: provided)
Perhaps the most telling response came from first-time theatregoers who left the show eagerly asking, “When is the next performance?” Jane, a strong advocate for audience development, described this as her greatest reward. “I want theatre to be accessible to people from marginalised communities, not just as a one-time experience but as part of their lives,” she said.
With Fragmented, Jane Mpholo-Mehlape has once again proven her ability to create theatre that challenges, heals and transforms. This production is not just a performance – it is an experience that lingers long after the curtain falls.
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