The Playhouse Company presents Duma Ndlovu's acclaimed stage drama, The Game, as a centrepiece of the 12th annual South African Women's Arts Festival.

Directed by the playwright himself, the production's all-female cast features a splendid line-up of top South African stage, movie and television stars. These include Leleti Khumalo, Cindi Dlathu, Mary Twala, Londiwe Mthembu, Lucia Mthiyane, Phumelephi Mthombeni, Simpiwe Ngema, Jo-Anne Reyneke and Thandazile Soni.

The Game is set in a fictitious Middleburg goal in 1993. Nelson Mandela and many political prisoners have been released as the country prepares for it first democratic election. In celebration of this milestone, the prison officials decide to release one of the female prisoners but the women must determine among themselves who is to be released. This sparks off a major argument, and they decide to play a game to determine who is to go home. The women play the game of musical chairs, a process which leads them to discover their need to unite with each other as Black women facing the future.

"This play educates people about unity and love for one another, and has a powerful message that it passes onto people out there," wrote the Tshwane Sun critic reviewing the production at the State Theatre.

The Game can be seen in the Playhouse Drama theatre from July 29 to August 10. The duration of the show is one hour (no interval). Performances are from Tuesdays to Fridays at 19h30, Saturdays at 15h00 and 19h30 and Sundays at 15h00. Tickets R80 (R40 for preview performances on July 29 and 30).

Book at Computicket nationwide (083 915 8000) or on 031-369 9540 /369 9596. For discounted block bookings, call 031 369 9456/7.