By Theatre-Space
Nothando Cebekhulu is an actor, singer, dancer, and writer. She is a kindhearted, down-to-earth young woman who gives her all to everything she works on in pursuit of success. She has appeared in King Cetshwayo The Musical directed by Jerry Pooe, and in Isililo Somntwana directed by Thamsanqa Simphiwe Khumalo. Nothando joined the Amaciko KwaZulu Art Project to further develop her skills and is now the Stage Manager for The Quiet, also directed by Thamsanqa Khumalo.
In the world of theatre, the stage manager is rarely seen but deeply felt. For this haunting one-woman psychological drama, that invisible yet essential presence belongs to Nothando Cebekhulu. As the production prepares to open at the National Arts Festival, she opens up about what it really takes to support a show this emotionally demanding.
What does it mean to stage manage a one-woman show like The Quiet?
“I’m basically Nolwazi’s lifeline backstage,” Cebekhulu says. “Since she’s on stage the entire time, I have to be her eyes, her ears, and her calm. I prepare every prop, watch every cue, and protect her mental space like it’s sacred. In a show this intimate, her emotional state is part of the set.”
How do you support Nolwazi during the heavy emotional scenes?
“Before she steps on, I keep the backstage completely calm no unnecessary talking. After the intense moments, I give her space first, then gently check in. Sometimes the best support is just being present without saying too much.”
How has working with director Thamsanqa Simphiwe Khumalo been?
“It’s been intense but beautiful. In a one-woman show, the director and I are basically co-parenting one performer, so trust is everything. Thamsanqa wanted the silence to feel alive like the audience is holding their breath waiting for someone to break. I’ve loved helping bring that vision to life.”
How do you handle the emotional weight of a show about trauma and depression?
“We stay very intentional. We keep backstage calm before the show and do gentle check-ins afterwards. We make sure no one carries the character home. If the heaviness lingers, we talk about it openly. Nobody goes through it alone.”
What has been the most rewarding part of this journey so far?
“Watching Nolwazi grow into the role has been incredible,” Cebekhulu says, her face lighting up. “Seeing her go from feeling scared to fully owning this character in rehearsals has been powerful. Also, those moments in run-throughs when the silence actually works when the whole team feels the atmosphere come alive it gives me goosebumps. It’s rare.”
What advice would you give to aspiring stage managers who want to work on emotionally heavy shows?
“Learn early that your job is to hold the frame, not carry everything inside it. Be empathetic, but protect your own heart. Read the people, not just the script. And create strong rituals before and after every show so the atmosphere doesn’t follow you home.”
What do you hope audiences take away from The Quiet?
“Technically, I hope they don’t notice me at all. Emotionally, I hope they leave feeling two things: permission to sit with their own discomfort, and the comforting realisation that they are not alone in their heavy feelings.”
In a show built on silence, Nothando Cebekhulu’s quiet strength is what makes the silence speak.
Show Details
THE QUIET is presented by Amaciko KwaZulu Art Project at the 2026 National Arts Festival one of South Africa’s most prestigious platforms for new and daring theatrical work.
Venue: Dick’s, Makhanda
Performance Dates:
02 July 2026 at 10:00
03 July 2026 at 16:00
04 July 2026 at 12:00 & 18:30
Tickets: R80
Bookings: https://tickets.nationalartsfestival.co.za/en/events/1147/the-quiet
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