| What: Petticoat Princess Concept, choreography and performance: Thami Tshabalala Directed by: Khutjo Green Music composition: Nik Sakellarides and Thami Tshabalala Technical director: Mandla Mtshali Costume: Thamsanqa Tshabalala and Khutjo Green Audio Visual Design: Sizwe Ndabana Production duration: 55 mins, no intermission When: July 18, 19, 20, 2025 Where: Theatre Arts, Cape Town |
I was enthralled by Petticoat Princess, performed by Thami Tshabalala at Theatre Arts in Cape Town. Direction is by Khutjo Green. This dance-drama piece was on for three nights only at Theatre Arts and I saw it last night, June 20, at the last performance. Dance enthusiasts and teachers were in attendance and gave a rapturous and appreciative ovation.
Tshabalala not only dances but also conceptualised and choreographed the emotionally charged and beautiful piece, inspired by the true story of Sabina Chebichi. The Kenyan middle-distance runner won a bronze medal in 1973 at the Commonwealth Games in the 800m Women’s race. She was 14 at the time. The star athlete was tagged as the “petticoat princess” as she ran barefoot, in a petticoat. There was no money for a kit. She was the first Kenyan female athlete to win a medal at the Commonwealth Games and raked up many firsts as a Black athlete.
Looking at reports on the internet, it appears that she did have running shoes and kit, by the time she competed at the Commonwealth Games. No matter the specifics, in Petticoat Princess, Thami Tshabalala re-imagines her trajectory from star to being objectified by society and the men in her life. Battling to stay on track, in the physical and metaphorical lines of the field, her life derailed. Pregnancy and lack of financial support halted and shuttered her career. It made me ill, reading accounts of her running, with people leering at her beauty and legs – never mind the talent.
Tshabalala’s incarnation of Sabina is intense and shattering. It is dance charged with a brutal lyricism. I had no idea about her life and legacy as a trailblazing athlete – for women – for Black women – for Africa. I became mesmerised by the urgency and energy of the dance, movement, music and narration. There is so much to process: Women in athletics, gender, power, the politics of image and beauty, women in Africa: I need to see it again. Hope it will be on again.
✳ Petticoat Princess – with concept, choreography and performance by Thami Tshabalala and direction by Khutjo Green.
