By: Lonwabo Mtyeku | Photo Credit: Supplied
Seen Here: A new generation takes centre stage as Sophiatown returns to Wits Theatre, reviving the spirit, music and resilience of Kofifi for modern audiences. Photo Credit: Supplied
Johannesburg, South Africa – April 2026 – One of South Africa’s most iconic theatrical works, Sophiatown, is set to return to the stage in a powerful revival that reimagines the legendary story of Kofifi for a new generation.
Running from 11 to 24 April and 5 to 8 May 2026 at Wits Theatre, the production forms part of a dedicated schools’ programme, offering special daytime performances aligned with the curriculum.
Breathing New Life into a South African Classic
Directed by acclaimed playwright and theatre-maker Aubrey Sekhabi, the revival introduces a fresh, youthful cast tasked with reinterpreting one of the country’s most celebrated works.
Sekhabi, Artistic Director of the South African State Theatre, emphasises that the production remains faithful to the original text while embracing new creative energy:
“Sophiatown is a drama with music rather than a traditional musical. The script is so rich that even without the songs it would remain a powerful play.”
Revisiting the Spirit of Kofifi
Set in the vibrant and rebellious suburb of Sophiatown—once dubbed the “Chicago of South Africa”—the play captures a time when artists, journalists, musicians, and activists coexisted in a rare space of cultural freedom.
During the 1940s and 1950s, Sophiatown became a melting pot of jazz, politics, and urban African identity, producing some of the country’s most influential cultural voices.
The story follows a group of journalists who share a house and take in a white Jewish woman, Ruth Golden, in defiance of apartheid laws—sparking a deeply human exploration of race, identity, and belonging.
A Story That Still Resonates
Playwright Malcolm Purkey, one of the creators of the original work, believes the story’s relevance has not diminished:
“Sophiatown is more than a place. It is a symbol of creativity, resilience, and complexity in South African society.”
The play unfolds through a’capella harmonies and era-inspired music, immersing audiences in the rhythms and atmosphere of a community that once defied segregation.
Remembering a Painful History
The destruction of Sophiatown by the apartheid government remains one of the most profound acts of forced removal in South Africa’s history.
Yet, its legacy endures—not only as a symbol of loss, but also as a testament to the power of culture, resistance, and imagination.
A Platform for Emerging Talent
For Sekhabi, working with young performers is central to the production’s vision:
“Giving emerging artists the opportunity to engage with a South African classic allows them to connect with our history while shaping its future.”
The revival offers a platform for a new generation to interpret, embody, and carry forward one of the country’s most important cultural narratives.
Event Details
- Venue: Wits Theatre
- Dates: 11–24 April & 5–8 May 2026
- Age Restriction: 16+
- Tickets: Available via Webtickets
- Schools Bookings: Available through the Wits Theatre schools network
Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly with ramps and elevators
Parking: Available via Station Street (evenings) and Anglo Dome (daytime)
A Timeless Story for a Modern Audience
Blending history, music, and storytelling, this revival of Sophiatown invites audiences to step into a world where jazz filled the night air and the dream of a different South Africa once felt within reach.
As the country continues to navigate complex questions of identity and unity, this production serves as both a reflection of the past and a mirror to the present—reminding audiences of the enduring power of culture to challenge, connect, and inspire.
