Bongani Nicholas Ngomane
The South African State Theatre in Pretoria has officially announced that Athol Fugard’s iconic play, My Children! My Africa! will return for a final season this August due to “overwhelming” public demand.
The production will run for almost the entire month, from August 3-31, including three special public performances to close off what has become one of the theatre's most successful seasons in recent years. The decision to bring the production back follows overwhelming public support manifested in a series of consecutive full houses during its run from March 10-20.
The play drew more than 12,077 audience members, filling the 1,327-seat Opera Theatre to capacity during each matinee performance. Learners, educators, and the public have flocked to experience Fugard’s timeless narrative, which explores themes of resistance, education, fractured friendships, and the complexities of apartheid-era South Africa.
The State Theatre’s Artistic Director, Aubrey Sekhabi, confirmed that public demand was the driving force behind the show's August return.
“What we have witnessed is truly remarkable," Sekhabi stated. "The screams, cheers, and standing ovation by 1,377 learners are unforgettable. We performed this as a three-hander in the Opera Theatre, and to see such audience commitment and engagement has been humbling. People are still asking for more; so we will conclude with a final season in August.”
Directed by Sekhabi, assisted by Bongani Bennedict Masango, the production features stellar performances by Penny Wolhuter as Isabel, Olly Zondi as Thami Mbikwana, and Madla Gadika as Mr. M, with Soiso Ndaba seamlessly covering both Mr. M and Thami when required.
A standout highlight is Zondi’s powerful Act One monologue, which Sekhabi describes as “etched in my mind” and a testament to Fugard’s brilliance as a wordsmith. Remarkably, Zondi delivers this emotionally-charged performance in his debut role, further emphasizing the wealth of emerging talent in South Africa.
The production arrives at a poignant moment following the recent passing of Athol Fugard at the age of 92.
Reflecting on Fugard’s enduring legacy, Sekhabi said: “The passing of Athol Fugard is a sad loss for the theatre industry, but his work will always keep him alive. I will be forever grateful for his contribution.”
Technically, the show is a feast for the senses. Audiences are transported by a maroon classroom set, historical black-and-white projections of train stations and township life, and evocative lighting design. Despite having no external sponsorship, the production achieved considerable box office success, proving that compelling storytelling and powerful performances remain the core drivers of theatre’s vitality.
Sekhabi shared personal insights into his directorial approach, recounting how his first encounters with Fugard’s work in the 1980s left him yearning for the familiar music, dance, and protest of township life. “When engaging My Children! My Africa! as a director, I found all of that — music, dance, protest — in the words. We brought it to life without adding song or dance, because it’s already embedded in Fugard’s text.”
Each performance concludes with roaring applause, standing ovations, and even learners singing and dancing to Thina Lomhlaba Siwugezile as they exit, underlining the production's communal and transformative power. As Sekhabi emphasized, "Theatre is alive, urgent, and necessary. Fugard dared us to reflect, and judging by the audience response, people are eager to continue the conversation."
My Children! My Africa! will be back by popular demand in about four months for those who missed the initial season — and those wishing to relive the brilliance of and engage with the message in one of Fugard’s greatest masterpieces.
