Exploring identity and belonging in Cape Town theatre

Ann Masina who playes the role of the queen in ‘The Kingdom of Ubuntu’ In a world fractured byfear, ambition and division, this play asks aquestion: what truly holds us together? This Afro-epic is a musical allegory of unity, responsibility and shared humanity, set in a mythical African kingdom where diverse clans must confront ambition,betrayaland the return of an exiled heir. It’s a story not of power alone, but of choice: domination or Ubuntu.

Created by Elvis Sibeko, the production fuses cinematic orchestral music with indigenous instruments, ritual sounds and embodied rhythm, dissolving the borders between cultures, languages and eras. The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, an indigenous ensemble led by Emeritus Professor Dizu Plaatjies, the AfriArts Choir, and the Sibonelo Dance Project come together in a grand collaboration that celebrates both heritage and innovation. Every voice is honoured: South Africa’s 11 official languages, San languages, and sign language converge in a tapestry of sound, movement and visual splendour, making the story inclusive, vibrant and profoundly human.

At its core, “The Kingdom of Ubuntu” is a reflection on what it means to live with compassion, memory and care for one another. It explores connection, the responsibilities of leadership, and how humanity’s harmony with itself and the earth can be reclaimed. Audiences are invited into a shared space where music, ritual and storytelling merge, reminding us that the arts can both heal and unite, offering a vision of a world rebuilt on empathy, belonging and collective spirit.

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When: Friday, March 6, and Saturday, March 7, at 7.30pm. This show dives into the chaos of growing up, where rules make no sense, and nothing is as it seems. Through strange encounters and odd characters, Alice learns to question authority, trust her instincts, and find her own voice.

The story explores identity, imagination, and the courage it takes to stand out in a confusing world, showing that self-discovery often comes through embracing the unexpected. When: From Thursday, March 4, to Saturday, March 14, at 7pm.

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