The beloved musical,Annie,is on at the Guild Theatre on Thursday and will be there until December 21, delivering a message of hope, resilience and optimism at a moment when its themes feel urgently relevant. Backed by the award-winning Wela Kapela Productions and directed by rising talent Daniel Anderson, the production places Eastern Cape artistry firmly at centre stage. For Wela Kapela founder Amanda Bothma, 66, the musical represents both a celebration of local creativity and the culmination of years of building a platform capable of competing on national and international stages.
“I started this company specifically to grow Eastern Cape talent, and we’re very proud of what we’ve achieved,” Bothma said. Since its establishment in 2019, Wela Kapela has amassed more than 10 Standard Bank Ovation Awards at the National Arts Festival, along with three Naledi Awards, two Fleur du Cap nominations and a Canna Award at the Woordfees. Its reach now stretches beyond the province, with productions staged in Edinburgh, London and New York.
Its showNextsecured Best Debut Production at the United Solo Festival, affirming its global credentials. Bothma said the company would return to the National Arts Festival in 2026 with three new productions, while continuing to stage work across multiple provinces. “We’re spreading Eastern Cape talent, not only across the country but worldwide.” She said she believed the choice ofAnniewas especially meaningful as the province and the world reflected on a challenging few years.
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“Annieis a story of hope in difficult times. If you have a positive mindset, anything is possible.” Bothma said the musical’s uplifting message was exactly what the community needed as 2025 drew to a close.
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