Sophiatown returns to the stage with a fresh new cast

The timeless musical Sophiatown returns to the stage from 10 to 22 March at the Gibson Kente Theatre, located within the Soweto Theatre in Johannesburg. 

Revived with a dynamic young cast under the experienced direction of Aubrey Sekhabi, the production is set to captivate a new generation of theatre lovers.

Sophiatown, once famously known as the “Chicago of South Africa”, was a vibrant melting pot where shebeen queens, gangsters, politicians and black and white bohemians rubbed shoulders. It was a place alive with music, style and rebellion — a community that helped shape urban African culture during the repressive 1940s and 1950s.

This historic suburb produced some of South Africa’s most celebrated musicians, artists, writers, journalists and political leaders. Despite the harsh realities of apartheid, creativity flourished and a powerful cultural movement was born.

The play tells the imaginative and deeply moving story of a group of journalists who share a house in Sophiatown and advertise for another housemate. In defiance of apartheid laws, they secure permission for a white Jewish woman, Ruth Golden from Yeoville, to move in. 

Arriving at the doorstep of the outspoken journalist Jakes with her suitcase in hand, Ruth’s presence challenges the status quo. At the heart of the story lies one powerful question: can true integration exist in a divided society?

Throughout the production, audiences are treated to rich a cappella harmonies and original songs from the era that celebrate Sophiatown — affectionately known as Kofifi. The music brings to life the spirit of a community that was the epicentre of politics, jazz and blues.

Although marked by poverty and violence, Sophiatown stood as a legendary black cultural hub and a symbol of freedom — a place where people lived together, undivided by race or colour. Its existence as a mixed suburb directly challenged apartheid’s policy of racial separation.

That vibrant chapter in South Africa’s history came to a painful end when authorities forcibly removed residents and destroyed the area. Yet the spirit of Sophiatown lives on — through its music, its stories and now, once again, on stage.

The show will be performed at the Gibson Kente Theatre, located within the Soweto Theatre complex on Bolani Road in Jabulani, Soweto.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.sowetotheatre.com