Johannesburg – September 16, 2026: The first school performances of IMAGINE AFRICA: Our Stories Brought to Life took to the stage at Peoples Theatre on Tuesday and, by all accounts, the audiences were absolutely delighted! Pure magic was created in front of their young eyes.
This brand new production featuring the stories of acclaimed author and storyteller Dr Gcina Mhlophe runs at Peoples Theatre for a limited season until 4 October 2026. The official opening will be taking place on Saturday, 19 September.
Director Jill Girard captures the experiences of the first audiences yesterday:
“The children absolutely loved getting involved! They were quick to play multiple parts – from warriors to crocodiles to bees and more. Seeing how totally engaged they were in the telling of these wonderful African stories was so heartwarming to see, and we look forward to a wonderful season of this brand new show this Heritage Month!”
There is a special significance to bringing these vibrant narratives to life. Audiences will be treated to Dr Gcina Mhlophe’s captivating tales, including beloved classics like Golden Windows, How the Lion Got His Roar and Horns Only, alongside a dynamic selection of popular music.
These literary treasures in Imagine Africa: Our Stories Brought to Life celebrate our rich heritage and the timeless oral tradition of Africa. There is no better time than Heritage Month in September to give these literary gems the spotlight.
Brought to life through pure imagination, clever props, vibrant costumes and expertly chosen music, the production will have audiences singing along throughout the show.
An exceptional cast guides audiences into a world filled with magical wonder, rhythm, African wildlife and a delightful array of characters.
Through a signature style of theatre-in-education and active audience participation, theatre-goers do not just watch the performance; they step directly into the stories as the characters themselves.
By helping characters navigate challenges and solve problems in real time, children will learn firsthand that even the smallest heroes can make a massive impact.
This interactive experience offers profound educational benefits that champion community, language development, and teamwork, making it an unforgettable journey across the continent that will inspire the next generation of African storytellers.
Get ready to step into a world where imagination takes centre stage!
Meet the Cast
- Bethany-Joy Jiyane
- Boikie Mogorosi
- Khosi Mkhonza
- Luciano Zuppa
IMAGINE AFRICA: Our Stories Brought to Life – Creative Team
- Produced by Peoples Pre Productions
- Directed by Jill Girard
- Set Design by Grant Knottenbelt
- Costumes by Luciano Zuppa
- Choreography by Sandy Dyer Richardson
- Musical Direction by Coenraad Rall
- Publicity by Collett Dawson of The CoLab Network
Performance Information
Performances: Tuesday, 15 September – Sunday, 4 October 2026
Show times for schools are Tuesday to Friday at 09:00 and 11:00.
Show times for the public are 10:30 and 14:30 on Saturdays and Sundays and during school holidays.
Ticket Prices
R180 per person for members of the public
R145 if you are a member of the Peoples Theatre Kids Club
R155 for public accompanying members
For school group rates, please contact the theatre directly.
The Kids’ Club
Children who join the Kids’ Club for just R155.00 a year receive discounted rates on tickets and also get to enjoy free entrance to the show that is allocated to their birthday month and falls closest to their birthday.
Kids’ Club members receive fun newsletters and stand to win fabulous prizes in exciting competitions. So why not come and spend some quality time at the Peoples Theatre? Come as you are, come dressed up, but whatever you do, don’t miss Imagine Africa – Our Stories Brought to Life!
PLEASE BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT
Call 011 877 6841 or email info@peoplestheatre.co.za for bookings or enquiries.
You can also book online at joburgtheatre.com or via Webtickets.
Follow Peoples Theatre
Follow Peoples Theatre on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
For interview requests, contact Collett Dawson of The CoLab Network via email.
With grateful thanks to Joburg Theatre for its continued support.
Upcoming Award for Dr Gcina Mhlophe
In October 2026, Dr Gcina Mhlophe will receive the Poetry Africa Lifetime Achievement Award at the 30th edition of their Festival.
This is to honour her for over four decades of work in South African oral tradition, literature and theatre, to be presented at the Durban Playhouse Theatre.
About Dr Gcina Mhlophe
Dr Gcina Mhlophe is a celebrated author, storyteller and the founding director of the Gcinamasiko Arts & Heritage Trust. Her works have been translated into numerous languages, including all official South African languages as well as isiSwahili, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese and even Braille.
Dr Mhlophe’s accolades include a SAMA for her CD Stories of Africa, the OBBIE and Joseph Jefferson Awards in the USA, the Fringe First at the Edinburgh Festival, the MultiChoice AFRICA Legend Storyteller Award, the USIBA Cultural Legend Award, the SA Children’s Laureate Award and, most recently, the SAFTA Lifetime Achievement Award for her acting and contributions to film in South Africa.
As a leading figure in South African storytelling, her birthday, October 24, has been designated National Storytelling Day since 2019, celebrated at her own venue, The Storytelling Tree, in Durban.