Peoples Theatre is thrilled to announce an extraordinary brand new production, IMAGINE AFRICA: Our Stories Brought to Life, taking the stage for a limited season from 15 September to 4 October 2026.
There is a special significance to bringing these vibrant narratives to life, featuring stories created by the world-renowned author and legendary storyteller, Dr. Gcina Mhlophe. Audiences will be treated to her captivating tales, including beloved classics like Golden Windows, How the Lion Got His Roar and Horns Only, alongside a dynamic selection of popular music.
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 iswahili, 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 Jeerson 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 24th, has been designated National Storytelling Day since 2019, celebrated at her own venue, The Storytelling Tree, in Durban.
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 being in September to give these literary gems the spotlight.
Brought to life through pure imagination, clever props, vibrant costumes, and expertly chosen music 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 first-hand 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.
Producer/Director Jill Girard concludes; “Imagine Africa is such an exciting project, not only do we have Gcina’s exciting stories come to life on stage, but the children in the audience will take part. This is interactive theatre at its best, guided by a superb professional cast.”
Get ready to step into a world where imagination takes centre stage!
Performances are from Tuesday, 15 September – Sunday 4 October 2026
Show times for schools are Tuesday to Friday at 09:00 am and 11:00 am.
Show times for Public are 10h30 and 14h30 – Saturdays & 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 www.joburgtheatre.com or via webtickets.co.za
