This Nelson Mandela Day, the stage belongs to the children of Nkosi’s Haven. artsINSIDEOUT is an inspiring collaboration of acclaimed American and African artists, educators, and Broadway professionals and Nkosi’s Haven who together have produced 222: The Show, a heartfelt original production created and performed by the young residents themselves.
Taking place on Thursday, 17 July at 15h00 at the Ramolao Makhene Theatre at Market Theatre Square, the performance is the result of an intensive creative residency led by Tony-nominated writer and director Dick Scanlan (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Everyday Rapture). Together with the children, artsINSIDEOUT has co-created a musical that brings to life the real stories, dreams, and voices of Nkosi’s Haven.
“There is no greater gift than helping someone find their voice—and then hearing them use it,” says Scanlan. “What these young people have created is honest, powerful and joyful. I dare anyone to leave the theatre unchanged.”
Founded in 2011 by award-winning Broadway writer/director Dick Scanlan, artsINSIDEOUT is a team of American and African artists that, for 15 years, has partnered with the moms and kids at Nkosi’s Haven to create live stage performances to empower them with creativity, knowledge and a strong sense of self-esteem. Through music, dance, storytelling, video, visual arts, stagecraft, and stage management, 150 Nkosi’s Haven residents will express their unique experiences to surprise, delight and move you.
Nkosi’s Haven, founded by Gail Johnson in memory of her son and young AIDS activist Nkosi Johnson, is a registered non-profit organisation providing holistic, long-term care to mothers living with HIV/AIDS, their children, and AIDS orphans. In recent years, its work has expanded to support women and children escaping gender-based violence. The Haven offers housing, education, healthcare, therapy, and skills training—all rooted in Nkosi’s dream that no child should grow up without their mother because of HIV/AIDS.
Today, Nkosi’s Haven is home to over 130 residents. The village-style facility in the south of Johannesburg includes 22 cottages, an Early Childhood Development centre, a sickbay, a therapy wing, a library, an IT lab, and spaces for music, art, and play. Children are placed in educational institutions suited to their needs—many go on to graduate with degrees—while mothers are empowered through vocational training and supported to build new futures for themselves and their families.
The impact of Nkosi’s Haven reaches far beyond its walls. Through advocacy, public education, and partnerships with organisations like artsINSIDEOUT, the Haven continues to challenge the stigma around HIV/AIDS and gender-based violence. It remains a vital sanctuary of dignity, healing, and opportunity in a country where too many women and children are still denied safety and support.
Nelson Mandela Day, held annually on 18 July, urges people around the world to dedicate 67 minutes to uplifting others in honour of Madiba’s 67 years of service. 222: The Show is a living embodiment of that call to action—a celebration of transformation through love, healing, and the arts.
Since 2011, artsINSIDEOUT has worked with Nkosi’s Haven to mentor and empower its residents through creativity. The 2025 programme marks a triumphant return, reminding us that from hardship can emerge beauty, resilience, and astonishing talent.
