The Wits Theatre is set to ignite Johannesburg’s cultural calendar in upcoming weeks with a powerful line-up of productions that celebrate history, community, and the future of performance. From the return of the award-winning musical Godspell, to the boundary-pushing dance-theatre work Seven Colours – Mokete, the launch of The Lab of Learning Jam Sessions, and the world-class premiere of Viwe Mkizwana’s Black Child album, audiences can look forward to a season brimming with artistry and imagination.
Malcolm Purkey, Consulting Director at Wits Theatre says: “The upcoming season at Wits Theatre is nothing short of extraordinary. These productions showcase the incredible talent and imagination that South African theatre has to offer. Audiences can expect entertainment that is powerful, moving, and truly unforgettable – the kind of theatre and music that excites the senses and reminds us why live performance matters.”
GODSPELL – A SOUTH AFRICAN LEGACY RETURNS
Fresh from winning Best Student Production at the Naledi Theatre Awards, Oakfields College’s Godspell returns for 12 shows only, from 27 August – 7 September 2025 at Wits Theatre.
Directed by Tracey Human, this production reimagines John Michael Tebelak and Stephen Schwartz’s musical parable with a vibrant South African lens. The run stars Yahto Kraft as Jesus and Grant Towers as Judas, alongside a dynamic ensemble of Oakfields College performers.
Purkey says: “In 1973, Godspell went beyond entertainment to shake the foundations of South African theatre. It stood for unity, courage, and for breaking down barriers that should never have existed. Today, it still carries that fire. Experiencing Godspell at Wits Theatre is not just theatre – it’s being part of history, of legacy, and of a future of possibility.”
Dates: 27 August – 7 September 2025 | Venue: Wits Theatre | Tickets from R80 at Webtickets
SEVEN COLOURS – MOKETE
From 11 – 13 September 2025, choreographer Kamogelo Molobye, together with the cast, presents Seven Colours – Mokete at the Wits Main Theatre.
This dance-theatre experience invites audiences into a gathering where rhythm becomes language, and bodies archive stories of nostalgia, joy, and community. The work explores how memory, imagination, and the act of remembering create living mosaics of knowledge and experience.
Through its striking choreography and immersive soundscape, Seven Colours – Mokete embodies the spirit of a communal feast – layered, vibrant, and deeply rooted in shared memory. Each movement and rhythm become a thread that ties past and present, weaving a living tapestry of South African stories. The production invites audiences not only to witness, but to participate in a celebration of identity, joy, and resilience – a reminder that our bodies and histories hold endless possibilities for renewal.
The show runs on 11 & 12 September at 19h00; 13 September at 15h00 & 19h00 at the Wits Main Theatre.
THE LAB OF LEARNING JAM SESSIONS
Taking place every Tuesday from 6–8pm at the Wits Theatre Foyer, The Lab of Learning Jam Sessions offers free-entry evenings of live improvisation, collaboration, and creative experimentation. The sessions are curated by celebrated bassist, composer, and educator Carlo Mombeli whose boundary-pushing work bridges jazz, improvisation, and cross-cultural collaboration.
This initiative creates a space for Wits Music students, alumni, and visiting artists to learn and experiment together – an ever-evolving creative laboratory. It is a chance for students and music lovers to come together and experience something unique and special, placing themselves at the heart of musical creation.
The opening Session takes place on 19 August from 6–8pm at the Wits Theatre Foyer. Entrance is free!
VIWE MKIZWANA – BLACK CHILD ALBUM LAUNCH
South African Double Bassist, Arranger, Composer, Musical Director, Orchestrator and Educator Viwe Mkizwana launches his third studio album, Black Child, at Wits University’s Chris Seabrook Hall on 30 August at 18:00, with doors opening at 19:00.
Rooted in the soul of South African jazz and imbued with urgent calls for reflection and healing, Black Child is a powerful musical statement that pays tribute to resilience, identity and the spirit of the South. The album features the Viwe Mkizwana Ensemble, Nhlanhla Mahlangu, and Spha Mdlalose, and includes the moving single People of the South – an anthem of unity, hope and perseverance.
Currently performing internationally with Simphiwe Dana’s acclaimed production Moya at the Chekhov International Theatre Festival in Moscow, Mkizwana brings a global depth to this new work. The launch event includes a special Question-and-Answer session, offering audiences insight into the themes and creative process behind Black Child.
SAFE PARKING AVAILABLE
Safe parking is available at Wits for all theatre productions.
· Evening access: via the Station Street Entrance off Jorissen Street.
· School buses: via Yale Road.
· Please bring your ID or driver’s licence for campus entry.
BOOKING & CONTACT
· Godspell Tickets: From R80 at Webtickets and Pick n Pay outlets
· Seven Colours – Mokete: Booking details to follow via Wits Theatre
· The Lab of Learning Jam Sessions: Free entrance
· Black Child: Tickets R350 at Webtickets
