VIDEOS: Soweto Theatre and Sibikwa partnership brings Zandile to Ekurhuleni
The closing performance of Have You Seen Zandile? at Sibikwa Arts Centre highlighted the power of collaboration, community theatre and accessible storytelling in Benoni.
The curtains closed on Have You Seen Zandile? at Sibikwa Arts Centre on April 26, marking the end of a collaborative run between Soweto Theatre and the Benoni-based arts centre.
The production ran from April 14 to 26, allowing local audiences to experience theatre closer to home.
The partnership formed part of efforts to take South African theatre beyond traditional stages and into community spaces where learners, families and theatre lovers can access it more easily.
Written by celebrated storyteller Gcina Mhlophe and directed by MoMo Matsunyane, the production was presented by Soweto Theatre in partnership with Sibikwa Arts Centre.
The cast brought the story to life on stage, carrying the emotional weight of the production through performance, movement and dialogue.
The production featured Zevie Mampofu and Sisekho Velelo, whose performances helped draw the audience into Zandile’s journey of love, loss and identity.
Mhlophe said the story continues to resonate because it speaks to memory, belonging and the experiences that shape young people.
“My heart is full from the work that I just witnessed here. I can’t believe that Have you seen Zandile? is turning 40 this year. I am happy that the cast was able to capture all the emotions and make it relevant.” Mhlophe expressed.
Sibikwa Arts Centre, situated in Benoni, has long been known as a community-based arts institution that supports performance, training and cultural development. Its role as host allowed the production to connect with East Rand audiences while also reinforcing the value of local arts centres in keeping theatre accessible.
Sibikwa founder Phyllis Klotz said the partnership was meaningful because it brought together institutions with a shared commitment to storytelling and community development.
“This collaboration shows what is possible when arts organisations work together to bring meaningful stories to communities. Sibikwa has always believed in theatre as a space for learning, reflection and connection. Nothing happens in isolation in our economic atmosphere, hence partnerships are the lifeblood of keeping spaces like Sibikwa alive,” Klotz said.
For audience members who attended the closing performance, the experience was not only about watching a stage production but also about seeing a local venue become part of a wider cultural conversation.
Audience member Thandeka Xaba said the performance was moving, and the venue made the experience feel intimate.
“It felt special to watch this production here in Benoni. The story was powerful, but what stood out for me was the experience of theatre in a community space like Sibikwa. It made the performance feel closer to us,” said Xaba.
The event also highlighted the importance of partnerships in the arts sector, especially at a time when community theatres continue to play a role in arts education, audience development and cultural preservation.
With tickets priced at R80, the production was positioned as an accessible theatre experience for local audiences. The closing performance brought together the work of writers, directors, performers, arts administrators and community-based institutions that helped make the run possible.
As the final performance ended, the collaboration between Soweto Theatre and Sibikwa Arts Centre stood as a reminder that theatre is not only sustained by the stage, but also by the partnerships, spaces and audiences that keep stories alive.
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