Inspired to help others find their voice while keeping South Africa’s history topical, writer and producer, Nathan Waywell, wrote Mars Mission the Musical, which will be brought to life by Parktown Boys’ High School and Parktown High School for Girls learners.

Speaking at Parktown Boys’ High School on May 2, Waywell explained that theatre for young people is one of the most powerful environments he knows for building confidence.

“There is something that happens on a stage, particularly during the teenage years that can quietly reshape a person. If I could make a positive impact at that age, I believed the ripple effect on our society as a whole would be worth far more than anything I could achieve alone.”

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The musical blends science fiction and alternate history in a story about a young boy from 1970s Soweto who dreams of flying, as well as two teenagers from a pandemic-stricken future who are thrown back through time.

The story further involves the collision of South African historical icons and a misunderstood Martian civilisation when a stolen alien artefact threatens Earth. Across decades and planets, the characters learn that survival depends not on dominance but on communication, trust, science and shared humanity.

The story culminates in a symbolic act of unity that reframes conflict through sport, cooperation and imagination.

He added that in South Africa, with the weight of our history, he began looking for heroes from our past whose stories hadn’t fully been told. People who faced the most brutal conditions this country could produce and still reached for greatness.

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“To me, those are the most inspiring stories imaginable for young South Africans today. Not invented heroes but real ones. In the script, Nasa’s Dart mission serves as a reminder that even the smallest, most precise intervention, aimed at exactly the right moment, can change a trajectory entirely.”

Actor, writer and director Nate Ramabulana said that although it was his first time working on a school production, it was refreshing.

“Nathan dreamt up something unique and flavourful with so much cultural significance and identity. I think that’s what drew me to this production, because I feel like it’s exciting that as Africans we are writing new things that involve the youth.”

The production will be showing from August 19-22 at Parktown Boys’ High School. Locals are invited to get their tickets at www.mmtm.co.za

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