The audience atthe National Arts Festival in Makhanda were moved by the revival of Sizwe Banzi is Dead, a powerful play by Athol Fugard, John Kani and Winston Ntshona.

First staged in 1972, the production continues to speak to issues of identity and dignity.

This year’s performance marked 50 years since the play’s international acclaim, honouring its legacy and ongoing relevance. Set against the backdrop of Gqeberha in the 1970s, the story follows Sizwe Banzi, a man grappling with the oppressive pass laws that dictate his existence.

Director of the play, Xabiso Zweni, says he used a blend of humour and heartache, to capture the resilience of the human spirit in the face of systemic injustice.

“Feeling very honoured to direct such a powerful production, marked the landscape of theatre in South Africa, and the world. They shook the world during the apartheid era and opened the eyes of the Eastern and Western to see what was happening in South Africa.”

Stepping into roles once played by theatre legends like John Kani and Winston Ntshona, these characters navigate their lives under the weight of societal constraints.

Actors Fix Mahola and Anele Peni say the production highlights the importance of storytelling as a means of resistance and empowerment.

“It’s both an honour and yet a slight burded in one’s shoulder as a young actor to bring these productions back to life after so many years. But its absolutely honour because we are from the same place where the original players are from, literally same township, I’m from New Brighton.”

“It means a whole a lot. I’m sure each every actor in South Africa or even intentionally really wants to be part of this iconic production, Sizwe Bandzi is Dead and Island. So it means a whole lot, especially now after we lost tat’ Athol Fugard this year.”

In honour of the 50th anniversary since this production won a Tony Award for their performances in the original production, the artistic programmes manager at the Mandela Bay Theatre Complex, Sibabalwe Makeleni, saw the importance of bringing Sizwe Banzi is Dead, back to life.

“This year we are celebrating 50 years since these productions have received Tony Awards, so what better way to commemorate and celebrate these two historic productions than bringing them on this national platform , International platform that is the National Arts Festival. We understand the historic value of these productions and we wanted to bring that. We wanted to bring that value back so that those that are young and even given the opportunity for those who are old to get a chance to reminisce again about these wonderful productions.”

The 51st National Arts Festival comes to end on Sunday.