Fugard’s ‘My Children! My Africa’ ignites full houses at State Theatre

WHAT A send-off! Fugard’s My Children! My Africa! Ignites Daytime Full Houses at State Theatre

- BONGANI NICHOLAS NGOMANE

Its a bright afternoon in Pretoria, but inside the Opera Theatre at the South African State Theatre, it feels like the sun itself has taken a seat among us—burning, watchful, unblinking. Not a single chair is vacant. The echoes of eager voices fill the air. The matinee performance of My Children! My Africa! has drawn yet another full house, and the excitement is palpable.

Theatre, it appears, is very much alive.

There's something extra poignant about the atmosphere. Just recently, South Africa bid farewell to its greatest playwright, Athol Fugard, who passed away at the age of 92. And what a way to send him off. Here, in the largest theatre complex in Africa, his words reverberate as strongly as ever, etched into the maroon classroom set, echoed in the actors’ voices, alive in every clap and cheer.

Fugard—wherever he may be—must surely be smiling. His words, written decades ago against the backdrop of apartheid’s cruelty, reverberate today with arp relevance. And what a production it is! The maroon classroom set — a simple chalkboard, rows of desks and tall windows—becomes the fertile ground where stories of resistance, education, and fractured friendships bloom.

On stage, three powerhouse performers weave magic: Penny Wolhuter as Isabel, the spirited white student from across town; Olly Zondi as Thami Mbikwana, the bright yet restless black student; and Madla Gadika as Mr. M, the impassioned, hopeful teacher. Their diction? Impeccable. Their energy? Electric. Their chemistry? Undeniable.