Betrayal, Desire and Survival Collide in Black Moon at the 2026 National Arts Festival.
The stage is set for an emotionally charged theatrical experience as Black Moon, a gripping new play written and produced by acclaimed South African thespian Seputla Sebogodi, makes its highly anticipated appearance at the 52nd National Arts Festival.
The production promises audiences a searing exploration of pain and pride, of evil and good - a haunting dramatic journey that lays bare the fragile complexities of human relationships. Set during the apartheid era, the production is not a nostalgic walk down memory lane, but rather, in the words of writer and producer Sebogodi, “a critique of the past in aid of the future.”
Presented by Tholo Productions, the production assembles a formidable creative collective of seasoned and eclectic theatre practitioners, bringing together raw storytelling, powerful performances, and emotionally resonant stagecraft.
The cast features celebrated performers Jerry Phele and Patrick Sanku, alongside creative collaborators Bokaba and Sebogodi himself, whose enduring contribution to South African theatre continues to inspire generations of performers and audiences alike. Don Masenya is the stage manager.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Africa’s premier arts gathering, Black Moon arrives at a moment when theatre is once again reclaiming its place as a mirror to society’s deepest wounds and hidden desires. With its potent themes and commanding performances, the production is poised to become one of the standout dramatic offerings of this year’s festival programme.
Production Credits
Seputla Sebogodi
Jerry Phele
Sanku Bokaba
Produced by Tholo Productions
About the Artists
Seputla Sebogodi was born in Ladyselbourne in 1962 , and has been in the acting industry for over four decades. He has won two Safta awards, four Loerie awards, and was Best director for the play Tastes like Strawberry. Has done 87 professional shows and Black Moon is his 88th play. He has travelled to America and Europe. Movies he has been part of include Woman King, and Place of Lions, and he has had roles in several TV shows including Generations, Isidingo, The River, and The Republic.
Patrick Sanku Shoepane Bokaba is a versatile stage, television, and film actor, writer, and director, and a protégé of the legendary Gibson Kente. His television career spans over two decades with standout roles including 15 years as Advocate Bopape on SABC1’s SkeemSaam, Andries Maseko on eTV’s Scandal, Tumelo Khuse on Rhythm City, and Nduna Boke in Queen Modjadji on DStv. On film, he has appeared in major local and international productions such as Jerusalema, Hugh Hudson’s, I Dreamed of Africa, the US Christian feature, Beautifully Broken, and the sci-fi film, Revolt.
In theatre, Patrick has performed in acclaimed productions including Biko: Where The Soul Resides, Julius Caesar, The Black Hermit, Kalushi: The Story of Solomon Mahlangu, and Hungry at the SA State Theatre. He is also a prolific playwright and director, with works such as King Inna De Jungle for TUT’s Musical Theatre Department, Isambulo, Township Funeral, The Truth in Flames, and Down The Graveside. His contributions to the arts have earned him the Best Actor award at the Ninth Edition of the Festival Slavianska Skazka in Sofia, Bulgaria for Madhouse, a Best Supporting Actor nomination at the National Film & TV Awards, and multiple accolades for directing. Patrick also served as External Exsminer for TUT’s Musical Theatre Department from 2015 to 2020 and remains an active voice in developing new talent in South African theatre."
Jerry Phele
Veteran actor Jerry Phele remains one of South Africa’s most recognisable screen and stage personalities, celebrated for his unforgettable portrayal of Mofokeng in the iconic sitcom Emzini Wezinsizwa. With a career spanning more than four decades, Phele has built a formidable reputation through performances in productions such as Skwizas, The Throne, Smoke & Mirrors, Samsokolo and Abomama, earning admiration for his comic timing, emotional depth and enduring commitment to South African storytelling.
Patrick Sanku
Patrick Sanku is a dynamic theatre practitioner, playwright and performer whose work is rooted in township storytelling, social commentary and contemporary South African realities. Known for productions such as Township Funeral, Sanku has developed a reputation for crafting hard-hitting narratives that blend humour, grit and cultural authenticity while nurturing emerging talent within
the independent theatre circuit.
- Venue: Dicks
- Location: Monument Building
- Ticket price: ZAR 100.00
- Programme type: The Fringe
- Genre: Theatre
- Duration: 60 minutes
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Ages:
18+(STRICTLY ADULTS ONLY)
