Plunge into the cold, mechanical horror of Pretoria Central Maximum prison during the apartheid era. Journey to Oom Kris is a raw, high-stakes musical thriller that takes you inside the state executioner's workspace, where a terrifying "conveyor belt" of capital punishment operated daily.
The production follows a group of political prisoners facing the final countdown to the gallows. Trapped within concrete and iron, they face intense psychological warfare from the regime. Yet, the uneasy silence is broken as emotionally beautiful music floats through the barred windows and echoes across the brick exercise yard.
Feel the stage shatter as you walk the final "journey" alongside South Africa’s liberation giants facing Oom Kris with bravery and defiancy:
Solomon Mahlangu: The Umkhonto we Sizwe freedom fighter executed in 1979, declaring "My blood will nourish the tree that will bear the fruits of freedom."
Vuyisile Mini: The trade unionist and ANC activist who marched to his 1964 execution harmonising the struggle with fierce, defiant freedom songs.
Benjamin Moloise: The legendary poet who transformed the cold house of death into a blazing stage for liberation before the trapdoor fell.
John Harris: The patriot who climbed the scaffold at dawn softly singing "We Shall Overcome," leaving a final request for his democratic tombstone to read: "True Patriot."
This is a gripping battlefield of sacrifice, iron-willed defiance, and the immortal songs that a brutal regime could never execute. Experience a soaring chorus of resistance and a triumphant celebration of the human spirit that refused to be silenced.
Production Credits
THE CREATIVE CORE & EXECUTIVE PRODUCTION
Written & Conceptualised by: Cornelius Zwelithini Masale Molopyane & George Benson Mabatle
Play Director: George Benson Mabatle
Co-Director: Cornelius Zwelithini Masale Molopyane
Musical Director, Composer & Arranger: Cornelius Zwelithini Masale Molopyane
Presented by: The Kgoši Mampuru II Unitas DCS Choir
PRINCIPAL CAST (In Order of Appearance)
Vuyisile Mini | Thabo Danny Nkabinde
John Harris | Thivhomali Mathavha
Solomon Mahlangu | Edwin Malunga
Benjamin Moloise | Mpho Jacob Swaratlhe
Oom Chris (The Hangman) | Ratlhagane Radikwadi Matthews Mafoko
THE KGOŠI MAMPURU II UNITAS DCS CHOIR
Choral Conductor / Choirmaster: Cornelius Zwelithini Masale Molopyane
Featured Soloists: Masohlwana Patricia Mothapo, Puleng Brenda Taole, Sindisiwe Dlamini, Khensani Valerie Khoza, Edwin Malunga, Thabo Danny Nkabinde
Sopranos: Pyungu Zanele, Ramashala Kabelo B, Mafela Busisiwe, Dlamini Sindisiwe, Taole Puleng Brenda
Altos: Mothapo Masohlwana Patricia, Dladla Dimakatso, Dikobe Suzan, Makamane Cynthia Motshidisi, Mabusela Lucia, Jasson Mmalestatsi Beauty, Sewela Nkoko.
Tenors: S Skhosana, Baloyi Patrick, Mawela Ronald
Basses: Masanabo Paul, Mack Galane, Nenweli R
PRODUCTION & TECHNICAL CREW
Stage Manager: Edwin Malunga
Lighting Designer & Operator: Zwelithini Molopyane
Sound Engineer: Nenweli R
Costume & Wardrobe Coordinator: Cynthia Motshidisi Makamane
Props Master: Paul Masanabo
INSTITUTIONAL ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Special Thanks to: The Ministry of Correctional Services, DCS National Commissioner, Gauteng Regional Commissioner, Area Commissioner of Kgoši Mampuru II Management Area and the executive Leadership, South African State Theatre, The National Arts Festival Board, and the Management of the Great Hall (Makhanda)
About the Artists
The Kgoši Mampuru II Unitas DCS Choir lends their profound, deeply moving vocal artistry to the National Arts Festival in the world premiere of Journey to Oom Chris. Bringing a formidable 28-member line-up from the historic Pretoria prison, the choir provides the essential emotional landscape for this gripping narrative. Their decorated pedigree speaks for itself: multi-time CORSECMA Gauteng Regional champions, IDCMA winners, and 2018 World Choir Games Silver Diploma recipients. Rather than just singing a script, these world-class vocalists channel the silence, fear, and ultimate resilience surrounding the executioner's gallows, transforming historical trauma into a sacred space of remembrance.
Collaborating with visionary creators Cornelius Zwelithini Masale Molopyane and George Benson Mabatle, the choir transforms the Makhanda Great Hall into a venue of deep reflection. This is not merely a performance; it is a vocal reckoning where melody meets memory, and every note strikes a fierce chord of redemption.
- Venue: Great Hall
- Location: The Great Hall
- Ticket price: ZAR 50.00
- Programme type: The Fringe
- Genre: Cabaret & Musical Theatre
- Duration: 60 minutes
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Ages:
PG (PARENTAL GUIDANCE)
- Academic or Professional Content
- Language: English
- Other Languages: Afrikaans, Setswana, Sepedi, Zulu, Xhosa
