Dear Tata... What Makes A Man, A Man
Cabaret & Musical Theatre / Beethoven Room

Following a successful run at the 2023 National Arts Festival, this Standard Bank Bronze Ovation Award winning production tells the story of many young black South African men who ask some of life’s most important questions.

Starring Mava Gqeba, this cabaret is told through music, dance, poignant storytelling and a series of letters written to his father. Exploring themes such as identity, self-worth and sexual liberation, it poses the question, “What does it mean to be a black man in South Africa in this day and age?”

Production Credits

Directed By: Sonwa Sakuba

Written By: Mava Gqeba

Musical Director & Pianist: Zizipho Nkinti

About the Artists

This production starring and written by Mava Gqeba is produced by the Sonwa Sakuba Institute for the Performing Arts in East London. Having launched in 2021 the growing institution is fast becoming a household name within the Eastern Cape for producing world class performers and productions.

Through providing access to international qualifications in dance, music and drama and a faculty of experienced industry professionals, the quality of training at the institution has been revered and received critical acclaim by both international examiners and audiences.

Amongst the list of many, previous productions include ‘Hidden Identity’, ‘Till Death Do Us Apart’, ‘Shrek, ‘Macbeth’, ‘All You Need Is Love’, ‘Abangoni’ and the Bronze Standard Bank Ovation Award Winning productions ‘Afrika Sings!’, 'Abangoni' and 'Dear Tata'. Striving to engage, empower and inspire both students and audiences, the institution continues to take talents to the next level whilst ensuring that graduates emerge as multifaceted 21st century artists.

  • Venue: Beethoven Room
  • Location: Rhodes Music Department
  • Ticket price: ZAR 100.00
  • Programme type: The Fringe
  • Genre: Cabaret & Musical Theatre
  • Duration: 60 min
  • Ages: ALL AGES
    • Suitable for All Ages

There are no performances for this show.