NB!! Please note that the play has been postponed until further notice.
Sello Maake KaNcube is no stranger to the stage. But when he steps into the Artscape Arena this April, it won’t just be another performance. It will be a homecoming. The veteran actor, whose career spans decades of South African theatre and television, returns to Cape Town for the first time since 1994 to star in Athol Fugard’s landmark drama, Master Harold… and the Boys.
Following a critically acclaimed Johannesburg season, this strictly limited run runs from 9 to 18 April 2026 – just ten days to witness a masterpiece brought to life by an extraordinary creative team.
A Story That Still Confronts Us
Set in a Port Elizabeth tearoom during the apartheid era, Master Harold… and the Boys unfolds over a single rainy afternoon. A white teenager, Hally, shares a close bond with two Black men, Sam and Willie, who have helped raise him. But when personal turmoil collides with ingrained prejudice, their friendship fractures in ways that are intimate, volatile, and devastating.
Decades after its debut, Fugard’s writing hasn’t aged – it has only gained urgency. The play forces audiences to sit with uncomfortable truths about dignity, power, and the long shadow of systemic injustice. It remains one of South Africa’s most essential theatrical works, not as a historical artefact, but as a living conversation.
A Personal and Generational Return
For Sello Maake KaNcube, this role carries deep personal resonance. He steps into a character originally made famous by the legendary Zakes Mokae, bridging generations of South African theatre history. The last time Maake KaNcube performed in Cape Town was in 1994 at the Dock Road Theatre in a production directed by the late Barney Simon.
“This production honours both Zakes Mokae, one of my foremost predecessors, and Athol Fugard, whose early trilogy – The Island, Sizwe Banzi Is Dead, and Statements After an Immorality Act – first ignited the teenage actor in me,” he reflects.
He is joined on stage by Daniel Anderson and Lebohang Motaung, forming a tightly woven ensemble under the direction of Warona Seane. With atmospheric set and lighting design by Wilhelm Disbergen, the production situates audiences inside a world thick with memory and tension, allowing Fugard’s language to resonate with clarity and force.
Master Harold… and the Boys Overview and Details
Production: Master Harold… and the Boys by Athol Fugard
- Dates: 9 – 18 April 2026
- Venue: The Arena at Artscape Theatre Centre, Cape Town
- Performance Times: Tuesdays to Fridays at 19h00; Saturdays at 15h30 & 19h00
- Ticket Prices:
- R250 (Adults)
- R200 (Scholars, Students & Senior Citizens)
- Booking: Tickets are available via Webtickets or through Artscape Dial-A-Seat at 021 421 7695.
- Duration: 90 minutes (no interval)
- Age Restriction: 13+ (the play carries a suggested age restriction of 13)
Practical Tips for Your Visit
- Book Early: With only ten days of performances and the acclaim from Johannesburg, tickets are expected to sell quickly.
- Arrive with Time: The Artscape complex is a hub of activity. Arriving 30–45 minutes early allows you to find parking, collect tickets, and settle in before the performance begins.
- Parking: Secure parking is available at the Artscape parking garage. It can fill up on busy evenings, so consider using a ride-hailing service like Uber for a stress-free arrival.
- Venue Notes: The Arena is an intimate theatre space, ensuring every seat offers a compelling view. Note that the performance runs without an interval, so it’s best to plan accordingly.
Why This Production Stands Out
This is not just a revival, it’s a living conversation. One that Cape Town, long intertwined with Athol Fugard’s life and work, is uniquely placed to host. The combination of Maake KaNcube’s generational performance, Seane’s direction, and the raw power of Fugard’s text makes this a landmark cultural event.
Whether you’re a long time lover of South African theatre or introducing a young adult to one of the country’s most important plays, this limited season offers a chance to witness a classic reimagined with urgency and care.
Your Evening Plan
Arrive at Artscape, perhaps enjoy a coffee or a light meal at one of the theatre’s cafes, and take your seat in the intimate Arena. For 90 minutes, let the story unfold – challenging, moving, and unforgettable. Afterwards, consider a nightcap at a nearby Cape Town restaurant to discuss the play’s themes and the power of what you’ve just experienced.
Ready to book?
Secure your tickets now at Webtickets or call Artscape Dial-A-Seat on 021 421 7695.
Which aspect of this production – the legendary cast, the intimate venue, or the enduring relevance of Fugard’s work – are you most looking forward to experiencing?
Official Master Harold… and the Boys Performance Details
Event: Master Harold… and the Boys
Event Date: 9 – 18 April 2026
Venue: Artscape Arena, Cape Town
Times: Tue–Fri 19h00; Sat 15h30 & 19h00
Ticket Price: R250 / R200 (concessions) via Webtickets
Contact: Artscape Dial-A-Seat: 021 421 7695
Note: The production runs for 90 minutes without an interval and is recommended for ages 13 and up.
