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Locals gather to celebrate father of black theatre

The renaming celebration was attended by various officials and South African actors including Dieketseng Mnisi, James Ngcobo and Manamela to name a few.

February 28, 2023

Ofentse Mkase 2 minutes read

The late Gibson Kente has produced over 23 plays and television drama.

Theatre lovers gathered at the Soweto Theatre to celebrate the renaming of The Red Theatre to Gibson Kente Theatre on February 26.

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The late Soweto playwright, composer, director, and producer, Gibson Kente known to many as Bra Gib is recognised for single handily transforming township musicals, a form of theatre on black South African culture during apartheid into a dominant means of expression and exuberance.

Peter Sephuma expressed heartfelt gratitude to Bra Gib and all the experience he showered him with throughout their time working together.

Bra Gib produced over 23 plays and television dramas between 1963 and 1992, including Manana, The Jazz Prophet, Sikalo and How Long.

He also worked with and mentored various South African legendary actors, including South African award winning actor, Peter Sephuma who is known for his role as Miles Vilakazi in the sopie, Rhythm City.

Speaking about his memories and the close relationship they had with Bra Gib, Sephuma describes it as one that he wouldn’t trade for anything.

The Red Theatre is now named after South African father of township theatre, Gibson Kente.

“I always view his work as that of William Shakespeare because he told township stories like no one would.

“Bra Gib knew how to scout talent from a distance and he has positively impacted the lives of the actors he has worked with, including those he mentored as well as the lives of South Africans in the townships.

“This is why he will forever be referred to the father of black theatre,” Sephuma said.

The renaming celebration was attended by various officials and South African actors including Dieketseng Mnisi, James Ngcobo and Manamela to name a few.

Bra Gib’s work was honored by South African talents that rendered songs of the late playwright.

Also in attendance was the MMC for Community Development, Cllr Lubabalo Magwentshu together with City of Johannesburg Executive Mayor, Cllr Thapelo Amad.

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MMC Mangwentshu said the renaming of the auditorium is important for the Soweto Theatre and the city because it honours Bra Gib and recognise his immense contribution to township theatre.

“There is a beautiful symbolism that is attached to this renaming. As the Soweto Theatre continues to celebrate its 10th year milestone and to have the legacy of this wordsmith attached to the theatre is truly symbolic.

“There is a multitude of people who will be delighted by this recognition of Bra Gib, he ushered a very crucial era that saw the emergence of the black narrative on our stages countrywide,” MMC Mangwentshu said.

He added that to think Bra Gib was able to tour the productions he created during a very bleak time in our country when we had an influx control law is astounding.

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The CEO of Joburg City Theatres, Xoliswa Nduneni-Ngema said, “We are so delighted with this honour given to this prolific writer and director.

“His footprints are visible everywhere, there is a litany of stars that were trained by this iconic man of words.

“He has buckets of generosity and was able to mentor young people as well as help many to hone their voices.”