Bloke & His American Bantu is a two-man play set in the 1960s, that reimagines the camaraderie between two prominent intellectuals, Bloke Modisane and Langston Hughes, writers and activists from Sophiatown and Harlem respectively. The friendship between the two scribes was punctuated with constant visits, phone calls, exchange of gifts and well over 50 letters mailed between 1960 and 1967. Exquisitely performed by Anele Nene (Bloke) and Josias Dos Moleele (Langston), the play highlights the role of artists and intellectuals in forging international solidarity during one of the darkest hours in the history of South Africa. It exposes the overwhelming nostalgia and the longing for home while living a desolate life in exile, as well as the fortitude and resilience of dreams. This is complemented by an African American’s quest for the reclamation of his black identity and fervent desire to reconnect with the African cultural values, history and aesthetics.

Written by: Dr. Siphiwo Mahala & Directed by: Sello Maake Ka Ncube

Entrance: R120 & Students: R80

For more information, please contact: 
Thuli Ndlovu — ThulileNdlo@joburg.org.za