Dr John Khani takes a backseat on August Wilson’s FENCES due to ill health
After years of leading the pack in August Wilson’s spectacular play FENCES, prolific actor John Kani will be stepping down as lead actor. This announcement, made by the Joburg Theatre, comes due to the actor’s ill health but has committed to continue his work with the Theatre as a co-producer.
FENCES will run from February 02nd – 26th, 2023 and features a star-studded energetic cast that will deliver phenomenal stirring performances.
Mzansi’s celebrated Tumisho Masha will take the leading role of Troy who was previously played by Dr John Kani. Masha was originally cast in the role of Jim Bono, Troy’s best friend, a role that will subsequently be taken over by actor and writer Lunga Radebe.
FENCES CAST | Images supplied
“It is with great sadness that I have to announce that I will be stepping down from the role of Troy Maxon in August Wilson’s, Fences. It is a role I have long dreamed of playing. However a bout of vertigo and the concurrent imbalance that it causes is precluding me from stepping on stage in this demanding role. I will, however, continue to play a significant role as a co-producer and continue to be part of the rehearsals working closely with the director and the cast. I am delighted to advise that the director has chosen the highly talented and experienced actor, Tumisho Masha, to succeed me in the role. I have no doubt that Tumisho will do great justice to this challenging part – as I would have done. I would like to wish the director, the cast, the designers and the crew great success in staging this exciting work. I am quite sure that I shall recover from this temporary medical condition and be back at work again soon. said Dr John Kani.
Fences is a 1985 play which explores the evolving African American experience, race relations and other themes which resonate with what South Africa experienced during Apartheid.
This is told through a blended family that consists of Troy, his wife Rose portrayed by Khutjo Green, their son Cory portrayed by Atandwa Kani, Troy’s younger brother Gabriel portrayed by Sbusiso Mamba, Troy’s best friend Jim Bono and Lyons who is Troy’s son from a previous relationship and is portrayed by Hlomla Dandala.
“I’m very excited to be directing this stellar cast and look forward to playing to Joburg audiences. Rehearsals are on track with the cast in high spirit as we prepare to start previews on the 2nd of February and an official opening on the 5th of February” says Ricardo Khan, Director of Fences.
Tickets can be bought through www.webtickets.co.za. Tickets for the preview show from 2 – 4 February 2023 will retail for R160 while those for the main staging of Fences which runs from 5 – 26 February 2023 will cost R200 – R450.
The Production Team
Playwright: August Wilson
Director: Ricardo Khan
Assistant Director: Rorisang Motuba
Cast:
– Tumisho Masha (Troy)
– Khutjo Green (Rose; Troy’s wife)
– Lunga Radebe (Jim Bono; Troy’s best friend)
– Atandwa Kani (Cory; Troy and Rose’s son)
– Sbusiso Mamba (Gabriel; Troy’s brother)
– Hlomla Dandala (Lyons; Troy’s son from a previous relationship)