What Freedom Means for Artists in South Africa

• April in South Africa carries a powerful reminder of where we come from and where we are going.

  As we approach Freedom Day on 27 April, we pause to reflect not only on our nation’s democratic journey, but also on the meaning of freedom within the arts, especially for those who create theatre and performance for children and young people.

  Freedom Day marks the anniversary of South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994. For artists, this moment in history did more than change politics, it opened space for storytelling, expression, and imagination that had long been restricted. Today, the stage remains one of the most important places where freedom is explored, questioned, and celebrated.

  Freedom to Tell Our Stories

  For theatre makers, freedom means the ability to tell authentic South African stories, stories from townships, rural communities, cities, and classrooms. It means young audiences seeing their languages, cultures, and experiences reflected on stage. Legendary South African playwright Athol Fugard once reflected on the creative power of theatre, saying: “How free a medium the stage really is, and how infinite its possibilities of storytelling.” (The Mail & Guardian) His work, alongside artists like John Kani and Winston Ntshona, used theatre to expose the realities of apartheid and give voice to those who had been silenced. Their plays challenged injustice and showed how storytelling could become a powerful act of resistance and truth-telling.

  Freedom to Speak Truth Through Art

  South African theatre has long been a platform for confronting social injustice and inspiring change. Artists have used performance to question inequality, explore identity, and spark dialogue within communities. Actor and playwright John Kani reflected on this legacy of protest theatre and artistic collaboration: “No one can tell the story of protest theatre without mentioning the names of Athol Fugard, Winston Ntshona and myself.” (Cape Argus)

  These artists demonstrated that theatre is more than entertainment, it is a space for courage, reflection, and social transformation.

  Freedom to Create for the Next Generation

  For ASSITEJ SA, the focus on theatre for children and young people carries a special responsibility. Young audiences are not just spectators; they are the future storytellers, creators, and cultural leaders of South Africa. When young people experience theatre that challenges them, inspires them, and reflects their lives, they begin to see the possibilities of their own voices. Theatre reminds us that freedom is not only political, it is creative, imaginative, and deeply human.

  Looking Ahead

  Freedom is not a finished story.

  It is something we continue to build through art, education, dialogue, and imagination. As we commemorate Freedom Day in 2026, ASSITEJ SA encourages artists, educators, and communities to keep creating spaces where young people can dream freely and tell their stories boldly and for the Government of South Africa to enable it. Because when artists are free to create and young voices are free to speak the future becomes more creative, more compassionate, and freer.

  Special mention and in memory of Mr Billy Mokgotho who passed on in December 2025 for his priceless dedication and endeavours in developing arts in the informal settlements of Tshwane.

  Happy Freedom Day, South Africa!

  Mamokgatla Lorraine Rakubu, 

  ASSITEJ SA Board Member

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