Joburg Theatre announces with heavy hearts that Dr John Kani will be stepping down from the lead
role in August Wilson’s FENCES taking place from 02 – 26 February 2023 due to ill health. We are,
however, pleased that he will continue to work with the Theatre as a co-producer.
The cast is filled with energetic creatives that will deliver phenomenal stirring performances
throughout the run. Tumisho Masha will take the leading role of Troy who was played by Dr John
Kani. The renowned Masha was originally cast in the role of Jim Bono Troy’s best friend. Actor,
dramaturg and writer Lunga Radebe will be playing Jim Bono; Troy’s best friend.
“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 tells the story of a family, headed by Troy (played by Tumisho Masha)
and his wife Rose (played by Khutjo Green) navigating various hurdles with their son Cory (played by
Atandwa Kani), Troy’s brother Gabriel (played by Sbusiso Mamba), his best friend Jim Bono (played
by Lunga Radebe) and Lyons(played by Hlomla Dandala), Troy’s son from a previous relationship.
The play additionally explores the evolving African American experience, race relations and other
themes which resonate with what South Africa experienced during Apartheid.
“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.