A South African theatre company makes waves internationally, with their latest show winning a prestigious award in Oman
Their production Pilgrimage, snatched the Jury Prize at the Ofeer International Duo Drama Festival 7-12 June, 2026.
By Edward Tsumele CITYLIFE/ARTS Editor
You of course have not seen this production at the country’s mainstream theatres. This is thanks to the artistic directors at these well-resourced institutions who tend to look-inwards, when it comes to sporting talent, instead of looking outward and spot shows that connect with audiences. Gate keeping is another issue as they often do not look beyond their close network for refreshing stories that have the potential to put bums on seats.
Pilgrimage, a South African touring production is currently receiving accolades around the world, in the process winning prestigious awards.
The latest accolade, is an award that the independently produced show by African Tree Productions has just won a major theatre award in Oman.
“That award means a lot, not only to our team. It carries immense significance not only for us as artists, but for our country and the broader community of theatre lovers. This award is not about us as individuals, it is about South Africa’s cultural presence on the global stage, the dedication of our creative teams and the passion of audiences who continue to support the arts.
“Our plan is to fly the South African flag high by taking South African theatre to the world,” says playwright Seiphemo Motswiri of African Tree Productions.
This is not the first time this township based theatre company has raised the South African flag internationally. In 2024, it took a theatre production to Russia and again in 2025 the theatre company took a production to Kuwait, all without any assistance from those who hold the purse strings of funding the arts ironically the people who shout the loudest when it comes to the need to raise the South African flag high internationally, by artists and athletes.
Again their show was critically acclaimed, winning yet another major international theatre award.
“This year, luckily the National Arts Council supported our tour to Oman, and that support, made a huge difference,” added Motswiri.
“Congratulations on receiving the Special Jury Award for The Pilgrimage at the first edition of the Offer International Theatre Festival.
It was an honor to host your outstanding production in Oman. Your performance enriched the festival program and reflected the creativity, professionalism, and artistic excellence of South African theatre.
We extend our sincere appreciation to the entire team and wish you continued success in your artistic journey. We look forward to welcoming you again in future editions of the festival.
With warm regards and best wishes, Offer International Theatre Festival – Oman,” a letter written by the organisers to the African Tree Productions, seen by CITYLIFE/ARTS reads.
The award was handed over to the winning creative team on June, 2026, at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex, for Culture and Entertainment in Salalah in Oman.
But what is this winning production about?
Synopsis
“In the pit, faith is tested. In the dark, humanity is revealed.”
Two pilgrims, Mashudu and Nkosinathi, are cast into a bottomless pit by evil forces on their way to the holy mountain. Down in the dark, their differing beliefs become their greatest obstacle. As horror and hardship close in, they must choose between division and survival. The Pilgrimage is a story of faith under fire, unlikely friendship, and the transformation that comes when humanity outweighs dogma.
Please mention that in 2024 “African Tree Production, a township based theatre company has been to Russia and brought back two awards, without any assistance from our country, the same thing happened in 2025 wen we went to Kuwait and brought back an award for the country. This year the National Arts Council airports our tour to Oman and that made a huge difference.
Through its balanced portrayal, the play invites reflection on coexistence, respect and understanding across spiritual traditions.When I first directed the show under its original title, “A Gift from God”, with the cast featuring Sello Maepa and Xolani Dlamini, it achieved notable recognition winning the GOMACC’ Best Ensemble Award and Second Best Production. Unfortunately, financial constraints forced us to shelve the project. When a colleague inquired whether I had a duo-drama suitable for presentation at the Offer Dou-Drama International Festival, I revisited the archives of African Tree Productions.
I have reworked the script after reviewing our last staging at POP Art . He returned with a new title: ” “The Pilgrimage “. This revitalized version became one of the most talked about productions at the Offer International Dou-Drama Festival. Its impact was profound, I recall being invited by a Saudi Arabian theatre enthusiast who sought deeper understanding of African Spirituality. These conversations required me to clarify distinctions between currently African spirituality and practices often misrepresented as witchcraft or black magic, and toI differentiate between traditional healers and witch doctors. Such dialogues revealed how foreign religions have historically demonized African spirituality and how tragically many Africans themselves have come to undervalue it.
The influence of The Pilgrimage extended further, inspiring theatre makers to consider translating the script into Arabic and staging it in new cultural contexts. This demonstrates the play’s ability to transcend borders, challenge misconceptions, and foster intercultural dialogue. Its journey from ” 4A Gift from God” to “The Pilgrimage” reflects not only artistic resilience but also the enduring relevance of African narratives in global theatre,” says Kgosana Thekwane, the writer of the script for Pilgrimage.
Production Credits
Written by: Kgosana Thekwane
Directed by: Sello Maake Ka-Ncube
Dramaturge: Dixson Malele
Cast: Ikobeng Moatlhodi & Seiphemo Motswiri
Lighting by: Fortune Mogwaneng
Graphic design by: Makhubalo Ikaneng
And so what is next for African Tree productions?
“Our next focus will be on our show Words and Nightmares, that will be performing at Theatre on the Square in Sandton from 21-26 July, 2026,”confirms Motswiri.