Fresh off its Naledi Award win for Best Student Production, Godspell returns to the stage! It promises another run of the vibrant, powerful musical that captivated audiences last year. From 27 August to 7 September 2025, Oakfields College in partnership with Wits Theatre will bring this beloved production back to life. This time with even more energy, new talent, and another chance for audiences to experience the joy, humour, and depth of this iconic show.
About Godspell
Composed by Stephen Schwartz with a book by John-Michael Tebelak, Godspell draws from the Gospel according to Matthew. Weaving a series of parables into a high-energy production, packed with hit songs like Day by Day and Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord. With its blend of rock, pop, and folk influences, the musical has remained a Broadway classic since 1971.
Directed once again by Tracey Human, and with musical direction by Dale Ray, this award-winning production features a cast of first to third year Musical Theatre and Dance students from Oakfields College, now joined by exciting guest talent.
New Cast & Glowing Reviews
They are proud to welcome Yahto Kraft (as Jesus) to the cast, bringing his signature stage presence and vocal firepower to this reimagined run. Returning to the role of Judas is the talented Grant Towers.
The 2024 run of Godspell was met with glowing reviews and sold-out performances. A success now recognised by the Naledi Theatre Awards, one of South Africa’s highest honours in the performing arts. That production not only marked a creative high for the college, but also brought renewed attention to the musical’s deep-rooted legacy in South African theatre history.
The History of Godspell
First staged in 1973 by Des and Dawn Lindberg, Godspell was a landmark work for its time. With its multiracial cast, the show defied apartheid-era laws and was initially banned under the guise of “blasphemy” – a decision the Lindbergs successfully overturned in the Supreme Court.
The case became a pivotal moment in South African performance history, affirming the power of theatre to challenge, transform, and unite.
As Des Lindberg reflected:
“We knew that South African stages should be peopled by hundreds of talented, charismatic and accomplished actors, singers and dancers of all colours. These absurd distortions deliberately deprived artistes of opportunities and only strengthened our resolve to find a way to bring about change based on merit and not race.”
This modern rendition continues that legacy – pushing boundaries, celebrating excellence, and showcasing the next generation of performers destined for the world stage.
If you caught Godspell last year, don’t miss the fresh take and new faces. If you missed it - this is your chance.
Tickets are available at Webtickets. For group bookings or school matinee queries, please contact [email protected].
More About Oakfields College
After more than a decade of successfully providing tertiary education in the creative arts, Oakfields College established a Musical Theatre and Dance Faculty; a faculty that is already able to boast some exceptional talent currently working both locally and abroad on stages across the world.
For further details regarding the auditions for the 2026 intake, please e-mail [email protected].
For More Information
Visit www.oakfieldscollege.co.za.
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