Two-time Naledi Award-nominated dance-theatre production Musical Chairs is set to embark on a limited season in Cape Town at Magnet Theatre from 19 to 23 August 2026, after its successful run in Johannesburg.
Presented by The Locksmiths Collective and Rush Productions, the production explores the ubiquitous children’s game of musical chairs as a metaphor for modern life and the complicated relationship with social media that defines our interactions, connections and sense of belonging in the digital age.
At the heart of Musical Chairs is a question that resonates particularly in an era where likes, followers and social media clout have become a critical measure of self-worth and success: what happens when everyone is vying for attention?
The production interrogates the pressure to perform and the fear of rejection in a hyper-connected world where social media can facilitate friendships, business deals and romance, but also leave us feeling more disconnected and lonely than ever.
Using dance, music and theatre as a medium, Musical Chairs asks searching questions about identity, relationships, community, and the impact of digital technology on our lives.
Musical Chairs’ dance vocabulary is a fusion of home-grown street styles such as isiPantsula and isiBhujwa with global dance forms including Hip Hop, Campbellocking and Popping.
The production’s multidisciplinary team includes Genesis Shirindza, Hungani Ndlovu and Sipho Didiza, with Shirindza also taking on the roles of writer, choreographer, creative director, producer and cast member, and Ndlovu as executive producer, director and cast member. Didiza contributed his expertise to the production’s creative and movement direction, but will not be part of the Cape Town productions.
For Ndlovu, Musical Chairs is also an evolution of his creative practice, as the production marks his directorial debut. The cast also includes Yemimah Jacobs, Jamie-Lee Jansen, Shirindza and Ndlovu, alongside international stars Alain “Hurrikane” Lauture and Angela “Angyil” McNeal.
Musical Chairs has received critical acclaim for its innovative take on the ubiquitous children’s game, and its powerful fusion of street dance, theatre and social commentary. The production has drawn enthusiastic audiences to its sold-out performances, and has been particularly praised for its accessibility and ability to engage viewers of all ages.
At the heart of the production is a universal longing for connection and belonging. By using the familiar framework of musical chairs, the production invites us to confront some of the defining questions of our times: what happens when the music stops?
For five days only, audiences in Cape Town will have the opportunity to experience a show that challenges, entertains and provokes thought about the nature of connection in the digital age.
Show information
Production: Musical Chairs
Presented by: The Locksmiths Collective & Rush Productions
Dates: 19 – 23 August 2026
Venue: Magnet Theatre, 1 St Michaels Road, Observatory, Cape Town
Time: 19:30 – 20:30 with the Sunday performance at 15:00, according to the current ticket listing.
Tickets: R199.95
Booking: Webtickets Book Musical Chairs via Webtickets
