Hungani Ndlovu Makes Directorial Debut With ‘Musical Chairs’ in Cape Town: “It Hasn’t Been Easy”
- Skeem Saam star Hungani Ndlovu is stepping behind the director's chair for the very first time with stage production Musical Chairs
- The dance-theatre production, which earned two Naledi Award nominations, explores identity and belonging in a social media-driven world
- Musical Chairs runs at the Magnet Theatre in Cape Town from 19 to 23 August 2026, with Hungani also serving as executive producer and cast member
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Source: Instagram
Skeem Saam actor Hungani Ndlovu is taking on one of his biggest creative challenges yet, making his directorial debut with the stage production Musical Chairs. The show runs at the Magnet Theatre in Cape Town from 19 to 23 August 2026, and marks a major new chapter for the performer, who is also serving as executive producer while remaining part of the cast.
What Musical Chairs is about
The production comes from the Locksmiths Collective and Rush Productions, and previously ran in Johannesburg before heading to Cape Town. Written by Genesis Shirindza, Musical Chairs has already picked up two Naledi Award nominations, a strong indicator of the buzz it has generated within South African theatre circles.
The show uses the childhood game of musical chairs as a lens through which it examines how digital culture shapes people's sense of identity and belonging. Rather than leaning on dialogue, the production tells its story primarily through movement, blending local dance styles such as iPanstula with hip hop and contemporary theatre to weave its narrative together.
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At its core, Musical Chairs confronts the very modern pressure to feel visible and accepted in a world dominated by social media and digital connection.
Hungani Ndlovu opens up about directoral debut
On 14 August, the former Scandal! actor shared his thoughts on the production in an Instagram post, giving followers a candid look at what the creative process has involved.
"Musical Chairs, written by Genesis Shirindza and directed by me, is a mirror to society. It hasn't been easy building something this honest, but the work speaks for itself. Undeniable. Inevitable. 🎭🔥," he wrote.
See the video below:
He has also been sharing glimpses of the rehearsal process on social media as the cast and crew prepare to bring the show to Cape Town audiences.
Watch the video below:
Tickets for the Cape Town run are available through Webtickets, with performances running from 19 to 23 August 2026 at the Magnet Theatre.
Hungani Ndlovu launches mental health initiative
Meanwhile, Briefly News previously reported that Hungani Ndlovu launched a foundation aimed at young people in Mzansi.
The choreographer announced his new foundation on Instagram, with a promise to create a safe space for men.
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Source: Briefly News
