These are Heavy On Us centres around a young man - Spinza - who returns to his hometown having failed in life. Scarred by the trauma of an absent father, he examines his journey within his community. His exploration uncovers secrets kept by his family and community and how these events have led to his current situation. The shocking revelations illustrate the ripple effect secrets have, and how they impact on the entire community.
Siphelele Mhlaba who experienced a shocking event involving his father - ‘a politician’ - as a child returns home to Orlando East (Soweto - Johannesburg) after living in the Eastern Cape for quite some time. To his surprise, his absence from home has caused a rift in his relationship with his younger sister, Phozisa and his community.
The production’s first run was at Suidoosterfees in 2025. It performed at the National Arts Festival this year..
CREATIVE TEAM
Mihle Helebe (Spinza) is an award-winning performing artist and film production student at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT).
Karabo Morajane (Phozisa) studied Dramatic Arts in high school and trained through a 6-week acting programme facilitated by Thami Mbongo.
Likho Soga (Theo) has worked in various theatre productions like Trapped, I’m One of You, and his recent work includes Beyond the Tide (2026)
Kamogelo ‘Dowry’ Maebela (Itumeleng) is a performer who trained at the East Rand School of Arts.