The play follows a young man from Delft who believes he has found his soulmate. Each day he sits in a circle, waiting for her. His pursuit, however, is interrupted by ancestral visions that blur the line between the sacred and the romantic.
Lwanda Sindaphi is an award-winning playwright, theatre director, and poet whose creative vision continuously pushes the boundaries of South African theatre. Holding an Honours degree in scriptwriting from the University of Cape Town and a Certificate in Physical Theatre from Magnet Theatre, Lwanda brings over a decade of rich experience to the stage. His work is distinguished by a blend of contemporary performance techniques and avant-garde methodologies, resulting in groundbreaking and critically acclaimed productions.
Among his notable directorial achievements are An Apprenticeship with Sorrow by Dr Sara Matchet and Nina Callaghan, and Only In My Country—an adaptation of Barney Simon’s Born in the RSA—which he directed with AFDA graduates of 2024. Prior to that, he directed What Remains by Nadia Davids, performed by AFDA’s 2023 cohort, showcasing his talent for bringing poignant stories to life through emerging artists. He also adapted and directed Ingxoxo by Anele Kose, further cementing his reputation for transforming compelling narratives into immersive theatrical experiences.
Lwanda’s impact extends beyond directing; he has shared his expertise as an educator at Magnet Theatre and the University of Cape Town’s Centre for Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies (CTDPS), nurturing the next generation of theatre-makers. His extensive international experience as both performer and director has seen him present work in France, Germany, Switzerland, Dubai, and Mauritius, enriching his global perspective and artistic depth.
As a poet, Lwanda’s powerful voices have resonated at esteemed forums such as Grounding Sessions, the Naked Word Festival, and Badilisha Poetry. A collaborative leader by nature, he excels at forging authentic, mutually enriching relationships with industry peers, teachers, and mentors alike.
His celebrated body of work includes KUDU, which earned three Fleur du Cap Awards; Esiseleni Sedini; Ingqanga; and Songs of this Soil, recipient of the NAC Trade Fair Award for Best Playwright, where he has contributed as writer, director, and collaborator. Currently, Lwanda serves as the creative director of the Lingua Franca Spoken Word Movement, overseeing the company’s artistic direction as he continues to inspire and innovate within South Africa’s vibrant arts landscape. Currently, he was seen performing in a Baxter production, Stupid F*** Bird by Arron Posner, directed by Swedish director Maria Weisby.
Lwanda Sindaphi remains a dynamic force dedicated to storytelling that challenges, connects, and moves audiences both locally and internationally.