Hungani Ndlovu makes his directorial debut with 'Musical Chairs' in Cape Town

Actor and dancer Hungani Ndlovu is directing his first production, the dance-theatre piece Musical Chairs, which will tour Cape Town this August. The two-time Naledi Award nominee serves as director and executive producer for the show, while also starring on stage. Running from August 19 to 23 at Cape Town’s Magnet Theatre, Musical Chairs adapts the childhood game as a metaphor for navigating modern life, particularly the pressures of social media.

The play delves into feelings of needing to be seen, accepted, and connected in an increasingly digital world, examining how online relationships impact identity, friendships, romance, and a sense of belonging. Ndlovu joins a cast that includes Yemimah Jacobs, Jamie-Lee Jansen, Genesis Shirindza, as well as international performers Alain "Hurrikane" Lauture and Angela "Angyil" McNeal.

Combining South African street dance styles like iPantsula and iBhujwa with international forms such as Hip Hop, Campbellocking, and Popping, the production creates a movement-driven narrative centered on storytelling. The central question of Musical Chairs asks what happens when the music stops, leaving one without a place to belong.

The Johannesburg run previously received acclaim, with critics comparing it to a revelation and a revolution. Musical Chairs will run nightly at 7:30pm and 8:30pm, with ticket prices at R199.95. Tickets can be purchased via Webtickets.