A Standing ovation for Jane, Dion and Rondo in Accra

South African theatre has found a welcoming home on the international stage as Jane Mpholo Pty Ltd made its mark in Ghana with And…Action!, a bold, thought-provoking production that has earned the company its first official international award.

Funded by the Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE), And…Action! recently premiered at the South African State Theatre before travelling to Ghana, where it played to a sold-out audience at the Heritage Theatre Arts Festival.

Held from 5 to 11 October in the heart of Accra, the festival brought together artists, theatre practitioners and audiences from different parts of the world to celebrate theatre and encourage artistic exchange.

Representing the production in Ghana were writer and performer Jane Mpholo, director Dr Dion Van Niekerk, and co-star Rondo Mpiti-Spies.

Beyond presenting their work on stage, the trio took part in masterclasses, panel discussions and workshops aimed at developing artists, strengthening creative skills and building meaningful connections with audiences.

For Mpholo, however, the greatest highlight was witnessing how deeply an unmistakably South African story connected with international audiences.

And…Action! uses satire to explore the social and political realities of South Africa, touching on gender-based violence, racial tensions, political injustices and the difficult subjects that society often struggles to confront.

Through humour, uncomfortable truths and relatable characters, the production invites audiences to reflect on the world around them while finding moments of laughter in familiar and sometimes painful realities.

What made the Ghana experience particularly meaningful was that audiences connected with the story despite its distinctly South African setting.

“Having the show received so beautifully by international audiences was the highlight for me. And…Action! is primarily a South African story, rooted in our social and political realities. To see people from different countries connect so deeply with the issues we were exploring reminded me of just how important our voices are,” says Mpholo.

“Even the South African inside jokes landed because the audience had their own references and experiences that allowed them to connect with what was happening on stage. It was a powerful reminder that while our experiences may be different, many of the issues we face are shared across borders.”

The production attracted an international audience that included delegates from Sierra Leone, the United States, Spain and Togo, alongside local Ghanaian theatre lovers.

The recognition reached its peak when And…Action! received the Standing Ovation Award, a prize celebrating outstanding productions that demonstrate artistic excellence.

The award marks a significant achievement for Jane Mpholo Pty Ltd, affirming the company's growing presence beyond South Africa's borders.

The festival also celebrated Mpiti-Spies, who received a similar award for the international debut of her production Ijoloba, featuring a Ghanaian cast. The recognition highlighted the value of African artists sharing their stories, learning from one another and creating opportunities for collaboration across the continent.

For Mpholo, the achievement represents far more than an award. It is a moment of affirmation for the people who have supported the production, the team that brought it to life and the belief that South African stories deserve to be heard on international stages.

“I am grateful to the Mzansi Golden Economy for making our participation in the festival possible. I am equally grateful to my team, who have supported me from the beginning and guided and assisted me in creating what has become a theatrical masterpiece. This is the first official international award for Jane Mpholo Pty Ltd, so it is a huge moment for us. I feel truly honoured,” she stated.

The journey to Ghana also reflects the importance of funding and support for the arts.

Such platforms allow South African productions to reach new audiences while giving local artists the opportunity to exchange ideas, build relationships and grow their work.

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