South African theatre icon Dr John Kani will be honoured with a major new exhibition at the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg.
As reported by Daily Sun, the exhibition celebrates his more than six decades of work as an actor, playwright and cultural leader.
Titled John Kani: A Living Legend, the exhibition runs from 30 August to 30 November 2026. It traces Kani’s remarkable journey from New Brighton in Gqeberha to international theatre stages and major film productions.
Also see: Dr John Kani Elected to the Oscars Academy
From protest theatre to global recognition
As reported by IOL, Kani’s career was transformed in the 1960s when he became involved with the Serpent Players, where he worked alongside fellow actor Winston Ntshona and playwright Athol Fugard. Their collaborations included Sizwe Banzi Is Dead and The Island, works that became significant in South Africa’s protest theatre tradition.
The pair’s international success included a Tony Award for Best Actor in 1975, helping establish Kani and Ntshona as internationally recognised South African performers.
Kani’s influence has also extended beyond performing. He was founding chairman of the National Arts Council and has played a longstanding leadership role at the Apartheid Museum.
Also see: Dr John Kani honoured with Order of the British Empire by British High Commissioner
Creativity and contribution to SA cultural life
The exhibition will bring together photographs, film, text and artefacts to explore Kani’s life, creative work and contribution to South African cultural life.
For visitors interested in South African theatre, history and arts, it offers an opportunity to explore the story of one of the country’s most influential cultural figures.
The Apartheid Museum is open Wednesday to Sunday and public holidays from 09:00 to 17:00, making the exhibition a worthwhile addition to a Johannesburg cultural outing.
Also see: Entertainment veterans John Kani and Leon Schuster to receive top honours
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