Honouring the legacy of Simon Nkoli

As South Africa celebrates Pride Month this October, Cape Town’s Baxter Theatre pays homage to one of the anti-apartheid advocates who also fought for gay rights to be recognised in South Africa. 

This October, the story of Simon Nkoli will be told through the avant-garde production, a groundbreaking fusion of history, music, dance and queer culture titled Nkoli: The Vogue Opera from 9 to 19 October.

This is following its hit run at The Market Theatre in Johannesburg in 2023. The show's producer Harriet Perlman said it is part opera, part vogueing-ball.

Perlman added that  Nkoli was imprisoned on charges of treason at the Delmas Treason Trial (1985 – 1988) and on his release organised the first Pride march in Johannesburg in 1990. 

The country has since observed October as the national Pride Month. 

“He played a key role in ensuring gay rights were enshrined in our Constitution. Nkoli died in 1998 aged 41 of AIDS-related illnesses.

The opera is set within a vogueing ballroom competition and follows Simon’s journey from his childhood in Sebokeng township in Gauteng to his rise to prominence as a leader in the fight against apartheid and for Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, plus (LGBTQI+) rights. 

“It is a story of courage, determination, unity and love, set against the backdrop of one of the most tumultuous times in South African history and told through protest songs, lush arias, lip-syncing, rap, huge choruses and remarkable video projections,” Perlman said.  

The Cape Town run of Nkoli: The Vogue Opera promises to engage audiences with visually striking sets, opulent costumes, and a cast of extraordinary performers including renowned singer Ann Masina, newcomer Simbone Qonya and the amazing rapping emcee, Niza Jay.  

Through its dynamic storytelling, vibrant and emotional resonance, the vogue opera celebrates Nkoli’s life and legacy and is a powerful call for justice and equality, especially for South Africa’s LGBTQI+ community.