Photos: SIZWE BANZI IS DEAD Opens at Crossroads Theatre Company in New Brunswick

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Atandwa Kani and Kelcey Watson star in the Athol Fugard classic at NBPAC.

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See photos from inside opening night of a new production of the acclaimed play Sizwe Banzi is Dead now playing at Crossroads Theatre Company in New Brunswick. The production will run through June 14 at NBPAC.

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Written by renowned South African playwright Athol Fugard (Master Harold and the Boys), together with the legendary John Kani (Black Panther, The Lion King) and Winston Ntshona, the play stands as a powerful condemnation of Apartheid, a harsh and dehumanizing system inspired by 20th-century Jim Crow laws in the United States.

Since its groundbreaking debut in Cape Town in 1972, the play has graced stages in London, claimed the 1974 Theatre Critics Award for Best Play, and, upon its New York premiere in November 1974, earned Tony Awards for both Kani and Ntshona, along with a nomination for Best Play.

Stepping into the iconic role once played by South Africa’s celebrated John Kani, his son, Atandwa Kani (Black Panther, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom), now commands the stage as Buntu/Styles, bringing a fresh yet familiar energy to the character. Joining him is Kelcey Watson (Days of Wine and Roses), a classically trained actor whose portrayal of Sizwe Banzi adds depth and nuance to this powerful production.

The evening sparkled with success, drawing celebrities, political leaders, board members, and devoted supporters to celebrate this historic institution. Crossroads Theatre Company has long been a launching pad for some of the most acclaimed Black creatives, including EGOT winner Viola Davis, two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, August Wilson, Ntozake Shange, George C. Wolfe, Joe Morton, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, and many more.

One critic has called this production "a stunning, searing, and profoundly moving masterpiece.”

Opening night was followed by a lovely reception at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, where the stars and creative team members were greeted with tremendous appreciation and recognition.

Tickets are available at www.crossroadstheatrecompany.org .

Photo Credit: Nidal Q/Connective Production and Austin Donohue.

Kelcey Watson and Atandwa Kani

Kelcey Watson and Atandwa Kani

Kelcey Watson and Atandwa Kani

Atandwa Kani , Ricardo Khan , Kelcey Watson , and Ezra Ezzard.

Susan Chavis Settles, Atandwa Kani , and Ezra Ezzard

A young group of students attend opening night of SIZWE BANZI IS DEAD

Atandwa Kani and Director Ricardo Khan

Norman Anthony Small

Ashley Caldwell, Danai Gurira , Lt. Governor Dr. Dale G. Caldwell, and Ezra Ezzard.

Kelcey Walton

Sizwe Banzi is Dead opening night

Sizwe Banzi is Dead opening night

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_Originally reported by [BroadwayWorld](https://www.broadwayworld.com/new-jersey/article/Photos-SIZWE-BANZI-IS-DEAD-Opens-at-Crossroads-Theatre-Company-20260528)._