Thobani Nzuza Makes A Comeback to Theatre
Thobani Nzuza Makes A Comeback to Theatre. Many know him from the small screen, but Thobani Nzuza started his amazing career on stage. He made acting debut with the stage play Silencing the Hurricanes produced by Themi Venturas, in 2014. The play was performed in Bangkok. After the success, he later wrote and directed the stage play Shintsha Guluva for the Isigcawu Festival. The play received critics acclaim and Nzuza won the Best Director award as well.
Thobani is back to his first love, which is theatre. He returns to the theatre stage not only as a performer, but as someone deeply grateful for the journey and the people who made it possible. Come May, Thobani will be killing it with Boy Ntulikazi. The story was published into a book in 2018, making Thobani a published author. Boy Ntulikazi tells a story about how challenges determine the way individuals reflect on the world around them. Boy Ntulikazi’s past has damaged him mentally, leaving him unstable. Ntulikazi, the man, assumes a variety of character roles in almost schizophrenic mode. He is a patient in an awaiting-trail observation case.
“After 7 years on television… I am finally coming back to the stage.
Theatre is where it all began for me.
I think back to 2016 and 2017 when I travelled across the country with a play, carrying nothing but a dream and a deep love for storytelling. I was only 23 years old. I had no institutional support, no big sponsors — only faith, courage, and people who believed in me when I was still a nobody.
I remember the kindness that carried me.
I remember Reggie Mampensela Ndlovu fetching me from Park Station and taking me to Diepkloof Hall so I could audition for the Zabalaza Theatre Festival.
I remember Menzi Mkhwane writing a message on Facebook asking people to donate so I could travel to Cape Town for the festival.
Because of that love and support… we went to the festival and won Best Production and Best Actor.
Those moments changed my life.
Today, years later, my love for storytelling is still burning just as strongly. And this time, I return to the theatre stage not only as a performer, but as someone deeply grateful for the journey and the people who made it possible.
This May, I want to celebrate that journey with you.
UBUTAINMENT ARTS proudly presents the multi-award-winning play BOY NTULIKAZI — a story that has travelled far and even found its way into classrooms as a published textbook.
Written by Thobani Nzuza & Kagiso Tshimakwane
Performed by Thobani Dlomo Nzuza
Music by Hloniphani Arts Mthethwa
📍 Seabrooke’s Theatre, Durban High School
📅 1–3 May 2026
If you have ever believed in a dream… if you have ever supported a young artist… if you have ever loved theatre…
This one is for you. ❤️,” Thobani said.
