By Gina Marie Rodriguez & Dave Tavani, JerseyArts.com
originally published: 05/28/2026
Sizwe Banzi Is Dead.
Not to worry, that is simply the title of the latest show running at Crossroads Theatre Company in New Brunswick. Set during South Africa’s apartheid era, the play follows a man faced with an impossible choice: disappear under the weight of an oppressive system—or reinvent himself in order to survive. What ensues is a powerful, funny and deeply moving story about identity, survival and ingenuity.
The play was written by Athol Fugard, Winston Ntshona, and John Kani. The latter of which originated the roles of Sizwe and Bunto. John Kani's son, Antandwa Kani now steps into the role originated by his father, alongside Kelcey L. Watson as Sizwe.
Jersey Arts is at Crossroads Theatre Company to meet the cast and crew bringing this show to life.
Crossroads Theatre Company presents Sizwe Banzi is Dead through June 14, 2026. Tickets are available for purchase online. The New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) is located at 11 Livingston Avenue in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
This creative team includes Ricardo Khan and creative collaborator, Tony Award® winner John Kani. Beowulf Boritt (New York, New York Act One, Flying Over Sunset), Tony®, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Awards, and whose 1/52 Project—a non-profit founded by him, will receive the 2026 Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre,is the production’s scenic designer. Returning to Crossroads is costume designer, Helen Hayes nominee Mika Eubanks (The MONSTERS; Twelfth Night); Obie Award Winner Victor En Yu Tan is lighting designer, Tony® Nominee and Grammy winner, Justin Ellington is sound designer; Stefania Bulbarella, a Tony®, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Award nominee is projection designer; Andrea Zertuche (The Space Between, Past Lives), is projection associate and programmer; Anya Kutner is prop supervisor (Titus Andronicus; Meet the Cartozians); Norman Anthony Small, is production stage manager (American Buffalo; Leopoldstadt; The Shark is Broken), the assistant stage manager is Scott Yezzi, (Straight Forward, Girlboss), and Crossroads Managing Director Ezra Ezzard is a producer.
About the author: Gina Marie Rodriguez is an award-winning screenwriter, director, and actress. Her foray into filmmaking began at a young age as a way to avoid public speaking in school. From there, it grew into a love of telling stories and creating new worlds. Gina Marie boasts a Bronze Remi win from Worldfest Houston, Best Female Filmmaker from the Cosmic Film Festival, and a Best Actress in a Comedy from the Hang Onto Your Shorts Film Festival alongside nominations from the Golden Door International Film Festival, Official Latino Film and Arts Festival and Los Angeles Cinefest among others.
Dave Tavani is a freelance videographer and still photographer based in the Philadelphia area. In recent years, Dave has worked on a variety of projects, mostly for nonprofit and arts organizations. In addition to JerseyArts.com, he works on video projects for McCarter Theatre Center, The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, Visit Philadelphia, Bristol Riverside Theatre, Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture, The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, and ArtPride New Jersey.
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