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.
EVENT PREVIEWS
James Rana to perform in Cape May for Classic American Tales on Thursday
(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- On Thursday, July 16, 2026, James Rana will read the first chapter of Vladimir Nabokov's "Pnin" at The Dormer House in Cape May. Every Thursday through October 15, Classic American Tales (CAT) presents stories written by noteworthy authors, read by a variety of performers, with lemonade and homemade desserts also served. Showtime is 4:00pm.
Skyline Theatre Company presents Shakespeare on the Porch with "Much Ado About Nothing"
(BLOOMFIELD, NJ) -- Skyline Theatre Company presents Much Ado About Nothing with performances July 17-18, 2026 as part of its Shakespeare on the Porch series. The Bard's ultimate rom-com comes to life on the porch of the Oakeside Mansion.
Aspire Performing Arts Company presents Green Day's American Idiot
(MONTVILLE, NJ) -- Aspire Performing Arts Company presents Green Day's American Idiot from July 17-19, 2026 at the Barn Theatre. The band's powerhouse album is brought to life in this electric-rock musical of youthful disillusion. The production features two sets of casts.
The Theater Project presents "Too Fat For China" by Phoebe Potts
(UNION, NJ) -- The Theater Project presents Too Fat For China from July 17-19, 2026 in the DMK Black Box Theater. Comedian Phoebe Potts' one-woman show follows the surprises and painful realizations of her adoption journey with humor and candor.
"Chip and Gus" - a comedy with balls comes to Florham Park on July 20th
(FLORHAM PARK, NJ) -- On Monday, July 20, 2026, Chip and Gus, a comedy with balls will be presented at The Thomas H. Kean Theatre Factory. The play is performed, directed, and created by John Ahlin & Christopher Patrick Mullen. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Trilogy Repertory presents "Shrek, The Musical" in Basking Ridge
(BASKING RIDGE, NJ) -- Bernards Township Parks & Recreation and Trilogy Repertory presents Shrek, The Musical across two weekends from July 16-25, 2026 at Pleasant Valley Park Amphitheater in Basking Ridge. Everyone's favorite ogre is back in the hilarious stage spectacle based on the Oscar-winning, smash hit film. Admission is free; bring your own lawnchairs and enjoy the show! Showtime is 8:00pm.
The Blue Moon Theatre presents "Where the Lost Children Play"
(WOODSTOWN, NJ) -- The Blue Moon Theatre presents Where the Lost Children Play across two weekends from July 17-26, 2026. This is a dystopian stage play by Hannah Lee DeFrates. It follows two young women, Willow and Poppy, navigating a grim society.
Nutley Little Theatre presents "The Worst Fairy Tale Ever"
(NUTLEY, NJ) -- The Narrator is ready to start the show, but how is that supposed to happen when nobody else in the cast has read the script and the costumes haven't even arrived yet? Children, families, and the young at heart will find out when Nutley Little Theatre presents The Worst Fairy Tale Ever by Todd Wallinger July 25-26, 2026.
Fool Moon Theatre presents "The Drowsy Chaperone"
(MARGATE, NJ) -- Fool Moon Theatre Company presents the award-winning madcap musical, The Drowsy Chaperone, across two weekends from July 17-26, 2026. Winner of five Tony Awards, this is a loving send-up of the Golden Age musical, featuring one show-stopping song and dance number after another.
The Theater Project presents Kaleidoscope Kabaret
(UNION, NJ) -- Kaleidoscope Kabaret (that's Kabaret with a K), The Theater Project's annual festival of live music and short comedic plays, will liven up the stage of DMK Black Box Theatre in Union Township's new Arts Center from July 24-26, 2026.
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