Saulspoort Dam musical captivates audiences at the National Arts Festival

The Saulspoort Dam musical was awarded an Ovation award at the National Arts Festival in Makhanda.

Producer Charles Ikageng said the musical that was written and directed by Thabo Motlhabi was brought to the stage in a record time of four weeks.

“The production is based on the real-life events when the bus transporting Sol Plaatje municipal workers and Cosatu members plunged into Saulsportdam in 2003 as they were travelling to a May Day rally in Qwa Qwa. The screenplay is based on the account of Tshepo Mogorosi, who was one out of ten survivors in the crash that claimed the lives of 51 people.” 

He added that Mogorosi, who was unemployed at the time of the accident, was now working at the Northern Cape Department of Sports, Arts and Culture. 

Ikageng said the cast featured first-time local actors and actresses as well as those with stage experience.

“We also made use of a live band and composed original music. A total of 42 people were involved in this production. We would like to take the musical on tour and share the musical with the whole world. Every province has its own story, and we chose the Saulspoort Dam tragedy as a defining moment for the Northern Cape.”

The Northern Cape Department of Sport, Arts and Culture congratulated the Dikabo Tsentle Music and Arts Promotions for the outstanding achievement and indicated that the award was a testament to creative excellence, innovation and captivating storytelling.