UJ Arts & Culture, a division of the Faculty of Art, Design, and Architecture (FADA), is proud to present Miracle Tree | Isihlahla Sezimanga, at this year’s Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees.
This multilingual choral production honours South Africa’s rich tapestry of languages and poetic traditions. Before taking the stage at the Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees, Miracle Tree will have a special preview in Johannesburg, giving local audiences the rare opportunity to experience this landmark production first. More than a performance, this moment marks the unveiling of a creative collaboration that celebrates storytelling, music, and identity — proudly showcased in Joburg before its national festival debut.
Inspired by Bongekile Mbanjwa’s evocative poem Isihlahla Sezimanga, the work features original compositions by award-winning composer and UJ Artist-in-Residence Franco Prinsloo, performed by Voices+ under the direction of conductor Sizwe Mondlane. With narrative and poetry by Vus’umuzi Phakathi, and artistic direction by award-winning theatre-maker Jade Bowers, the production brings together some of South Africa’s finest creative voices.
Miracle Tree celebrates the enduring beauty of indigenous languages and the stories they carry. Like branches filled with leaves, these songs grow with meaning, evoking joy, love, and a deep connection to identity and place. Featured in the programme is ’n Namagowab lied van die lier, composed by Prinsloo to celebrate the richness and evolving nature of the Afrikaans language. The text was specially created by three acclaimed poets — Veronique Jephtas, Alwyn Roux, and Lynthia Julius — whose distinct contributions reflect the language’s cultural and linguistic depth.
The music is performed by Voices+, an ensemble comprising UJ Choir members, who guide audiences on a journey steeped in heritage, hope, and harmony. The production also features performances by distinguished collaborators, including Eugene Joubert, Magdalena de Vries, and Motshwane Pege.
As part of UJ’s year-long 20th anniversary celebrations, Miracle Tree highlights the University’s commitment to creative expression, cultural preservation, and linguistic diversity. This Johannesburg preview is a proud showcase of homegrown talent before the production takes its place on the Woordfees stage.
Creative Team:
- Conductor: Sizwe Mondlane
- Composer: Franco Prinsloo
- Performers: Voices+ (members of the UJ Choir)
- Special Collaborators: Eugene Joubert, Magdalena de Vries, Motshwane Pege
- Director: Jade Bowers
- Producer: UJ Arts & Culture
- Poet and performer: Vus’umuzi Phakathi
Event Details:
Johannesburg Performance
Venue: Bunting Theatre, Bunting Road Campus
Date: 14 October
Time: 19:00
Tickets: R150
https://www.quicket.co.za/events/336968-miracle-tree-isihlahla-sezimanga-johannesburg-preview#/
Stellenbosch at the Toyota SU Woordfees
Venue: Fismer Hall, Victoria Street & Neethling Street, Stellenbosch
Dates: 17 – 18 October
Duration: 60 minutes
Tickets: R185–R230 (Quicket) | R215–R260 (door)
https://www.quicket.co.za/events/318537-miracle-tree/?preview=t#/
For media inquiries, please contact: lakinmb@uj.ac.za
About UJ Arts and Culture
UJ Arts & Culture, a division of the Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture (FADA) produces and presents world-class student and professional arts programmes aligned to the UJ vision of an international university of choice, anchored in Africa, dynamically shaping the future. A robust range of arts platforms are offered on all four UJ campuses for students, staff, alumni, and the general public to experience and engage with emerging and established Pan-African and international artists drawn from the full spectrum of the arts.
In addition to UJ Arts & Culture, FADA (www.uj.ac.za/fada) offers programmes in eight creative disciplines, in Art, Design and Architecture, as well as playing home to the NRF SARChI Chair in South African Art & Visual Culture, and the Visual Identities in Art & Design Research Centre. The faculty has a strong focus on sustainability and relevance, and engages actively with the dynamism, creativity, and diversity of Johannesburg in imagining new approaches to art and design education.
About Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees
The Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees is a prominent South African arts festival, celebrating Afrikaans and other art forms. It began in 2000 as a one-night event at Stellenbosch University and has since grown into one of the largest festivals on the continent, attracting around 50,000 visitors annually. The festival, now a Non-profit Company (NPC), offers a diverse program including literature, theatre, music, visual arts and film.