“Theatre has had a very important role in changing South Africa. There was a time when all other channels of expression were closed that we were able to break the conspiracy of silence, to educate people inside South Africa and the outside world. We became the illegal newspaper.”

South African actor and playwright

John Kani is a South African actor and playwright. Born Bonisile John Kani, he is known for his screen roles in films such as Captain America: Civil War, Black Panther, The Lion King, and Murder Mystery, and for his work in theatre during the apartheid era. He co-wrote Sizwe Banzi Is Dead in 1975 with Athol Fugard and Winston Ntshona, and also performed in it. His career spans stage and film, with work that has connected him to both anti-apartheid theatre and major popular screen productions.