Bolanle Austen-Peters’ play ‘Dear Kaffi’ tours South African theaters

‘Dear Kaffi’, a play directed by filmmaker Bolanle Austen-Peters, has commenced its tour of several theaters in South Africa.

The production, which boasts of a stellar Nigerian cast, opened in Pretoria on February 27 and is being staged in partnership with the South African state theatre.

Speaking about the tour in a statement, Austen-Peters said the reception has been “electrifying”.

She said the partnership aims to bridge cultural gaps between Nigeria and South Africa through theatre.

“We are using this collaboration to bridge cultural gaps. The tour will be two weeks of extreme excellence on stage,” the filmmaker said.

The opening night was attended by notable dignitaries including Temitope Ajayi, the acting Nigerian ambassador to South Africa; Sibongiseni Mkhize, CEO of the South African state theatre; and its artistic director Aubrey Sekhabi.

See photos below:

This marks the second time Bolanle Austen-Peters Productions (BAP) has toured South Africa, following the success of ‘Saro The Musical’ in 2022.

‘Dear Kaffi’ is scheduled for at least one stage performance daily from March 1, with the grand finale slated for March 9.

Set in Lagos, ‘Dear Kaffy’ follows the life of Kikelomo Olota, a 35-year-old single woman navigating societal expectations, love, and personal struggles.

The play explores themes of identity, heartbreak, and self-worth through the experiences of Kike, who finds herself entangled in tumultuous relationships while facing pressure from family and society.

The production blends humor, music, and sharp social commentary, offering audiences a poignant and relatable theatrical experience.

The cast includes Uzo Osimkpa, Yewande Osamein, Abiola Lepe, Sharon Onyegbula, Ralph Okoro, Hector Amiwero, Obiora Maduegbuna, Floyd Igbo, Bimbo Manuel, and Bukola Ogunnote.

‘Dear Kaffi’ premiered at the Lagos International Theatre Festival (LITF) in November 2024. It later returned to the Terra Kulture stage in December.

The play joins the list of internationally recognised productions by Austen-Peters, following ‘Saro The Musical’, ‘Wakaa The Musical’, and ‘Fela & The Kalakuta Queens’, which have been staged in London, Cairo, and Johannesburg.