From Hanover Street: A musical tribute to District Six's resilience

Sixty years after the forced removals from District Six, the stories of Hanover Street will return to the stage when From Hanover Street runs at the Artscape Theatre Centre from February 10-15 2026.

The musical concert reflects on loss, resilience and the enduring cultural legacy of District Six, marking six decades since residents were uprooted from their homes. Through music, memory and lived experience, the production honours a community whose spirit was never displaced.

At the heart of the work is a historic creative collaboration. For the first time, the Broetjies and The Bra unite in the producer’s chair, with David Kramer joined by Jody Abrahams, Alistair Izobell, Emo Adams and Loukmaan Adams. Their personal and professional journeys are deeply intertwined with the story being told.

Each of the Broetjies began their careers as nine-year-old performers in District Six: The Musical decades ago. They now return as seasoned artists and custodians of memory, collaborating with Kramer to create a new work grounded in shared beginnings and lived experience of District Six.

From Hanover Street moves between tender reflection and moments of joy, blending tearful recollection with laughter, rhythm and celebration. The production honours pain without being overwhelmed by it, celebrating life in all its complexity.

Artscape provides a fitting home for the production as the venue marks its 55th anniversary this year. Artscape chief executive officer Dr Marlene le Roux said staging a District Six story at the iconic theatre was especially meaningful.

“We are so excited for this production to hit the stage at our beautiful Artscape theatre. As we reflect on the sixty-year commemoration of forced removals in District Six, I can think of no better way to honour and preserve those stories”.

Having just awarded David Kramer and the late Taliep Petersen the City’s highest possible honour, the Freedom of the City, it is truly wonderful to see David back in the producer’s chair, telling authentic Cape Town stories together with an incredible cast of music collaborators. I have no doubt that From Hanover Street is going to be one of the theatre highlights of the year.”

Kramer described the reunion as deeply meaningful. "Decades later, to sit together and shape a new work, drawing from where we started, what we’ve lived through, and what still needs to be remembered feels deeply meaningful,” he said.

From Hanover Street performances take place at 8pm from Monday to Friday, with Saturday shows at 3pm and 8pm, and Sunday performances at 2pm and 8pm, at the Artscape Theatre Centre.

*Tickets can be purchased via webtickets. 

Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.

Cape Argus