An award-winning South African theatre production that explores masculinity, identity and mental health is set to engage local audiences with a deeply personal story that has resonated with families across the country.
Presented by Living Glory Entertainment, Dear Tata… What Makes A Man A Man is a Standard Bank Bronze Ovation Award-winning one-man production that asks a powerful question: What does it mean to be a Black man in South Africa today?
A story of fathers, sons and finding your voice
The production follows a young man as he attempts to reconnect with his father while navigating pain, expectation and vulnerability.
Through a blend of theatre, music and dance, the performance shines a spotlight on young men who often feel unseen, creating space for conversations around masculinity, identity and mental health.
Rather than offering simple answers, the production invites audiences to reflect on the often complex relationship between fathers and sons, and the expectations placed on young men as they discover who they are.
Why it matters
The themes explored in Dear Tata… What Makes A Man A Man are particularly relevant as conversations around men’s mental health and emotional wellbeing continue to grow in South Africa.
By bringing these discussions to the stage, the production aims to encourage meaningful dialogue around topics that have often been overlooked or avoided.
For Gqeberha audiences, it offers an opportunity to experience a performance that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, while highlighting the importance of vulnerability, communication and understanding within families.
About the creator
The production was created by Mava Gqeba, a Cape Town-born singer, actor, music teacher and theatre practitioner.
As the founder of Living Glory Entertainment, Gqeba is passionate about using the performing arts to educate, inspire and entertain while mentoring the next generation of performers.
Reflecting on the inspiration behind the production, Gqeba said it was important to start these conversations through theatre.
“It was important for me to initiate the conversation through theatre because families could see their own stories played out in a neutral space.”
He added that the production has already had a profound impact on audiences.
“Many fathers have left the show feeling closer to their sons because the things words could not express were conveyed through performance.”
As the production continues to tour, Dear Tata… What Makes A Man A Man promises to leave Gqeberha audiences with plenty to reflect on long after the curtain falls.
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