To Hell And Back, a gripping and emotionally charged original South African musical theatre production presented by Kanda Kul Concepts.

TO HELL AND BACK SET FOR POWERFUL RUN AT THE SOUTH AFRICAN STATE THEATRE THIS SEPTEMBER.

The South African State Theatre proudly welcomes To Hell And Back, a gripping and emotionally charged original South African musical theatre production presented by Kanda Kul Concepts, set to take audiences on a profound spiritual and emotional journey from 18 to 27 September 2026.

Blending powerful music, emotionally rich storytelling, and thought-provoking spiritual themes, To Hell And Back explores the fragile line between self-righteousness, judgment, grace, and redemption in contemporary society.

The production follows four individuals who mysteriously awaken in hospital stretchers after a tragic incident, convinced that they had lived lives worthy of heaven. As they journey through confusion, fear, regret, and spiritual confrontation, hidden truths begin to surface, forcing each character to confront the reality of who they truly were beneath appearances, morality, and social performance.

Created and produced by Ntlantla Swana, directed by acclaimed theatre maker Luyanda Sidiya, with a script penned by playwright Khanyisa Sigwanda and an original musical score composed by Sizwe Yaze, the production promises an unforgettable theatrical experience that is both intimate and spiritually confronting.

At the heart of the production lies a universal human question: What happens when people are forced to confront the darkest parts of themselves before they can truly heal?

Rather than presenting “hell” as merely a physical place, the musical explores it as an emotional and spiritual collapse that occurs when self-righteousness is stripped away. Through memory, trauma, faith, vulnerability, and emotional revelation, To Hell And Back invites audiences to reflect on the ways people magnify the failures of others while neglecting the deeper work of self-reflection and compassion within themselves.

The production embraces abstract staging and fluid theatrical transitions where reality and the spiritual realm coexist, allowing music, movement, and visual storytelling to merge into a hauntingly beautiful theatrical landscape. Emotional honesty, restraint, vulnerability, and powerful musical climaxes combine to create a deeply immersive experience for audiences.

Produced under Kanda Kul Concepts, the production continues the company’s commitment to creating impactful and socially resonant theatrical work that speaks directly to contemporary audiences navigating questions of morality, faith, accountability, and healing.

To Hell And Back is more than a musical theatre production. It is an invitation to confront uncomfortable truths about judgment, hypocrisy, forgiveness, and redemption, reminding audiences that sometimes the greatest blindness is believing there is nothing within ourselves that needs saving.

Production Details:

Production: To Hell And Back
Presented by: Kanda Kul Concepts
Dates: 18 to 27 September 2026
Genre: Musical Theatre
Duration: 90 Minutes
Age Restriction: None
Watch on SAST TV https://www.statetheatre.co.za/tvchannel/

SAST TV is the South African State Theatre’s digital platform showcasing performances, festivals, artist conversations, and behind the scenes cultural storytelling.

For more information visit: https://www.statetheatre.co.za

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Media Enquiries:
Bongani Nicholas Ngomane
South African State Theatre
E-mail: bongani@statetheatre.co.za

Nkhensani Mafuyeka
Nkhensani@statetheatre.co.za
079 296 3871
South African State Theatre
http://www.statetheatre.co.za