Young Artists Stage Original Musical on AI and Influencer Pressures at Joburg Theatre

Pupils at the National School of the Arts have written, choreographed and performed an original musical placing artificial intelligence, influencer culture and the pressures of young creative professionals at the centre of the stage. The production opens at the Lesedi Theatre within Joburg Theatre on August 6 under the title “On the List: Broadway the NSA Way”, running as a partnership with K-Movement and supported by the South African Music Performance Rights Association Development Fund.

The show was built from the ground up by students in grades 8 through 12 across the school’s artistic disciplines, who auditioned and then shaped the script itself. Co-director Khaya Ndlovu Mpehle, an NSA alumnus and K-Movement founder, spent the first month and a half of the production process learning who each student was as a person before assigning roles. Characters emerged from the cast members’ own personalities, strengths and challenges rather than being imposed from outside.

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“We used questionnaires and workshops to unpack their personalities, strengths and challenges, and then used that material to help shape the script,” Mpehle explained. The narrative follows a young director searching for South Africa’s next breakthrough performer in a 2026 setting, examining what happens behind audition room doors and whether talent alone determines who gets chosen or whether industry hierarchy plays a role.

For Mpehle, the deeper purpose extended beyond entertainment. “As much as we want audiences to enjoy the show, our biggest goal has been to see these young people grow into better leaders. When parents see that growth and discipline, they’ll support the arts even more, because art begins with supporting the young people who create it.”

Grade 11 student Boitshepo Moremi carries the lead role as Nina. She described an unexpected journey into the character. “At first, it was difficult to connect with her, but now I feel like I’ve made her someone I can look up to as Boitshepo.” The role shifted how she understands the challenges artists navigate.

Grade 9 pupil Simphiwe Ndhlovu portrays Mpume, an influencer whose surface confidence masks internal fracture. “People shouldn’t judge Mpume by his appearance. He comes across as mean and like a bully, but underneath that, he’s a broken artist who’s carrying a lot.” Ndhlovu hopes audiences recognise the humanity beneath external presentation. “Don’t judge people by what you see on the surface,” he said.

For Grade 10 student Azania Moeletsi, who plays the writer, the production marks a first venture into musical theatre after years working in theatre generally. “I’ve done theatre for a long time, but this is actually my first musical. It has a little bit of everything. From the music to the languages and the different personalities, I think everyone in the audience will find someone they can relate to.” She learned through the process that restraint matters. “You don’t always have to overperform. You simply have to give your best, because your best is enough.”

The musical blends styles across multiple genres and languages. Grade 10 student Kabelo Mothapo serves as the production’s band captain and keyboardist, and he identified “Stand Up” as a standout number where every instrument gets individual space. “It’s one of those songs people will leave the theatre remembering,” he said. Mothapo sees broad appeal in the show’s construction. “It’s a show for everyone. Whether you love music, theatre, African influences or Western theatre, you’ll find something to enjoy. There really is no excuse not to come.”

Meanwhile, the timing aligns with the NSA’s audition season for prospective Grade 8 students hoping to enrol in 2027. The production offers aspiring performers a window into what the specialist arts school makes possible. News24 maintains a schools hub where educators and families can share education stories by emailing [email protected].