Who Gets Chosen? National School of the Arts Puts South Africa's Fame Culture Centre Stage in “ON THE LIST”

On The List – Broadway the NSA Way: an original South African musical from NSA and K-Movement, backed by the SAMPRA Development Fund, sees the triple threat NSA learners in the spotlight.

JOHANNESBURG — The National School of the Arts (NSA), in partnership with K-Movement and with the support of the SAMPRA Development Fund, presents ON THE LIST – Broadway the NSA Way, a vibrant new South African musical taking to The Lesedi stage at the Joburg Theatre from 6 to 9 August.

Set in 2026 ON THE LIST explores a rapidly changing creative culture and landscape. It can also be seen as NSA's youthful homage to A Chorus Line and Fame of the 70s. ON THE LIST touches on AI, influencer culture, popularity versus artistry, and money versus integrity — while celebrating the grit it takes to hold onto a creative dream. The production asks a timely question: in a world where technology can create almost anything, what makes an artist truly irreplaceable?

Story and themes

At the heart of the story is a determined young female director on a mission to create South Africa's next ground-breaking musical.

As singers, dancers, comedians, musicians and dreamers battle for a place in the spotlight, ambition clashes with truth, relationships are tested, and hidden stories come to light. What begins as a search for talent becomes a journey of identity, healing and belonging — guided by an unexpected spiritual presence — as the director discovers that greatness is never achieved alone.

“Returning to the National School of the Arts is a powerful full-circle moment,” said Khaya Ndlovu Mpehle, an NSA Class of 2009 alum and Founder & Creative Director of K-Movement. “These halls shaped my love for storytelling, creativity and movement, and it is a profound honour to return and inspire the next generation of artists.

“At K-Movement, we believe in creating with intention, moving with purpose, and using every creative process to inspire growth, connection and meaningful change. We do not simply create performances; we create platforms that empower artists to find their voice, own their authenticity, and step boldly into their potential.

“'On The List' is a tribute to resilience, identity, and the truth that every artist deserves to belong. My hope is that every student who steps onto the stage leaves knowing that dreams are built through purpose, discipline, and community. When we invest in young artists today, we are not only shaping their future — we are creating the mentors, leaders and visionaries who will inspire the generations that follow. That is the legacy I am honoured to continue: creating with intention, leading with purpose, and ensuring that the next generation of artists knows they belong.”

Made possible by the SAMPRA Development Fund

The National School of the Arts gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the SAMPRA Development Fund for its sponsorship of this production. The Fund, the Corporate Social Investment arm of the South African Music Performance Rights Association (SAMPRA), has enabled the NSA to afford the professional production values that have become the hallmark of productions coming out of this legacy School of Specialisation in Performing and Creative Arts.

The creative team and performance schedule

Co-Directors, Writers & Choreographers: Khaya Ndlovu Mpehle & Kensiwe Tshabalala | Head Writer: MoMo Matsunyane | Musical Directors: Tshepang Dean & Zolani Shangase | Set & Lighting Design: Wilhelm Disbergen. Production Coordinator: Itu Sifiso Chiloane

Performance Schedule

6 August, 19:00 (preview)

R50

7 August, 19:00 (opening night)

R150

8 August, 15:00 and 19:00

R150

9 August, 11:00 and 16:00

R150

Venue: The Lesedi, Joburg Theatre, 163 Civic Blvd, Braamfontein, Johannesburg

Tickets: webtickets.co.za or via Joburg Theatre

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Issued by JT Communication Solutions on Behalf of the National School of the Arts – www.artschool.co.za

About the National School of the Arts

The National School of the Arts is a Gauteng Department of Education School of Specialisation in Performing and Creative Arts, dedicated to nurturing excellence and developing the next generation of artists and cultural innovators. Situated in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, it has been at the forefront of specialised arts education for over five decades. Admission is dependent on a successful audition in one of four specialist subjects: art, dance, drama or music. It is currently auditioning season at the NSA.

Realising Dreams through excellence in Arts and Academics.

www.artschool.co.za | @nsaartschool | facebook.com/ArtschoolSA

Contact for the National School of the Arts - Brenda Sakellarides, Artistic Director - 082 600 6739 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

About K-Movement

Khayalethu Movement (K-Movement) is a South African creative movement company dedicated to using the arts as a catalyst for education, leadership and social impact. Founded by director, choreographer and movement educator Khaya Ndlovu Mpehle, K-Movement is built on the philosophy of creating with intention, moving with purpose, and inspiring meaningful change. Guided by its three core pillars — Move. Mingle. Motivate. — K-Movement develops transformative artistic experiences through dance, theatre, education and community engagement, nurturing the next generation of artists while cultivating communities that inspire and leave a lasting impact.

About the SAMPRA Development Fund

The South African Music Performance Rights Association (SAMPRA) is a music licensing organisation that collects royalties on behalf of recording artists and record labels and distributes them to rights holders. Through the SAMPRA Development Fund, its Corporate Social Investment arm, SAMPRA supports high-profile, professional-standard productions and cultural festivals.

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