Far Gone theatre tour brings powerful child soldier story to South African stages

This November, South African audiences will witness one of the most talked-about stage productions on the international circuit. Far Gone – a critically acclaimed one-man play written and performed by Ugandan-born storyteller John Rwothomack – is set to debut at The Baxter Theatre in Cape Town and Joburg Theatre in Johannesburg, bringing a hauntingly powerful African narrative back to the continent where it began.

Already praised across Europe and Asia for its emotional depth and theatrical brilliance, Far Gone explores the heartbreaking journey of a young boy abducted and forced into life as a child soldier under Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).

A One-Man Performance That Feels Like a Cast of Thousands

Rwothomack’s solo performance is raw, physical and deeply personal. Switching seamlessly between multiple characters, he invites audiences into a world where innocence collides with violence – and where survival becomes an act of resistance.

“Touring my own story across continents is incredibly special,” says Rwothomack. “But bringing it to South Africa – a country that understands both pain and triumph – feels like a homecoming.”

Directed by award-winning Nigerian theatre-maker Mojisola Kareem, Far Gone is produced by the UK-based Roots Mbili Theatre – a company dedicated to elevating African voices on the global stage.

Why This Story Matters Now

Far Gone is not only a theatrical experience – it is a call to remembrance and action. The abduction of child soldiers remains a tragic reality in conflict zones across the world. By bringing the story to South African stages, the production invites audiences to confront shared histories of displacement, survival and hope.

Rwothomack himself narrowly escaped being abducted by the LRA at the age of eight – a defining moment that would later inspire this production.

“This is not just a story about Uganda,” he explains. “It’s a story about all of us who come from places touched by trauma. It’s about healing. It’s about community. It’s about the strength of the African spirit.”

International Acclaim

Following a triumphant UK tour in 2022, Far Gone has received five-star reviews across multiple continents. Its current world tour includes premieres in Taiwan, Europe, the USA and now South Africa – placing African storytelling firmly on the global stage.

South African Tour Dates

Cape Town
• Venue: The Baxter Theatre Centre – The Lessor
• Dates: 11–15 November 2025
• Time: 20:00
• Price: R150 – R200
Book: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1564776573

Johannesburg
• Venue: The Lesedi Theatre, Joburg Theatre
• Dates: 19–22 November 2025
• Time: 19:30
• Price: R150
Book: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1574483304

A Stage for Tomorrow’s Voices

More than a production, Far Gone is a platform. Emerging actors from South Africa will join the experience, highlighting the shared commitment across the continent to uplift young creatives, preserve stories and challenge historical silence through art.

Final Word

Far Gone is more than theatre – it is a witnessing. For South African audiences, it is a profound opportunity to connect with a story that mirrors our own struggles for identity, human dignity and healing.

“We have to tell these stories truthfully. They are our legacy – and our future.”
– John Rwothomack