Breakfast with Mugabe, directed by 2025 Standard Bank Young Artist for Theatre Calvin Ratladi, explores the inner world of one of Africa’s most controversial leaders. The psychological drama follows a fictional encounter between Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe and a white psychiatrist, inspired by real-life reports that the former president once sought therapy. What unfolds is a tense, layered conversation that uncovers themes of trauma, legacy, power and personal reckoning.

Premiered at this year’s National Arts Festival in Makhanda, the play has been praised for its sharp writing, haunting performances and unflinching look at the cost of unresolved grief. Featuring Themba Ndaba as Mugabe and Gontse Ntshegang as Grace Mugabe, the production examines not just a man but the burden carried by a nation shaped by war and loss. To further unpack we are joined on the line by Calvin Ratladi, Director and Farai Chigudu, Actor on Breakfast with Mugabe

Breakfast with Mugabe, directed by 2025 Standard Bank Young Artist for Theatre Calvin Ratladi, explores the inner world of one of Africa&rsquo;s most controversial leaders. The psychological drama follows a fictional encounter between Zimbabwe&rsquo;s Robert Mugabe and a white psychiatrist, inspired by real-life reports that the former president once sought therapy. What unfolds is a tense, layered conversation that uncovers themes of trauma, legacy, power and personal reckoning.
Premiered at this year&rsquo;s National Arts Festival in Makhanda, the play has been praised for its sharp writing, haunting performances and unflinching look at the cost of unresolved grief. Featuring Themba Ndaba as Mugabe and Gontse Ntshegang as Grace Mugabe, the production examines not just a man but the burden carried by a nation shaped by war and loss. To further unpack we are joined on the line by Calvin Ratladi, Director and Farai Chigudu, Actor on Breakfast with Mugabe

Serious and topical issues on continent, breaking stories.

Serious and topical issues on continent, breaking stories.