Josias Dos Moleele (writer and director) does not describe the JUIG – The Koortjies Musical as just another theatre production, he calls it a prayer.
From the moment the performance begins, the intention is felt; through the music, movement and storytelling. JUIG becomes more than a stage production, it becomes a deeply personal and cultural expression, one that is embedded in faith, identity and belonging.
“It is my prayer on stage,” Moleele explains.
At the heart of the production is Koortjies, a choral tradition deeply rooted in the spiritual and cultural life of many Coloured and Khoisan communities. However, as Moleele highlights, the meaning runs deeper than the actual word.
“When you say ‘Juig’ in the coloured community, it is layered with a lot of things. It means come, let us have a taste of our culture as we pray to God.”
For Moleele, the journey behind JUIG is just as powerful as the story on stage. After reconnecting with his Khoisan heritage, he felt compelled to tell stories that have been overlooked for a long time.
Set in a contemporary community, the musical follows two brothers, Jude and Gershwin, in the prodigal son inspired narrative. When leadership of the church is unexpectedly passed to the younger once rebellious son Jude, tension escalated, revealing themes of rejection, identity and belonging.
The emotional weight of JUIG is carried as much through its music as its storyline.
Composer Nehemiah Kwonglee draws from both his cultural background and church background to create sound that is rooted in gospel tradition. “I just had to get in touch with where I grew up, the sounds that I heard over the years and fuse into that music.
This is more than just a musical, by formally scoring its music, the production ensures that Koortjies can live beyond the stage – a legendary story.
From harmonies to moments where dialogue is sung, music turns into a powerful storytelling tool which guides the audience through both conflict and redemption.
Beyond the stage, JUIG is also about community. Through auditions in Eesterust, the production uncovered raw talent, performers who had long been excluded from opportunity and it also introduces theatre to the new audiences, many experiencing it for the first time.
As the final moments of JUIG unfold, what remains is sense of reflection and hope. A reminder that identity is not defined by position or performance but by something deeper: “You are enough… and never give up.
JUIG – The Koortjies Musical is currently showing at the ARENA Theatre at the South African State Theatre in Pretoria until 3 May 2026.
By Sinentlahla Mbokwe
Images provided
