The story of Albie Sachs: Fathers, Sons and Soft Vengeance is vividly brought to life at the Baxter from 13 to 31 October.

Graham Hopkins stars as Sachs in the one-person play, with Fiona Ramsay directing. Written by Gail Louw, the production honours one of South Africa’s most remarkable figures — activist, survivor, constitutional architect and champion of human rights.

A life of struggle

The story traces Sachs’ lifelong commitment to justice. Specifically, it follows him from marching against apartheid at 17, through exile and the 1988 car-bomb attack in Mozambique, to his vision of “soft vengeance”. Furthermore, this vision means building a democratic, just and humane South Africa rather than seeking bitter retribution.

Sachs lost an arm and the sight in one eye in the attack. Apartheid-era security forces carried out the bombing. His journey of recovery and resilience forms part of a narrative that moves between the public and private sides of his life.

Fatherhood and forgiveness

Told in Sachs’ own voice, the play explores family, resilience, forgiveness and fatherhood. Moreover, it asks what “soft vengeance” means in a world still learning how to heal.

The production also examines Sachs’ relationship with his father, Solly Sachs. In addition, it explores his experience of becoming a father later in life to his son, Oliver. As a result, it offers a portrait of an idealistic young activist, wounded survivor, devoted father and philosophical elder.

Director’s vision

“Staging a play on the life of Albie Sachs offers rich emotional and dramatic terrain,” Ramsay said. “His story is both epic and intimate, spanning resistance, loss, recovery and fatherhood.”

Furthermore, she said the play captures Sachs’ moral vision, emotional resilience and unwavering idealism. “Albie is an inspiring figure who overcame great odds. With this play, the audience will leave not just with knowledge but feeling transformed by the experience,” she added.

Critical acclaim

The Baxter season follows a successful run at Theatre on the Square in Sandton earlier this year. There, the play received favourable reviews from audiences and critics alike.

Barry Morrissee wrote: “By the final moments of the evening, there was not a dry eye in the house, including, it must be said, his own.”

The Something Guy described it as “a deeply moving piece of South African theatre — emotional, funny, powerful and unforgettable.” Furthermore, the review called it “a reminder that history is not only something we study. It is something we must continue to feel, remember and protect.”

Cast and crew

Ramsay, a multi-award-winning performer, has appeared at the Baxter in recent years. Her credits there include “Blonde Poison”, also written by Louw, and “The Opera Singer” by Janna Ramos-Violante. Previously, she collaborated with Hopkins on “Hansard”, to great acclaim.

The creative team includes Oliver Hauser as lighting designer and Dean Pitman as sound designer. Meanwhile, Ramsay and Hopkins designed the set together. Troupe Theatre Company and the Baxter Theatre present the production, in association with Daphne Kuhn.

Booking details

Performances run from 13 to 31 October 2026 at the Baxter Studio. Evening shows start at 8pm, with Saturday matinees at 3pm. Tickets are available through Webtickets online and at Pick n Pay stores.

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