The Rivonia Trial, a new Tribunal Play by Matthew Hahn
The Rivonia Trial
2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the Rivonia Trial which saw Nelson Mandela and seven of his co-defendants convicted of sabotage. It is widely regarded as one of the most important political trials of the twentieth century and a turning point in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa.
The trial was a brutal contest between an oppressive state and the leading freedom fighters of their age. Its transcripts are as important today as they were 60 years ago. They embody exceptional personal leadership in the fight for racial equality and justice. As such, they challenge each and every one of us to take action against injustice and corrupt systems. They are powerful instruments of social change.
‘The Rivonia Trial’, a Tribunal Play
The first public reading of The Rivonia Trial, a tribunal play, in May 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the Rivonia Trial. Playwright Matthew Hahn has pared down over 260 hours of testimony from the original Rivonia Trial to create his new tribunal play. The play draws directly from the trial’s electrifying transcripts, with the accused turning the tables to spotlight the government’s actions while every moment facing the brutal threat of the death sentence.
It focuses on a less well-known, but critically resonant aspect of the trial which centres Walter Sisulu’s testimony with that of his defence attorney Bram Fischer, and the responses of the prosecutor, Percy Yutar, and the Judge, Justice de Wet:
Registrar: Accused Number 2, how do you plead to the indictment served upon you?
Sisulu: It is the government which is guilty, not me.
Mr Justice de Wet: I don’t want any political speeches here. You may plead guilty or not guilty. But nothing else.
Sisulu: It is the government which is responsible for what is happening in the country. I plead not guilty.
The play brings to life the critically relevant legacy of the trial, in the fight for social justice today.
“We [need] to reinforce our commitment to … ethical leadership. We are not merely honouring the past but building the future.” South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, 16 February 2018.
THE PLAY READING
The cast is led by Jack Klaff (whose credits include the original Star Wars movie).
Sunday 26th May 2024 – 6.30pm
A panel discussion and Q&A with leading activists will follow the performance.
Park Theatre, Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, London N4 3JP
Admission Free – THIS EVENT IS NOW FULLY BOOKED
To register your interest for ticket returns please email [email protected]
For more information about the play, the Rivonia Trial and about those who fought for a democratic South Africa, please visit: https://www.matthewhahn.org.uk/post/the-rivonia-trial-a-tribunal-play
This event and the reading of The Rivonia Trial, a tribunal play, has been made possible with the kind support of the Joffe Family, the Joffe Charitable Trust and the Park Theatre.
Sticker produced by the Anti-Apartheid Movement to raise awareness in 1964, Courtesy Anti-Apartheid Movement Archives.
The eight convicted at the Rivonia Trial 1964, (from top, left to right): Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Govan Mbeki, Raymond Mhlaba, Elias Motsoaledi, Andrew Mlangeni, Ahmed Kathrada and Denis Goldberg (Photograph: Radu Sighet/Reuters)
ISMAIL ESSOP Makda Evidence 6 12 1963, Courtesy University of the Witwatersrand, Historical Papers
Walter Sisulu, copywright International Magazine Service
All Shall Be Afforded Dignity – commemorating 30 years of South Africa’s freedom
The Rivonia Trial, a new tribunal play is proud to play a part in the UK programmed to commemorate 30 years of South Africa’s freedom. Convened by Action for Southern Africa and Anti-Apartheid Legacy: Centre of Memory and Learning; with the Anti-Apartheid Movement Archives and ACTSA Scotland, in partnership with the South African High Commission to the UK & Northern Ireland.
“All shall be afforded dignity” is our theme for the year. It is both commemorative and a call to action for the future, since there is much work still to be done to realise the South Africa we all want, according to the provisions in the South African Constitution.
Our aim is to draw on the spirit of the 1994 election year, where hope with action were the key ingredients to achieving a new dawn for South Africa and for the world.
More information about the 30 years anniversary commemorative programme here
