A new production at Theatre on the Square honours the life of Albie Sachs and his vision of justice.
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A new play exploring the life and legacy of former Constitutional Court judge Albie Sachs will take to the stage at Theatre on the Square in Sandton next month.
Albie Sachs, Fathers, Sons and Soft Vengeance, written by Gail Louw, runs from May 6 to 24 and is produced by Troupe Theatre Company and the Baxter Theatre in association with Daphne Kuhn.
The production is directed by Fiona Ramsay and stars Graham Hopkins in a one-person performance.
According to the organisers, the play is both a tribute and a reflection on Sachs’ life and values.
“The play is a fitting tribute to Judge Albie Sachs in his 91st year once called the moral conscience of post-apartheid South Africa and a living example of how to hold pain, power, and principle in balance.”
The production traces key moments in Sachs’ life, including his activism, personal relationships and survival after a car bomb attack during apartheid.
“Albie Sachs: Fathers, Sons and Soft Vengeance is a play honoring the activist, survivor, and architect of South Africa’s democratic legal order, that embraces his relationship as a son, a father and his transformative power of the human spirit.”
The one-man play also explores Sachs’ response to injustice and his enduring belief in compassion.
“The play explores his unshakable sense of justice: at just 17 years old, he marched against apartheid laws. In his commitment to the struggle he was not hardened by the violence and repression of apartheid and never lost his compassion.”
Rather than seeking retribution, Sachs became known for a different vision of justice.
“Rather than calling for revenge, Sachs famously said he hoped for a ‘soft vengeance’—a world where South Africa would become democratic and just.”
The production also touches on his personal life, including becoming a father later in life.
“He has spoken movingly about the joy and humility of becoming a parent in his old age, describing it as his ‘greatest adventure’.”
The play further reflects on Sachs’ broader influence and recognition in global justice movements.
“Named after South African Justice Albie Sachs, the awards highlight those protecting democracy and human rights worldwide.”
Organisers describe Sachs as a figure of resilience and humanity.
“He shows us that justice does not have to be cold. That law can have a heart. That forgiveness is not weakness but strength.”
The show will run at Theatre on the Square, with bookings available through Webtickets.