About We Speak Eleven – The Musical

We Speak Eleven – The Musical is a large-scale, touring theatre production that brings South Africa’s languages, cultures, and shared history together through music, storytelling, and live performance.

It is not a political work, a concert, or a traditional stage musical. It is a cultural journey designed to be experienced collectively — by audiences from all backgrounds.

The Musical Experience

The production combines:

  • Choir, solo, and ensemble performances
  • Traditional and contemporary musical forms
  • Spoken word and storytelling
  • Percussion-driven rhythm and movement

Each performance is structured to take audiences on a journey — from reflection and remembrance to celebration and unity.

Music & Languages

All eleven official languages of South Africa are incorporated into the production.

Where traditional songs are performed in a specific language, translated verses are included to ensure understanding for both local and international audiences. This approach allows the musical to honour authenticity while remaining accessible.

Language is treated not as a barrier, but as a bridge.

Accessibility & Inclusion

We Speak Eleven – The Musical is designed to be experienced by as many people as possible.

Where feasible, the production incorporates South African Sign Language (SASL) interpretation as part of the stage experience, ensuring that Deaf audiences are able to engage fully with the storytelling and emotional journey of the musical.

Sign language interpretation is integrated into the performance itself, treated as a visual language rather than a separate element. This approach reflects the project’s core belief that language is not limited to sound, and that inclusion strengthens shared cultural experience.

Albums & Song Structure

The musical is built around 30 specially written and curated songs, released across two albums:

South Africa in My Heart
A collection of 13 songs reflecting on:

  • The country’s transition in 1994
  • National resilience and innovation
  • The natural beauty of South Africa
  • The people who carry the country forward

The Rhythms of the Rainbow Nation
A 17-track collection of traditional and culturally rooted music representing the nationalities and communities living in South Africa today.

Together, these albums form the musical backbone of the production.

Two Productions: Local and International

There are two touring versions of the musical:

South African Touring Production
Focused on national audiences, this version prioritises accessibility and community engagement, including performances in cities, towns, and rural areas.

International Touring Production
Designed for global theatre audiences, this production showcases South Africa’s cultural diversity and promotes the country as a cultural and tourism destination. It also builds international awareness of the We Speak Eleven Festival planned for 2027.

Audience Experience

Audiences can expect a performance that is:

  • Emotionally resonant
  • Inclusive and accessible
  • Rooted in cultural respect
  • Designed to be shared across generations

Each show opens with a unifying musical moment and builds toward a collective closing that reinforces the core message of the production:
many voices, one shared future.

Format & Duration

The full production runs approximately 96 minutes, presented as a continuous theatrical experience without interruption.

The musical can be staged in:

  • Traditional theatres
  • Community venues
  • Open-air settings
  • Mobile touring stages

This flexibility allows the production to adapt to a wide range of environments while maintaining artistic integrity.