World Premiere in Munich: 12th May 2026

Wiesbaden Premiere: 22nd May 2026

“Isithunzi” means ‘dignity‘ in Zulu – but can also be translated as ‘spirit of death and renewal’. The idea: within each of us lies a connection to our ancestors and to a universal energy that gives rise to all life. Based on a text by Afrofuturist author Shanice Ndlovu, composer Monthati Masebe tells the story of three protagonists searching for connections in the past and their own identities. For her first music theatre piece, she invites audiences to a cultural encounter, combining Western instruments with South African playing techniques, and takes to the stage herself as a performer of electronic soundscapes.

Composition, concept, electronics, performance: MONTHATI MASEBE

Text: SHANICE NDLOVU

Stage direction: THERESA MARIA SCHLICHTHERLE

Stage and costume design: MARIELLA MAIER

Dramaturgy: KATJA LECLERC

Soprano: INNA FEDORII

Mezzo-soprano: FLEURANNE BROADWAY

Tenor: JOSHUA SANDERS

Co-production by Münchener Biennale and Staatstheater Wiesbaden

Composition & libretto commissioned by the City of Munich for the Münchener Biennale