Atandwa Kani plays 'Othello', same role performed by dad John Kani in 1987

Lester Kiewit speaks to acclaimed and legendary actor Dr. John Kani.

The apple doesn't fall too far from the stage as Kani's son, Atandwa Kani, plays the role of 'Othello' at the Baxter.

Back in 1987, John Kani played the same role as a political act during the height of apartheid, at Johannesburg's Market Theatre.

The 2024 version of William Shakespeare's play is set to be a unique, ambitious and provocative decolonial interpretation of the original piece of 1610.

The drama is directed by Lara Foot, who deserves all her flowers for this 'brave' and 'incredible idea', says Kani senior.

"It's tough to adapt a play from 1610 to 2024 in Africa... but Lara did it. When we did it in 1987, it was a political act. You knew that the play dealt with the dignity of a black person and the relationship with the white person. Today, it's still Othello, it's still the same issues, but it's 2024."

- Dr. John Kani, legendary thespian

On his son playing the role of 'Othello', Kani says as he watched his son perform, he was mouthing the words and saw a younger version of himself in his son on stage.

Kani also shares what he said to his son when he got the role.

"I was excited. I said to him, it's a mountain. It depends whether you conquer the mountain and you've climbed it. When you stand on top for the curtain call and it falls, then you've conquered it. But if that curtain falls and you're still struggling to get there, it's going to be very challenging."

- Dr. John Kani, legendary thespian

Kani says he's proud of his son for coming this far and being 'serious about this', which is very different advice the actor got from his own father. 

But John was also concerned for Atandwa, and wanted to ensure his son made it in the industry on his own merit, not because of the famous Kani name.

"Like a father, like a mother, you're very proud of your children, you wish them all the time to succeed in whatever choice they make in life. When I wanted to be an actor, my father took me to a witch doctor. But when he wanted to be an actor, my only concern was, 'does he have what it takes, or is he interested in the John Kani brand that will open doors for him'?"

- Dr. John Kani, legendary thespian

"Sometimes when Atwanda goes for jobs, he just says Atwanda without his surname. The challenge hasn't just been being John Kani's son, but delivering when you're on the job itself and being able to carve and create a legacy and reputation for yourself."

- Dr. John Kani, legendary thespian

While the acting gene may run in the family, Atwanda is his own kind of legend.

"But when somebody asked him how does it feel filling your father's footsteps, and he said 'they're too big, I'm making my own', I was very impressed by that, very impressed! And then I knew he is serious about this."

- Dr. John Kani, legendary thespian

Of course Kani watched his son in the Baxter performance and was a proud dad, who thought his son did an incredible job.

"He was absolutely incredible last night. I called the mother and said, 'oh my God, he was good!"

- Dr. John Kani, legendary thespian

And the audience has rave reviews too. 

'Othello' is currently on at the Baxter and runs until 4 May. 

Get tickets here.