Aubrey W. Sekhabi is a multi-award-winning playwright and director, currently serving as the Artistic Director of the South African State Theatre (SAST). With over three decades of visionary leadership, he has produced more than 1,600 productions, directed more than 20 productions, creating platforms for thousands of artists and audiences across South Africa.

His acclaimed works include Marikana – The Musical, Rivonia Trial, Freedom – The Musical, On my Birthday and many more. In 2020 he curated and directed another of Freedom, which premiered at the 2020 Dubai World Expo. In 2024, he curated, wrote, and directed the Presidential Inauguration of the 7th Administration, and spearheaded the launch of SAST TV – his brainchild – marking a groundbreaking leap in digital theatre broadcasting. He also directed the SAST TV original production Changing the Game, further cementing his commitment to accessible, high-quality South African storytelling.

Recent credits include Sophiatown (2023 – 2025), My Children, My Africa (2025), and dramaturgy for Thaba Bosiu – The Musical. In 2025, Sekhabi also led the creative direction for South Africa’s representation at the Russian Intervision Music Competition, showcasing the nation’s artistic excellence on the global stage. His recent offering The Fatherland is groundbreaking and it is set to become the musical of the Century.

Sekhabi’s prolific work has earned him over sixty nominations and numerous accolades, including the Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Drama, Naledi Theatre Awards for Best Director (Rivonia Trial, Marikana The Musical and Sophiatown). Marikana The Musical went on to scoop six Naledi Theatre Awards whilst Rivonia Trial scooped three.