Biko Rising!

Steven Biko, a powerful grassroots leader of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa, was the founder of the Black Consciousness movement.

He gave his life in the fight for freedom, murdered by the South African police at the age of 30. This play, which marks the 40th anniversary of Biko’s assassination, gives voice to Biko’s writings and to his leadership in the struggles of Black people for self-awareness and self-esteem both in South Africa and throughout the world. 

In Biko Rising!, Steven Biko lives, awakening at age 70 to tell the audience his story.  This energetic and colorful multi-media piece, filled with drama, song and dance, led by South African director Mandla Mbothwe and performed by a cast of three South African actors, will take the viewers on a journey of love, pride and liberation through Biko’s eyes.