12 Nov 2025

Actor Maxwell Dichi’s upcoming play Kriste, set to be staged on December 6 at Maitisong, promises to deliver a high-quality production and a faith-awakening experience for Christians and biblical story enthusiasts alike.

The two-hour play, which will begin at 1830 hours, brings to life the famous biblical story of the birth of Jesus Christ in a live musical theatre performance by local theatre group Tsogo, but with a unique twist.

“Most Christmas plays exclude characters like John the Baptist, whose birth is fundamental to the coming of Christ. He paved the way for Him,” said Dichi, who is both the writer of the play and founder of Tsogo, in an interview.

The play would feature characters rarely seen in traditional Christmas productions, such as Zachariah and Elizabeth, the parents of John the Baptist as well as Simeon and Anna, the two elders who long awaited the birth of Jesus.

“We want to revive the Christian faith, hence the need to capture this story in its entirety,” Dichi explained.

Dichi, who will portray Joseph, the betrothed of Mary, affirmed that Kriste would dazzle audiences with its strong performances, music, and attention to detail. The production features a cast of professional actors, dancers, and singers, including Pesalema Motshodi, a gospel music award winner.

“People can expect a play that’s out of the ordinary. We have actors in their late sixties portraying the three wise men, fitting their biblical roles perfectly in both age and stature. Mary will be played by a 17-year-old girl,” he said.

The production would take back audiences to the time of Christ through authentic props and set design, including a manger with live animals and pillars reflecting ancient Israel’s architecture

A three-month-old baby from the Spring of Light Orphanage in Ramotswa will take on the special role of Baby Jesus. The orphanage will receive part of the proceeds from the play. For Dichi, who once believed that the story of Jesus was merely a fable, bringing Kriste to life represents a personal and spiritual transformation.

“If people can come to believe, even if it’s just one person, that Jesus truly existed, as I have come to believe, then it will be an achievement,” he said. ENDS