Rivonia Trial is one of the most famous political trials to take place in South Africa.This historical trial which captured worldwide attention is part of the Legend of Freedom series presented by the State Theatre and Pambili Productions.

The Rivonia Trial play follows the trial through the eyes of the witnesses; the defence lawyers; and the arrested MK cadres. Through their testimony, we are taken to the back rooms of Lilieslief farm in Rivonia which was a safe house for the trialists and a place where the dreaded document (by the State) of Operation Mayibuye was discussed. Operation Mayibuye was a document that was proposing full-on guerrilla warfare as opposed to sabotage activities which MK was conducting. In fact, on the day of their arrest, the cadres were meeting for the last time at the farm to discuss an opposing document to Operation Mayibuye.

The trial, which took place at the Palace of Justice in Pretoria, was a showpiece for the South African apartheid regime whose intention was to intimidate and eliminate 'dissenting' views towards its policies.

The trialists led by Nelson Mandela; Walter Sisulu; Dennis Goldberg; Govan Mbeki; Ahmed Kathrada; Rusty Bernstein; Raymond Mhlaba; James Kantor (later discharged); Elias Motsoaledi; and Andrew Mlangeni decided to plead not guilty to the charges laid against them and agreed to turn the trial into a political trial where they would turn the tables and put the government on trial.

The production boasts a brilliant cast led by Sello Maake Ka Ncube (Nelson Mandela); Seputla Sebogodi (Raymond Mhlaba and Albert Luthuli); Vusi Kunene (Govan Mbeki); Lionel Newton (Bram Fischer); David Clatworthy (Dr Yutar); Emmanuel Castis (Rusty Bernstein); Macks Papo (Walter Sisulu); Renos Nicos Spanoudes (George Bizos); Mncedisi Shabangu (Bruno Mtolo); Peter Terry (Joe Slovo and Vernon Berrange); Boitumelo Shisana (Andrew Mlangeni); Xolile Shabalala (Winnie Mandela); Harriet Manamela (Albertina Sisulu ); David James (Joel Joffe); and Pierre van Heerden (De Wet).

The integration of the cast and of the defence team highlights the future which these cadres were projecting, a better South Africa for all, regardless of race, colour and creed.

Other cast members include: Natalie Chapman; Pranesh Maharaj; Edward Malungane; Erno van Dyk; Dries Botha; and James Alexander.

Rivonia Trial is written by Aubrey Sekhabi; Mpumelelo Paul Grootboom; and Mandla Dube and directed by Aubrey Sekhabi and Mpumelelo Paul Grootboom. Assistant Directors are Kea Moeketsane and Bongani Dube.