John Kani

John Kani was a South African actor, writer, film director and screenwriter (born 1942). He was born at New Brighton.

Also recorded as Bonisile John Kani.

John Kani in brief

Born
1942
Known for
actor,writer,screenwriter,playwright,director
Place of birth
New Brighton

Overview

Born at New Brighton in 1942.

Identity and origins

The authorities additionally record the heading Bonisile John Kani. His recorded language was English.

One child is recorded: Atandwa Kani.

Recognition and collections

John Kani received Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play, Order of Ikhamanga in Silver and Officer of the Order of the British Empire.

Catalogued works

7 works under this name are catalogued by Wikidata Query Service and Open Library.

The Island. Kunene and the king. Ada. Statements. Missing. More market plays. Nothing but the truth.

Literature

5 scholarly publications naming this subject were located in the registry of record.

Kunene and the King by John Kani (review), Theatre Journal, 2025. 39 John Kani: Titan of South African theatre, The Fabric of Dissent, 2021. John Kani as Othello at the Market Theatre, Johannesburg, South Africa's Shakespeare and the Drama of Language and Identity, 2018. Kani-Verfahren, Praktische Statik nach Cross, Steinman und Kani, 1989. KANI KA ‘ŌPALA, Kani ka ʻŌpala, 2025.

Naming and authority record

This heading is established in VIAF (44391520). Those registers additionally record the forms John Kani, 1943-, John Kani South African actor and author, John Kani acteur sud-africain and John Kani, acteur uit Zuid-Afrika.

In detail

the recorded working language is English.

The field of work recorded is acting, directing and drama.

Works named in the authority record are The Lion King.

Distinctions recorded are Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play, Order of Ikhamanga in Silver and Officer of the Order of the British Empire.

Chronology

  1. 1942John Kani born at New Brighton.

Sources

Each source is named with the standing the house places on it, so the evidence can be weighed rather than taken on trust.

  • reference work · Reputable secondary · Wikipedia

    “John Kani”, English Wikipedia, consulted as further reading

    Consult the source
  • reference work · Reputable secondary · Wikidata

    Wikidata, structured authority record Q6242471: John Kani

    Consult the source

Elsewhere in Film memorabilia

13,912 published records in this field, each with its sources named.

Read the complete film memorabilia index

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