Philip Miller and Tshegofatso Moeng
Philip Miller and Tshegofatso Moeng
Nkoli: A Fierce and Fabulous Life
1262 Westwood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90024
Presented in collaboration with the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music and the UCLA Center for Musical Humanities as part of the Opera | Black | Queer symposium
Pre-film talk (3:30-4 pm) followed by film screening
Film runtime: 90 minutes
Audience advisory: This film contains sexually explicit themes, references to Apartheid-era violence and homophobia
A groundbreaking theatrical production honoring the life and legacy of Simon Nkoli.
“Vivid, vibrant and uplifting” – Theatre Scene Cape Town
Philip Miller’s Nkoli: A Fierce and Fabulous Life is a groundbreaking production honoring the life and legacy of Simon Nkoli, a gay anti-apartheid freedom fighter who was charged with treason during the Delmas Treason Trial and later organized Johannesburg’s first Pride march.
This film of the operatic work features a dynamic cast of young performers and creatives whose artistry carries Simon Nkoli’s legacy into the present. Drawing from the history of the ballroom and vogue scene as a sanctuary for LGBTQI+ self-expression, the production blends opera, voguing, protest songs, video and dance into a thrilling theatrical experience. Nkoli is an urgent reminder that the fight for freedom, dignity and visibility continues through the voices and bodies of young people today. Both a celebration and a call to action, it is a testament to art as a tool for resistance, healing, joy and imagining freer futures.
UCLA Chancellor’s Initiative for the Arts, the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, the UCLA Center for Musical Humanities, the Joyce S. and Robert U. Nelson Fund, the UCLA Walter H. Rubsamen Music Library and the UCLA Music Library’s Hugo and Christine Davise Fund.
UCLA Nimoy Theater is located at 1262 Westwood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90024. For GPS, use 10866 Wilshire Blvd to reach the parking structure. The entrance is on Glendon Avenue — look for either entrance marked VISITOR. Parking is $4, beginning at 5 pm for evening performances and 12 pm for matinees. Arriving before these times will incur the $30 day parking fee.
The box office is open Monday–Friday, 10 am–4 pm, and opens 60 minutes before showtime on show nights. The box office is cashless and accepts all major credit cards. For day-of questions, call 310-206-8655. For general inquiries, contact info@cap.ucla.edu or call 310-825-4401.
All late seating is based on availability and at the discretion of house manager.
Accessible seating and assistive listening are available. Ask any house staff member for assistance. For additional accommodations, contact info@cap.ucla.edu.
Beer, wine, mixed beverages, water, soda, and coffee are available in the lobby. Valid ID required for alcohol. Credit cards and cash accepted. For nearby restaurant options, visit the UCLA Nimoy Theater page.
A digital house program for this performance is available to view or download before the show. Find it on the CAP UCLA Program Notes page.
If the performance is sold out, join the standby line at the box office on the night of the show. A waitlist may also be available — if tickets are released, you will be notified by email with a window to purchase.
