Actress Ama Qamata is adding another international milestone to her career, having landed the leading role of Matha in The Afronauts, a new stage production set to premiere at London’s Royal Court Theatre next month.
Qamata will make her UK stage debut in the production, which runs from November 14 to December 19, 2026, at the theatre’s Jerwood Theatre Downstairs.
Written by Ryan Calais Cameron and co-directed by Cameron and Monique Touko, The Afronauts draws inspiration from Zambia’s ambitious but largely overlooked space programme of the 1960s.
Set in Zambia in 1964, the production explores ambition, imagination and the determination to pursue possibilities beyond the limitations imposed by society. Qamata plays Matha, taking on a leading role in a story rooted in African history and the continent’s aspirations.
She joins an established cast that includes Lucian Msamati, Ivanno Jeremiah and Pamela Nomvete.
The announcement comes shortly after Qamata represented South Africa at Le Défilé L’Oréal Paris on September 28, 2026. She walked alongside international personalities including Viola Davis, Eva Longoria and Kendall Jenner at the fashion event, which celebrated women’s empowerment, confidence and self-worth.
