The Royal Court Theatre has revealed the cast for The Afronauts, a new play co-directed by Ryan Calais Cameron and Monique Touko. This production will conclude the venue’s 70th anniversary programme and explores Zambia’s 1964 space ambitions.

The Afronauts will premiere at the Royal Court from 14 November to 19 December 2026, with press night scheduled for 23 November. The play is co-directed by Ryan Calais Cameron, associate playwright at the Royal Court, and Monique Touko, known for directing the sold-out world premiere of G by Tife Kusoro at the same venue.

Set in Zambia during 1964, The Afronauts dramatises the “true(ish)” story of the Zambian Space Program. It follows a schoolteacher who gathers a group of aspiring astronauts as Zambia, newly independent, strives to compete in the global space race.

The cast includes Lucian Msamati as Edward and Ama Qamata as Matha, supported by Ivanno Jeremiah, Chomba S. Taulo, Munashe Chirisa, Pamela Nomvete, Lukwesa Mwamba, and Prince Kundai. This ensemble forms the core group of characters central to the narrative.

The creative team comprises Soutra Gilmour (set design), Kinnetia Isidore (costumes), Ryan Day (lighting), Khalil Madovi (composer and sound), and Dick Straker (video design). Other contributors include movement director Kloé Dean and casting director Heather Basten.

Calais Cameron’s previous Royal Court work includes For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy, while Touko’s credits at the theatre feature Jaja’s African Hair Braiding and Marie and Rosetta. The Afronauts is part of Genesis Next Generation, a project by the Genesis Foundation.

The production highlights the Royal Court’s commitment to new, diverse voices while marking its 70th anniversary with a story centred on an overlooked chapter of African history and ambition within the space race era.