Serpent Players Garden

Nestled on Bird Street, the Serpent Players Garden commemorates the birthplace of a groundbreaking theatrical troupe—the Serpent Players—who began their journey in the abandoned snake pit of the old Port Elizabeth Museum.
Step into South Africa’s dramatic past with a visit to the Serpent Players Garden, a powerful blue plaque site at 28 Bird Street in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth). This thoughtfully designed public space honors the legacy of the Serpent Players, a trailblazing anti-apartheid theatre group that rose from humble beginnings in the 1960s to shape South African performing arts.

The garden stands on the historic site of the old Port Elizabeth Museum’s snake pit, where the group first rehearsed. The Serpent Players Garden now symbolizes reflection, resilience in the face of adversity, and creativity. It was here that young South Africans, including iconic playwright Athol Fugard and actors John Kani and Winston Ntshona, courageously rehearsed against all odds, giving birth to landmark protest plays such as Sizwe Banzi Is Dead and The Island.

Long before the Serpent Players made history, the site was home to the museum’s beloved Snake Park, established on the site in 1919. The park’s first snake handler, Johannes Molikoe, became a local legend through his thrilling live demonstrations over three decades. Known for his calm demeanor and remarkable bravery, Molikoe was reportedly bitten about once a year but always recovered, eventually passing away of old age. His fearless performances left a lasting impression on generations of schoolchildren and visitors, making the snake pit a memorable part of Gqeberha’s cultural history—and an unlikely stage for one of South Africa’s most influential theatre groups.

Today, visitors to the Serpent Players Garden can explore a beautifully landscaped space featuring sculptural elements, mosaic artwork, and interpretive signage that pay tribute to the group’s courage and cultural impact. The garden offers a quiet yet powerful stop along Gqeberha’s creative and historical walking routes.

What to See and Experience:

Artistic Installations: Symbolic art pieces reference themes of struggle, expression, and transformation, reflecting the bold and unapologetic spirit of the Serpent Players.

Cultural Storytelling: Informational plaques guide visitors through the group’s history, highlighting the plays they produced and the social issues they confronted under apartheid censorship.

Photo Opportunities: Surrounded by charming heritage buildings and near cultural landmarks like the Athenaeum and Route 67, the garden provides striking backdrops perfect for meaningful photography.

Educational Value: Ideal for school groups, cultural tours, and theatre lovers, the garden offers an important entry point into South Africa’s performing arts heritage and liberation history.

More than just a green space, the Serpent Players Garden is a living memorial to artists who used the stage to fight for freedom. Whether you are a local resident, cultural tourist, or history enthusiast, this site invites you to reflect, learn, and appreciate South Africa’s rich creative legacy.

Visiting the Serpent Players Garden is simple and accessible for individuals, tour groups, and educational outings. Located on the grounds of the AFDA Film School campus on Bird Street, the garden forms part of a vibrant creative hub within the city’s historical center.

To arrange a visit:

Call the AFDA Gqeberha Office: Book your visit or inquire about access by contacting the AFDA administration team, who assist with scheduling and group bookings.

On-Site Access via Security at AFDA Side Gate at 28 Bird Street: If you’re nearby, you can approach the AFDA side gate next to the garden. Security personnel can assist with granting access, subject to availability and safety protocols.