A theatre production earmarked to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the death of Struggle icon Chief Albert Luthuli is embroiled in controversy before it even premieres.

Director Nozzy Nguse has claimed to have created the show, called Freedom was Never Free, and wants recognition.

The musical is a biographical account of Luthuli's life and his political journey.

Nguse reacted after Sowetan last week ran a story that TV actor and director Sello Maake ka Ncube was roped in as a creative director of the show. She said he was an adviser, not a creative director.

Nguse said she created and developed the show in 2015 and brought in businessman Jabu Stone for funding.

"I told them that he [Maake ka Ncube] can't be brought in as a creative director because I am the one who created and directed the show from its initial stage but he can advise me.

"He did advise us, but I felt some of the ideas were not going to work."

Maake ka Ncube said: "I was introduced during the launch as the creative director, and Nozzy was also there."

Executive producer Nancy Nxumalo said: "The issue you are talking about is something that we are still discussing with Nozzy."