‘The Last Country’ is based on a collection of 30 oral histories of migrant women, including South African women who migrated from rural areas into the city, who recounted their journeys as part of the ‘Migration, Gender and the Inclusive City’ research project, led by Dr. Kira Erwin. Funded by the Cities Alliance, the project was carried out in Durban as a collaborative partnership between the Democracy Development Program, the African Solidarity Network, the Refugee Social Services and the Urban Futures Centre at the Durban University of Technology (DUT).
The production has toured the Kwa-Zulu Natal province over the last three years, playing to capacity audiences in hostels, theatres, schools, universities and communities. A revised production featuring a new all-star cast that includes Mpume Mthombeni, Faniswa Yisa, Andile Vilakazi and Nompilo Maphumulo, played at the 2024 National Arts Festival’s main programme to sold-out venues and glowing reviews.
‘The Last Country’ will be coming to Jo’burg for the first time this year, as part of The Market Theatre’s Africa Month programming. The Market Theatre is aptly located in the heart of Johannesburg, a city that is home to many migrants. According to Artistic Director, Greg Homann, the play presents a unique opportunity to engage each other around issues of migration and what it takes for these women to make a new city their home.
Hailing ‘The Last Country’ as a groundbreaking research-based project, Homann said: “This play contributes to a much larger conversation about migration, belonging, hope and resilience. Again, it highlights policy limitations relating to migration in metropolitan areas and reminds us of the fundamental values that have shaped this beautiful nation. The production forms part of our Africa Month curation at The Market Theatre and bringing it to Jo’burg is an attempt at interrogating myths and challenging harmful rhetoric surrounding immigrants and displaced people.”
Don’t miss ‘The Last Country’ at The Market Theatre from 15 May – 1 June 2025 to immerse yourself in these deeply moving and immersive storytelling. Dive into a story that takes you into the lifeworlds of migrant women from across Africa seeking refuge, arriving in our country, the very last country to escape to, and the world they find themselves in.
Tickets are available on Webtickets, with all Wednesdays at half-price. Special discounts apply for preview performances and groups of four or more.
Safe and affordable parking at Newtown Junction.
ENDS.
The Market Theatre Foundation is an agency of the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture.
For media enquiries, please contact Bongiwe Potelwa (Publicist at the Market Theatre Foundation) at bongiwep@markettheatre.co.za or (011) 832 1641.
For reduced price block bookings of 10 or more and school groups, contact Anthony Ezeoke (Audience Development Officer at The Market Theatre Foundation) at anthonye@markettheatre.co.za or 083 246 4950.
