Coming-Of-Age Play Faces Women’s Struggles
Beyond the Curriculum and The Art Cave, in association with The Market Theatre’s Kippies Fringe, are thrilled to present ‘Faces’, an innovative musical theatre production written by Gift Marovatsanga and directed by Masedi Godfrey Manenye. It will run from 7 – 10 August 2025 at Kippies, for a total of five unforgettable performances, as part of the Kippies Fringe Women’s Month programming.
Nominated for the Standard Bank Ovation Award at the 2023 National Arts Festival, ‘Faces’ features an exceptional cast of four actors playing multiple characters. The story explores the profound challenges women encounter in a male-dominated society. At the heart of the narrative lies a young girl who navigates a gallery of her evolution, a reflective museum filled with memories that are both beautiful and painful. As she walks past each portrait, she hears the whispers of their stories—a gaze, a touch, a bruise, a blessing, all representing the people who have influenced her journey.
These artworks symbolise the complex layers of her identity, shaped by those who have uplifted her and those who have cast her down. ‘Faces’ stands as more than just her story; it embodies the experiences of every girl and woman, creating a vivid exhibit of what it truly means to grow up in a world that often overlooks their struggles.
Director, Masedi Manenye, describes the piece as a compelling coming-of-age tale where the protagonist confronts the stark realities of an indifferent world. “The audience is invited to experience both the silence and the outcries that resonate within many girls’ lives. The show offers a poignant exploration of violence, both overt and subtle, and the unseen scars alongside the powerful truths. It addresses the systemic failures that many face and celebrates the inner strength required to rise, to express oneself, and to survive,” he states.
Beyond the Curriculum is a pioneering programme designed to connect rural storytelling with professional platforms. The programme’s strong partnerships with the likes of the National Arts Festival, and support from the National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC), have enabled it to have meaningful impact. In 2024, Beyond the Curriculum hosted The Market Theatre Foundation’s Artistic Director, Greg Homann, who led workshops and ran a powerful masterclass.
The production’s Jo’burg showcase at the Kippies Fringe marks a pivotal moment in the lives of the students driving it, placing them on the iconic Kippies stage that has shaped many artistic careers. “Our work has reached a new level of maturity, and we are proud to present it to new audiences. This performance is not just an artistic endeavour; it’s a vibrant celebration of resilience, growth and the strength of community-driven excellence,” concludes Manenye.
ENDS.
Kippies Fringe is an initiative of The Market Theatre, curated by Art Cave.
The Market Theatre is a Division of The Market Theatre Foundation, 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.