Following its return run this Africa Month, the critically acclaimed production will head to Sweden for a showcase at the bibu biennial festival in May. The bibu biennial festival is renowned for being a cultural melting pot in Sweden’s arts scene, bringing together a careful selection of Swedish and international performances for young audiences.
Cherae Halley, Head of The Market Theatre Laboratory, says that “Afropocalypse” being one of only four international productions at this year’s festival, selected from nearly 600 applications, is a notable milestone that speaks to the excellence of the production and the institution behind it.
“The Market Theatre Laboratory continues to build its reputation as a leading incubator for the development of skilled theatre-makers, while also producing bold, cutting-edge work. This international recognition is a testament to our brand and legacy. For most of the cast, which is made up of 14 graduates from The Lab’s full-time two-year programme, this marks their first international debut, and I could not be more thrilled for this ensemble,” Halley remarks.
Directed by Daniel Buckland, “Afropocalypse” was originally produced by The Market Theatre Laboratory as their student production in 2024, and has now grown into an award-winning professional production. The brilliantly entertaining work uses physical comedy and tragic magic realism to paint a vivid and vibrant picture of the past, present and speculative future. The stories they tell are inspired by a myriad of South African voices, from Credo Mutwa to Jan Rabie, to our shared collection of modern South African myths and fables, all interwoven in a comical tapestry of catastrophe and release.
“This is a mischievous and vibrant look at South African society through the lens of all the weird and wonderful ways it could come to an end. The show uses dynamic and joyous ensemble storytelling, with bucket loads of physical comedy, puppetry and storytelling, to paint a vivid picture of the fallibility of humankind, as well as the resilience and creativity of the human spirit,” states director, Daniel Buckland, continuing: “The story leans into joy and tragedy. The idea of an apocalypse is a dark subject matter and framing, the story itself is not only about that. It’s a fun, silly platform to poke fun at contemporary society and take all the delicate bits of South Africa and satirise them.”
Greg Homann, Artistic Director at The Market Theatre Foundation, adds: “This is a show young and old should look forward to watching. Its youthful energy combined with imaginative storytelling make for an entertaining tonic best enjoyed with loved ones and in groups. It’s a wonderful work, with an impressive balance of dark moments mixed in with pure joy, hope, and theatricality.”
Don’t miss this imaginative play as it returns for an unmissable set of performances before its international tour. By attending the production, you will also be helping this formidable ensemble with the costs of taking the show to other parts of the world.
Tickets are available on Webtickets with special discounts for preview performances, for groups of four or more, and with all Wednesdays at half-price.
Safe and secure underground parking is available at the Newtown Junction.
ENDS.
The Market Theatre is a Division of The Market Theatre Foundation, an agency of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.
For reduced price block bookings (of 10 or more) and school groups, contact Anthony Ezeoke (Audience Development) at AnthonyE@markettheatre.co.za or 083 246 4950.
For media enquiries, please contact Bongiwe Potelwa (Publicist at the Market Theatre Foundation) at bongiwep@markettheatre.co.za or (011) 832 1641.
