The Fall

Protest Theatre Piece – “The Fall” – Arrives At The Market Theatre For #FeesMustFall’s 10th Anniversary

Theatre Duo & Co in partnership with The Market Theatre are proud to present a reimagined staging of the internationally acclaimed protest theatre piece, “The Fall”, in acknowledgement of the 10th anniversary of the #FeesMustFall movement. Originally produced by The Baxter Theatre Centre, “The Fall” will play at The Market Theatre from 9 April – 4 May 2025, excluding the Easter week.

This collaborative piece of workshopped protest theatre is an intense portrayal of the lived experiences of students in the heat of the movement. It was devised by the original cast of Ameera Conrad, Sihle Mnqwazana, Oarabile Ditsele, Sizwesandile Mnisi, Cleo Raatus and Tankiso Mamabolo. The new production of “The Fall” will feature three of the original creators, along with new cast members under the co-direction of Mahlatsi Mokgonyana and Billy Langa, with movement direction by Ernest “Ginger” Baleni.

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When the colonial statue of Cecil John Rhodes was removed from the University of Cape Town, postgraduate Drama students co-wrote this searing and insightful play about the crosscutting roles that race, class, gender, sexism, colonialism and the ideologies of patriarchy have to play in the perpetuation of discrimination in our country—which continues to exist and is more often than not, exacerbated by our country’s history of deep political injustice.

After its premiere in 2016 at the Baxter Theatre in Cape Town, this award-winning piece went on to enjoy multiple outings in Europe and the U.S, receiving commercial and critical acclaim as it sold out venues and earned raving reviews from leading publications such as The New York Times.

This year – 2025 – marks 10 years since #RhodesMustFall, a call that primarily focused on dismantling the statue of Cecil John Rhodes at the University of Cape Town, and later dovetailed with #FeesMustFall to immediately respond to an announced hike in tuition fees across South African universities. Ketsia Velaphi, spokesperson for TheatreDuo & Co, highlights the profound impact of the Fallist movement, as seen by its shift from campus-based politics  to becoming an active national response to complex and intersecting historical and political inequalities.

“It is incredibly crucial that we pay tribute to this movement this year and in doing so, reignite a conversation that really is nowhere close to finished. More especially, it is crucial for this reimagination to be staged at The Market Theatre, given the theatre’s dual historical (and present-day) steadfast and unwavering challenge against injustice,” says Velaphi. 

Highlighting the historical importance of the Fallist movement and its contribution to reshaping post-struggle student politics, The Market Theatre Foundation’s Artistic Director, Greg Homann, shares that The Market Theatre will be showcasing “The Fall” alongside a new play by Mike van Graan, called “The Good White”, both of which create a curatorial conversation that acknowledges the 10th anniversary of #FeesMustFall.

The objective of these two intersecting plays is to show the complexities of race and transformation, following witty, relatable and complicated characters that reflect the lived-experiences of those who were involved in, and impacted by, #FeesMustFall. Homann further states that these creative explorations underscore the historical function of The Market Theatre, reaffirming its global recognition as a landmark for protest theatre throughout its nearly 50 years of existence.

“As we gear up for our 50th Anniversary milestone in 2026, we continue to fulfil our historical role of being a vibrant space for staging entertaining and compelling protest theatre, and showcasing creative explorations that confront injustice. The Fallist movement, much like the 1976 student uprisings in whose wake The Market Theatre was formed, played a crucial role in conscientising us to the hardships of young people in post-struggle South Africa. These two complementary productions are therefore an invitation to a multilayered, nuanced and necessary conversation about access to, and success in, institutions of higher learning.”

Pay tribute to the #FeesMustFall movement and homage to those who put their lives on the line for access to a free decolonial education, by seeing the internationally acclaimed play.

Catch “The Fall” at The Market Theatre from 9 April to 4 May (excluding Easter week). Tickets are available on Webtickets, with all Wednesdays at half-price. Special discounts are also available for preview performances and groups of four or more.

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 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 and school groups of 10 or more, contact Anthony Ezeoke (Audience Development) at AnthonyE@markettheatre.co.za or 083 246 4950.

Pieces of Me

A Moving Journey Through Identity, Race, and the Secrets That Shaped a Family

The Market Theatre Foundation, in partnership with ASSITEJ South Africa, presents “Pieces of Me”, a profoundly moving real life story of veteran South African actress, Bo Petersen. This critically acclaimed one-hander is a fiercely personal account, written and performed by Petersen herself, exploring identity, race, the transgenerational trauma of apartheid laws and the unspoken histories that threaten the fragile thread that knit families together. It runs for a strictly limited season of only three weeks, from 9 – 27 April 2025 at The Market Theatre.

At the age of 19, Bo Petersen uncovered her father’s deeply kept secret that could radically change her sense of family as she knew it. From the age of 28, Bo’s Coloured father had passed as a White man in Apartheid South Africa. As a result, he was able to marry the love of his life, Bo’s mother, a White woman who didn’t know her husband’s real identity. Interracial marriages were illegal under apartheid. When Bo found out about her father’s hidden life, she became the custodian of his secret, the two of them becoming collaborators in their knowledge and silence. To avoid falling under the overwhelming weight of shared complicity, Bo began writing “pieces” as a way of trying to understand the myth of her father, his “passing” and in turn, her “passing”.

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Originally staged at the Baxter Theatre in Cape Town, “Pieces of Me” will land at The Market Theatre fresh from the KKNK Festival in Oudtshoorn. After its Jo’burg run, it will go on to play at Suidoosterfees in Cape Town, courtesy of both festivals and NATi. In addition to being nominated for a Fleur du Cap Theatre Award for Best Performance in a Revue, Cabaret and One Person Show, and receiving a Standard Bank Ovation award at the National Arts Festival, the play has been invited for performances in Norway, Sweden, Iceland, and the U.S.A., attracting glowing reviews.

This version of the play is directed by Cape Town-based actor, musician and director, Royston Stoffels, with musical contributions from Christopher Petersen who co-founded The Jazz Yard Academy in Bonteheuwel, Western Cape. 

ASSITEJ South Africa Director, Yvette Hardie, highlighted the significance of Bo’s cousin accompanying her on stage as a pianist. Hardie said, “Bo and her cousin, Christopher, were not able to publicly express their family connection for many years, as she lived in an identity that wasn’t truly hers. This collaboration therefore bears witness to the power of reconciliation and is a physical manifestation of the healing journey in which both are engaged. Chris’s music evokes the rich musical history of Bo’s father, which accompanies her through her reconstruction of the journeys they have taken.”

Greg Homann, Artistic Director at The Market Theatre Foundation, said this riveting piece of theatre is not just Bo Petersen’s personal story, but a common legacy of apartheid’s unjust segregation laws. “This is an exciting work for us to have—a very delicate and personal story reflecting on apartheid, individual relationships, identity and how we understand ourselves in various ways through family and friends in our complex country. Bo Petersen is a stage veteran and storyteller with a voice that echoes across cultures and identities, making this offering a must-see for every South African,” Homann shared.

For Bo, performing pieces of herself in the Barney Simon Theatre, named after the co-founder of The Market Theatre, is a full-circle moment that will also add to the unforgettability of her run in Jo’burg. “Barney was a mentor of mine and a huge influence in my life. I told him my secret all those years ago and he said to me, ‘Your inheritance is so rich. You are a true South African. One day you will be able to share it with everyone’, and now it’s happening,” stated Bo, adding: “These stories are still shrouded in a conspiracy of silence. I can no longer remain silent. The intrinsic damage this ‘secret’ has done to our family and to so many others needs to be seen and heard and hopefully start the journey to healing.”

As a result of the story’s richness and ability to trigger critical conversations, audiences at selected performances will have an opportunity for a talk-back session after watching the play, discussing its themes, their personal connection to the story and the often lonely path to healing and wholeness.

“Pieces of Me” is produced by ASSITEJ South Africa. The keyboard and musical equipment for this run is sponsored by Roland Musical Instruments South Africa. Other sponsors and supporters include and have included The South Bend Theatre, Wise Wheels Car Rental, The Gurley Leep Automotive Family and various generous donors from NYC and South Bend, Indiana.

Tickets for this play are available on Webtickets, with half-price specials on Wednesdays and special discounts for groups of four or more and preview performances.

Talk-Back Sessions and Speakers

11 April – Ruth Jacobs Spector 

Ruth Jacobs Spector is a veteran music and cultural arts educator with wide experience on three continents — Africa, Asia, and North America.

13 April – Sue Pyler-Slabbert

Originally destined for medicine, Sue discovered her passion on stage, embracing a diverse range of roles from Radio Presenter and Stage Actor to Motivational Speaker, TV Host, Voice Over Artist, and Dancer.

17 April – Ilse Klink 

Ilse Klink is a celebrated South African actress and singer, born on 4 March 1972 in Cape Town. A trailblazer, she became the first black graduate from the University of Pretoria’s drama programme. She launched her acting career with the Performing Arts Council of the Orange Free State and gained national acclaim as Vanessa Booysens on Isidingo and other renowned shows later on.

20 April – Neeshan (Shan) Balton

Neeshan (Shan) Balton is the Executive Director of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, a position he has held since its founding in 2008. With over 40 years of community and political activism, Shan’s journey spans teacher unionism, youth activism, and both formal and underground ANC activism.

24 April – Phillippa Yaa de Villiers

Dr Phillippa Yaa de Villiers lectures Creative Writing at Wits University, Johannesburg, and is a Distinguished Alumnus of Rhodes University Journalism and Media Studies (2022). An actor and teacher at the Market Theatre Laboratory, she later worked as a television screenwriter for ten years.

27 April – Ruwayda [Wayde] Davy

Ruwayda [Wayde] Davy is a registered Specialist Wellness Counsellor with 8 years of experience providing psychological support to individuals, couples, families, children, and teens.

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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) at AnthonyE@markettheatre.co.za or 083 246 4950.

MADALA KUNENE & SIBUSILE XABA

MADALA KUNENE & SIBUSILE XABA

Madala Kunene is not just a musician; he is a musical shaman, weaving a tapestry of sound that captures Africa’s heart and the blues’ soul. His journey from Cato Manor to the global stage is a testament to the transformative power of music—a legacy that continues to resonate in the hearts of music lovers worldwide.

Charismatic guitar savant Sibusile Xaba reframes Maskandi and the avant-garde into his own humanist manifesto. Xaba’s music shatters the confines of genre, taking only the fundamentals from mentors such as Madala Kunene and Dr Philip Tabane and imbuing these with a mythology and improvisational intensity all of his own.

In an ever-changing music landscape, Madala Kunene’s music remains a beacon of authenticity and tradition. His ability to uphold his roots while embracing change serves as a guiding light for artists and promoters alike. Kunene’s legacy transcends generations, shaping the future of South African music and inspiring artists worldwide. As a mentor for Sibusile Xaba for over a decade, this project sees them collaborate and present new compositions. The show at the John Kani will be the first performance of these new songs.

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Joining this extraordinary collaboration is a powerhouse trio of percussionists – Gontse Makhene, Tshepo Motswe, and Dennis Magagula – drawing from the rich legacy of Malopo and its role in healing, storytelling, and connection.

Featuring special guest, Buhlebendalo, a visionary artist whose music and stage presence transcend boundaries. Her performances are a breathtaking celebration of her extraordinary talent and divine gift.

This unforgettable show will also honour the legacy of the late Thabang Tabane. His spirit and influence will resonate throughout the performance, paying homage to the profound impact he left on the world of Malombo music.

THEATRE THINK TANK LOOKS AT THE IMPORTANCE OF SATIRICAL THEATRE IN SOUTH AFRICA

THEATRE THINK TANK LOOKS AT THE IMPORTANCE OF SATIRICAL THEATRE IN SOUTH AFRICA

On 1 March 2025, The Market Theatre Laboratory will present its first Theatre Think Tank instalment for 2025, titled Satire, Subversion & Sacrilege: We Laugh So That We Do Not Scream. This Theatre Think Tank, which aims to poke holes in what we think we know about making satirical theatre, will be curated by Theatre-Maker and Director, Kyla Davis, who is also the founding Artistic Director of Well Worn Theatre Company as well as Co-director of The Johannesburg School of Mask and Movement Theatre (JMAM).

“South Africa and the wider world present us daily with rich pickings for mockery and ridicule. Big issues such as Inequality, Patriarchy, AI, Climate Change (to name a cheery few) and an ever more absurd and untenable political landscape, offer ample fuel for theatre-makers, artists and creatives on the hunt for new material,” she says.

Davis adds that the role of satire is to guide humanity through difficult times, making us laugh so that we don’t scream. “Some argue that it is the duty of The Artist to reflect humankind back upon itself, pointing out, with humour and grace, those nasty parts of ourselves that we shouldn’t ignore. Further, we could say that it is not only our duty, as artists, to roll up our sleeves and sift through the muck of our collective psyches, but that our very existence as a species depends on it. If this were true, then satire is a tool not only for entertainment, but for survival as well.”  

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According to Cherae Halley, Head of The Market Theatre Laboratory, the purpose of the Theatre Think Tanks is to explore and reflect on the wealth of knowledge enacted, embodied and performed by practitioners in the arts, culture and heritage fields. The specific aim is  to gather, organise and ultimately draw on the knowledge of local communities, making this accessible to the greater community. “This upcoming Theatre Think Tank will invite some of the sharpest eyes and ears working in the theatre industry today to reflect on their practice of making, devising, writing and performing satire. We remind ourselves of what is at the heart of the satirical play: our love for humanity,” states Halley.

If you are engaged in the arts, or are just curious, don’t miss the Satire, Subversion & Sacrilege: We Laugh So That We Do Not Scream Theatre Think Tank taking place on Saturday, 01 March 2025 at The Market Theatre Laboratory in Newtown at 18:00. The event is free, but tickets should be reserved on Webtickets.

ENDS

The Market Theatre Laboratory 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 bngiwep@marketheatre.co.za or (011) 832 1641.

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

 

MINA NAWE

Legacy Meets Innovation: Mak Manaka's "MINA NAWE The Last Language" Weaves Together Three Generations of South African Artistic Excellence

In a powerful confluence of legacy, innovation, and personal triumph, acclaimed poet Mak Manaka is set to present his groundbreaking theatrical experience “MINA NAWE The Last Language” at the Market Theatre’s Mannie Manim on 14 March 2025. The show is in partnership with the National Arts Council (NAC), The Market Theatre Foundation, Dramatic Artistic And Literary Rights Organisation (DALRO) and Manaka Publications.

This one-night-only performance marks a profound milestone as Manaka celebrates 30 years of resilience and artistic growth since his life-altering accident in 1995.

Following in the footsteps of his father, the legendary Matsemela Manaka, Mak has orchestrated a masterful fusion of poetry, dance, and music that bridges generations of South African theatrical excellence. The production showcases an extraordinary assembly of talent bound by both blood and artistic legacy, featuring choreography by his mother, Nomsa Manaka, with assistance from his aunt, Jeanet Mokhela. The musical direction, helmed by Tshepo Mngoma, son of the iconic Sibongile Khumalo, creates a rich tapestry of sound alongside percussionist Lebogang Mokhela.  The remarkable vocalist Phumla Siyobi, whose unique voice echoes the tradition of discovering extraordinary talent that began when Manaka’s father cast a then-unknown Sibongile Khumalo in his 1980s production “Goree.”

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“MINA NAWE” delves deep into the intersection of identity, disability, and self-discovery, as Manaka crafts an immersive journey through movement, word, and song. The performance explores the complexities of being a Black man living with a physical disability, woven into a narrative about relationships and self-acceptance. At its heart, the production advocates for the courage to listen to one’s inner voice.

“This performance is not just a celebration of artistic legacy but a testament to the power of unlearning and rediscovery,” says Manaka. “Through the language of poetry, music, and dance, we’re creating a space where personal struggle transforms into universal understanding.”

The unique blend of familial artistry and contemporary expression promises an unprecedented theatrical experience that honours the past while boldly stepping into the future. This exclusive one-night engagement represents a milestone in South African theatre, where disability representation meets artistic excellence and family legacy.

ENDS

The Market Theatre is a Division of The Market Theatre Foundation, an agency of the Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation.

For 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) at AnthonyE@markettheatre.co.za or 083 246 4950.

LONG AWAITED EP

PHINDA RETURNS WITH HER HIGHLY ANTICIPATED EP, 10 YEARS - A DECADE

After a ten-year hiatus, South Africa’s beloved songstress, Phinda, is making a triumphant return to the music scene with the release of her new EP, 10 Years – A Decade. This highly anticipated collection will be officially launched on 28 February 2025 at the iconic Market Theatre in Johannesburg, promising an intimate evening of world-class music, heartfelt storytelling, and raw emotion.
 
This five-track EP marks a significant new chapter in Phinda’s storied career, capturing her journey of healing and self-discovery following the tragic loss of her husband a decade ago.

“The last ten years have been a period of deep reflection, loss, and ultimately, healing. Losing my husband left a void I didn’t know how to fill. I needed time to rediscover myself—not only as an artist but as a person. Music has always been my sanctuary, and now I’m ready to share my story and bring joy to my fans once again. This EP is my gift to everyone who’s waited for me,” Phinda shared in a heartfelt statement.
 
Renowned for her soulful voice and her ability to connect deeply with her audience, Phinda rose to prominence with her timeless hits, including the fan-favourite Tiki Tiki, a track that continues to resonate across generations.
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The EP 10 Years – A Decade features five emotionally rich songs that weave Afro-jazz, soul, and traditional South African sounds, i.e. Indla eGoli, Ndizok’ Linda, Ngab’ Uyaqal’ Ubiwa, Zumphathe Kahle and Uweyo.

The historic Market Theatre, a hub of South Africa’s cultural narrative, provides the perfect backdrop for Phinda’s return. Fans can expect an unforgettable evening filled with nostalgia, passion, and the raw talent that has always defined her artistry.
 
Phinda’s comeback is more than a concert—it’s a celebration of resilience, artistry, and the power of music to heal and inspire. Her timeless sound continues to captivate audiences, and this performance is set to remind South Africa why she remains one of its most cherished musical icons.
 
Tickets for this landmark event are now available at www.webticket.co.za or you can contact 0639893766. Be sure to secure your spot for an evening that promises to be nothing short of magical.

‘n Begin

'n Begin

Intimate play in Afrikaans explores modern relationships

Both comedic and tender, ‘n Begin is a sharp and astute two-hander that takes an intimate look at the first fragile moments of risking your heart and taking a chance on love. The Market Theatre in association with the Stellenbosch Woordfees, supported by NATi, is proud to bring this acclaimed Afrikaans production to Johannesburg. Originally written in English by British playwright David Eldridge, ’n Begin was translated to Afrikaans by Nico Scheepers and is directed by the award-winning Tinarie van Wyk-Loots. It kickstarts the ‘Month of Love’ with a romantic bang, running for a strictly limited season at The Market Theatre from 30 January to 16 February.

The two-hander offers a meditation on loneliness, love, desire, insecurity, connection and intimacy. Laura (played by Cintaine Schutte) makes known her desires for Daniel (played by Carel Nel). The story takes place at the end of Laura’s housewarming party. It’s early in the morning and everyone has gone home, except Daniel. The place is a mess and so are they.  Laura fearlessly pursues Daniel as he battles feelings of insecurity and hesitation. Will this be the beginning of something great? Reviewed by Netwerk24 as “flirty, modern and real”, the play examines modern relationships with psychological precision and care.

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Director, Tinarie van Wyk-Loots, urges audiences to prepare for a thrilling ride of goosebumps and gasps, as the award-winning acting couple, Cintaine Schutte and Carel Nel, movingly and delicately explore the complexity and messiness of beginning a new relationship, highlighting the unconventional ways we pursue and negotiate love. Van Wyk-Loots states, “Directing this play by David Elridge, who is one of the most talented playwrights of his times, is an incredible privilege. The chemistry between the cast is contagious and real, giving an authentic exploration of what modern relationships often look like. This production premiered at the Stellenbosch Woordfees to raving reviews, and Joburg audiences can expect a magical performance that offers an intimate look at the first fragile moments of risking it all for love.”

The Market Theatre Foundation’s Artistic Director, Greg Homann, adds that this play offers audiences an opportunity to see two outstanding performers that capture the ordinary in a compelling and entertaining way. “We’re excited to stage this brilliant piece of contemporary playwriting, which the talented team behind it has now placed so well in a recognizable South African context.  The raw and effortless connection shared by real-life partners, Cintaine Schutte and Carel Nel, makes for amazing chemistry and storytelling. As human beings, we have our ideas of love and relate to it in our own unique ways, and ’n Begin is that kind of production that invites us to evaluate how we negotiate love, with all our baggage in tow,” says Homann.

This month of love, don’t miss this delicate, funny, and playful encounter of two characters trying to connect. Special Valentine’s Day specials are available for the performance on 14 February. Tickets across the limited 3-week run for ’n Begin are available via Webtickets.

 ENDS

For 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), contact Anthony Ezeoke (Audience Development) at AnthonyE@markettheatre.co.za or 083 246 4950.

The Cry Of Winnie Mandela

ONE LAST CHANCE! THE CRY OF WINNIE MANDELA EXTENDED UNTIL 30 MARCH!

with Thembisa Mdoda-Nxumalo as ‘Winnie’

Following its critical and popular success, The Cry of Winnie Mandela – a play based on the Njabulo Ndebele novel of the same name – makes a highly anticipated return to the stage. Adapted by Alex Burger and directed by the award-winning MoMo Matsunyane, The Cry of Winnie Mandela has returned to The Market Theatre from 26 February to 23 March 2025. Due to popular demand the show has been extended to 30 March 2025!

Award-winning TV actress, theatre practitioner and presenter, Thembisa Mdoda-Nxumalo, takes on the character of ‘Winnie’. Mdoda-Nxumalo joins the remarkable cast comprising of Rami Chuene, Ayanda Sibisi, Siyasanga Papu, Les Made and Pulane Rampoana in this searing adaption of Njabulo S. Ndebele’s seminal novel.  

Director, MoMo Matsunyane, describes The Cry Of Winnie Mandela as a courageous story of every woman who has endured loss, suffered loneliness and experienced the chilling anxiety of waiting. “Winnie Mandela continues to be a powerful, multi-layered figure to explore. Her revolutionary spirit, resilient character and generous heart have become anchors for many women of all generations and identities, each seeing herself in her legacy. Indeed, she did not die; she multiplied,’’ says MoMo.

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In the play, four women meet to reflect, joined together by their anticipation of their husbands’ return. Engaged in sacred moments of sharing and fellowship, they lean on the heroism of Winnie Mandela, and the connection they feel towards her. The women interrogate their – and other women’s – reasons for waiting, and what the wait did to them. This interrogation leads to a series of hearty, haunting, and critical conversations, drawing audiences to reflect on the historical struggles of women, while drawing parallels to our own contemporary lives.

All this is done with intense emotion and cleverly injected humour, weaving together the characters’ private accounts and exposing the shadows, isolation and complexities of their journeys against the backdrop of the life and times of Winnie Mandela. You are invited to join these resilient women as they gather, share their stories, sing, and metaphorically drink their “tea” – a potent blend of strength and vulnerability.

Tickets for both The Baxter Theatre and The Market Theatre runs are available on Webtickets. Audiences can unlock a 30% OFF special when they buy tickets during the festive season until 7 January for all performances of The Cry of Winnie Mandela happening at The Market Theatre.

Start 2025 by being inspired by this powerful exploration of love, resilience, courage, and the indomitable spirit of women.

ENDS!

For media enquiries, please contact Bongiwe Potelwa (Publicist at the Market Theatre Foundation) at bongiwep@markettheatre.co.za.

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.  

Elzabé Zietsman: Vier Panado’s en ‘n Chardonnay’

Elzabé Zietsman: Vier Panado’s en ‘n Chardonnay’

The Market Theatre, Drama Drama and Zietsies Restaurant proudly present Vier Panado’s en ‘n Chardonnay, an award-winning cabaret by legendary performer, Elzabé Zietsman. Its performances are scheduled every Thursday for four weeks, starting from 24 October 2024, at the Market Theatre’s newly refurbished Gramadoelas space.
 
In the cabaret, Zietsman is accompanied by exceptional pianist and music director, Tony Bentel, a long-standing collaboration that brings together these stage veterans with nearly 100 years of combined experience. The show consists of a diverse repertoire of songs spanning Weimar-era cabarets, stripped-down renditions of contemporary hits and a few original compositionsis seamlessly woven with personal stories.
 
Vier Panado’s en ‘n Chardonnay is an edgy work of honesty and critical reflection, laced with humour, through which Zietsman narrates her real life story in celebration of her own resilience, and that of her fellow South Africans. The 75-minute cabaret entertains while unpacking multiple adversities such as the kleptocracy robbing the country blind, crime, unemployment and other social ills. Zietsman recognises our courageous ability to produce positive outcomes despite our country’s challenges, as illustrated by the collective joy we feel when our athletic and artistic excellences are showcased on world stages.
 
“Resilience is not just the ability to bounce back from adversity, but also refers to the capacity to adapt to a changing environment. In today’s world, we need it more than ever, and Vier Panado’s en ‘n Chardonnay is a celebration of South Africans’ resilience and our ability to laugh at ourselves (and others),” Zietsman says.
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For its brilliant narrative and musical performance, the production won a Kanna Award for Best Offering: Music at the 2024 Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (KKNK). It is also nominated for Best Achievement: Contemporary Music – Solo/Duo at the recent 2024 Woordfees, and has received two nominations at Aardklop for Best Music Performance and Best Music-Driven Production.
The cabaret is the first in a series of upcoming programming of the recently refurbished and repurposed Gramadoelas space at the Market Theatre, which can now offer an alternative space for intimate gatherings alongside its core theatre experience.
 
Greg Homann, Artistic Director at the Market Theatre Foundation, described the decision to use Gramadoelas as a deliberate move to reactivate the space and diversify the Market Theatre’s value offering. Homann shares, “Staging this wonderful piece of work at the Gramadoelas is the next step towards the regular use of the venue as a multi-functional space. It’s part of the new energy we have injected into our offering, ensuring that we give our audiences experiences that go beyond our dedicated theatre venues.”
 
So, each Thursday from 24 October – 21 November 2024, bring all the headaches unique to being South African to the Market Theatre for your prescription of Vier Panados en ‘n  Chardonnay, written with sharp comedy and biting satire. Tickets via Webtickets cost R400 including dinner prepared from Elzabé Zietsman’s restaurant, Zietsies, or at R200 excluding food.
ENDS

Father and I

New and dynamic dance theatre work explores South African fathers

A newly created dance theatre work, Father & I, uses personal stories, dance, song, and music to explore the relationships between South African fathers and their children. This dynamic fusion of real life stories is created between the Windybrow Arts Centre’s Kwasha! Theatre Company, The Market Theatre and Moving into Dance, and will premiere over a limited season of four performances at the Market Theatre at the end of November.

The multi-award-winning Greg Homann, Artistic Director at The Market Theatre Foundation, directs this vibrant work, while Moving into Dance’s Artistic Director, Sunnyboy Motau, choreographs it. The original music that accompanies the stories is by Bongile Lecoge–Zulu.

This interdisciplinary work  that combines song, dance and personal testimony creates a theatrical experience aimed at acknowledging the complexity and beauty of fatherly relationships, with all its imperfections.

In light of the concerning statistics about fatherlessness, which affects 60% of South Africa’s children, Father & I offers a warm and nuanced take at what it means to be a father in contemporary South Africa. The performance is delivered with humour, care and empathy, aimed at facilitating understanding, reconciliation and love.

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Father & I is a work that appreciates that fathers are first and foremost human, and human beings are complicated.

The show aims to present a balanced and honest narrative that celebrates fathers who are “getting it right”, while rolling out a bandage to those who have been wounded by disappointment and abandonment. The artistic treatment creates an empathetic space that has the potential to lead audiences to a place of honest conversations about healing the father wound, reconciling broken families and inspiring a new generation of fathers to break an all too familiar destructive cycle.

Choreographer, Sunnyboy Motau, says the dance theatre work attempts to show fatherhood in all its complexity, especially in a country like South Africa, where the role requires added resilience, courage, vulnerability and responsibility.

Director, Greg Homann, adds, “Starting with the personal narratives of the actors and dancers involved, Father & I weaves stories of absence and presence, identity, inherited roles, support, and notions of masculinity. Each artist shares their experiences, highlighting the challenges of these bonds—the joys, the struggles, and the fatherly moments that define them. These heartfelt stories invite the audience to reflect on their own relationships with their fathers, sparking dialogue about love, belonging, the act of providing and the deep yearning for connection.”

Don’t miss this new work that will shift your perspective about fatherhood in a daringly heart-stirring way. Tickets via Webtickets start from R150.

ENDS

For 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) at AnthonyE@markettheatre.co.za or 083 246 4950/081 572 9612.