Goethe Library Jams

Goethe Library Jams

The Goethe-Institut’s Goethe Library Jams returns in December 2023 – this time with a three-episode weekend event featuring Kujenga, Vivacious Voices under the tutelage of Yonela Mnana and The Brother Moves On.

For this special edition of what the German institute calls “Tiny Desk Concerts but in a Joburg library”, a two-day celebration will host three collectives of some of South Africa’s most gifted artist in front of a select audience.

On 2 December 2023, The Brother Moves On celebrates a decade of its first full-length album, A New Myth. Released on 4 December 2013, a day before former president Nelson Mandela’s death (“there are no coincidences, says band leader Siyabonga Mthembu), the album was described as having “prophetic resonance” by the Mail & Guardian in its call for a “reactivated reality”.

The Market Photo Workshop Courtyard will play host to the avant-garde collective for the special 16th episode of the Goethe Library Jams to celebrate its album’s 10th anniversary. The group will play six tracks from A New Myth arranged by members of the The Brother Moves On

Internationally acclaimed South African artist Nolan Oswald Dennis reunites with The Brother Moves on for the special performance. Oswald Dennis designed A New Myth’s album cover and will collaborate with BJ Engelbrecht a long time collaborator and founding member of The Brother Moves On.

Episodes 14 and 15 will be performed and recorded as per the series’ usual format on Saturday, 1st December 2023 at the Market Photo Workshop Library. These episodes will performed in front of a 30-person audience of Market Photo Workshop and will be stripped down in amplification and will showcase the band as never seen before.

Featuring Kujenga, a seven-piece Cape Town jazz band dubbed as “Cape Town’s answer to the vibrant Johannesburg jazz scene” by those in the know and Vivacious Voices, a choir under the tutelage of pianist and musical maestro Yonela Mnana. The 1st of December 2023 promises to be an out of the ordinary experience for 60 lucky audience members.

Buy tickets to The Goethe Library Jams on Webtickets or any affiliated distributor or at The Market Theatre box office.

— ENDS

The Goethe Library Jam  

Episode: 14 – Kujenga at Johannesburg Market Photo Workshop Library

Episode 15 –  Vivacious Voices lead by Yonela Mnana at Market Photo Workshop Library

Episode 16 – The Brother Moves On presents “A New Myth, Ten Years Later” ft Kujenga, Yonela Mnana ft Vivacious Voices at the Market Photo Workshop Square

Performance/recording dates:

1st December 2023 (Friday) – Episode 14 & 15

2nd  December 2023 (Saturday) – Episode 16

Dramaturge and director: Thantaswa May

Production manager: Deshnee Subramany

Costume and set design: No Budget Productions

Animation: Nolan Oswald Dennis

Dancers/performance artists: Windybrow Dancers

 

 

Featured Musical Artists

Kujenga

“Hymn for Hani” by Kujenga

A seven-piece Cape Town jazz band has been making waves in the country as Cape Town’s answer to the vibrant Johannesburg scene. Featuring a three-piece horn section, the band would bolster The Brother Moves On two piece horn section to form a five-piece horn section directed by Mthunzi Mvubu.

Yonela Mnana

Yonela Mnana – House on the Hill Concert

Yonela Mnana is a South African blind jazz scholar, a recording singer and jazz pianist who also teaches and composes. His Catholic School tuition coupled with the Sepedi and home town IsiXhosa musical background seep through his jazz inspired compositions effortlessly. His high school choral experience was later crystallised by his classical and jazz lectures at Wits University where he completed junior and masters degrees (B.Mus and M.Mus) with distinction.

Vivacious Voices lead by Yonela Manana

Vivacious Voices Facebook Page

Vivacious Voices is a music education programme in Katlehong that has borne fruit in the form of a n eight-piece choir (four men and four women) under the tutelage of pianist and musical maestro Yonela Manana. The choir recently performed with The Brother Moves On as part of Mandla Mlangeni’s “Oratoria of A Forgotten Youth” which featured Lesego Rampolokeng.

Featured Performance Artists

Nolan Oswald Dennis

Nolan Dennis Goodman Gallery Artist Page

Nolan Oswald Dennis (b. 1988, Zambia) is a para-disciplinary artist from Johannesburg, South Africa. Their practice explores what they call “a black consciousness of space”: the material and metaphysical conditions of decolonization. Dennis’s work questions the politics of space (and time) through a system-specific, rather than site-specific approach. They are concerned with the hidden structures that pre-determine the limits of our social and political imagination.

In collaboration with The Brother Moves On Dennis draws on a white sheet with a black marker while video of iconic South African moments is projected on his white suit and canvas. These moments range from Josiah Tongwane winning the Olympic marathon to the release of Nelson Mandela. The artifact of the performance is always rendered as a utility piece which will be used by the dancers and performance artists and therefore destroyed. Nolan Dennis designed the original cover to “A New Myth”.

No Budget Productions

“Rainbow Child” by The Brother Moves On shot by No Budget Productions

“Babalaas” by The Brother Moves On shot by No Budget Productions

No Budget Productions consists of the late founder Nkululeko Mthembu and BJ Engelbrecht –  early performance artists and music video directors for The Brother Moves On. The Sunday performance will showcase a giant stage mimicking the Rainbow Child video television with recreations of The Brother Moves On’s Bagman, Boxman and Tapeman characters. The duo’s ethos of making with what you have created the early aesthetic of The Brother Moves On. 

Discovr TV

Discovr TV website

Discovr TV is a dynamic and innovative live streaming and video production company dedicated to helping individuals, businesses, and organisations deliver engaging and captivating content to a global audience. With cutting-edge technology, creative expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence, DiscovrTV are the go-to partner for live streaming and video production support.

DiscovrTV Productions was created in 2019 by Julian von Plato and Thabo Rametsi with the objective of building an African video production and distribution service

Their clients include Black Coffee, Kunye, RiSA, Nova Nordisk, Jägermeister, Jonnie Walker, Heineken, City of Joburg, Arts Alive, Basadi, FNB, Nedbank, Rand Merchant Bank, Bosch Rexroth,  Vodacom, MTN, Boston Scientific, Bassline Events, Netflix, Amazulu and more.

Jayson Tshebe live

Jayson Tshebe live

Pretoria, South Africa – Equator Concepts Pty Ltd is thrilled to announce that Jayson Tsebe, a rising star in the world of Afrocentric music, will be headlining the Kippies Fringe Program. Known for his exceptional talent and passion for Afrocentric sounds, Jayson Tsebe has captivated audiences with his one-man band performances inspired by legendary artists such as Umanji, Oliver Mtukudzi, Philip Tabane, and Selaelo Selota.

Jayson Tsebe’s musical journey began in the rural areas of Limpopo, where he gained recognition for his African-inspired performances. This early success culminated in the release of his debut album, “Potential,” in 2018, which opened doors to major festivals and opportunities.

Having performed at renowned festivals such as The Marula Jazz Festival and Phangweni Vibes Music Festival, where he shared the stage with music icons like Salif Keita and Sjava, Jayson’s talent was quickly recognized. In 2019, he furthered his musical education by moving to Pretoria to study Musical Theatre, simultaneously organizing live music events that showcased collaborations with artists from various disciplines.

Not only an accomplished musician, but Jayson Tsebe has also made a mark in the theatrical world, securing lead roles in popular productions like Walt Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” and Dalro’s Dance season. In 2021, he graduated Cum Laude and released “Mapula The Rain Queen,” an audio musical he wrote, directed, and made available for free on YouTube.

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As his star continued to rise, Jayson Tsebe graced the Hugh Masekela Festival in 2022, performing a lead role during the tribute to Don Mattera. He also organized a series of events titled “Tsebe ya Mmino Theatre Concert,” funded by the National Arts Council, taking his music directly to the villages of his hometown.

In 2023, Jayson Tsebe achieved yet another milestone by performing a leading role at the South African State Theatre during a tribute to Oliver Tambo. He played the young OR Tambo and showcased his musical prowess as a guitarist with the accompanying band. His exceptional performance caught the attention of former ANC President Thabo Mbeki, who attended the tribute twice and commended the cast for their remarkable work.

Jayson Tsebe’s dedication and talent have been further recognized, earning him a spot among 12 other artists in a mentorship workshop by The Centre for the Less Good Idea as part of the William Kentridge production, “The Head and The Load.” This year, he was honored to headline the prestigious RedHill Arts Festival in Sandton.

Equator Concepts Pty Ltd is excited to bring Jayson Tsebe’s soulful and captivating performance to the Kippies Fringe Program, where he will undoubtedly leave the audience mesmerized and inspired.

Don’t miss this incredible performance! Buy your tickets now through Computicket.co.za or at your nearest retail store.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Equatorconcepts.info@gmail.com

0670716946

About Jayson Tsebe:

Jayson Tsebe is a multi-talented musician, songwriter, and actor hailing from South Africa. His music is deeply rooted in Afrocentric sounds, drawing inspiration from renowned artists like Umanji, Oliver Mtukudzi, Philip Tabane, and Selaelo Selota. Jayson’s journey is marked by a passion for bringing African music to audiences around the world, and his performances are a celebration of culture and artistry.

Event Details:

Date: 29 NOVEMBER TO – 03 DECEMBER 2023

Time: 19:30 & 15:00

Venue: KIPPIES

Tickets:  Available at Computicket and your nearest retail store.

Event Website: Markettheatre.org.za

Follow Jayson Tsebe

Facebook: (www.facebook.com/jayson.tsebe.3)

Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/jayson_tsebe)

YouTube: (https://www.youtube.com/jaysontsebe)

NEXT!!!

NEXT!!!

Wela Kapela Productions presents  NEXT!!! Auditions are not for the faint of heart – (Best Debut Production, United Solo, New York )   6-8 December @ Market theatre Centre on the   Kippies Fringe programme.”

My sister, Veronica, and I had this double act….. The young Relebogithata, is entranced, it is the third time she has seen this show. Her bright brown eyes sparkle as she soaks up every word, every move, every nuance. As the audience leaves the theatre, Relebogilethata just sits there with a little knowing smile. She softly whispers “I want to be a star!”.

10 years later Relebogithata see-saw between working as a waitress and auditions! Yet she clings to her near-impossible dream of starring as Velma Kelly in Chicago!

Is this the right song to impress?  STEP, KICK ,KICK, TOUCH, TURN my feet hurt, I am a sweaty mess…6-7-8…I need this break…NEXT!!! In this roller coaster ride of heartache and hope, Relebogilethata bounces from one audition to the next, performing popular musical numbers to powerful isiXhosa songs by Miriam Makeba. ANYTHING to avoid the dreaded Next!!!

Against this background, Dikelo, takes the audience through the highs and lows of our feisty young performer’s journey.  She slips between the eight different character with ease, yet it is her portrayal of the feisty, fun loving Relebogilethata,  that enables her to engage in a direct, emotional conversation with the audience. Using comedy, music and dance, Relebogilethata will dazzle you.

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NEXT!! is a Wela Kapela production the cabaret is a written and directed by Amanda Bothma, with Jacques Du Plessis  as musical director.

WHEN: 6-8 December 2023   WHERE: Kippies Fringe@Market Theater TIME: 19:30

PRICE: R100 pp

https://www.facebook.com/welakapelaproductions https://www.instagram.com/welakapelaproductions

Sophiatown

Sophiatown

Junction Avenue Theatre Company’s Sophiatown is a lively and memorable drama with music that is being revived with a full band and new, young cast under the experienced eye of award-winning director Aubrey Sekhabi. It is set to delight today’s audiences with its timeless music.

This play, based on the life history of Sophiatown, opened at the Market Theatre in Johannesburg in February 1986 to great acclaim. It now returns in 2024 for a limited season.

The South African State Theatre’s production of the 1980s classic is presented at The Market Theatre after two hugely successful runs in Pretoria in 2022 and 2023.

The play’s story centres on the arrival of a Jewish girl who responds to an advertisement in Drum magazine to come and stay in Mamariti’s Sophiatown shebeen. The play deals with the dynamics of this household which is representative of a spectrum of a microcosm of the Sophiatown milieu of the 1950s. It incorporates popular music of the day.
Sophiatown came to be known as the ‘Chicago of South Africa’, and a place where shebeen queens, gangsters, politicians and black and white ‘Bohemians’ rubbed shoulders and traded drinks in a heady atmosphere fizzing with music, style, and rebellion.

This vibrant community produced some of South Africa’s most famous musicians, artists, writers, journalists, and politicians as urban African culture formed here during the repressive 1940s and 1950s.

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New Energy as The Market Theatre lines up its end-of-the-year programming.

New Energy as The Market Theatre lines up its end-of-the-year programming.

This festive season, The Market Theatre has an exciting family-friendly end-of-the-year programme on offer with two brand-new South African plays on its stages.  

The Market Theatre has enjoyed a period of newfound energy and success in the recent months under the leadership of its new Artistic Director, Greg Homann, who took up the role in January. Across a remarkable year of diverse work, the theatre has presented outstanding productions such as Mpume Mthombeni and Neil Coppen’s Isidlamlilo, J Bob’s Tshabalala’s Khongolose Khommanding Khommissars, and the stage adaptation of Damon Galgut’s The Promise, along with a lineup of sensational music concerts that has included Billy Monama’s Mayibuye iAfrika, The Mahotella Queens, The African Jazz Pioneers, and Desire Marea. It hosted three festivals, namely Jomba! @ The Market with innovative international dance performances, WOMAD @ The Market celebrating world music diversity, and The Cradle of Creativity for young audiences. In August, The Market Theatre paid a fitting tribute to John Kani on the occasion of the legendary actor’s eightieth birthday. This month it relaunched the newly refurbished Barney Simon Theatre with the award-winning dance-drama from the Cape, Karatara, based on loss experienced around the Kynsna fires of 2018.

The Market Theatre is now gearing up for a festive season filled with entertainment, laughter, and inspiration.

The theatrical centrepiece of this end-of-the-year programming is the brand-new South African comedy A Marry Little Christmas, written by Homann himself. The play was commissioned during the 2020 pandemic shutdown by How Now Brown Cow Productions, who are now co-producing the work in partnership with The Market Theatre.

The laugh-a-minute new comedy is being brought to life by an outstanding cast of nine, directed by the multiple award-winning Charmaine Weir-Smith.

Set against the backdrop of an unnamed golf estate on the north-west edge of Johannesburg, the story revolves around Arnold Hartmann, who, at 45 and three-quarters, aims to propose to Natalie Cloete before hosting the perfect ‘traditional’ Christmas lunch. However, chaos ensues as both families arrive prematurely, leading to hilarious chaos and misunderstandings.

Homann shares, “This play has been a few years in the making, with the initial idea for it dating back to an animated festive lunch with my own family. Although not based directly on any one Christmas gathering, the roots of it are deeply connected to my own family’s dynamics and antics.”

The sensational cast features some of South Africa’s best loved talent and stars, with Antony Coleman and Kim Cloete returning to The Market as the leading couple at the centre of the comedy. They are joined by James Borthwick, Judy Ditchfield, Louise Saint-Claire, Ilse Klink, Roberto Pombo, Zolani Shangase, and Trevor Lynch.

A Marry Little Christmas will premiere on the John Kani stage from 29 November to 24 December. It is a must-see production for the holiday season.

For a younger audience, The Market Theatre, in collaboration with the Windybrow Arts Centre, is presenting The Terrified Talabalushi, a new play with music for children, directed by award-winning Omphile Molusi. It features live music by multi-instrumentalist and composer Volley Nchabeleng who is creating an immersive atmosphere and sound for the play. Bringing this playful and meaningful adventure to life is The Kwasha! Theatre Company, known for their production Skin We Are In which has travelled to many schools this year, along with actors Sanelisiwe Yekani and Siyambonga Mdubeki.

Set in the Knysna forest, The Terrified Talabalushi follows Tokkie, a young Talabalushi who is terrified of everything, but mostly the light.

The Terrified Talabalushi is a fun filled play that promises to be an excellent way to explore the emotions of fear in a safe and entertaining way, while growing a love for the theatre. Don’t miss the opportunity to share in this heartfelt, enriching, and lively theatrical experience, perfect for all audiences.

If you, your family, and friends are looking for something different to do this festive season, then The Market Theatre is the place to be, offering a diverse range of performances that cater to all audiences.

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THE MARKET THEATRE CALL FOR APPLICATIONS ZWAKALA FESTIVAL DIRECTOR

THE MARKET THEATRE CALL FOR APPLICATIONS ZWAKALA FESTIVAL DIRECTOR

The Zwakala Festival continues to remain one of South Africa’s most dynamic theatre festivals aimed specifically at community-based theatre-makers. The festival’s main aim is to improve the skills of writers, directors, designers, and actors. It empowers them to create and produce local content of a high standard and trains the next generation of community arts leaders, arts entrepreneurs and administrators. It also takes participants through a journey of both the creative and practical sides of producing a professional theatre piece.

The Market Theatre is  seeking to appoint, on a fixed term basis, a dynamic individual to be a Festival Director of the 30th  Zwakala Festival.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Selection of productions to participate in the festival through showcasing
  • Provide dramaturge and artistic input to  groups selected to participate in the 30th Zwakala Festival
  • Regular visits to groups in preparation for the festival
  • Provide regular feedback to groups
  • Schedule the performances for the festival
  • Oversee the successful implementation of the 30th Zwakala Festival

REQUIREMENTS

  • A degree or relevant qualification in the arts
  • A minimum of 5 year experience in the development of theatrical productions
  • Proven experience in working with community based arts organisations
  • Proven track record of mentoring in theatre and leading to mounting a production
  • Be able to understand and / or speak three African languages

Interested applicants to submit a one pager motivation indicating their experience working as Director or mentor  in theatrical production. Outlining their experience in working with community arts organizations. A detailed CV.

Applicants should be available on 15 -17 December 2023 and from 16 January to 1 March 2024

Applications should be sent via email to: proposals@markettheatre.co.za

Closing date: 04 December 2023

THE MARKET THEATRE CALL FOR APPLICATIONS ZWAKALA FESTIVAL CO-ORDINATOR

THE MARKET THEATRE CALL FOR APPLICATIONS ZWAKALA FESTIVAL CO-ORDINATOR

The Zwakala Festival continues to remain one of South Africa’s most dynamic theatre festivals aimed specifically at community-based theatre-makers. The festival’s main aim is to improve the skills of writers, directors, designers, and actors. It empowers them to create and produce local content of a high standard and trains the next generation of community arts leaders, arts entrepreneurs and administrators. It also takes participants through a journey of both the creative and practical sides of producing a professional theatre piece.

The Market Theatre is  seeking to appoint, on a fixed term basis, a dynamic individual to be a Festival Coordinator of the 30th  Zwakala Festival.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Working closely with the Festival Director in mentoring of community based arts groups
  • Support the play development process working closely with the Festival Director.
  • Oversee all logistics including festival coordination, festival planning, implementation and reporting.
  • Provide administrative support to the Festival Director

REQUIREMENTS

  • A relevant qualification in the arts
  • A minimum of 2-3 years experience in the development of theatrical productions
  • Proven experience in working with community based arts organisations
  • Project Management skill
  • Be able to understand and / or speak three African languages
  • Valid Drivers Licence

Interested applicants to submit a one pager motivation indicating their experience in administration of arts projects. Outlining their experience in working with community arts organizations. A detailed CV.

Applicants should be available on 15 -17 December 2023 and from 16 January to 1 March 2024

Applications should be sent via email to: proposals@markettheatre.co.za

Closing date: 04 December 2023

Expelled

Expelled

Rosalind Butler’s new South African play – EXPELLED – premieres at the Baxter Theatre and transfers to The Market Theatre in 2024 – bookings are now open!

Following on from their multi-award winning, highly acclaimed production of The Beauty Queen of Leenane, How Now Brown Cow is excited to bring a local, topical, powerful, new work to the South African stage. 

Expelled is a play about social media’s power to connect and its power to destroy.  Can a few minutes of bad judgment ruin a life?  

The production has its South African Premiere in Cape Town at the Studio Theatre at The Baxter on Wednesday 7 February, running for a limited season until 2 March 2024.

It then transfers to The Market Theatre from 6 to 31 March 2024.

Tickets for both seasons are available at Webtickets. Early Bird discounts, limited to 29 December 2023 will be available via The Baxter Theatre’s platform for the Cape Town run.

Expelled is a family drama which focuses on the largely ungoverned world of social media.  Alex, a Matric pupil at an elite school, gets caught up in a viral scandal and is suspended. Once shared, lives alter in seconds, what’s seen cannot be unseen.  The ramifications for his family are profound.   

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Written by Rosalind Butler, Expelled was created out of How Now Brown Cow’s script development program, The Writers’ Collective during lockdown in 2021.   Directed by Craig Freimond, the cast features Charmaine Weir-Smith and Antony Coleman alongside Nicolas Hattingh. Designs for the production are by Kieran McGregor and Daniel Rutland Manners.

“The topicality of Expelled immediately appealed to How Now Brown Cow and we are proud to have nurtured it’s development through The Writers’ Collective,” says Julie-Anne McDowell, founder of and producer at How Now Brown Cow.  “It is a pertinent play for our social media obsessed world, and we believe it’s critical impact will resonate loudly for years to come.  We all need to witness this valuable story.”

The Cape Town season will play Tuesday to Saturday at 20h00 with matinee performances at 15h00 on Saturdays. There will also be additional schools’ performances at 11h00 on Tuesdays during the run. The season must close on Saturday 2 March 2024 – with no option to extend.  

The production then transfers to Johannesburg’s Market Theatre where it will play in the Mannie Manim Theatre from Wednesday 6 March 2024.

Performances will take place Wednesday to Saturday during the season with evening performances at 19h00 and matinee performances on Saturdays at 15h00 and Sunday performances at 15h00. There will also be additional schools’ performances at 13h00 on Thursdays during the run.

Age advisory: No under 12’s

Tickets are also available via Webtickets with Early Bird discounts, limited to 29 December 2023, available via The Market Theatre platforms.

This production is a must see for all high school learners who make use of social media, and for their parents wading through the minefield – and to this end significant school learner discounts will be on offer via Jeff Brooker on schools@jbpro.co.za at R160 per ticket.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS:

How Now Brown Cow:

How Now Brown Cow was launched in 2020 during a global pandemic. The company, founded by Actor and Writer Julie-Anne McDowell, was established to offer world class South African and international works for local and international audiences and stages. Daniel Galloway, who was The Fugard Theatre’s Managing Director and Lead Producer from 2009 to 2020, is the General Manager and co-Producer alongside Julie-Anne. During the global theatre shutdown of 2020 and 2021, How Now Brown Cow launched the How Now Brown Cow Writer’s Collective which saw the commissioning of 12 new South African scripts several of which are now in the next phase of development. In 2022 the Production Company released their first short film, The Hive, which was screened to critical acclaim on the international and local film festival circuit. The Beauty Queen of Leenane was How Now Brown Cow’s first stage production in South Africa which was presented in Johannesburg in October 2022 and Cape Town’s The Baxter Theatre in August 2023. The production won five Naledi Theatre Awards, including Best Production of a Play. How Now Brown Cow will be staging 3 new productions in the coming 16 months. For more information, please visit www.hownowbrowncow.co.za 

Creatives and Cast:

Rosalind Butler (Writer):

After graduating from UCT Drama School, Rosalind worked as an actress, improviser, and director.  She focused on her passion, writing, early in her career and has been entertaining South African television audiences for many years. Her first big break was co-creating and head-writing the acclaimed children’s series Soul Buddyz.  Another highlight was developing and writing SABC’s Home Affairs, nominated twice for Best TV Drama Series for The International Emmy Awards in New York. Rosalind worked on the iconic daily drama Isidingo for more than a decade. She co-wrote the story for the popular feature film Material.

Her play An Unromantic Comedy, loved by audiences and critics, was nominated by The Naledi Awards as Best New Script.  Rosalind loved writing on Lioness, M-Net’s hit drama.  She has been nominated countless times and has won a number of awards.  She loves new challenges and is on a constant quest to become a better writer.  Rosalind is delighted to be working with How Now Brown Cow on Expelled her latest play.  It is an explosive piece combining high drama and dark comedy.  Expelled explores a universe many inhabit but few understand its influence and power.

Craig Freimond (Director):

Craig is an award-winning South African writer and director in theatre, film and television. His plays include The King of Laughter, Jump Ralph Jump and Gums & Noses. He has directed more than fifteen plays including The Great Gatsby, Macbeth, Talk Radio, Sweet Phoebe, Gums & Noses and Death of a Colonialist.

He has written and directed five feature films, Gums & Noses, Jozi, Material, Beyond the River and New Material. New film projects include the SA political satire Weekend Special and the human drama The Road to Broad Bay, a SA / NZ co-production. Craig also wrote the hit Nigerian film Oloture, and the sequel Oloture 2 is now in postproduction. Both were for Netflix.

Craig’s television work includes the true crime drama Beneath an adaptation of Alex Yeliseev’s book Cold Case Confession. He is also working on Devil’s Town, for Mnet and Ochre pictures based on the Krugersdorp murders. He wrote the hit Nigerian series Blood Sisters with Zelipa Zulu and is currently working on Blood Sisters 2.

Craig’s telenovela and daily drama experience includes thirteen years on the hit series Rhythm City, where he worked as a writer, story liner, breakdowner, script editor and mentor. He worked with Zelipa Zulu for ten years on this series. Last year with Zelipa Zulu, he co-head-wrote the new legal telenovela Briefs for SABC3.

For more information: www.craigfreimond.com

Designer(s):

Kieren McGregor (Set and Lighting) and Daniel Rutland Manners (Video)

Charmaine Weir-Smith:

Charmaine is an award-winning actress and director. She has performed in and directed over 40 theatre productions. Charmaine’s breakout role was Ophelia in Hamlet for which she won the Vita Award for Best Supporting Actress followed by Daisy in The Young Visitors – Vita Nomination for Best Actress, Agnes in Agnes of God, Kitty in Charlie’s Aunt, and Em in A Story of an African Farm. Charmaine received the Naledi Theatre Award for Best Actress in a Comedy for 2 4 The Price of 1 and for Sylvaine Strike’s Pregnant Pause a Naledi Theatre Award Nomination for Best Actress. She played the lead in Rosalind Butler’s An Unromantic Comedy and for six seasons, Charmaine played Shanell in Paul Slabolepszy’s Suddenly the Storm for which she was nominated for Naledi and Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards.

Charmaine’s directing credits include: The Vita nominated musical I Love you, You’re Perfect, Now Change, Annie – Vita Award for Best Musical Production, Big Band Blast – Naledi Award for Best Musical, Captain Entertainment – Naledi Award Best Revue, Paul Slabolepszy’s Freak Country, Tale of the Allergists Wife and Glorious. She directed Nick Boraine in his one-man show Sic which toured South Africa and had a successful off-Broadway run in New York. She directed Athol Fugard’s The Train Driver for The Market Theatre for which she won the Naledi Award for Best Director. In 2022, Charmaine directed The Beauty Queen of Leenane for How Now Brown Cow Productions which had a successful Johannesburg season, winning 5 Naledi Theatre Awards including Best Director for Charmaine and Best Production before transferring to The Baxter Theatre. In 2023, Charmaine directed a sold-out season of Nothing But The Truth for The Theatre on the Square and Sello Maake KaNcube productions.

Charmaine’s television and film career has spanned more than two decades with lead roles in South Africa’s popular daily soaps – Generations, Isidingo, Binnelanders and Scandal. She could be seen in the UK ITV production of Wild at Heart playing Sienna Ruiters and in Showmax’s The Girl from St Agnes.

Her latest film credits include Netflix’s Jadotville and The Jakes Are Missing.

Antony Coleman:

Antony Coleman is a celebrated South African actor and is much loved (and hated) for his roles both on screen and on stage. He is most renowned for his work as the villainous brother David King in the SABC production High Rollers. With over thirty years of experience in the industry, Antony has numerous award-winning film, television, presenting, theatrical, corporate and voiceover campaigns under his belt. Antony graduated from Wits University with a BADA(Hons) Degree majoring in Performance, Directing and Scriptwriting.

Antony has acted in a number of award-winning films, including the Oscar nominated Blood Diamond and Gums and Noses for which he won Best Actor at the New York International Independent Film Festival. He has six Vita Award Nominations for his work in theatre and two SAFTA nominations and one win for Best Actor. He also won Best Supporting Actor at the Naledi Theatre Awards for his performance in Pale Natives at the Market Theatre. His most recent theatrical work includes an adaptation of Ferdinand Oyono’s Houseboy by William Kentridge at the Centre for the Less Good Idea and at the Redcat Theatre in Los Angeles.

Nicolas Hattingh:

Nicolas has appeared in several South African theatre productions. Nicolas has appeared in, Joburg Ballet’s productions of Giselle and Snow White. Most recently, he received his first Naledi Theatre Award for Best Actor in a Student Production for his role as the Emcee in Redhill High School’s production of Cabaret. Nicolas has ten years of formal dance training and is trained in dance styles such as ballet, modern and contemporary dance. This is Nicolas’s first dramatic stage production, and he is very excited to take to the stage as Alex in Expelled.

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Patisserie Femme

Patisserie Femme

Three Pillars Productions presents Patisserie Femme as part of the Kippies Fringe Programme.

22 – 24 November @ 19h30.

Patisserie Femme is a delicious satire based in a Cape Town bakery. The performers “zip” in and out of character whilst exploring the bakery dedicated to selling not pastries or cakes, but women (and cookies). The audience witnesses tense employee interactions, but some funny and heart wrenching confessions by key pantry ingredients too – namely Cherry on Top & Yeastica/Yeastiesha. Whilst being comedic, Patisserie Femme also tackles issues of societal conventions related to women’s bodies. From Sugar Babies to Buns in The Oven, this play is sure to make its audience think, laugh and most importantly, talk.

Duration: 55 minutes

Performers: Liphelo Matthews &

Nomfundo Selepe

Ages 16+

Tickets R100

Written and Directed by Jessie Diepeveen in association with the National Arts Council.

“ A must watch! “

“ I was blown away by the energy of the duo

and their

great chemistry. You can see it . You can feel it “

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The Terrified Talabalushi

A BRAND NEW SOUTH AFRICAN PLAY FOR CHILDREN AT THE MARKET THEATRE

The Market Theatre and the Windybrow Arts Centre is excited to end the year with a fresh South African offering for children, their family and friends. In a year that brought a range of excellent theatre experiences for young audiences to the Market Theatre Foundation, with the Cradle of Creativity Festival alone delivering over 5000 audience members, The Terrified Talabalushi, by acclaimed Cape Town-based writer, Megan Choritz, now comes to The Market.

The Terrified Talabalushi is a theatre piece with music for children, directed by award-winning, Omphile Molusi and composed by the multi-talented Volley Nchabeleng. The Kwasha! Theatre Company, who have visited schools this year with Skin We Are In, is joined by two seasoned actors, Sanelisiwe Yekani and Siyambonga Mdubeki to bring this playful and meaningful adventure to life.

Set in the Knysna forest, the protagonist is Tokkie, a terrified young Talabalushi. Tokkie’s family have reached their wits’ end because their youngest, Tokkie, is terrified of everything, but mostly he is terrified of the light. This means that he can’t go out scaring, which is what he is meant to do.

Most people don’t know what Talabalushis are, which isn’t surprising – they are very secretive and are only active after sunset. A Talabalushi is a small, Southern African, mischievous creature, a combination of a goblin, a spirit, and a tree creature found in the unseen side of South African forests, and sometimes even closer to our villages, towns, and cities. 

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Talabalushi came about to scare, confuse, and disrupt humans when they get too big for their boots. It is said that they are distantly related to the tokoloshe, but nobody has ever been able to prove it.

In 2019, the play was selected to be part of the ASSITEJ South African leg of the African Playwriting Competition. For this premiere production of the play at The Market Theatre, Megan Choritz has, in consultation with director, writer, and dramaturg Omphile Molusi, developed the script further.

Choritz shares, “I had the best and most productive time with Omphile. What a gift, to work with him. He is thoughtful, kind, brilliantly clever, naughty and fun. He has helped me turn The Terrified Talabalushi into such a delightful text and I know it will grow, change, and evolve on the rehearsal floor.”

Omphile has brought together a formidable creative team to create a fun and delightful experience bringing the Knysna forest and some of its creatures to The Market Theatre. Multi-instrumentalist, composer, and percussionist, Volley Nchabeleng, is adding live music to the work which will undoubtedly create a fitting atmosphere and sound to the world of the play.

This production promises to be an excellent way to explore the emotions of fear in a safe and entertaining way, while growing a love for the theatre. Join the excitement and head to The Market Theatre for an end-of-the-year storytelling treat in this heartfelt, enriching, and lively theatrical experience.

Tickets range from R120 – R150 per person, with special prices for groups of 10 or more. Tickets available through Webtickets.

For media queries please contact Lusanda Zokufa – Brand and Communications Manager  at 072 367 7867 or lusandaz@markettheatre.co.za

For special group discounts contact Anthony Ezeoke at (011) 832 1641 ext 203 or 083 246 4950.

ENDS

ABOUT

Megan Choritz – Writer

Megan is a South African born playwright, writer, actor, director and improviser. She has spent all her life involved in making things up. She has written and co-written numerous plays and musicals, performs and directs theatre and improvises and teaches improv.

In 2020 her rhyming children’s book The Big Bird Battle was published by Penguin Struik. She is currently waiting to hear if her screenplay Green Margie and the Starlight will be made into a movie. Her plays The Tent, Clouds Like Waves, and Drive With Me all achieved critical acclaim, and her novel Lost Property, published in June 2023 has been incredibly well received.

Omphile Molusi – Dramaturg and Director

Omphile has been writing, directing, producing, and acting for theatre and TV since 2001. He is a published playwright with 6 titles and one article (Theatre of the Native Tongue). Molusi teaches playwriting and screenwriting at The Market theatre Laboratory and is an advisor for the UJ Playwriting laboratory. He’s also a storyliner and scriptwriter for television. Some of the shows he’s written for TV include Zone 14 drama series, It’s for life 9 reality show and Scandal!. He also wrote a short film Red Tape for Black Entertainment Television. He is the founder and artistic director of TsaMmu which has been organizing playwriting, screenwriting short courses and festivals since 2017.  In 2007 he became the first recipient of the Brett Goldin Bursary Award, which gave him an opportunity to further refine his craft at the Royal Shakespeare Company in the UK. He was awarded the Scotsman Fringe First Award 2008 at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland and won the Andre Deshields award for best performance at the Black Theatre Alliance Awards 2010 in Chicago, USA. He recently won the ASSITEJ Inspirational Playwright Award in 2021.

Volley Nchabeleng is a versatile multi-instrumentalist, composer, and percussionist, with about 20 years of experience touring the globe as ambassador of African sound, sharing and collecting African indigenous instruments, and an amazing performer, teacher and producer.

Volley Nchabeleng was born in South Africa in1978, he hails from the village of Masemola (Thabampshe), Limpopo Province.

He is one of multi-talented and versatile international percussionist in his right. Studied music at Sibikwa Arts Centre from the year 2001 and at the UNISA, worked with Drama for Life for 5 years as playback theatre musician. His musical genius resonates from a rather versatile perspective and the influence of world diverse sounds, He played music both in Africa, Europe and Asian continents; his tours include India, Belgium and Holland, Germany, France, Australia just to name few.

Volley composed music for theatre productions, “Africa My Love” and “Makhulu” by Portia Mashigo which toured Europe between 2009 and 2012, “eKhaya” by Tribhangi Dance Company “Morwa the Rising Son” by Tefo Paya and directed by Warren Nebe, which won Standard Bank Silver Ovation Award at NAF 2015. “PALEHO”by Lebo Leisa 2016, ANKOBIA by Monageng “Vice” Motshabi and Omphile Molusi, just to name a few.