Legends Never Die

Legends Never Die

‘Legends Never Die’ is a concert series that pays tribute to departed South African heroes who have left an indelible mark on the very fibre of the nation. 

The series launches with the #IAmWinnieMandela musical tribute show– a creatively crafted production in honour of anti-apartheid stalwart, activist and mother of the nation, Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.

Even after South Africa gained freedom in 1994, Winnie was a necessary force and disruptor; a voice for the voiceless and underprivileged till the very end. Icon for social justice, equality and African pride, Winnie remains an enigmatic figure in South African society, that has influenced contemporary culture. 

With support from the City Of Joburg’s Department Of Community Development and in partnership with The Market Theatre, ‘Legends Never Die’ makes its global debut at the historic Market Theatre with #IAmWinnieMandela- a music driven production, which appropriately takes place on 2 April 2024, marking six years since Mama Winnie’s passing at age 81. 

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Executive Produced by Gandhi Baai, and Associate Producers Siphelele Madikizela ‘Legends Never Die’ is a creative platform that not only remembers iconic historic figures, but also positions their legacy as an important part of the future development of Mzansi. 

As the first instalment of the concert series, the #IAmWinnieMandela musical tribute show is Directed by celebrated theatre director Clive Mathibe and features giants in the South African music industry, whose specially curated performances are a poignant reminder that indeed, ‘Legends Never Die’. 

With video production Produced by UK South African based film maker, Nicholas Beveney and Associate Producer and TV Director, Mmuso Sefatsa, ‘Legends Never Die’ promises to be an unforgettable and emotionally engaging but entertaining celebration of Mama Winnie Mandela.

‘Legends Never Die’ #IAmWinnieMandela is staged on the John Kani Stage at The Market Theatre on 2 April 2024 at 19:00. Tickets available at The Market Theatre box office or Webtickets.

Ticket Price: R300

For Block Bookings  ( 10 or more) tickets R250  and only through Market Theatre’s audience development.

#LegendsNeverDie #IAmWinnie

SPIRIT CAPITAL

SPIRIT CAPITAL

The Seat of Memory

Roland Gunst_John K Cobra / Moussem

1 March – 19h00 PERFORMANCE

2 March – 11h00 for 11.30 am to 2.30 pm – TALK

2 March – 3 pm PERFORMANCE

‘Domination must envelop the subjugated, the colonised, and maintain them in a more or less permanent state of trance, intoxication, and convulsion so that they are incapable of thinking lucidly for themselves.’ – Achille Mbembe

SPIRIT CAPITAL refers to an object from the Congolese Luba tradition: a wooden headrest, usually with two identical female figures at its base. These objects serve as ‘lieux de mémoire’, or spirit and history containers. They are part of a complex, reflective and historical infrastructure within the Luba community. 

 

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Two female, outwardly identical performers move through the theatre space. The stage design evokes the ‘Tropical Bungalow’, a residential structure installed by the colonizer in the Congo and organized according to the principle of ‘zoning’: the strict separation of circulation space for whites (the colonial residents) and blacks (the local domestic staff). The so-called boys, the black youths who worked there, began to copy the behaviour and style of the white ruler and appropriate them in all sorts of ways.  This was the start of a rich tradition of ‘Sapologie’ or ‘SAPE’: performative identity practices of Congolese dandies, a counterculture to the spatial, social and racial classification of bodies. 

SPIRIT CAPITAL transforms the stage into a ritualized place and invites viewers on a spatial and mental journey in which historically oppressed bodies can cast off the chains of history and free themselves through movements, words, sounds, music and changes to their appearance.

 Performance

SPIRIT CAPITAL – The Seat of Memory holds at its centre an object from the Congolese Luba tradition: a wooden headrest, showing two identical female figures at its base. Used as spirit and history containers it forms the anchor for the performance which is staged on the outline of the ‘Tropical Bungalow’, a residential structure installed by the colonizer in the Congo and organized according to the zoning principle: the strict racial separation and circulation of space. SPIRIT CAPITAL transforms the stage into a ritualized place and invites viewers on a spatial and mental journey in which historically oppressed bodies move through words, sounds, and appearance towards a hybrid transculture.

1 March – 19h00

2 March – 15h00

Talk

The conversation uses SPIRIT CAPITAL as a prompt to discuss the psychology of space, the manifestation of history, possible contemporary understandings of identity, and the performativity of memory within a South African context.

With: Dr. Nosipho Mngomezulu, Dr. heeten bhagat, Gilbert Balinda, Slindile Mthembu, Roland Gunst, and Samara Ragaven. By applying the speakers’ expertise in Anthropology, Psychology, Theatre/Performance, Art and Architecture we invite you to an exercise in transdisciplinary exchange and deep listening. The conversation will be followed by the performance at 3 pm.

2 March – 11h00 for 11h30 to 14h30

Credits

Concept & direction: Roland Gunst_John K Cobra

Choreography:           Moya Michael

Performers:                Doris Bokongo Nkumu & Nathalie Bokongo Nkumu (Les Mybalés) Text: Roland Gunst_John K Cobra & Esther Severi

Dramaturgy:               Esther Severi

Soundscape:              Laryssa Kim

Lightdesign:                Stef Stessel

Scenography & costumes: Andrea Kränzlin

Engineer:                    Pieter Kint

Production:                 John K Cobra institute of Videoartfacts, Moussem Nomadisch Kunstencentrum Co-production: deSingel, Kunstencentrum Vooruit, Kaaitheater, d e t h e a t e r m a k e r Supported by: de Vlaamse Gemeenschap, de VGC en de Algemene Afvaardiging van de Vlaamse  Regering in zuidelijk Afrika

Thanks to: Arsenaal/Lazarus, Latitudes Art Fair, The Centre for the Less

 Biography:

 Roland Gunst_John K Cobra – concept and direction

Roland Gunst (°1977), a.k.a. John K Cobra, is a self-taught conceptual artist, filmmaker and musician of Belgian Congolese descent, living and working between Belgium and South Africa. His work arises from an autobiographical perspective: he grew up in a bicultural family in the Democratic Republic of Congo and migrated to Belgium around the age of twelve. Through performances, films and visual artworks, Gunst reflects on Afro-European strategies and narratives of liberation to counter strategies of repression of (body) identity and trauma, caused by brutal capitalism and the artificial fragmentation and immobilisation of life. Gunst’s strategies are developed around what professor Cécile Fromont calls ‘spaces of correlation’: spaces of correspondence between European and African cultural traditions that have developed separately but use similar concepts of liberation and critical practices.  Gunst uses the human body and architecture to arrive at a new type of fluid or transarchitecture that functions as a mobile place of memory. By creating disruptive hybrid concepts and media, he defies the boundaries that define identity, culture, human condition and history.

Gunst takes his inspiration from African and European art history, anthropology, psychology,  philosophy and mythology, working with symbolic materials that form ‘spaces of correlation’ between  Europe and Africa: human hair, copper, rubber and wood. These are all symbols of power, used in strategies of colonial rule, as well as in anti-colonial and anti-capitalist cultural resistance. KWANGA – ‘life’ in the Congolese Kikongo language – is the name he gave to the Afro-European rubber he uses in  his work as a medium to materialise this vision of transcultural, gender and national fluidity, where we  can find the spaces of negotiation and liberation.

Gunst uses rubber as a central medium in his most recent works. For example, in the performance Spirit Capital (deSingel, Vooruit/NTGENT, Kaaitheater and ARSENAAL/LAZARUS). In his video installation Trans Capital (‘EUROPA, Oxalá’ in Mucem, Marseille; Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, Lisbon; Royal  Museum for Central Africa, Tervuren). And in his sculptures Kwanga Bars and Kwanga Skin (both at  ‘EUROPA, Oxalá’ at Mucem, and F***BOY and Trans Canibal, both at ‘Nkisi N’ Kondi’ [new power  figures], Nel Gallery, Cape Town. 

In 2021, Gunst’s lecture/performance TRANS ARCHITECT / TRANSARCHITECTURE AND MOVING MONUMENTS, a work in progress, was presented at Kunstenfestivaldesarts.

The 45 min. video installation TROPICAL BUNGALOW / A SITE OF REHABILITATION, produced with the support of EUNIC member organisation IFAS, premiered at the conference ‘In Whose Place?  Confronting vestiges of the colonial landscape in Africa’, at Wits Art Museum and Johannesburg Art  Gallery, both in Johannesburg.

TROPICAL BUNGALOW / THE SEAT OF OPPRESSION (50 min.), an experimental film produced by Polar Bear and with the support of FilmLAB/VAF, is now in development.

Performance piece FLANDRIA was presented in 2019. It was produced by the John K Cobra Institute of  Videoartfacts and LOD Muziektheater, in co-production with NTGent, Victoria Deluxe, Vooruit, BOZAR,  and in collaboration with De Grote Post; with support from WIPCOOP / Mestizo Arts Platform.As an  artist and researcher, Gunst is involved in the critical network BEyond PARTicipation, a four-year  European research project of 9 performance art festivals aimed at developing a better understanding  of the relationship between power, politics, place and audience in art practice. His research is a cooperation with Esther Severi (*1983), a dramaturge from Brussels. johnkcobra.com

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact Lusanda Zokufa (Brand and Communication Manager at the Market Theatre Foundation) at lusandaz@marketheatre.co.za or (011) 832 1641 or 072 367 7867.

For reduced price block bookings (of 10 or more) and school groups, contact Anthony Ezeoke (Audience Development) at AnthonyE@markettheatre.co.za / 083 246 4950 and Mamello Khomongoe mamellok@markettheatre.co.za / 081 572 9612

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A SATIRICAL REFLECTION ON SOUTH AFRICA AT THE MARKET’S KIPPIES FRINGE

A SATIRICAL REFLECTION ON SOUTH AFRICA AT THE MARKET’S KIPPIES FRINGE

The bold one-person play State of the National DisAster (SONDA), written and performed by Philangezwi Nxumalo, is heading to Kippies Fringe at The Market Theatre. Nxumalo, working alongside director Aalliyah Matintela is set to take audiences on an entertaining, playful and thought-provoking journey.

SONDA is a contemporary take on protest theatre, blending satire, physical comedy, and poignant storytelling to shed light on the post-Apartheid State, 30 year into South Africa’s democracy. Through a high-energy 70-minute performance, Nxumalo fearlessly confronts pressing issues such as unemployment, poor service delivery, high crime rates, an ailing education system, widespread poverty, the prevalence of incompetent public servants, and unfulfilled promises.

Drawing inspiration from iconic works like Woza Albert! (which began at The Market Theatre in 1981), Nxumalo aims to engage audiences of all backgrounds in meaningful dialogue about the challenges faced by ordinary South Africans. “My main vision with this work is to create a theatre production with broad appeal that caters to everyone,” says Nxumalo. “I’m interested in making popular theatre that tells stories of real people, tackling real issues that affect ordinary people every day”, he adds. 

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The multi-talented storyteller, who was born and raised in a small village called Mbazwana in KwaZulu Natal, say he is committed to telling black people’s stories from marginalized communities.

The Artistic Director of The Market Theatre, Greg Homann, says, “It feels appropriate to have SONDA included as part of the Market Theatre Foundation’s 30 Years of Democracy Season. Philangezwi Nxumalo’s bold and incisive portrayal resonates deeply with the varied themes we aim to explore throughout this milestone season. Through his satirical lens, Nxumalo brings to life the struggles, triumphs, and complexities of our nation, inviting audiences to critically reflect on the journey of the past three decades and the challenges that lie ahead.” Homann adds, “SONDA epitomizes the spirit of artistic expression and social commentary that has defined The Market Theatre, and we are proud to showcase such a work made by young theatre-makers expressing their creative voice.”

Matintela and Nxumalo, who are both graduates of The Market Theatre Laboratories 2 year actor training programming, joined forces over a year ago to create this work. Since then it has been shared in school halls and community centres, as well as in Nxumalo’s home-province of KwaZulu-Natal.

The accessible and relatable fringe-style production is a call to action. It challenges the status quo, aiming to inspire change and transformation in the political landscape.

Directed by Aalliyah Matintela, this fresh theatrical work is presented in the 50-seater Kippies fringe space in Newtown by The Market Theatre in association with The Art Cave & Ubuciko Bethonga.

“SONDA is an important story that need to be told especially with how the state of our nation is. This is a piece that provokes and demands one to question. In a world filled with so much chaos, being part of this production feels like my little contribution to fight for better future” said Matintela

Tickets for SONDA are only R100, with block bookings of 10 or more at R75. Bookings can be made via Webtickets or The Market Theatre’s website (www.markettheatre.co.za). You can also buy tickets directly from The Market Theatre’s box office prior to any performance.

Head to Kippies from 14 to 17 March 2024 to enjoy this brave one-person play with its meaningful message told through laughter.

For media enquiries please contact Lusanda Zokufa (Brand and Communication Manager at the Market Theatre Foundation) at lusandaz@marketheatre.co.za  or (011) 832 1641 or 072 367 7867.

About the Creator and Performer: Philangezwi Innocent Bhekuyise Nxumalo was born and raised in a small village called Mbazwana in KwaZulu Natal. He is a multi-talented storyteller interested in black people’s stories from marginalized communities. He graduated from City Varsity and The Market Theatre Laboratory with Diplomas in Professional Acting, Practical Performance and Theatre Making. His debut performances include roles in the Naledi Award winning productions “No Easter Sunday for Queers” directed by Mwenya Kabwe; “Eclipsed Phifalo ya Ngwedi” directed by Sylvaine Strike; and Joburg Theatre’s multilingual adaptation of Macbeth and Woza Albert. He is a co-Founder and Curator of the Yes Lets Experimental Festival, which is an annual festival for young emerging theatre makers that takes place annually at The Market Theatre Laboratory.

SONDA

SONDA

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SONDA

This fresh one-person play reflects, in a satirical way, on the state of the South African nation, post-Apartheid.

Written as a piece of new age protest theatre, SONDA boldly tackles themes of unemployment, poor service delivery, high crime rates, a poor education system, levels of poverty, the appointment of incompetent public servants and empty promises. This piece gives a voice to the voiceless and speaks to the issues that many South Africans are experiencing.

The funny, bold, and candid 70 minute one hander is inspired by works like Woza Albert!. It uses physical comedy, miming and clowning not only to entertain but to grab attention through laughter in order to deliver a meaningful message.

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Vote for Me!

Vote for Me!

Windybrow Arts Centre in association with the National Children’s Theatre presents Vote for Me.

As South Africa celebrates 30 years of democracy, do the under-18s care about this historic milestone? When adults cast their vote, are they aware that they are voting for leaders who will determine the future of today’s teens? What does leadership even mean in this current moment? Teens may not have a political vote in this year’s polls, but as influencers and followers, they are voting – and leading – all the time. Every “like”, “subscribe” and “follow” is a vote of some kind – but what effects will their clicks and swipes have? 

“Vote for Me” is a new original production where teens get to construct the leader they desire, in an interactive piece presented by a powerful theatrical partnership. NCT joins together with the Kwasha! Theatre Company, Windybrow Arts Centre’s youth company, to ask serious questions in a playful way, designed to get teens talking – and taking charge! What does it mean to be a leader? Is there still a sense of trust between generations as we move into election season? 

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With scripting by Ameera Patel, direction by Lesedi Job, choreography by Julia Burnham, sound design by Sne Dlala and playful performance by the 2024 Kwasha! Theatre Company, “Vote for Me” is aimed directly at high school learners from Grade 8 up, and by connecting the Life Orientation curriculum and the History curriculum in multiple ways, the piece challenges teenagers to think about what leadership means for them, and how to build a bridge between an iconic past and an uncertain future. 

 

Who are you voting for? For me, for you? For us? For them? Do we/they even care? Let this theatre production propel us into optimism as a new generation inherits the future.

 

“Vote for Me” opens on the 19th of February and runs until the 15th of March. For school bookings contact National Children’s Theatre (NCT) on 011 484 1584 and hello@NCTheatreSA.org.za 

Facebook @NCTheatreZA @WindybrowArtsCentre

Instagram @NCTheatreSA @WindybrowArts Centre

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The Market Theatre announces the Zwakala Festival Director and Coordinator for its 30th edition

Zwakala Festival a DSAC Incubation Program

The Zwakala Festival was started in 1992 by John Kani and the late co-founder of the Market Theatre, Barney Simon. It was initially funded by the Rockefeller Foundation. This was just after The Market Theatre Lab; the theatre’s educational arm was established in 1989. Now in its 30th year, the meaningful annual event is currently funded by the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture’s Incubator Programme.

The festival is one of South Africa’s most dynamic and long-standing theatre festivals aimed specifically at community-based theatre makers. Throughout its existence its main aim is to support, platform and enhance the skills-set of writers, directors, and actors. It also trains the participants both in the creative and practical sides of producing a professional theatre piece.

Based on its original format, fieldworkers go out to community groups to develop the participants’ theatre skills and mentor the members of the chosen drama groups.

Participants are taken through workshops to polish their original scripts and acting methods. The final cohort across four productions showcase their work to the public in the Ramolao Makhene Theatre at the Market Theatre Foundation in Newtown.

Judges who are industry experts are selected to choose a winning group. The winning group is given further support and the use of the resources of the Market Theatre Foundation to realise a professional rendition of their initial work with the help of a mentor director and dramaturge.

Past winning productions include Tau directed by Momo Matsunyane (current Standard Bank Young Artist Award Winner for Theatre) and, more recently, Thabo Ramaine and Lonwabo Bhele’s Blacksmith.

Most importantly the festival aims to empower arts practitioners to create and produce local content of a high standard. This is a great platform and often propels the theatre groups to greater visibility within the sector and the broader public.

Experience the electrifying atmosphere of the 30th Zwakala Festival as we commemorate three decades of South African democracy through the lens of Development Theatre.  

Dive into our immersive lineup, starting with the enlightening Funding & Opportunity Workshops on February 23, 2024, from 13:00 to 18:00. Then, join us for a nostalgic trip down memory lane at the Opening Launch on the same day at 19:00.

Engage in thought-provoking discussions during our Panel Discussions on February 24th and 25th, 2024, from 10:00 to 12:00, where we delve into the State of Community Theatre and the rise of Alternative Performance Spaces.

Feel the pulse of creativity at our vibrant Open Mic Sessions on February 24th and 25th, 2024, from 15:30 to 17:00, hosted at the enchanting Market Theatre Lab Courtyard.

Witness theatrical innovation firsthand with three groundbreaking Theatre productions on February 24th and 25th, 2024, at 13:00, 14:30, and 17:00.

Cap off the festivities with our prestigious Festival Awards ceremony on February 25th, 2024, at 18:30, as we celebrate excellence and pay homage to the trailblazers of Development Theatre.

Curated by the visionary duo of Thami aka Mbongo (Festival Director) and Ntambo Rapatla (Festival Coordinator), and supported by the esteemed Market Theatre Foundation and the DSAC Incubator Programme, this edition guarantees an unforgettable fusion of art, culture, and community engagement.”

Prayers

Haunted by the untamed urges that bind him in a web of sexual immorality, he confronts the shadows of his own existence. Is his relentless pursuit of pleasure merely a diversion, a desperate escape from the chilling embrace of self-awareness and the haunting spectre of loneliness?

Age Restriction: 16+

Ticket Price : R10

24-February-2024 17:00

25-February-2024 13:00

 

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Polished 

“Polished” takes you on an electrifying ride of suspense and revelation. With each polished shoe, secrets surface, and the narrative hurtles towards an explosive climax. Brace yourself for the shocking twist.

Age Restriction: 18+

Ticket Price : R10

24-February-2024 14:30

25-February-2024 17:00

 

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An Error Under the Sun 

“An Error Under the Sun” is a roller-coaster of suspense, mysticism, and unexpected alliances, where the pursuit of divine powers takes centre stage.

Age Restriction: 16+

Ticket Price : R10

24-February02024 13:00

25-February-2024 14:30

 

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The Cry of Winnie Mandela

The Cry Of Winnie Mandela

The Cry Of Winnie Mandela is a compelling journey through history, emotion, and the enduring strength of the female South African spirit.

Based on the popular novel by poet, novelist, and essayist Njabulo Ndebele, The Cry of Winnie Mandela is a poignant theatrical production brought to life by The Market Theatre. This thoughtful new play of resilience is adapted by Alex Burger and directed by the award-winning MoMo Matsunyane who is the current Standard Bank Young Artist Winner for Theatre.

Through the imagination of a literary professor, the action centres on the stories of four women who reflect on a period of waiting during the absence of their men. Between intense emotional moments and cleverly injected humour, the dynamic theatrical adaptation weaves together their private accounts, exposing the shadows, isolation, and complexities of their evocative experiences. A series of intimate and powerful conversations unfold as the characters reveal the profound impact of this period of their life, delving into the depths of their longing and uncertainty as they forge their stories to that of the life and times of Winnie Mandela.

The universal theme of waiting is a central motif, allowing the audience to reflect on the historical struggles of women while drawing parallels to their own contemporary lives.

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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.

Don’t miss this powerful exploration of love, resilience, courage, and the indomitable spirit of women.

A cast of six with five females and one male:

1.     Rami Chuene

2.     Ayanda Sibisi

3.     Nambitha Mpumlwana

4.     Siyasanga Papu

5.     Pulane Rampoana

6.     Les Nkosi

Creative Team:

  1. Set & LX Designer: Wilhelm Disbergen
  2. Costume Designer: Onthatile Matshidiso
  3. Sound & AV Designer: Vangile Mpumlwana

Creative Team

Creative Team
Alex Burger

Alex Burger is an award-winning author, screenwriter, and playwright.

His plays include: The Crusaders (Oxford University, in progress) Fees Must Fall (Wits University, 2016), The Inkanyamba (Market Theatre Lab, 2015) and Whose Blood (The Old Operating Theatre London, 2012) which played to a fully sold-out run. His TV credits include head-writing Die Testament One & Two South Africa’s first TV show written for mobile viewing (Netwerk24, 2022 & 2019), Seasons 3 and 4 of the SAFTA-winning TV series Umlilo (eTv 2015-2016), Doubt (Mzansi Magic 2016), and Hard Copy Season 4 (SABC3 2016). He is currently developing multiple TV projects including co-writing a feminist TV series Here She Comes (Infinite Eyes Films), co-developing an African-American satirical series The Campaign (Mundo Loco Films), and writing a Scooby Doo investigation of systemic racism Reparation City.

In his other life, Alex has served as a senior advisor to the World Bank for over twenty years working in thirty-four countries and served as the Vice President of Community Affairs for AngloGold Ashanti – Africa’s largest Mining company (2011-2013). Alex holds an MBA from INSEAD and a BA magna cum laude from Harvard University in the Comparative Study of Religion.

Creative Team
Kgomotso ‘MoMo’ Matsunyane

Kgomotso ‘MoMo’ Matsunyane (b. 1988) is an actor, playwright, director and singer.

MoMo has been a professional actor since 2004 after making her television debut on Thetha Msawawa 2. She obtained an Honours Degree in Dramatic Arts from Wits University in 2012, majoring in Performance as well as Film and Television. She has performed in numerous plays, films and television shows over her 19 year long career and has been nominated for and won several awards including: The Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Theatre in 2023, Hlakanyana The Musical, which won a whopping 8 out of the 14 awards at the 2023 Naledi Theatre Awards. She was also Head Writer for this very musical.

Matsunyane also won for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical for her role as Mawethu along with Best Ensemble and Best Production of a Musical. Other achievements include; Best Actress in A Leading Role and Best Breakthrough Performer nominee (Have You Seen Zandile? ;Naledi Theatre Awards 2014), Best Supporting Actress winner (Ankobia ; SA Theatre Magazine Awards 2017), Best Ensemble winner (Animal Farm; Naledi Theatre Awards 2015), Best Supporting Role nominee (Tsotsi The Musical; Fleur Du Cap Awards 2018) and Best Fringe Productions nominee (Unlearn and Dick Or Date?; Naledi Theatre Awards 2019)

Earlier in 2023, she acted in a new sketch comedy show called Republic Of South Ah directed by Kagiso Lediga and it is currently on popular streaming network Netflix. In June she co-directed Their Silence Left Us Nothing But Tokens in France, Lyon as part of a collaboration between the Market Theatre Laboratory and ENSATT. In the previous year Matsunyane was also festival director of the acclaimed Zwakala Festival and following its success, went on to mentor the director of the winning group as the show took to the stage in October 2023.

In 2022 she also performed in If A Tree Falls which was also directed by acclaimed director Janice Honeyman. In 2020, she performed in Switzerland in Converting Eviction a collaboration between Ntsoana Contemporary Dance Theatre and KMUProduktionen. In 2021 she was cast in Standard Bank Young Artist Award Winner for Dance, Lulu Mlangeni’s NAF production Kganya which made its live debut at the internationally acclaimed festival Afrovibes in 2022 and also enjoyed a run at The State Theatre in July 2023. Matsunyane hopes to grow her production company which has created a platform for her to independently write, produce and star in her own shows as she navigates this often challenging but equally rewarding industry.

Creative Team
Wilhelm Disbergen

Wilhelm Disbergen is a prolific theatre designer who regularly works in all major theatres in South Africa. He is a multiple winner at the annual Naledi Theatre Awards, and has also received a Fleur du Cap award for lighting design.

For theatre, his collaboration with State Theatre’s Artistic Director Aubrey Sekhabi started with Silent Voice, followed by Sekhabi’s three seminal freedom plays – Mantolo: The Tenth Step, Kalushi: The Story of Solomon Mahlangu, and The Rivonia Trial. This was followed by three epoch making musicals – Hungry (a co-production with the SchauSpielHaus Hamburg), and the epoch making Marikana – The Musical, and Freedom The Musical.

Recent work in theatre include Eugène Ionesco’s The Lesson (dir Greg Homan) at the Market Theatre, an immersive production of Ariane Mnouchkine and Théâtre du Soleil’s 1789 (dir Phyllis Klotz and Smal Ndaba) at the Sibikwa Arts Centre, and Napo Mashenane’s ground-breaking musical Thaba Bosiu at PACOFS.

In 2018, he designed Jessica Nupen’s Don’t Trust the Border for Kampnagel, Hamburg. This was followed in the same venue by The Nose, a film/live performance hybrid (2021), and GEMeinsam (2022).

He lit 21 seasons for the Cape Town City Ballet. A highlight was lighting and staging Olivier award winning Muthuthuzeli November’s Ingoma (2021). For Joburg Ballet, he designed Big City, Big Dreams, Whispers of My Soul (chor Redha), and The Nutcracker (chor Angela Malan), last performed at the end of 2023 at the Teatro at Montecasino and The Playhouse in Durban.

At the National Arts Festival, he designed new works for three Standard Bank Young Artists – Moffie for Bailey Snyman (2012), Sabela for Thandezile Sonja Radebe (2017), and Purgatory for Kristi-Leigh Gresse (2022). At the 2018 festival, he designed Black Privilege for Nyamza, the featured artist of the festival. He teamed up again with Snyman for Gas Lands (2019), and Nyamza for Pest Control (2020) and Hatched Ensemble (2023).

Creative Team
Onthatile Matshidiso

Onthatile Matshidiso is production designer and arts educator with 12 years’ experience in using clothes to tell stories. Born in Tlhabane, Rustenburg and now based in Johannesburg, Onthatile grew up in a community that valued the arts in childhood development.  In her household, Onthatile was inspired by her mother who saw the value of a carefully selected wardrobe as a tool of self-expression. Her father taught her meticulous precision in technical drawing.

Onthatile drew inspiration for fashion illustration from fashion spreads in publications such as Elle and True Love Magazine.

Onthatile is a Wits School of Arts graduate with majors in Production Design and Writing. In 2015, she was nominated for a Naledi Award in Costume award, for Matsemela Manaka’s Egoli. Onthatile has served as production design lecturer for The Wits School of Arts’ and for the Market Theatre Laboratory.

Recent credits in costume design include: The Terrified Talabalushi, The Lesson, Tata Etla Gae, and Nina Simone- 4 Women.

A cast of six with five females and one male

Rami Chuene

Rami is one of the leading actresses in South Africa, with 25 years of onscreen storytelling. She is most well-known for her roles in popular local soapies, The Queen, Muvhango, Scandal!, 7de Laan and Backstage. Rami is currently in the popular series, Giyani: Land Of Blood. Some of the TV dramas she has been in include, Inkaba, Harvest, The Republic, Abomzala, It’s Complicated, Justice For All, BET’s daily drama, ISONO, and British/American series, Strike Back. Her roles in movies include Life Above All and Hijack Stories. She appeared in the Netflix Original series, How To Ruin Christmas: The Wedding and its sequels, How To Ruin Christmas: The Funeral and How To Ruin Christmas: The Babyshower.

Rami is also a singer and recording artist, her album From Fear To Love was released in 2014. She is a published author and her memoir, We Kissed The Sun And Embraced The Moon, was published in 2015. She has recently translated veteran author, Professor Es’kia Mphahlele’s novel, Father Come Home, into her native language, Sepedi. In addition to being an actress, singer and author, Rami is a sought after speaker, voice-over artist and MC who has hosted many stage, corporate and TV shows and events. Rami is passionate about being a philanthropist and doing good through her foundation, Rami Chuene Foundation.

Ayanda Sibisi

Ayanda Sibisi was born and raised in KwaNdengezi, Durban. She obtained her National Diploma in Drama studies at the Durban University of Technology. She’s an actress, musician and the Development Executive Producer at Eyethu Films. In a nutshell, Ayanda is an all-around creative who is enthusiastic about arts and passionate about storytelling. Her tv roles include The Herd as MaMzobe the cynical witch, the hilarious romantic comedy “Hawema!” where she played the role of Lindi the go getter. She portrayed the role of Fikani’s mother on 7 de Laan and has had a handful of guest appearances on The Queen, Rockville and SABC1’s 13 Weeks to find Mr Right. She was a contestant on the highly competitive television show Top Actor.

As a theatre practitioner she has worked on various musicals. In 2011 she joined the cast of Cinderella at the Playhouse Theatre. She starred in the stage musical piece Beauty and the Beast as Madame De La Grande Bouche where she got nominated for the best newcomer at the Mercury Durban Theatre Awards. She played the king’s most trusted adviser Rafiki in the internationally acclaimed Lion King at the theatre of the wild in Disneyland, Hong Kong. In 2018 she took on the role of Church Lady Jarene in Alice Walker’s musical version of The Color Purple which received 13 nominations and won 7 of those awards at the Naledi awards in 2019. In 2022 she was nominated for best music video at the 15th Crown Gospel Awards for her hit gospel Amapiano song called Bayede which is currently on high rotation on several radio stations across the country. Her most recent musical production was Third World Express where she starred as the lead (The Queen).

Ayanda is currently putting final touches of her first studio album which will feature a massive storm of hits. There is no stopping this formidable talent and her time is NOW!!

Siyasanga Papu

Siyasanga is a multitalented actress and songstress who has been involved in productions in both theatre and film for over almost 20 years. In 2005 she was part of a production called NewTown. She went on to perform in Relativity: Township Story which played at multiple South African art festivals, later showcasing in Vienna (Austria), the Scotland Fringe and then touring 10

different cities in the UK .

Her other theatre work includes The Wizard of OZ, Jock of the Bushveld, and SATATOO. She played the lead in MARIKANA The Musical for which she got a Naledi Award nomination. She went to get yet another Naledi Award nomination in 2019 for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical for the show she did called Santa Clause is coming to town. In 2022 she joined the cast of the award-winning play called Xova where she played the lead role of Zukiswa. In 2017 she was invited by Dr. Jonas Gwangwa to sing a special rendition at ex-president Thabo Mbeki’s 75th birthday celebration. She did a Cape Town tour of the famous 50s musical called KING KONG The Musical.

She has been in Usindiso (2007), Rhythm City (2008-2009), AMANDLA, 8 MINUETS, 1606, while playing lead on some films for the small screen such as 10 Steps to Make Him Propose, Forget About It and Iizintombi Zodwa. She appeared as Mpumi, a journalist, on Generations The Legacy on SABC 1. Siyasanga was also in the TV series called THE HERD 1&2 broadcast on Mzanzi. She portrayed the role of Fezeka in Isibaya in 2018 and has just finished the 4-year run of Gomora where she portrayed Pretty Molefe – one of the lead characters for which she got a Royal Soapie Award nomination.

She currently has a 5 piece band called MOLO based in Pretoria.

Pulane Rampoana

Puli is a versatile artist with over 17 years of experience in the industry, excelling as an actor, singer, dancer, and vocal coach. She has graced international musical shows like Dreamgirls, Cabaret, and Rocky Horror, while making significant contributions to local productions such as The Hill, Mosali Eo U Nneileng Eena, Jock Of The Bushveld, and Reik Na Die Sterre.

Her musical journey includes noteworthy performances like Bidvest 2015 with Vicky Sampson and Swing City. Puli has shared the stage with acclaimed artists like Thandiswa Mazwai and Ernie Smith, showcasing her talent at Embassies around Pretoria for events attended by government delegates, ambassadors, and ministers. A highlight in her musical career was performing at an event attended by African Jazz legends Ntate Caiphus Semenya and Mama Letta Mbuli.

Beyond music, Puli actively engages in television and radio, contributing as a translator, producer, actor, and voiceover artist. Her recent television series, Lioness, remains available for viewing on DStv.

Nambitha Mpumlwana

Nambitha Mpumlwana is a South African actress best known for her leading roles in the television series Shado’s, Interrogation Room and The Lab; and for her role in the Oscar-winning South African feature film Tsotsi.

She quickly established an acting and presenting career in South Africa starting as a continuity presenter for SABC television before joining the SABC 2 wildlife show 50/50 as a presenter.

Nambitha presented the SABC 2 shows Lebone and Practical Parenting, as well as the SABC 3 show Money. She has performed in the feature films Tama Ba? Tama Na! (1993}, Crazy Joe’s Coco,

Land of a Thousand Hills, Beyond Borders (2003}, Country of My Skull (2004}, Red Dust (2004)

and Tsotsi (2005).

In October 2007 Nambitha won the Golden Horn award for Best Actress in a TV Drama at the second annual SAFTAs for her role as Pearl Lusipho in the SABC 3 drama series The Lab. She has also been nominated for a SAFTA Golden Horn for Best Actress in TV Soap for Generations (1993). In November, 2009 Nambitha returned to 7de Laan in her role as Zandile.

She has performed in numerous theatre productions, including The Dead Wait, Black Age, Whale, In Search of Dragon’s Mountain, Love and Other Strange Things, Beauty and the Beast of Oracle, Apart, The Power of Harriett T, Business of Health, See Here! It’s Africa and The Caribbean.

Les Nkosi

Les Nkosi is a passionate creative-change-practitioner through arts therapies, research and facilitation as well as an entrepreneur. He holds a Master’s degree through Wits University. His experience in facilitation and behavior-change spans well over 20 years. Les spent most of his career in the arts playing roles of support, either as a producer, director or a friend of an artist.

Les is a recipient of Wits University’s Marshal Kander Award for Most Outstanding Research. He has forged relationships with the Wits Centre for Diversity Studies (WiCDS) in creating meaningful transformation processes in race relations and change.

His portfolio of work on screen incudes, playing varying roles of support in popular television including Scandal, Working On It, Stout, The River, Generations the Legacy, The Docket, Sokhulu and Partners, and Isibaya. His theatre work includes directing Come As you Are (CAYA) at the Soweto Theatre and

Jobe at the Joburg Theatre. The Cry of Winnie Mandela will be Les’ first stage role as an actor – he is exceptionally excited to be part of this production. 

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.

Buy Tickets

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)