WOMAD 2023 – Bringing the WORLD to your doorstep!

Bringing the WORLD to your doorstep! WOMAD SA expands its offering with multiple genres

WOMAD @ The Market in Joburg hosts a three-day intensive series of performances and workshops (29 September to 1 October 2023) in and around The Market Theatre precinct. This ambitious and eclectic self-contained festival serves as a catalyst for Joburg’s inner city cultural rejuvenation.

The John Kani Theatre hosts a diverse variety of musically themed concerts. “The Night of the Legends” including The Mahotella Queens, African Jazz Pioneers and Vusi Mahlasela together with Guinean kora superstar N’Faly Kouyate and Aboriginal icon Shellie Morris and hosted by WOMAD SA patron Zolani Mkiva. “Bringing the World” features Senegalese mbalax greats Saintrick et Les Tchielly, Atse Tewodros Project from Ethiopia, American all-girl country group The Merlettes featuring our very own AuzTebza and the award-winning Herencios de Los Rios from Colombia. “Rap Nation” presented by The Music Arena showcases the diversity and creative brilliance of the hip-hop genre. The impressive line-up of established hip-hop icons Youngsta CPT, Blaklez, and Majorsteez alongside rising star Nu Edison and includes a Special Guest appearance from world renowned Australian rapper DRMNGNOW.

Kippies is the venue for Fringe Theatre works and will host a blend of fresh performances from young artists. The sets of work delve into questions of identity, hope, wellbeing, and historic awareness. The programmed pieces in the intimate 50-seater space promise an engaging journey for the audience who will be able to encounter inventive storytelling elements.

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The Mannie Manim Theatre hosts Blacksmith, the 2022 Zwakala Festival winners. Thabo Ramaine and Lonwabo Bhele bring their thought-shifting production to WOMAD, in perfect synchrony with the spirit of Heritage Month. This production confronts the pivotal moments that have shaped the African trajectory under the weighty yoke of colonialism.

The Barney Simon Theatre is the venue for Skin We Are In, a play with music for young audiences that offers fresh science-backed perspectives on race and diversity. It is based on the popular book by Sindiwe Magona and Nina Jablonksi. Performed by the Kwasha! Theatre Company – a small ensemble of exciting young talents that takes its name from the isiZulu interjection which, loosely translated, means ‘It’s on fire!’

The iconic Nikki’s Oasis will celebrate its 28-year legacy by hosting a program of international and local jazz which includes Beyond Words: AfroNaarm Showcase ft. Australian DRMNGNOW, legendary multi-instrumentalist Craig Calhoun (Australia/USA) and rising Zimbabwean stars Sylent, NGQ, Ceeko, Niasha and Tamvela.

The JazzLand exhibition and installation is created in dialogue with jazz appreciators from Katlehong. Ngoma kaMphahlele’s work takes us into the sounds and life of what he has termed JazzLand, an intergenerational confluence of music, image and life with an augmented reality element which embeds videos, sound and interactive multimedia content onto the exhibited photographs.

Another exciting offering includes a Visual Arts component curated by Sara Hallatt from OpenStudios. Joburg and the META Foundation. This program connects and extrapolates the music visually and provides festival audiences with a multisensory experience that is both memorable and immersive while introducing local visual artists to new audiences.

Across the square, AMPD Studios will host recording sessions and workshops -and in line with job creation and exposure The Newtown Mall Junction will host a Fashion Showcase in the Glass House featuring emerging young designers and musicians to round off a rich cultural weekend.

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Songs of Hope

Love Child Music(PTY) LTD Presents Songs Of Hope At Kippies Fringe Festival And Womad Festival 2023

We are excited to announce that LoveChild will be showcasing her production titled Songs of Hope, at Kippies Fringe Festival on the 27th Sept 19:30 and at WOMAD Festival 29th Sept 20:00 & 1st Oct 2023 16:00 at Market Theatre, Johannesburg. Tickets are available at Webticket at R100.

Songs of Hope is a collection of acoustic songs that explore the human experience through the lens of resilience, perseverance, and hope.

With simple yet powerful lyrics and melodies, the songs evoke a range of emotions, from sadness to joy. They may bring the listener to tears, but ultimately leave them feeling inspired and uplifted.

With 2 guitars, a flute and vocals, the songs feel intimate and personal, like a conversation between the artist and the listener. The songs of Songs of Hope are a powerful and moving exploration, like a warm embrace offering comfort and solace in the midst of adversity. The lyrics are both poetic and relatable, speaking to the heart of the listener. The melodies are simple yet haunting, staying with the listener long after the songs have ended. The songs are a testament to the human capacity for hope, and a reminder that we are all connected by our shared humanity.

For more information, please contact Vuyiseka Maguga on 0711459553 / lovechild_36@live.com

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Skin We Are In
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ZEMQADINI

Moving Acts Productions presents ZEMQADINI as part of the KIPPIES FRINGE PROGRAMME

ZemQadini is about a friendship that is glued by the aftermath of a tribal war in a small village in KwaZulu- Natal, these friends rely on each other to navigate the obscure and surreal reality they have or had.  It is a sensitive yet comical blend of memory and trauma, exploring disability, and heroism through a marriage of physical performance and Oral storytelling. Focusing on two friends one mute, one blind yet still bonded by memories and wounding dreams. This play explores and questions the idea of what remains after the war, and what kind of memory that carries on to historical archives.

Written by Sboniso Msimango, under the direction of Philisiwe Twijnstra, with Thamsanqa Khumalo as both AD and stage manager; the featured cast is Bongani Mbatha and Bhekani Shabalala.

ZemQadini will be performing on the 8th – 10th of September at 19:30 and 10th of September at 15:30

Tickets go for R100,00 at Webtickets

Skin We Are In
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Mayibuye iAfrika

Mayibuye iAfrika Concert: A celebration of exiled South African musicians and composers

Renowned South African guitarist Billy Monama will bring us closer to our past to help us reimagine our future during Heritage Month in September when he joins a number of legendary South African artists like Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, Judith Sepuma and Titi Luzipo live on stage in Johannesburg.

During a one-night-only limited-tickets concert called Mayibuye iAfrika: The Freedom Songs, Monama will present a musical journey and conversation between two generations of ancestral artists, finally culminating in a reminder of what makes South African music resonate deeply with Africans and the rest of the world.

From the choice of venue to scholarly discussions around the concert and its celebratory participants, the concert aims to be a “re-visioning of heritage music for modern ears,” says Monama.

The concert will be held at the iconic Theatre of Struggle – the Market Theatre in Newtown Johannesburg – on 9 September 2023. In two parts, the event will pay homage to a first exile generation of indomitable composers and a second exile generation of musicians.

Part one will comprise choral freedom songs from the earliest compositions recorded by ANC exiles in what was called Tanganyika, now Tanzania. The fresh arrangement will feature work by Vuyisile Mini, Zinakele Nkaba and Wilson Khayingo.

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Under the direction of Monama and led by The Grazroots Project Orkestra, the second segment will pay tribute to the anti-apartheid stalwarts and towering figures in the local and international music landscape, Letta Mbulu,  Miriam Makeba, Jonas Gwangwa and Hugh Masekela.

The musical spectacular will also feature contemporary artists who specialise in different South African music genres and across a range of historical time frames. The pieces will showcase legendary drummer, saxophonist, composer and activist Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, award-winning, afro-funk, jazz and gospel singer Judith Sephuma, and a household name in the Afro Jazz and soul genres Titi Luzipo, as well as a surprise guest artist.

The concert will be a feast for music scholars, aspiring and current musicians, as well as Maskandi, Kwela, Mbaqanga and African jazz connoisseurs and fans.

”This is a journey created to heal through song and reawaken consciousness as we revisit South African classics that celebrate past South African composers and musicians,” adds Monama.

Mayibuye iAfrika: The Freedom Songs will be remembered as vital to documenting and disseminating South Africa’s generational music knowledge and a source of musical inspiration.

About Billy Monama:

A guitarist since 1997, composer, arranger and teacher Billy Monama has gone on to perform and record with a host of South Africa’s legends including Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse, Mbongeni Ngema, Abigail Kubeka and others. While his music is often ineffable, Monama exalts South Africa’s jazz genius through his arrangements and performances.

Notes to Editors:

Artists featured in the line-up are available for radio, print and TV interviews.

Tickets are available at web tickets at R350 per person. Early bird tickets are sold at R280 until 16 August 2023.

For media enquiries and interview requests, please contact:

Thando Dhaza – thando@tishalacommunications.com | +27 79 429 8263

OR

Nomsa Mdhluli – nomsa@tishalacommunications.com | +27 71 628 6231

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Cradle of Creativity Festival

Cradle of Creativity 2023 offers a feast of engaging arts for young theatre goers

The 2023 Cradle of Creativity festival is an 8 day long city-wide celebration of unforgettable encounters. The dynamic roving international performing arts festival for children and young people is hosted by The Market Theatre and offers the very best performing arts for young audiences from across the continent and the world. This year’s theme “The Stories That Move Us” will build a rich legacy of diversity, creativity & opportunity that will continue to generate energy and activity long after the final curtain call.

Cradle of Creativity is meticulously curated in Women’s month, August, by one of the foremost young female curators of our time, Faye Kabali Kagwa, who was recognized as a Mail and Guardian Top 200 Young South African in 2021. “This festival continues to take seriously our youngest citizens and engage them in a creative way, while being an exciting platform for artists from South Africa, the continent and the world” says Kabali-Kagwa.

The festival will feature some of the very best in South African theatre with performances from all provinces, speaking to children from as young as 2 to young adults. We have a range of voices present, from youth voices to professional theatre companies: these include “Skin We Are In” by the Kwasha Theatre Company, “Stories We See” by Gcebile Dlamini, featuring children from the Johannesburg Society for The Blind, “Bounced” by Cape Town based theatre company Magnet Theatre, a leader in early years theatre, and the musical extravaganza, “Mwana wa Mvula” by Kimberley’s Amandla Dance Teatro ZA: these are just some of the bold voices to make up the festival programme on the South African front.

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Cradle also boasts a rich series of international productions presented by Netherlands theatre company, de Stilte; Danish theatre company, Batida; Carre Blanc Cie from France; La Guimbarde from Belgium; the Joshua Monten Dance Company from Switzerland; Ishyo theatre from Rwanda; Teatro Al Vacio from Mexico, and Maas Foundation from Pakistan. Performances take place at the Market theatre, Windybrow Arts Centre, Sibikwa Arts Centre and the National Children’s Theatre as well as at selected schools and community centres. In addition, some of the dance productions will be travelling to the Jomba! Contemporary Dance festival in Durban, in partnership with the Centre for Creative Arts.

In addition, there is a rich Professional programme aimed at artists, teachers, and subject advisors, with workshops, panel discussions and presentations from across the globe taking place daily according to a range of focus areas. To further extend the international element, the ASSITEJ international Executive Committee meeting and an African regional workshop as part of the BABEL, EU-funded ASSITEJ project, will be housed at the festival, ensuring the representation of more than 30 countries in person at the festival.

We are also excited to introduce the Young Critics Programme which is an integral part of the festival and sees youth voices reviewing and critiquing productions, using a variety of styles and media.

The festival producer, another powerful female leader within the arts sector, Yvette Hardie, the Director of ASSITEJ SA, says “this will be a Cradle of Creativity festival to savour and enjoy. We are delighted to bring the festival to Gauteng for the first time, where we hope new audiences and artists will be attracted to participate in and access the performing arts for children and young people. We encourage families, schools and community groups to engage with the festival and ensure that South African children realise the power of their imaginations to make positive change happen.”

Cradle of Creativity will open on the 20th of August and wrap up on the 27th of August, with a closing ceremony at the Market Theatre. The festival is supported by the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture and the Department of Basic Education, as well as a number of cultural agencies that include: British Council Wales, Pro Helvetia, Government of Flanders, Wallonie-Bruxelles Internationale, the French Institute of South Africa, the Royal Netherlands Embassy, the Goethe Institute, the Swedish Embassy and Performing Arts Fund NL.

All programme information and tickets are available on www.cradleofcreativity.com.

For more information please contact:

Yvette Hardie (producer): director@assitej.org.za

Faye Kabali-Kagwa (curator): cradle@assitej.org.za

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Femme is Fatale

Zietsman returns to The Market Theatre with a gender-based violence cabaret

This Women’s Day, the English/Afrikaans cabaret Femme is Fatale will open at The Market Theatre for a limited season until the 18 August 2023.

In this original contemporary cabaret written by Bruce J Little and directed by Eloise Clasen, stage veteran Elzabé Zietsman and pianist Tony Bentel use stories and songs to shine a spotlight on gender-based Violence.

Most women are confronted by gender-based violence, but not enough of us are talking about it.  Zietsman compels you to engage and listen in this cutting cabaret about womanhood, dreams, love, friendship, acceptance, and murder.

Marna, Lian and Khanyi are three women trying to ride out life’s challenges and realise their dreams of better lives. However, like countless other women, they are confronted with gender-based violence.

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Marna feels old after Koos, her husband of 30 years, left her for someone younger. She adopts a dog and plans a visit to her daughters in Australia.  Lian knows from a very young age that she is trapped in the wrong body.  She saves every cent she makes to pay for hormone therapy and the necessary operations, so that she can be her true self.  Khanyi cleans houses and dreams of studying beauty therapy.  She walks long distances to work and back to save enough money to break the domestic worker cycle of the woman in her family.  These three women not only share chasing their dreams, they also get confronted by the same monster.

Elzabé Zietsman last performed at The Market Theatre in the late eighties. Since then she has built a prolific career as one of South Africa’s leading cabaret artists, mastering this form of performance. Earlier this year, this cutting cabaret was nominated for a kykNET Fiësta for best music-driven production.

Zietsman’s courageous and memorable performance in Femme is Fatale is an opportunity to see her at the top of her game. She tackles a script which offers a blistering account of women’s lives, and integrates songs that result in a heartfelt and moving show.

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AZANIA

AZANIA

“Journey of hopes and disappointments”

Story told in 3 forms, music, storytelling, and art exhibition. Azania recently published as a book.

The play’s open speech quotes the words of Paul Mashal in one of Tom Feelings book. “The Psychological and spiritual journey that we must take back into the past in order to move forward. She said deal with it if you want to create a future that really reflect you”

Bantu Africa takes us on his personal journey that starts in the late 1980’s, after unbearable thought of losing his family from an angry mob that burn down his family house suspecting his father of whistle blowing for the apartheid government. Bantu a man in no politics or any revolution struggle focusing on working for his daughter, 1993 returns home and find his 14-year-old daughter missing. Entering new South Africa still searching and longing for his daughter.

This music meets storytelling production is a winner of INSIKA MAN’S FESTIVAL 2018 at KCAP, where adjudicators were Mondli Makhoba, Wiseman Mncube and Thokozani Zulu. 2019 it was part of Durban Playhouse CAF under the eyes of Matjamela Motloung and Musa Hlatshwayo. 2020 it was nominated best production, best actor, and best script on ZABALAZA THEATRE FESTIVAL, curated by Mndu Kweyama, Bongile Matsayi. Later it was invited to be part of PLAYHOUSE NEW STAGES Festival and funded to be staged at STABLE THEATRE by NAC pesp grant. Now is published as a book. 

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Actor sbusiso Sithole portrays all the characters in this one man show. Sithole is an experienced actor who has engaged on UZALO, IMBEWU and other stage theatre productions. His storytelling is accompanied by a musician HloniphaniArt Mthethwa. Whom with his skills has travelled the world of India, new Orlins. Now working with great Mbuso khoza on releasing his new EP.

“I have read and engaged on writings of our legends. Mbongeni Ngema, John Kani, Athol Figured, Zakes Mda, the writings of apartheid and South African history. What I noticed all these writers lived and experienced those times. I choose to write the same story, but I was not Part of the South African history or experienced the apartheid system. I write as someone who is affected of the apartheid and this country history. I am affected economical, political, social, and religiously in a sense that I am not sure of my beliefs. I regard this play as a consent letter to my brothers and sister of this country. It is an open letter to the eyes of those who have an impact, but never got a chance to reflect so they can understand the course. A letter that reads the justification of the black youth lacking behind from their white peers.” (Xola Mziwakhe speaks)

Tickets sales:

  • Dates:  26th -29th July 2023
  • Price: Full price R100
  • Address:  Kippies Fringe venue @ The Market Theatre
  • Tickets available at Market Theatre box office or webtickets

Production Credits

Writer and Director: Xola Mziwakhe

Stage and Project Manager: Nompilo Ntshangese

Artwork and Exhibition: Khulekani Mkhize

Sonwa Sakuba Institute For Performing Art

Isigqi Somhlaba Art Projects (ISA-PROJECT)

Performers and creative team available for interviews – contact Mampho Moshoeshoe

Cell: 0674071710      email: mamphomoshoeshoe@gmail.com

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Bänz Oester & The Rainmakers

Bänz Oester & The Rainmakers

Javier Vercher, Saxophone Tenor
Afrika Mkhize, Piano
Ayanda Sikade, Drums / Percussions
Bänz Oester, Bass

The Rainmakers continue a tradition that relatively few formations claim today. We immediately think of the so-called spiritual jazz, whose heyday stretched from the mid-1960s to the middle of the following decade. They give us this ‘old religion’, not as superstitious bigotry, but in terms of what binds us back, a precious sense of human belonging, brotherhood and sisterhood.

Most jazz musicians today focus their research on complex and elaborate structures, be it rhythmic, harmonic or melodic. Many current productions can therefore be perceived as a demonstration of discipline and work to which body and mind can be subjected in order to achieve a result: speed, precision, control, etc. The Rainmakers’ music breaks this trend. Of course, individual virtuosity and creativity are in the foreground (the four members of the quartet are all masters of improvisation and have a phenomenal power of expression), but this music also tells of the pursuit of freedom, revolt and rebellion against systems of control and against oppression in the world general, as well as the need for transcendence and humanity. Through their interplay, the musicians tirelessly affirm their spiritual aspirations and their need to free themselves from all forms of constraints. In doing so they continue a tradition that relatively few formations can claim today (except perhaps in South Africa, and so the presence of Afrika Mkhize and Ayanda Sikade in the quartet is undoubtedly crucial). One immediately thinks of John Coltrane’s 4tet, but also of the other apostles of so-called spiritual jazz, whose heyday stretched from the mid-1960s to the middle of the following decade. This music is strikingly relevant today. At a time when control algorithms are becoming more efficient and machines are reaching and even surpassing the physical and mental capabilities of humans, the offer of Bänz Oester,

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Javier Vercher, Afrika Mkhize and Ayanda Sikade is undoubtedly what we need most: they give us this ancient religion, not as superstitious bigotry, but as what binds us back together, a precious sense of human belonging, brotherhood and sisterhood.

The musicians not only play their instrument, they ARE the instrument itself; they are the sound, fully present in the now, generating pure joy and together they create a sound that seems to influence the universe. The Rainmakers make everything bloom. The band leader Bänz Oester and Javier Vercher (tenor sax) come from Europe, the pianist Afrika Mkhize and the drummer Ayanda Sikade are among the high-flyers from South Africa. The four of them form a sworn unit that cannot be divided by anything or anyone. In other words, we are dealing with a formation in which the individual class of all participants is not displayed in an egocentric manner but is transformed into collective energy. Oester, who has had a long-standing fascination with the extremely rich musical culture of Africa, puts it this way: “I want to communicate with the other musicians on an equal footing. This requires a certain attitude that does not tolerate hierarchical thinking. I’m all about breaking boundaries. I don’t dictate anything to anyone – the music is developed together.” Namely along a high-voltage line between north and south.

Bänz Oester & The Rainmakers will be performing in Johannesburg at the Market Theatre on the John Kani stage on Friday 7 July 2023 (7pm) and Sunday 9 July 2023 (3pm). Bookings through WebTickets.

www.rainmakers.info

jbo@rainmakers.info

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The Market Theatre Foundation Heads to The National Arts Festival

The Market Theatre Foundation Heads to The National Arts Festival

The Market Theatre Foundation is set to make an impact at this year’s National Arts Festival, showcasing the creative prowess of The Market Theatre, The Market Theatre Laboratory, and The Market Photo Workshop. Greg Homann, the Artistic Director of The Market Theatre Foundation, expresses his excitement, stating, “We are keen to have a strong presence at this year’s festival, where we are bringing two new South African plays, a stimulating photographic exhibition, and a dynamic facilitated conversation.”

One of the highlights presented by The Market Theatre Foundation is The Market Theatre’s production of J Bobs Tshabalala’s Khongolose Khommanding Khommissars (KKK), directed by the brilliant Theatre Duo, Billy Langa and Mahlatsi Mokgonyana, who are recognized as the 2022 Standard Bank Young Artists for Theatre this year. Festival-goers may remember Langa’s exceptional performance in the acclaimed and multi-award-winning one-man show Tswalo, directed by Mokgonyana.

Khongolose Khommanding Khommissars (KKK) delves into the intricate web between politicians and businessmen that contributes to South Africa’s current chaotic political landscape. It explores the perpetuation of an elitist culture of greed through corruption utilizing a “game of words” or what one might call, “Comrade-speak”, that disguises the farce of socio-political revolution. Homann states, “Through Theatre Duo’s theatrically rich approach to Tshabalala’s text, Langa and Mokgonyana promise a highly creative and playful experience that boldly explores the power dynamics that pervade our country.”

Following its National Arts Festival premiere on 30 June, Khongolose Khommanding Khommissars (KKK) will run at The Market Theatre in Johannesburg from 26 July to 6 August. This groundbreaking satire is made possible by the generous support of the Eyesizwe Mining Development Trust, alongside additional financial contributions from the National Arts Festival, Business Arts South Africa (BASA), and the National Arts Council.

The Market Theatre Laboratory, the educational arm of The Market Theatre Foundation, presents two compelling works in Makhanda. The first offering, KiDDING, is a dynamic and innovative devised performance that seamlessly blends dance, music, and text. Under the guidance of mentor Stella Dlangalala and directed by fellow student Thabang Chauke, second-year students from The Market Theatre Laboratory bring to life untold stories of young individuals struggling to navigate the pressures of school, friendship, and the digital world. This production, with its attention to detail and lived understanding of the challenges faced by today’s youth, is a must-see for those interested in contemporary theatre and the narratives that shape our society.

The second offering from The Market Theatre Laboratory is a collaborative venture led by J Bobs Tshabalala, once again working alongside the Theatre Duo. Titled Think Tank: The Dope Shop meets the Art Spaza, this one-night only event on 28 June seeks to turn “Audiences of Art” into “Consumers of Product.” Embracing Tshabalala’s interactive sketch style, the work incorporates audience engagement through a live auction. The performance will be a high-energy joyride of song, dance, and text, reflecting the Theatre Duo’s distinctive physical and vocal approach.

The Market Photo Workshop, the fourth offering from The Market Theatre Foundation, presents a captivating photographic exhibition that showcases the vision and artistry of its talented photographers. Through a compelling collection of images, the exhibition explores diverse themes, offering unique perspectives and narratives that capture the essence of contemporary South Africa. The Market Photo Workshop in collaboration with the Eastern Cape Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture will present a group exhibition titled “Ukubakho Nokubona”. The exhibition presents a selection of photographs by 8 female photographers who participated in a training project that capacitated the participants in using photography as a tool for awareness in telling their own stories and lived experiences as women in the Eastern Cape communities.

The exhibition reflects on a photographic interaction that has mediated community experiences of the women from across the various municipal districts in the Eastern Cape. This iteration gives audiences the opportunity to engage with different photo narratives on the photographers’ lived realities. The exhibition explores themes of culture, social change, openness, democracy, identity, social inclusion and gender issues.

The Market Theatre Foundation’s presence at this year’s National Arts Festival promises an array of stimulating experiences. From the thought-provoking play Khongolose Khommanding Khommissars (KKK) to the dynamic offering of KiDDING, Think Tank and the Ukubakho Nokubona Photographic Exhibition, audiences can expect a diverse and engaging exploration of South Africa’s rich cultural landscape.

ENDS

For further information, interviews and images, contact:

Acting Brand and Communications Manager: Lusanda Zokufa 072 367 7867 or email lusandaz@markettheatre.co.za

Khongolose Khommanding Khommissars (KKK)

Khongolose Khommanding Khommissars (KKK)

The Market Theatre, in association with the National Arts Festival, proudly present a daring theatrical satire directed by the brilliant current Standard Bank Young Artist Award (SBYA22) recipients, The Theatre Duo – Billy Langa and Mahlatsi Mokgonyana.

 

Khongolose Khommanding Khommissars (KKK) written by J Bobs Tshabalala (SBYA20) plunges deep into the dark underbelly of South African politics, laying bare the intricate web of political intrigue and corruption that shape our nation.

J Bobs Tshabalala’s captivating new South African play pulls the curtain on the lives of pot-bellied men, greedily vying for control of state resources while shamelessly deceiving the impoverished masses with their deceptive speeches. This epic satire examines the overt interactions and sometimes illegal dealings of our contemporary South African political camaraderie – the Comrades, the brown-envelope tenderpreneurs.

The play dissects the intentional and intertwined actions of politicians and businessmen, who contribute to our current political and socio-economic chaos that perpetuates a culture of greed and corruption. Through the ingenious use of Comrade-speak; a deceptive language that masks the true intentions of those in power, the play exposes the farcical nature of the socio-economic freedom promised to the masses.

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The Theatre Duo, revered for their boundary-pushing storytelling techniques, an inventive fusion of words and movement, and an unwavering devotion to interdisciplinary collaboration, guide an impressive cast and creative team.

Don’t miss this awe-inspiring collaboration between The Theatre Duo and playwright J Bobs Tshabalala, three creative powerhouses united in their quest to provoke thought and ignite change in theatre.

CREATIVE TEAM

Writer:                                     J Bobs Tshabalala

Co-Directors:                          Billy Langa & Mahlatsi Mokgonyana

Assistant Director:                  Ketsia Velaphi

Lighting and Set Design:        Denis Hutchinson

Costume Design:                    Lethabo Bereng

Projection Design:                  Nikki Pilkington

Sound Design:                        Jannous Aukema

Movement Direction:               Ernest ‘Ginger’ Baleni

CAST

Lebohang Motaung as QINISO NXUMALO

Moagi Kai as MXOLISI MTHEMBU

Xolile Gama as RONALD MULAUDZI

Tshireletso Nkoane as TSEBO RAPOO

Anelisa Phewa as SQALO HOKO

Season:                                   Wednesday 26 July  – Sunday 13 August 2023  

Venue:                                     The John Kani Theatre

To make block bookings and discounts please contact Anthony Ezeoke 011 832 1641ext 203/ 083 246 4950

For further information, interviews and images, contact:

Acting Brand and Communications Manager: Lusanda Zokufa 072 367 7867 or lusandaz@markettheatre.co.za

The Market Theatre acknowledges the generous support of the Eyesizwe Mining Development Trust and Business and Arts South Africa (BASA), whose funding has made this production possible.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

The Theatre Duo – Directors

Billy Langa and Mahlatsi Mokgonyana – or The Theatre Duo, as they are affectionately known – are independent collaborative theatre makers. They have produced original creative and theatrical works in South Africa. Their work has toured most parts of the country and internationally including, Namibia, Germany, Scandinavia, and the United Kingdom. Their work has earned them critic’s picks and multiple awards which include being the current Standard Bank Young Artist Award winners for Theatre, a Cape Town Fringe Fresh Creative Award for directing, Standard Bank Ovation Awards, Naledi Theatre Awards for Best Production for Young Audiences and Best Solo Performance, a FUSE International Award for Best International Performance [UK], an ICA Fellowship Award, and being an ACT (Arts and Culture Trust) ImpACT prize finalist.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

The Theatre Duo – Directors

Billy Langa and Mahlatsi Mokgonyana – or The Theatre Duo, as they are affectionately known – are independent collaborative theatre makers. They have produced original creative and theatrical works in South Africa. Their work has toured most parts of the country and internationally including, Namibia, Germany, Scandinavia, and the United Kingdom. Their work has earned them critic’s picks and multiple awards which include being the current Standard Bank Young Artist Award winners for Theatre, a Cape Town Fringe Fresh Creative Award for directing, Standard Bank Ovation Awards, Naledi Theatre Awards for Best Production for Young Audiences and Best Solo Performance, a FUSE International Award for Best International Performance [UK], an ICA Fellowship Award, and being an ACT (Arts and Culture Trust) ImpACT prize finalist.

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