MTF walked away with seven awards at the 2022 17th Annual Naledi Theatre Awards

Square - A Better Life - Naledi22
Square - Andre Odendaal - Naledi22
Square - Kosie Smit - Naledi22
Square - Peeling Shadows - Naledi22
Square - Ruan Wessels - Naledi22
Square - Sandra Prinsloo - Naledi22
Square - Simon Kohler - Naledi22
Square - Thabo Malema - Naledi22

The Market Theatre Foundation walked away with seven awards at the 2022 17th Annual Naledi Theatre Awards

The large number of nominations and awards scooped by the Market Theatre Foundation at this year’s prestigious event is evidence of our Theatre’s passion to work with artists who are determined to raise the bar on South African excellence.

On Monday, 16 May 2022 theatre actors, directors and producers across Gauteng gathered at the Joburg Theatre for the Naledi Theatre Awards which are hailed as The Oscars of South Africa. The Naledi’s are designed to promote local theatre and recognise and reward theatre practitioners for their excellence and contribution to the performing arts.

Market Theatre Foundation is set to maintain an authentic South African cultural experience which is committed to providing the highest level of artistic excellence in all aspects of the performing and visual arts in which the education and development of a diverse community of artists, audiences and technicians is assured.

Artistic director James Ngcobo stated that even though the sector had to deal with the calamity of the last two years, this pandemic did not stop all their efforts as a sector to keep making work for theatre enthusiast.

The Market Theatre continues to play a vital role in unearthing young voices and creating of thought-provoking works that’s evident variety of work that where acknowledged this past Monday. That role has been amply rewarded this year with so many of its performers and productions being found worthy candidates for the industry’s prestigious Naledi awards.

“Thanks to all the Naledi judges who kept coming to the theatre to watch the works that we have been programming in the bleakest of all times”said James Ngcobo

List of winners below:

  • BEST PRODUCTION: TERTIARY-/INCUBATOR THEATRE Peeling Shadows by KwaSha Theatre Company in association with the Market Theatre Laboratory    
  • BEST BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE

Ruan Wessels Brothers Prod. by the Market Theatre

  • BEST ORIGINAL SCORE / ARRANGEMENT / ADAPTATION

Simon Kohler Kamphoer Prod. by the Market Theatre and the Roodepoort Theatre, in association with Theatre Rocket

  • BEST PERFORMANCE IN A SOLO PRODUCTION

Sandra Prinsloo Kamphoer Prod. by the Market Theatre and the Roodepoort Theatre, in association with Theatrerocket

  • BEST LIGHTING DESIGN

Kosie Smit Brothers Prod. by the Market Theatre

  • BEST LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A PLAY

Joint Andre Odendaal Dop Prod. by the Market Theatre

Joint Thabo Malema A Better Life Prod. by the Market Theatre

BEST PRODUCTION OF A PLAY

A Better Life   Prod. by the Market Theatre

The Market Theatre Foundation salutes all nominees and winners

For further information, interviews and images, contact: Desmond Mathebula 062 329 4741 or desmondm@markettheatre.co.za

Reflection and Reflex 2022

Reflection and Reflex – finding our way back to humanity!

Broken Borders Arts Project in association with the Market Theatre presents Reflection and Reflex a contemporary dance piece for 6 days ONLY from Tuesday 17 – Sunday 22 May 2022.

“Dance is your pulse, your heartbeat, your breathing. It’s the rhythm of your life. It’s the expression in time and movement, in happiness, joy, sadness and envy.” -Jacques d’Amboise

A trio of bodies and steel intertwine to reveal images, movements of connection and isolation. Two men dance in poetic relationship to a sculpture of steel, evolving in multiple forms. This play of contrasts between light and shadow, inner and exterior worlds, is Reflection and Reflex – a magical but deeply painful new work from Thulani Chauke and Fana Tshabalala. 

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After two years of regulations and isolation, the internationally renowned dancers first staged this work of embodied lyricism at the Con Cowan Theatre in 2021. Gerard Bester, who has recently joined the Market Theatre family, has been invited to cast an eye and distil the work for the John Kani stage. 

Since its inception, Broken Borders Arts Project has been committed to creating South African Dance theatre that critically interrogates personal and social issues. It has consistently collaborated with local and international performers, choreographers, and theatre practitioners to present quality theatre works and residencies at both a national and international level.

Breathing new life to the piece as the Director is Gerard Bester who’s notable directing projects include internationally acclaimed Beautiful Me for Gregory Maqoma, the award winning Attachments (nos. 1-7), Athena Mazarakis’ Flicker Nhlanhla Mahlangu’s Chant and The Cenotaph of Dan Wa Moriri with Tony Miyambo.

Reflection and Reflex was masterfully created and choreographed by award winning dance duo in Fana Tshabalala and Thulani Chauke. Telling a story through dance and evoking audiences emotions is right up their alley.

Fana Tshabalala is the 2013 Standard Bank Young Artist Award Winner for Dance and former Associate Artistic of the Forgotten Angle Theatre Collaborative, 2018 Black Excellence Award recipient in Chicago. Fana started his career within the performing Borders Arts Project as a dancer, teacher, choreographer, artistic director, and one of the founders.

Thulani Chauke began his formal training in 2009 at Moving into Dance Mophatong (MIDM) as part of the Performing Arts Training Course (PATC), and little did he know that he will be selected to be a trainee and later that year he joined the MIDM Professional Dance Company. This all happened after years of performing and training with community groups in Soweto. Thulani has recently been seen performing in the internationally acclaimed production, Sybil, by William Kentridge.

Man has no Body distinct from his soul; for that called Body is a portion of a soul discerned by the five senses, the chief inlets of soul in this age.

~ By William Blake

PRODUCTION INFORMATION CREATIVE TEAM

Director:                                                          Gerard Bester

Lighting Designer:                                      Musawenkosi Sibisi

Set Designer:                                                 Maroga Thato

Choreographers and Performers:

Fana Tshabalala

Thulani Chauke

Special thanks to UJ and Geneva Dance Events

Season:                                                              Tuesday 17 – Sunday 22 May 2022 

Venue:                                                                John Kani 

Performance times:                                    Tuesday – Saturday @19h00 and Sunday @15h00

Ticket prices:                                                  Tuesday – Thursday R90

Friday – Saturday R150

Sunday – R130

 

To make block bookings and discounts please contact Anthony Ezeoke 011 832 1641ext 203/ 083 246 4950 or Bandile Luvalo 078 4344 860

 For further information, interviews and images, contact:

Lusanda Zokufa 072 367 7867 or lusandaz@markettheatre.co.za and Desmond Mathebula 062 329 4741 or desmondm@markettheatre.co.za

 

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The Red On The Rainbow

The Red On The Rainbow finally hits the Market Theatre stages for a limited season!

The Red on the Rainbow is written and directed by Monageng Vice Motshabi. The play raises questions on how far have we come in recognising the humanity of black people in this Country since 1994. Coligny ‘sunflower’ case tells us white lives matter more than black lives in small farm towns in South Africa. These gruesome events routinely reminds us of the abundant violence that has come to characterise our society.

Monageng is the Standard Bank Young Artist Award Winner for Theatre 2017. His most recent play, The Red on the Rainbow was adapted to a short film by Label Noir, which was screened with a reading of sections of the play at the Maxim Gorky Theatre, Berlin in 2020. The experience was supported by the Literarisches Colloquium of Berlin(LCB), who also supported the writing process. The play, now titled The Red on the Rainbow, had its South African premier at the Soweto Theatre, as part of the Arts Alive Johannesburg International Arts Festival 2021. The play was then presented at the South African State Theatre, Jika Performing Arts College, in Botshabelo and at the Northern Cape Theatre.

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The Red on the Rainbow follows the aftermath of the death of a young man on a maize farm at the hands of a farmer’s son and his friends. The play explores how time seems to remain frozen, picture style, in an unending apartheid-ghost-dance. How with each dreary step into the future, reality seems to loop, stoop and Reloop, forever trapping the amper- people of these towns in a cartoonish and feverish attempt to leap into the much lauded blissful change that our country’s simunye moment is said to have unleashed for all.

Starring in this gut wrenching and masterful production is a talented ensemble featuring Barileng Thato Malebye, Dambuza Nqumashe, Thapelo Mohapi, Tshireletso Nkoane and Xolile Gama supported by award winning musicians in Sydney Mavundla and Volley Nchabeleng.

The Red on the Rainbow is a powerful vehicle that encourages people everywhere to strengthen and consolidate their voices against racism, to mobilise against all forms and manifestations of racial discrimination and injustice, and to ensure a safe environment through artistic excellence.

South Africa is born out of a painful past of racial segregation under apartheid government unfortunately it has not successfully transitioned to the dream on a Rainbow Nation!

The Market Theatre remains at the forefront of South African theatre, actively encouraging new works that continue to reach international stages and promote riveting dialogue for audiences.

PRODUCTION INFORMATION CREATIVE TEAM

Writer and Director                                         Monageng Vice Motshabi

Lighting Designer                                              Hlomohang Mothetho                                                

Costume Designer                                            Natalie Paneng

Choreographer                                                    Mandla Mngwevu

Sound Designer                                                    Set Designer

Stage Manager

Musicians:

Sydney Mavundla

Volley Nchabeleng

Cast Members:

Barileng Thato Malebye

Dambuza Nqumashe

Thapelo Mohapi

Tshireletso Nkoane

Xolile Gama

Age Recommendation                       

Season:                                               Wednesday 20 April – Sunday 1 May 2022  

Venue:                                                 Mannie Manim  

Performance times:                    Tuesday – Saturday @19h00 and Sunday @15h15

Ticket prices:                                   Tuesday – Thursday R90

Friday – Saturday R150

Sunday – R130

To make block bookings and discounts please contact Anthony Ezeoke 011 832 1641ext 203/ 083 246 4950 or Bandile Luvalo 078 4344 860

 For further information, interviews and images, contact:

Lusanda Zokufa 072 367 7867 or lusandaz@markettheatre.co.za and Desmond Mathebula 062 329 4741 or desmondm@markettheatre.co.za

 

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Mlungisi Mkhayiphe appointed as the new CFO

The Market Theatre Foundation appoints Mlungisi Mkhayiphe as the new Chief Financial Officer

Mlungisi Mkhayiphe joins the dynamic senior management team at the Market Theatre Foundation under the leadership of Tshiamo Mokgadi, Chief Executive Officer with multi award winning director James Ngcobo as Artistic Director.

Mlungisi is an experienced finance executive with extensive experience in financial management. He is skilled in Corporate Strategy and Planning, Strategic Financial Management, Financial Accounting & Reporting, Financial Analysis. He holds a Bachelor of Accounting (B.ACC) focused in Accounting and Finance from University of KwaZulu-Natal and a Post Graduate diploma in Management Accounting (UNISA). His has extensive academic and working exposure to legislation/accounting standards such as: Public finance management Act (PFMA), Treasury Regulations, Municipal finance management act (MFMA) etc.

He takes over the reins from Christine McDonald who took early retirement from March  2022. McDonald was appointed in 2003 and joined the foundation as a consultant brought in by the Department of Arts and Culture to implement a turnaround strategy and provide  change from the foundation’s disarray financial state to a financially stable institution. In addition to her financial portfolio, she has successfully managed building projects for the foundation worth more than R150 million. Since her arrival the Market Theatre Foundation has enjoyed clean financial audits.

“My journey at the MTF of 18,5 years started in October 2003 with a 6-month contract – and here I still am! Les Phillips and Seelan Naidoo (a consultant) interviewed me, and they motivated to John Kani (the CEO at the time) to appoint me.” Thanks a lot for the guidance. I learnt so much from people like Malcom Purkey, Regina Sebright, Vanessa Cooke, and many others during the 18 years. I am very glad to say I leave behind a very capable Finance Department” said Christine.

The truth is Managers, not processes run an organisation, as the trio challenge themselves to finding new ways of sustaining and managing this iconic institution to inspire future generations.

The newly appointed CFO Mlungisi Mkhayiphe had this to say “It is an honour to join the MTF. I view this as an opportunity to learn and also contribute to the realization of the organisation’s vision. This position comes with a huge responsibility of ensuring compliance, safeguarding, effective and efficient management of the MTF resources. My assessment of the MTF’s annual reports shows that it is a financially stable organisation, I will dedicate my energy to stabilize and ensure that the theatre continues on a solid growth path.

The Market Theatre Foundation will continue being a leading institution that provides opportunities to South Africa’s emerging voices, nurturing practitioners and development of young creatives.

For more information please contact Lusanda Zokufa 072 367 7867 lusandaz@markettheatre.co.za or Desmond Mathebula 062 329 4741 desmondm@markettheatre.co.za

Skhumba Hlophe Live #CanWeLaughAlready

Skhumba Hlophe Live #CanWeLaughAlready

2021 was a crazy long and hard year with a lot of ups and downs. We need to let our hair down and forget about the stresses we have encountered throughout the past year.

This BRAND NEW ensemble, khumba Hlophe Live #CanWeLaughAlready, will bring that much needed comic relief. Join Skhumba as he brings his A list Comedian Friends to ensure that when people leave they have their stress levels brought down immensely.

Dates: 13 & 14 April 2022

Time: 19:00

Ticket Prices: R200

Block Bookings: 0832464950 / 0784344860

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Feeling Good

Feeling Good

Your favorite Afrikaans comedian that speaks broken English is back! Stronger, funnier, and with a thicker snor. When we say ‘stronger’ we mean mentally. Physically he still has the body of a very tall grade 5.

Schalk wrote a show during the lockdown. A very, very funny show (we haven’t seen it, but Schalk gave us his word). Come and join Schalk for an evening of comedy. This might be his funniest show yet. Because, more than ever, he is Feeling Good.

Dates: 28 – 30 April 2022

Time: 20:00

Ticket Price: R200

Block Bookings: 0832464950 / 0784344860

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Diaparo Tsa Mama

DIAPARO TSA MAMA AT THE MARKET THEATRE

Returning to the Market Theatre writing sphere is SAFTA nominated writer and director Rorisang Motuba who brings us a heart-warming drama, Diaparo Tsa Mama (My Mother’s Clothes). The original play follows three sisters who, on the eve of their mother’s funeral, are duty-bound to sort through their beloved matriarch’s clothes in search of the perfect outfit to bury her in. Their sensitive nostalgia morphs into harrowing discoveries about life, grief and family.

Written and directed by passionate and gifted young director Rorisang Motuba, who studied Drama, Political Science and Film & Media Studies at the University of Cape Town, where she starred in and produced a number of projects. Following her graduation, she was accepted to the prestigious New York Film Academy and Baron/Brown Studio in Los Angeles, US, where she studied and graduated Magna Cum Laude at the aforementioned institution. After her three-year stint studying Acting and Writing for Film, she returned to Johannesburg where she began pursuing a career in the arts. Since then she has written and starred in numerous South African and international productions and continue to honour her heritage as a natural born storyteller.

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Ziaphora Dakile, Lesoko Seabe and Dimpho More will star in this heart-warming drama that deals with emotions of loss and womanhood.

The sisters debate culture, duty and motherhood as they sort through their deceased Mother’s clothes. One sister must choose their mother’s final resting clothes whilst the other navigates her grief and guilt in a one act play that is a mediation through loss, life and the pursuit of closure.Ziaphora Dakile is new to the Market Theatre stages, she is an actor, poet, production assistant and dialect consultant. She is a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts (NYC) where she was also a Company member. Recent theatre credits include: Yellow Card, Red Card directed by Tamilla Woodard ( in NYC), Me and the Girls (with Alan Cumming in NYC) directed by Douglas Carter Beane, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory directed by Jenine Collocott. Off Broadway credits also include: Homecoming Queen (production assistant at The Atlantic Theater), The Revolving Cycles Truly and Steadily Roll’d ( production assistant at The Duke on 42nd street) and Mies Julie( dialect consultant at The Classic Stage Company).

Lesoko Seabe has performed across South Africa, Spain , The Netherlands, Denmark and The United Kingdom. Her most recent stage credits include playing Siobhan in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime for which she was nominated for a Fleur du Cap best supporting actress award ; Lena in Clybourne Park, Mother of All things in Siembamba which won the Standard Bank silver ovation award and In Her Shoes which she co- wrote and was directed by Standard bank Young Artist Award winner for dance Luyanda Sidiya

Dimpho More is an actress and director from Nelspruit, Mpumalanga residing in Johannesburg. Having received her qualification in Performance arts and Theatre Skills at The Market Theatre Laboratory, she has since been establishing herself in the Entertainment industry. Her career highlights ‘Itsoseng’, ‘Six Characters in Search of an Author’, ‘Children’s Monologues’ and ‘June 16 Monologues’.
diaparo tsa mama is sponsored by the Department of Sports Arts and Culture’s Incubation programme.

PRODUCTION INFORMATION CREATIVE TEAM

Writer and Director                             Rorisang Motuba

Sound Designer                                  Vangile Z Mpumlwana

Lighting Designer                               Ali Madiga

Costume Designer                              Phumelele Dlamini

Set Designer                                       Philani Masedi

Stage Manager                                   Happy Simelane

Lighting Designer Mentee                  Zandile Jongolo

Costume Designer Mentee                Maria Mahlangu

Set Designer Mentee                          Khumo Pulumo

State Manager Mentee                       Lutendo Cynthia Mudau

STARRING:

Dimpho More

Lesoko Seabe

Ziaphora Dakile

Age Recommendation                         PG13

Season:                                               18 March – 10 April 2022

Venue:                                                   The John Kani Theatre                                            Performance times:                              Tuesday – Saturday 19h00 and Sunday 15h00

Ticket prices:                                        Tuesday – Thursday R90.00

                                                               Friday – Saturday R150.00

                                                               Sunday R130.00

To make block bookings and discounts please contact Anthony Ezeoke 011 832 1641ext 203/ 083 246 4950 or Bandile Luvalo 078 4344 860.

For further information:

Lusanda Zokufa, Senior Publicist Market Theatre 011 832 1641 ext 202

or 072 367 7867 or lusandaz@markettheatre.co.za

Last Thursdays!

Last Thursdays!

On the last Thursday of every month, The Market Theatre Foundation welcomes you to the hottest new event in Joburg!

Immerse yourself in the feel good city vibes while surrounded by the Market Theatre’s rich artistic history.

A night filled with live music by South Africa’s hottest music acts, exhibitions and theatre, this promises to be a night you won’t forget in one of the oldest and most iconic Art Districts in South Africa.

Line up: Rythmic Deep and The Muzikal Frik

Date: Thursday 26 May 2022

Time: 17:00

Tickets Prices: R40 p/p

At The Door R60 p/p

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The Market Theatre Foundation beefs up its Management Team with dynamic appointees!

The Market Theatre Foundation beefs up its Management Team with dynamic appointees!

Isaac Bongani Mahlangu (Head of the Market Photo Workshop)
Gerard Bester (Head of the Windybrow Arts Centre)
Denise Rapitsi (Marketing and Communications Manager).

The Market Theatre Foundation, in spite of the difficulty in the recent years has not only maintained its global appeal but is now  looking at intensifying its brand reach by adding dynamic voices to its team with organizational growth and diversification as the main objectives for the next couple of years.

The recent appointments will ensure that the Foundation achieves its vision of creating an authentic South African cultural experience which is committed to providing the highest level of artistic excellence in all aspects of the performing and visual arts.  

Joining the Foundation’s management team is Isaac Bongani Mahlangu (Head of the Market Photo Workshop), Gerard Bester (Head of the Windybrow Arts Centre) and Denise Rapitsi (Marketing and Communications Manager).

“We have an exciting task of maintaining the prestige of the organization along with the responsibility of ensuring its longevity and relevance in the industry, keeping up with the rapid changes of the student curriculum, finding interesting ways of keeping up with our competitors and also finding new exciting projects that will assist us in cultivating new audiences. It therefore was important for us to look for the finest people in the industry to add to the already dynamic team at the Foundation. It is always a daunting task to find the perfect fit for any position but hardly a month in they have adjusted so well to the high paced environment. I  am looking forward to the next few years with them and their integration with the rest of the team with the aim that the combination will propel the institution to further heights. ” said Market Theatre Foundation CEO Ms Tshiamo Mokgadi.

For interviews and images please contact:

Lusanda Zokufa, Senior Publicist
Market Theatre 011 832 1641 ext 202 or 072 367 7867
lusandaz@markettheatre.co.za

16 days of Activism

16 Days of Activism

The 25th of November marks the beginning of 16 days of Activism, a global movement that calls upon the nation to be advocates and activists against issues that affect us on a daily such as gender-based violence, discrimination and hate against our fellow citizens. As part of the 16 days, 4 international days of commemoration are branched under the umbrella of the movement, these are; International day of no violence against women, International Human Rights day, World aids day and the International day for people with disabilities.

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