Coming-Of-Age Play Faces Women’s Struggles

Coming-Of-Age Play Faces Women’s Struggles

Beyond the Curriculum and The Art Cave, in association with The Market Theatre’s Kippies Fringe, are thrilled to present ‘Faces’, an innovative musical theatre production written by Gift Marovatsanga and directed by Masedi Godfrey Manenye. It will run from 7 – 10 August 2025 at Kippies, for a total of five unforgettable performances, as part of the Kippies Fringe Women’s Month programming.

Nominated for the Standard Bank Ovation Award at the 2023 National Arts Festival, ‘Faces’ features an exceptional cast of four actors playing multiple characters. The story explores the profound challenges women encounter in a male-dominated society. At the heart of the narrative lies a young girl who navigates a gallery of her evolution, a reflective museum filled with memories that are both beautiful and painful. As she walks past each portrait, she hears the whispers of their stories—a gaze, a touch, a bruise, a blessing, all representing the people who have influenced her journey.

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These artworks symbolise the complex layers of her identity, shaped by those who have uplifted her and those who have cast her down. ‘Faces’ stands as more than just her story; it embodies the experiences of every girl and woman, creating a vivid exhibit of what it truly means to grow up in a world that often overlooks their struggles.

Director, Masedi Manenye, describes the piece as a compelling coming-of-age tale where the protagonist confronts the stark realities of an indifferent world. “The audience is invited to experience both the silence and the outcries that resonate within many girls’ lives. The show offers a poignant exploration of violence, both overt and subtle, and the unseen scars alongside the powerful truths. It addresses the systemic failures that many face and celebrates the inner strength required to rise, to express oneself, and to survive,” he states.

Beyond the Curriculum is a pioneering programme designed to connect rural storytelling with professional platforms. The programme’s strong partnerships with the likes of the National Arts Festival, and support from the National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC), have enabled it to have meaningful impact. In 2024, Beyond the Curriculum hosted The Market Theatre Foundation’s Artistic Director, Greg Homann, who led workshops and ran a powerful masterclass.

The production’s Jo’burg showcase at the Kippies Fringe marks a pivotal moment in the lives of the students driving it, placing them on the iconic Kippies stage that has shaped many artistic careers. “Our work has reached a new level of maturity, and we are proud to present it to new audiences. This performance is not just an artistic endeavour; it’s a vibrant celebration of resilience, growth and the strength of community-driven excellence,” concludes Manenye.

ENDS.

Kippies Fringe is an initiative of The Market Theatre, curated by Art Cave.

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

For media enquiries, please contact Bongiwe Potelwa (Publicist at The Market Theatre Foundation) at bongiwep@markettheatre.co.za or (011) 832 1641.

100 Years of Kippie Moeketsi: Celebrating a Music Genius and the Father of South African Jazz

100 Years of Kippie Moeketsi: Celebrating a Music Genius and the Father of South African Jazz

The Market Theatre Foundation is honoured to celebrate the musical and cultural legacy of alto saxophonist and jazz musician, Jeremiah “Kippie” Moeketsi, who would be turning 100 on 27 July 2025. Curated by award-winning writer, author and journalist, Sam Mathe, the two-fold celebration will include a book discussion in Kippies as well as a free jazz concert at The Market Theatre.

For the first activity, Sam Mathe will discuss his seminal work, ‘From Kippie to Kippies’. The title is inspired by Kippie Moeketsi’s extraordinary career, as well as the vibrant Newtown jazz club – Kippies – named after him. This path-finding publication traces the footsteps of South Africa’s jazz movement, profiling key players and developments across four generations.

‘From Kippie To Kippies’ is a timely and affirming addition to the ever-changing contemporary landscape, documenting the resilience of various artists as they rose – and continue to rise – from a history of pain and discrimination. In the process, the book casts light on South Africa’s musical creativity, which has often been condemned to the periphery.

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The jazz trio of drummer Tumi Mogorosi, saxophonist Muhammad Dawjee and bassist Nhlanhla Radebe join the centenary celebration with a humble musical tribute to Kippie Moeketsi, to be held in the John Kani Theatre. With their exceptional, multi-layered musicality, the Tumi Mogorosi Trio reignite cherished memories of the Kippies Jazz Club—each note evoking rich moments of reflection about the hopes, dreams and frustrations of a pioneering music genius.

Hailed as the father of South African jazz, Kippie was born on 27 July 1925 and died on 27 April 1983, aged 58. In his times, he belonged to a generation that gifted Jo’burg nights with soul and flavour. His music genius inspired and mentored many musicians, such as Abdullah Ibrahim, Jonas Gwangwa and Hugh Masekela.

Kippie co-founded the Jazz Epistles, a band credited for revolutionising the local black jazz culture. In 1959, the Jazz Epistles released the first album by a black South African band, a significant milestone that gave Kippie and his peers iconic status.

When Jo’burg’s popular jazz club was established and needed a name, Abdullah Ibrahim named it after Kippie, in honour of his mentor and friend. For more than two decades, the Kippies stage became every jazz musician’s dream, platforming new works and promoting social cohesion. Just like The Market Theatre complex adjacent to which it’s located, Kippies became a vibrant multi-racial space as different races came together in one ‘chord’, united by the transcendent power of music.

Currently, the 50-seater intimate arthouse is now a fringe venue for The Market Theatre Foundation, still breaking bold and fresh African stories through the Kippies Fringe programming.  

Curator, Mathe, expressed great excitement for the upcoming centenary celebration, emphasising the importance of its location. “Kippies is a befitting venue for this historic event; a living monument to Kippie Moeketsi’s peerless legacy. I’m glad that it will play host to such an august occasion. Shortly after publishing ‘From Kippie to Kippies’ in 2021, I thought of an event that could be used to celebrate his legacy on his 100th birth anniversary. It therefore brings me immense joy that such a long-cherished dream is finally becoming a reality.”

The Market Theatre Foundation’s Artistic Director, Greg Homann, adds that Kippie Moeketsi’s centenary celebration is a reminder of the contribution of live music in the fight against oppression. “Kippie Moeketsi and his generation gave South Africans a vocabulary of liberation through music, turning each venue into a crucible for resistance. As we mark what would have been 100 years of this music icon, we also take a moment to recommit ourselves to keeping our stages alive with bold music and culture-shifting live performances,” states Homann.

Kippie reached the highest notes in his short music career, becoming an embodiment of artistic freedom and excellence under difficult times. In honouring his indelible legacy, The Market Theatre Foundation commemorates a fearless icon who led a jazz uprising in the face of apartheid aggression.

ENDS

Spaces for the book talk are limited to 50 spaces and are via invite only. To book free tickets to the jazz concert, visit Webtickets or follow the links via the Market Theatre’s website.

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

For media enquiries, please contact Bongiwe Potelwa (Publicist at the Market Theatre Foundation) at bongiwep@markettheatre.co.za or (011) 832 1641.

The Hyena’s Tuckshop

The Hyena’s Tuckshop

Hilarious Children’s Play – ‘The Hyena’s Tuckshop’ – a Perfect Outing for Families

Jo’burg parents, gather your little ones around the fire for a sparkling storytelling experience, fuelled with colour, giggles and life-long lessons. The Market Theatre opens its Kippies Fringe programme curated by The Art Cave with a bang by presenting an award-winning children’s play, ‘The Hyena’s Tuckshop’. Playing from 26 – 29 June 2025 for a total of five performances only, young audiences are up for a whirlwind of humour, music, dance and a healthy dose of rebellion in the 50-seater venue alongside The Market Theatre.

The entertaining and empowering play with music is prompted by recent reports of children dying after consuming poisoned foods sold at tuckshops and schoolgrounds, leading to greater need for innovative children’s health and safety campaigns in townships. At the centre of it is a slick and cunning hyena who runs a dodgy tuckshop on a school playground. His prices are sky-high and his products not in good condition. Yet, he always gets away with it…or so he thinks, until a brave and intelligent rabbit calls him out. What follows is a hilarious and heart-pounding showdown between truth and trickery, wrapped in a world of rhythm and colour.

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Created and directed by Mongezi Ntukwana, ‘The Hyena’s Tuckshop’ won Best Script and Best Director at the National Children’s Theatre’s Young Directors Festival (2025). This wildly amusing tale introduces children to ideas of justice, accountability, and resistance, all while keeping them in stitches as cartoon-style characters are brought to life with energy, wit and soul. live music gets their cute little toes tapping and beautiful hearts thumping with excitement as they dance along to the Pantsula-inspired moves.

According to Ntukwana, ‘The Hyena’s Tuckshop’ is not just a show but a gift that ignites imagination, builds children’s confidence and facilitates unforgettable learning experiences.

“In a world where children often sense unfairness but don’t always know how to name it, this production nudges them to ask bold questions, trust their instincts, and speak truth to power. This is theatre that respects their intelligence, nurtures their courage, and reminds them that even in a world full of ‘hyenas,’ the rabbit still has a voice, and a sharp mind,” explains Ntukwana.

The Art Cave, curators of the Kippies Fringe, add that this play captures the Fringe’s objective of presenting theatre that holds power accountable and amplifies unheard voices on the fringes of society.

“Children learn best when they’re entertained. They hold on tight to what makes them laugh and sets their spirits free. In a digital age where kids spend so much time glued to screens, ‘The Hyena’s Tuckshop’ goes beyond ordinary storytelling, it magically unlocks social awareness and comprehension, empowering kids to speak up for themselves,” comments Philangezwi Nxumalo, co-founder of The Art Cave.

He concludes that by taking a highly sensitive crisis and grading it to children’s understanding, this show reaffirms the role of children’s theatre as a powerful method for playful, interactive teaching and learning.

‘The Hyena’s Tuckshop’ is presented by Aziye Productions in association with The Art Cave and The Market Theatre for the 2025 Kippies Fringe. Tickets for the show are available on Webtickets at just R100 for all ages. A special discount applies for groups/families of four and more, with those tickets at R80 each.

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 Kippies Fringe is an initiative of The Market Theatre, curated by The Art Cave.

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

 For media enquiries, please contact Bongiwe Potelwa (Publicist at The Market Theatre Foundation) at bongiwep@markettheatre.co.za or (011) 832 1641.

 For  school groups, contact Anthony Ezeoke (Audience Development Specialist at The Market Theatre Foundation) at anthonye@markettheatre.co.za or 083 246 4950.

The Market Theatre’s Kippies Fringe Programme Returns With Bold, Urgent Storytelling

The Market Theatre’s Kippies Fringe Programme Returns With Bold, Urgent Storytelling

The Market Theatre’s Kippies Fringe Programme Returns With Bold, Urgent Storytelling

Productions will start running from June through to December 2025, offering artistic vision that platforms storytelling and artistic expression that refuses to play it safe. Audiences will be treated to musical and theatrical performances, alongside the programming of cultural provocations with the power to shift the stage and spark change.

Thematically, the curation that The Art Cave offers will open a door to themes of youth resistance, musical legacy, queer pride, ancestral healing and personal reckoning. “These themes aren’t just relevant; they are urgent. We’re living in a time where theatre must do more than entertain—it must interrupt, heal, educate, and transform,” states Philangezwi Nxumalo

According to Tebogo Malapane, the shortlisting and final selection of shows followed a careful consideration of submissions across multiple performance genres, ensuring that the Kippies Fringe lives up to the vibrant multidisciplinary legacy of the space. The aim was to arrive at a bold, experimental, intimate and transformative programme that sits boldly in the 50-seater venue adjacent to The Market Theatre building.

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Malapane adds that curating the return of the Kippies Fringe is a surreal opportunity to prompt the future of storytelling. “As a creative deeply concerned with the evolution of theatre, I’m not here to replicate tradition. I’m here to stretch it, flip it, and reimagine it. Therefore, the Kippies Fringe is more than a stage, it’s a testing ground for the raw, the risky, and the radically new. It’s a platform where artists can be seen and heard before the world tells them who or how to be.”

For The Market Theatre Foundation, bringing back the Kippies Fringe is as much about creating opportunities for live-performance artists as it is about reactivating Kippies as a venue that has propelled many careers before. “Utilising Kippies as a fringe venue ensures professional support for up-and-coming performers and artists, while creating an alternative space to encounter new voices. Through this dual value proposition, The Market Theatre’s longstanding history as an iconic performance space lends itself to works that are still on the fringe, cultivating a fresh and dynamic layer of live-performance artists that could possibly feed into our main programming in the future,” says Artistic Director, Greg Homann.

Some of the performances lined up at Kippies include Jo’burg-based Mongezi Ntukwana’s award-winning satirical theatre piece, ‘The Hyena’s Tuckshop’, and Makhubalo Ikaneng’s ‘Halala Mr. Party’, through which the award-winning storyteller looks at how public joy is often used to mask deep pain.

Again, community-based storytelling will meet national visibility when KZN-based director and teacher, Masedi Manenye, travels to Jo’burg to present ‘Faces’, featuring a cast of University of Zululand alumni. The production emerges from the ‘Beyond the Curriculum’ initiative,  an innovative platform championing professional theatre grounded in rural realities.

Meanwhile, a rib-cracking comedy affair awaits, as  ‘The Jokeologist’ by Themba Nhlapo joins the Kippies Fringe. This show is a unique fusion of stand-up comedy, poetry, and live music, driven home with sharp wit, lyrical flow and soulful rhythms.

For more information and full line-up, visit www.markettheatre.co.za.

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

 For media enquiries, please contact Bongiwe Potelwa (Publicist at The Market Theatre Foundation) at bongiwep@markettheatre.co.za or (011) 832 1641.

 For reduced price block bookings of 10 or more and school groups, contact Anthony Ezeoke (Audience Development Specialist at The Market Theatre Foundation) at anthonye@markettheatre.co.za or 083 246 4950.

THE BLACK CIRCUS OF THE REPUBLIC OF BANTU

The Black Circus of The Republic of Bantu

Internationally Acclaimed Performance Piece Aims to Heal Black Bodies and Spirits

The Market Theatre presents eight performances of ‘The Black Circus of the Republic of Bantu’, an explosive and destabilising installation-based performance artwork that aims towards healing generations of trauma inflicted on Black bodies. The internationally-travelled piece is performed by NYC Bessie Award winner, Albert Ibokwe Khoza, in collaboration with award-winning director, Princess Zinzi Mhlongo.

Its strictly limited season over weekends at The Market Theatre will run from 13 – 29 June 2025. This after selling out venues and performing to critical acclaim in major cities such as Amsterdam, Liverpool, New York and Barcelona, among others. It has been hosted by progressive festivals and organisations, including the Liverpool Biennial and the U.S-based Boom Arts, to mention a few.

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Locally, the work has been seen briefly in Cape Town, Soweto and Johannesburg

‘The Black Circus of the Republic of Bantu’ is an artistic display of the violent and shocking legacy of ethnological expositions such as human zoos and exhibitions in Western societies, popularised by the human curiosities movement between the late 19th century to mid-20th century. Through this movement, Black people – most notably Sarah Baartman – were uprooted from their homelands, commercially exploited and intrusively paraded for the white fetish. At an urgent pace, Khoza offers a visceral experience that thrusts the audience into re-examining this history – a history often left unspoken – and boldly opens portals for us to reclaim, reflect, and confront ourselves as a people.

The haunting and, at times, shocking confrontation goes further to lament the reduction of Blackness into a performance. The text makes the claim that Black bodies are institutionalised crime scenes that must be redeemed and cleansed. Piercingly, Khoza investigates the effect of this imperial and colonial gaze on Black people and its modern day continuation, emphasising the need for spiritual healing and reclaiming violated dignities.

This installation-based performance evokes the exploitation of Black power across industries, contending that this country was built on the unbreakable backs of Black people doing the work, and a White messiah shamelessly profiting from it. According to Khoza, Black creatives are still chained like slaves who need a White master in the form of international curators and funding organisations to penetrate local and global markets.

“With this secular performance,” Khoza explains, “I am questioning the freedom of the performer and whether it’s still caged, if the stage is the modern day human zoo. In paying tribute to the victims of the horrific legacy of slavery, I look back at the likes of Sarah Baartman who were coerced into unpaid public exhibitions and confront my own exploitation as a performer. Am I that different from them even now?” 

Allow Khoza to lead you into an atmosphere of collective healing, feel the shackles that hold you back fall off, and break into a sense of spiritual connection.

Tickets for ‘The Black Circus of the Republic of Bantu’ are available on Webtickets, selling at R120 up until 12 June. Thereafter, all tickets are R150.

Age restriction is 16+, with scenes of full frontal nudity and disturbing references.

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

 For media enquiries, please contact Bongiwe Potelwa (Publicist at The Market Theatre Foundation) at bongiwep@markettheatre.co.za or (011) 832 1641.

 For reduced price block bookings of 10 or more and school groups, contact Anthony Ezeoke (Audience Development Specialist at The Market Theatre Foundation) at anthonye@markettheatre.co.za or 083 246 4950.

Hey Hillbrow! Come Out To Play—The Streets Are CallingThe Last Country

Hey Hillbrow! Come Out To Play—The Streets Are Calling

Hey Hillbrow! Come Out To Play—The Streets Are Calling

The Windybrow Arts Centre, a division of The Market Theatre Foundation, and its partners are proud to present the sixth iteration of its annual parade, Hey Hillbrow! Let’s Dlala!

Fun, joy and creative energies are set to fill the inner-city of Jo’burg this Africa Month as Hey Hillbrow!  splashes the neighbourhood with colourful visuals and alters the soundscape with exciting frequencies. The parade, which cuts through Hillbrow and Doornfontein, takes place on 24 May 2025. It starts at 10am from The Windybrow Arts Centre, followed by a music concert featuring Thamsanqa Vuthela Band, Mozambique’s The Dizzy Brains and Styles Da Deejay of The Creators Room.

Launched in 2017, Hey Hillbrow! is a  celebration of the possibilities that public performance brings to public space—to spread energy, laughter, surprise and provocation, and to make visible the wonderful work that several organisations and individuals have continued to do in impacting inner-city communities and spaces. It is once again curated by Tamzyn Botha, alongside Daniel Buckland and The Windybrow Arts Centre.

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Hey Hillbrow! is a collaboration between The Windybrow Arts Centre and likeminded local youth organisations: Dlala Nje, Shade, Dlamini Foundation, Johannesburg Society for the Blind, Innovation of Excellence, Lefika La Phodiso, Fight with Insight and MES. Again, the parade is proud to have favourites, the Ezase Vaal Brass Band, returning to one of Jo’burg’s most anticipated  playdates for an unforgettable performance. The brass band will sonically lead and weave the crowd through worlds upon the parade.

Another highlight for this iteration is The Cirk, a descending razzle joining the parade from the sky. African Reclaimers Organisation continues to supply art and costumes created from waste, as well as waste reclaimer bag forms. These green creations make up the visual language of the entire parade, paying homage to the peripheral purveyors themselves and encouraging environmentally healthy practices. 

According to Gerard Bester, Head of The Windybrow Arts Centre, Hey Hillbrow! Let’s Dlala! highlights the creative abilities of young people in the inner-city of Jo’burg, while pricking at the conscience of authorities to make the city a better place for all.

“The parade offers a moment of awe and wonderment for young people living in the sometimes tortured but culturally rich city of Johannesburg. It further celebrates the talents and creative vibrancy of young people, bringing joy and surprise to residents and visitors on the streets and balconies of Hillbrow. This year promises even more wonder and entanglement as we move through the streets as portals into the past, the future and the now,” Bester says.

The parade is more than just a mystical adventure. Beyond the thrill of the moment, it aims to spotlight the resilience, creativity, humanity and complexity of inner-city youth, while transforming the often high-risk area into a fun-filled playground. For once, their gaze at the weathered buildings around them sparkles with possibilities as they actively participate in reimagining the aesthetic of their neighbourhood.

Hey Hillbrow! Let’s Dlala! was inspired by the life of Jo’burg public art super-heroine, the late Lesley Perkes, who had dreams for the inner city place which others have continued to manifest. The organisers are therefore deeply grateful for the generous support from the following sponsors: Ekhaya CID, Badboys Security, Hillbrow Police, Assitej South Africa, CCBSA,  Joburg Photowalkers, the City of Johannesburg, Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, and our media partner Johannesburg in your Pocket.

 

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

 For media enquiries, please contact Bongiwe Potelwa (Publicist at the Market Theatre Foundation) at bongiwep@markettheatre.co.za or (011) 832 1641.

 

Tutu Puoane: Wrapped In Rhythm at the Market Theatre

Tutu Puoane: Wrapped In Rhythm at the Market Theatre

Tutu Puoane: Wrapped In Rhythm at the Market Theatre 

With the blessing of acclaimed poet Lebogang Mashile, celebrated jazz vocalist and composer Tutu Puoane brought a fresh musical dimension to Mashile’s debut anthology, “In A Ribbon of Rhythm”. Carefully selecting a series of evocative poems, Puoane wove them into a rich, original repertoire, blending her signature fusion of African jazz, soul, and singer-songwriter influences.

The result is a deeply personal and emotionally resonant musical journey that breathes new life into Mashile’s words, transforming them into melodies that pulse with rhythm and meaning. Puoane’s interpretations honour the spirit of the original poetry, while infusing it with her unique artistry, creating a vibrant and soul-stirring experience. This project stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between poetry and music, offering audiences an immersive celebration of storytelling in sound.

 

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The Market Theatre Foundation mourns the passing of Zodwa Shongwe

The Market Theatre Foundation mourns the passing of Zodwa Shongwe

It is with the heaviest of hearts that The Market Theatre Foundation announces the passing of Zodwa Shongwe, who, until her final breath, was our exceptional Producer.

Our sincerest thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, colleagues and the artistic community on whose hearts she has left an indelible mark. 

Throughout her years with us, Zodwa set herself apart as an administrator par excellence, possessing the unique ability to balance artistry and industry. With her meticulous project management skills, she was the trusted engine of our artistic programming, ensuring compliance, monitoring progress and evaluating results.

Not one to seek the spotlight, she contributed immensely to keeping our lights on, executing her behind-the-scenes task with enthusiasm and faithfulness like the whole world was watching.

But we at The Market Theatre Foundation will remember Zodwa as more than just an outstanding producer and leading woman in the arts. To all of us, she will remain the warmest and kindest person to have known; an accessible friend and mentor with a sharp sense of humour.

With an unmissable presence that effortlessly created a safe space for all of us to be ourselves, she lived and breathed The Market Theatre Foundation’s core values.

May the soul of Zodwa Shongwe rest in the peace she afforded us all in her living days. And may her loved ones find healing and comfort in these unimaginably dark times.

ENDS.

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

For media enquiries, please contact Bongiwe Potelwa (Publicist at the Market Theatre Foundation) at bongiwep@markettheatre.co.za or (011) 832 1641.

 

Breakfast with Mugabe

Breakfast with Mugabe

“Breakfast with Mugabe” is a National Arts Festival, The Market Theatre and Festival Enterprise Catalyst (FEC) co-production, in association with the Calvin Ratladi Foundation. This gripping psychological thriller is directed by Calvin Ratladi, 2025 Standard Bank Young Artist for Theatre.

It is set in the final years of Robert Mugabe’s rule in Zimbabwe. Inspired by real events, Fraser Grace’s award-winning play explores the troubled mind of the once-revered leader as he battles inner demons and political paranoia. Haunted by a malevolent spirit, Mugabe reluctantly seeks the help of a white psychiatrist, leading to a tense and dangerous power struggle. Following its South African premiere at the National Arts Festival, this riveting production comes to The Market Theatre, delving into themes of power, fear, and the ghosts of history. Directed by Calvin Ratladi, with a brilliant cast and searing dialogue, “Breakfast with Mugabe” offers a chilling glimpse into the psyche of a man clinging to control. Don’t miss this compelling drama that resonates far beyond Zimbabwe’s borders.

The Festival Enterprise Catalyst (FEC) project is a joint initiative by the National Arts Festival, Nasionale Afrikaanse Teater-inisiatief (NATi), Concerts SA, SAMRO, Woordfees, Aardklop, Suidoosterfees, KKNK and the Tribuo Fund with support from the Jobs Fund and contributing funding from Standard Bank South Africa.

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Phakamisa Dance Commission

Phakamisa Dance Commission

This is a National Arts Festival, The Market Theatre and JOMBA! Dance Festival (Centre for Creative Arts) co-production, with contributing funding from Standard Bank South Africa. It is choreographed by Asanda Ruda, 2025 Standard Bank Young Artist for Dance and recipient of the 2025 CCA JOMBA! and The Market Theatre Phakamisa Dance Commission. Asanda Ruda is presented as part of a double bill at the Market Theatre Foundation

Titled the Phakamisa Dance Commission – with reference to the isiZulu idea of lifting up and holding – this joint commission is an ongoing commitment to the illustrious JOMBAand The Market Theatre partnership – started in 2023 to grow and support South African dance. As an extension of JOMBA@ The Market, the second instalment of the innovative joint commission will be presented by this year’s recipient, Soweto-born Asanda Ruda.

The two dance pieces taking the stage are:

KEMET – Black Lands: A solo work that traverses generational alienation, political defiance, and personal emancipation. Rooted in Afro-contemporary expression, it navigates the intersections of space, politics, and culture, transforming the body into a vessel of ancestral memory and self-liberation. Ruda’s movement affirms presence in a world that often marginalises difference.

Alkamal Walkamal Almutlaq or Completeness and Absolute Wholeness (ancient Arabic), explores the eternal bond between spirit and soul. It delves into how these elements interconnect to heal and revive. Ethereal Afro-contemporary movement and symbolic rituals invite audiences to contemplate love, health, and balance.

The commission aims to support and make space for innovative and provocative South African dance makers. For one week only, this is a chance for audiences to see the work of one of South Africa’s most exciting dance-makers.

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