William Harding’s directorial debut at the Market Theatre with The Kings of the World
Veteran and celebrated television and theatre actor and director, Robert Whitehead, more popularly known as Barker Haines in Isidingo, will return to the Market Theatre in January 2020 in a new and different role – that of Mentor Director.
Robert Whitehead has a long association with the Market Theatre and in recent years has directed The Man Jesus and in 2019 starred with John Kani in the critically acclaimed Congo: The Trial of Leopold ll. However, this time he will act as mentor director to William Harding with the staging of Harding’s play, The Kings of the World. This production is the first of four productions made possible by funding from the Department of Sports, Arts & Culture’s through their 2020 Incubation Programme.
William Harding is a Johannesburg based playwright whose previous work has included the adaptation of the highly successful Tobacco and the Harmful Effects Thereof; The Cenotaph of Dan Wa Moriri and most recently Twelve Years a Poet based on the poetry of Vus’umuzi Pakhati. However, William Harding will make his debut as a professional director at the Market Theatre with his play, The Kings of the World
‘The Department of Sports, Arts & Culture’s Incubation Programme grant enables the Market Theatre Foundation to provide a platform for young emerging professionals to enhance their skills by being mentored by seasoned professionals. William Harding is a worthy recipient of this opportunity to be mentored as a director by a highly experienced theatre practitioner like Robert Whitehead”’ said Zama Buthelezi, the Market Theatre Foundation’s Brand & Communications Manager.
The Kings of the World is a dark comedy about the ineptitude and desperation of our times. It takes place over one night in a suburban garden cottage, where two friends and a roommate confront their neuroses and inadequacies as the night unravels around them.
Harry arrives uninvited at his friend’s cottage. David, having recently returned from a trip to Paris has become somewhat reclusive and reluctantly invites Harry in. During the ensuing conversation David reveals he has a job opening as a freelance online copywriter. And Harry immediately wants to be part of the action. However, complications around the job soon arise and are further compounded when David’s drunken roommate returns. As paranoia and desperation take over, the situation becomes tense and threatens to boil over to a dangerous conclusion.
Catch The Kings of the World at the Market Theatre from 23 January – 16 February buy your tickets now via www.webtickets.com or call theatre direct 011 832 1641
PRODUCTION INFORMATION
Creative Team
Playwright William Harding
Mentor Director Robert Whitehead
Mentor Set and Costume Designer Noluthando Lobese
Mentor Lighting Designer Hlomohang Motheo
Mentor Sound Designer Mandisa Hope Vilakazi
Mentor Stage Manager Mokokoba Makgopa
Incubatees
Director Incubatee William Harding
Production Manager Incubatee Antonie Adams
Set Design Incubatee Eric Ndibi
Lighting Design Incubatee Promise Khuzwayo
Costume Design Incubatee Phumelele Dlamini
Sound Design Incubatee Kegaogetswe Rakopa
Stage Manager Incubatee Bohlokoa Matlabe
Performers
Chris Djuma
Kaz Mac Fadden
William Harding
Duration: 90 minutes (no interval)
Age Recommendation 13 subject matter
Season: Thursday 23 January – Sunday 16 February 2020
Venue: The Barney Simon
Performance times: Tuesday – Saturday @20h15 and Sunday @15h15
Ticket prices: Tuesday – Thursday R90.00 Friday – Saturday R150.00 and Sunday R130.00
To make block bookings, please contact Anthony Ezeoke 011 832 1641ext 203/
083 246 4950, Magret Charova 011 832 1641 ext 326/ 079 656 2340 and Jabulisile Mofolo 011 832 1641 ext 204/ 083 203 0531
For further information, interviews and images, contact:
Lusanda Zokufa, Senior Publicist
Market Theatre 011 832 1641 ext 202 or 072 367 7867
lusandaz@markettheatre.co.za
