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.
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