Joburg’s iconic Market Theatre plans to celebrate its 45th birthday with avant-garde theatre productions, a pictorial exhibition of the entity’s historical journey, a display of posters from past shows, and a photographic spectacle of 45 actors who have graced its stages in the last four decades.
There will also be an exhibition to showcase the historic building itself, which began as a fruit and vegetable market before being transformed into one of the country’s most famous and provocative creative spaces. The legendary theatre complex in Newtown, Joburg’s cultural precinct, has been colloquially referred to as the ‘Theatre of the Struggle,’ having been conceptualised at the height of the fight for liberation. It has since enjoyed a successful run, attracting big-name acts and producing riveting theatre productions.
The Market Theatre’s Artistic Director, James Ngcobo, says the institution remains one of the best at producing and presenting state-of-the-artwork that has an original African artistic voice and includes African diversity. Renowned for staging world-class theatre productions, Joburg’s Market Theatre has always been celebrated for challenging the apartheid regime, armed with little more than the conviction that culture can change society. Ngcobo says, in light of its history and reputation, the Market Theatre is expected to meet the demands of young theatre-goers by hosting plays and events that are relatable.
As part of festivities for its 45th-anniversary, the Market Theatre has planned a series of exciting events to attract a new generation of audiences. The entity will host an exhibition of model stage sets, which bear eloquent testimony to the courage and artistic quality of its theatre productions. There’ll also be a photographic display of some iconic areas of Johannesburg alongside Market Theatre memorabilia on its social media platforms. The theatre will host young actors on stage, performing various renditions of well-loved monologues previously staged at the Market.
Founded in Johannesburg in 1976 by Mannie Manim and Barney Simon, the Market Theatre was constructed out of Joburg’s Indian Fruit Market, built in 1913. The internationally acclaimed theatre became famous as South Africa’s first integrated theatre, playing a pivotal role in the struggle against apartheid by encouraging debate and challenging ideas. The entity houses three separate theatre stages, a bar, an art gallery and the second of the famous Moyo restaurants. It boasts over 20 international and more than three hundred South African theatre awards.
Despite its 45-year existence, the Market Theatre complex retains the ambiance and spirit of a marketplace. From the posters of Athol Fugard plays that premiered there to Grammy and Tony award-winning musicals like Sarafina, the Market is steeped in theatrical history. However, over the last four decades, the Market Theatre has evolved into a cultural complex for theatre, music, dance and the allied arts. Today, it remains at the forefront of South African theatre, actively encouraging new works that continue to reach international stages.
While the theatre pauses to honour the past, Ngcobo says it also looks forward to playing a significant cultural role in the twenty-first century for South Africa and the African continent. He says, in light of the desire to lure new audiences, the historical theatre is billed to host a series of Jazzy July evenings where emerging jazz artists will perform, giving audiences a spark of new music. “This year we are looking back to celebrate our achievements and also looking to the future to create new generations of performers and audiences,” he adds.
Since taking the helm in Newtown, Ngcobo says the theatre has opened new platforms for budding artists in the entertainment industry, including directors, actors and playwrights. The entity has also introduced a membership scheme for nascent entertainers.
Ngcobo adds his quirky voice to the theatre’s alignment with life during the Covid-19 pandemic. “As we celebrate a milestone of 45 years of existence navigating difficult terrain, we are committed to the idea of programming work that articulates our excitement about tackling different genres for all our spaces. We continue to bring new offerings to our audiences while maintaining the excellence of the Market Theatre,” he explains.
The Market promises to continue being a theatre that is engaged, challenging and entertaining and looks forward to facing new challenges in the 21st century. “[Our] anniversary event also highlights some of the numerous disciplines involved in staging a production, to thank the countless behind-the-scenes practitioners who have contributed to the theatre’s survival and success,” says Ngcobo, adding that all shows performed on the Market Theatre stage will be acknowledged in its history.
Written by Gontse ‘GeE’ Hlophe