The Market Theatre on Friday announced its first artistic programme under the authority of its new director Greg Homann.
The programme will feature a set of exciting initiatives for artists, including a four-pronged play development programme for writers at every stage of their careers.
The establishment of Kippies will be dedicated as a 60-seater fringe space, and a range of productions that showcase the best of homegrown South African dance, music, comedy, and new plays.
There will be a selection of 12 associate playwrights and eight writers for the first cycle of the programme, with its focus on shinning the light on talented female writers who have experience in mediums other than theatre.
Homann made a passionate plea for workshop collectives to make use of the Market Theatre and available resources leading to the up-and-coming showcase of their new work.
He stressed that writers who have unproduced full-length plays should submit them to the theatre for consideration and feedback.
“I really want to give space to artists with our incredible set of resources and we have a great legacy and great traction to create dynamic work that speaks to what it means to be South African today,” said Homann.
“I want to use all the resources with all the local and international connections that we have for a platform that our artists can thrive in the best way possible.”
A third festival offering is this year’s WOMAD (World of Music, Arts & Dance) at The Market. Founded by Peter Gabriel, WOMAD was successfully hosted in over 30 countries. It is one of the longest and most respected cultural festivals worldwide.
WOMAD’s director Dan Chiorboli said: “We are 41 years old and the founder [Peter Gabriel] wants to bring it to South Africa. My job is to find these spaces and partner with many communities in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
“We chose to partner with the Market Theatre in Johannesburg because of the rich struggle history and heritage, this is a great opportunity for WOMAD to connect and touch base with communities.”
Homann said the workshops will include an offer of mentorship and masterclasses from some of South Africa’s most established and celebrated playwrights, including the likes of Fatima Dike, Craig Higginson, Phyllis Klotz, Smal Ndaba, and Paul Slabolepszy
Klotz said: “My whole theatrical history stands to promote young women in the industry, I am very excited for this journey.
“I came to the Market Theatre in 1986 with my first play Wathint’ Abafazi, Wathint’ Imbokodo [You strike a woman, you strike a rock]. Since then, I [have] partnered with other platforms to advocate for women and the struggles of apartheid.”
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