We started the day with Malcolm Purkey who is the Artistic Director of the Market Theatre. Outside the theatre, local jewelers and craftsman sell their creations. Before sitting down with Malcolm, I purchased a coconut necklace - a nice souvenir!

The Market Theatre, a 3-theatre complex, was once an Indian Fruit Market. The theatre still has some of the original signs. The Market Theatre opened the same year the Soweto Uprising began, in 1976.

Once we entered the theater, we were greeted by Carl, the production manager, who showed us every nook of the theater complex. Then, Malcolm spoke with us about the theatre, its role in the struggle against apartheid, and its more recent history. It was clear that Malcolm possess great knowledge about the history of theatre in South Africa and has a lot of pride in the Market Theatre. This theatre became known around the world for anti-apartheid plays such as Woza Albert and Athol Fugard 's The Island. Because the theatre was often used as a venue for political expression, it earned the nickname the ‘Theatre of Struggle.’

Other plays, playwrights, and actors that used the Market Theatre to push the boundaries during the time of resistance, are now known around the world. John Kani (also the founder of the Apartheid Museum) was one of the performers known for appearing in politically significant pieces during apartheid. Mbongeni Ngema is another playwright well-known for attempting to give an honest account of South African oppression.

This theater has a great history: like other arts organizations and artists in South Africa, it helped to bring culture and politics together during the struggle for freedom.

Part I: History of the Market Theatre	Part II: Theatre of Struggle

Go to our next stop on day 9 >

Copyright © 2007 ProjectExplorer, LTD. All Rights Reserved.