Market Theatre
The original Market Theatre building, constructed in 1913, was home to Johannesburg’s Indian Fruit Market and visual clues still attest to this fact. In 1976, Mannie Manim and the late Barney Simon established the theatre, where powerful protest performances pushed the limits regarding censorship laws in an apartheid South Africa.
The outspoken, defiant messages obvious in productions such as Woza Albert, Asinamali, The Island, Bopha, You Strike the Woman You Strike a Rock, and many of Athol Fugard’s dramas – including Blood Knot - gained the theatre the reputation of working tirelessly to bring about democracy and social reform.
Newtown Market Theatre. Photo courtesy Vaughanoblapski!
But the Market Theatre does not rest on its laurels and continues to present new, engaging and bold productions that entertain and assist audiences to understand South Africa’s development in its third decade of democracy. It is shows like this that you can watch when you have a night out in the centre of the Newtown Cultural Precinct. Close by are the South African Breweries Museum, the Workers’ Museum and Museum Africa, all well worth a visit.
In 1995 the American Jujamcyn Award was bestowed on the theatre. For more than two decades, these awards have honoured resident theatre organisations that make an outstanding contribution to the development of creative talent in theatre. Artistic excellence at the Market has been recognised by another 21 international and more than 300 South African theatre awards. The Market Theatre has gained an international reputation with shows like Sophiatown thrilling overseas audiences.
The theatre complex houses three theatres, an art gallery, a bar and the second Moyo restaurant which has become a firm favourite as a dining experience. Kippies International Jazz Club is also legendary. This swinging night spot, named after South African saxophonist, Kippie Morolong Moeketsi, features local and international musicians and the soulful strains of musical instruments can be heard in the area well into the early morning hours.