Ignite your theatrical soul with “Marabi”, South Africa’s legendary musical theatre powerhouse, storming back to The Market Theatre in Johannesburg’s pulsating Newtown precinct—right in the vibrant heart of Gauteng, where culture collides, and legends are reborn!
This isn’t just a show; it’s a thunderous 1930s Doornfontein odyssey exploding with forbidden passion, ancestral thunderbolts, grinding poverty, societal upheavals, and the intoxicating marabi jazz rhythms that refuse to fade into silence.
Tailor-made for event marketing mastery and passion for Jozi’s live music explosions, cultural festivals, and heritage deep-dives, “Marabi” delivers raw emotion, social commentary, and crowd-roaring energy to supercharge your artistic soul.
Immersive Story Saga
Plunge headfirst into the gritty, soul-stirring world of Mabongo, a stoic father torn apart by ancestral duties clashing against the relentless tide of 1930s change—poverty’s iron grip, the hollow whispers of looming war, and the disruptive roar of recorded music threatening cherished live performances. Watch as his fiery daughter Martha dares everything for Ginger George, the charismatic marabi piano maestro whose keyboard wizardry ignites forbidden love, shattering family bonds and unleashing explosive turmoil across Doornfontein’s shadowy streets. This Junction Avenue Theatre Company adaptation of Modikwe Dikobe’s seminal novel Marabi Dance probes the eternal question: “When the ancestors call, who dares to sing a different song?” It’s a pulsating tapestry of love’s defiance, legacy’s weight, cultural preservation, and rhythmic rebellion, bridging generational divides while championing positive role models and unbreakable social cohesion—all wrapped in age recommendation 8+ vibes that welcome families, theatre newbies, and die-hard culture vultures alike.Explosive Run Schedule & Venue Deets
Blast off tomorrow, January 29, 2026, through February 15, 2026, at The Market Theatre (corner of President Street & Brecknridge Place, Newtown, Johannesburg)—a global icon celebrating its 50th anniversary with this unmissable revival. Expect razor-sharp precision in the schedule:- Previews & Opening: Kickstarts January 29 with high-octane 19:00 evening shows in the intimate John Kani Theatre and energetic Kippies Theatre.
- Weekdays: Tuesday–Thursday at 19:00, delivering mid-week magic.
- Weekends: Friday–Saturday double-dips with 19:00 evenings + 15:00 matinees for ultimate flexibility.
- Wednesdays: Half-price steals to pack the house! Duration clocks in at a taut, gripping 80–90 minutes (no interval), ensuring non-stop propulsion without a breath. Proudly presented by Molepo Theatre Projects in powerhouse association with The Market Theatre Foundation, directed with flair to honour South Africa’s musical theatre legacy while spotlighting fresh talent across generations.
