Market Theater

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The Market Theater in Johannesburg

The Market Theater (English; German: "Market Theater") is a theater in Johannesburg in South Africa . It was founded in 1976 at the time of apartheid as an independent theater in which the barriers between the population groups at that time were deliberately disregarded.

Geographical location

The Market Theater is located in the Newtown district on the southwestern edge of the center of the metropolis Johannesburg.

history

The Market Theater building was built in 1913 in the British-oriented Edwardian style . Until the founding of the theater, it served as a market hall for the people of Indian descent , in which mainly fruit and vegetables were sold. In 1974 the building was in a shabby condition. South African artists around Barney Simon and Mannie Manim raised money for the renovation and conversion of the building into a theater. The architecture was largely preserved; even some market hall signs got stuck. The Market Theater opened in 1976. Barney Simon became Artistic Director and held that position until his death in 1995.

The Market Theater became a venue for many South African artists. It received the reputation of being a "theater of struggle" (against apartheid). In the 1980s, blacks and whites could treat each other on an equal footing, which was unusual for South Africa at the time.

The playwrights whose works premiered in the Market Theater include, along with numerous other contemporary South African playwrights, Athol Fugard , Zakes Mda and Pieter-Dirk Uys . Several live albums, including those by Hugh Masekela and Stimela , have been recorded at the Market Theater.

Only after the end of apartheid in 1994 did the Market Theater receive state funding.

In 2014, the largest performance hall was renamed the John Kani Theater , after the actor John Kani , who performed frequently at the Market Theater.

present

Even today the Market Theater plays an important role in the cultural life of South Africa. In the original market hall are the MuseuMAfricA and the Market Theater Complex, which consists of three theaters, two galleries, restaurants, bars and the Kippies jazz club , named after Kippie Moeketsi . In addition to acting performances , music and ballet performances are also offered. Artists are also trained there.

Web links

Commons : Market Theater (Johannesburg)  - Collection of pictures, videos and audio files

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ The main theater is renamed to honor Dr. John Kani. ( Memento of June 10, 2016 in the Internet Archive ) Official website (English)
  2. ↑ Article about the Market Theater ( Memento from May 20, 2009 in the Internet Archive )

Coordinates: 26 ° 13 ′ 0 ″  S , 28 ° 1 ′ 57 ″  E