Market Theatre (Johannesburg)

The Market Theatre (English, German: "Market Theatre " ) is a theater in Johannesburg, South Africa. It was founded in 1976 at the time of apartheid as an independent theater in which the former racial barriers have been deliberately ignored.

Geographical location

The Market Theatre is located in the Newtown district on the southwestern outskirts of the center of the metropolis of Johannesburg.

History

The building of the Market Theatre was created in 1913 British Edward oriented style. It served until the founding of the theater as a market hall of the ethnic Indian population, especially in the fruit and vegetables were sold. 1974 the building was in a dilapidated state. South African artists by Barney Simon and Mannie Manim raise funds for the renovation and conversion of the building into a theater. The architecture was largely preserved; even some indoor market signs were left hanging. The Market Theatre was opened in 1976. Barney Simon was Artistic Director and held that office until his death in 1995.

The Market Theatre is a venue for many South African artists. It got the reputation of being a " theater of combat" to be ( against apartheid ). In the 1980s, blacks and whites were able to treat each other equally, which at that time was unusual for South Africa.

Among the playwrights whose works were premiered at the Market Theatre, include amongst several other playwrights Athol Fugard contemporary South African, Zakes Mda and Pieter -Dirk Uys. Several live albums, some of Hugh Masekela Stimela and were included in the Market Theatre.

Only after the end of apartheid in 1994, the Market Theatre received state funding.

Presence

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