In 1976, at the height of the Apartheid regime, a remarkable theatre was inaugurated in Johannesburg. The Market Theatre challenged the regime by presenting itself as a place where spectators of all races could watch performances together. Those performances denounced apartheid. The idea was simple but powerful: culture can change society.
The theatre was established in a building that since 1913 had been home to an Indian fruit market. The performances gave a voice to the people who were being oppressed by Apartheid. At the same time, artistic quality was of great importance. After the fall of Apartheid, the theatre and its famous stage performances have been showered with awards. The Market Theatre has become a progressive cultural complex that hosts many different types of entertainment and performances.
“In ‘Woza Albert!’ the Messiah returns to earth during the Apartheid regime”