Market Theatre marks 50 years, looks to the future

Johannesburg’s iconic Market Theatre is celebrating 50 years of productions that have shaped the country’s cultural and political narrative.

Speaking on 702, Chief Operating Officer Lekgetho Makola described the theatre as ‘a very, very important, exemplary institution’ that has survived because of its ‘dynamic, agile and compelling artistic vision’.

He said strong leadership, administration and governance had been just as crucial as creative excellence in sustaining the theatre over decades.

Not just history, but the future

Often referred to as the ‘theatre of the struggle’, Makola said it would be a mistake to view the Market Theatre as stuck in the past.

“As we respond to the now, we begin to define and reimagine the future through what we create on our stages and also beyond our stages,” he said, pointing to galleries and public programmes that engage directly with communities.

Challenging the idea of elitism

Makola rejected the notion that theatre is inherently elitist, arguing that performance has long been part of everyday life across Africa.

“Our future at the Market is to translate that idea of theatre being a community practice, being a cultural practice that is embedded in society,” he said, adding that access would be central to the next 50 years.

Why this is the year to return

For those who have not visited in years – or ever – Makola said the anniversary is about more than a single celebration.

“It’s not an event, but a transition into the next 50 years and beyond,” he said, describing the theatre as a space to reignite Johannesburg’s cultural energy, draw in young and emerging artists, and create a ‘hive of storytelling, information and excitement’.

What’s planned for the anniversary year

Key initiatives include international collaborations, student productions and reimagined classic works from the theatre’s archive.

“We’re bringing new ideas into how we make them relevant now, while also thinking about the future,” Makola said, adding that the theatre is also opening up new partnership models beyond traditional philanthropy to help sustain its programmes.

For more information, listen to Makola using the audio player below: