Theatre legend to be honoured on stage
JOBURG – The Market Theatre will honour theatre legend, Gibson Kente by hosting a special musical tribute.
The Market Theatre will be hosting and honouring the father of township theatre, Gibson Kente (1932–2004).
The Gibson Kent Musical will run at the theatre from 13 to 29 April.
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In a statement, the Market Theatre’s Lusanda Zokufa said that Kente left an indelible mark in the theatre industry.
“Plays like How Long, I Believe and Too Late, among others, spoke to the heart of what indigenous South Africans experienced under a repressive apartheid regime,” Zokufa said.
“It is from the townships that legends like him have influenced the cultural, economic and political landscape of South Africa and various parts of the globe. Gibson Kente was a theatre extraordinaire.”
The musical will coincide with the 55th anniversary of Kente’s first production, Manana, The Jazz Prophet, which featured Caiphus Semenya and Letta Mbulu in their early years.
He adopted the title, Father of Township Theatre because of his writing and performances, which reflected on township life, and trained and inspired hundreds of black actors and singers at a time when black creativity was viewed as a threat.
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The play is directed by Makhaola Siyanda Ndebele and will feature Billy Langa, Gugu Mbongwa, Ntsika Fana Ngxanga and Paballo Sithe as some of the performers.
Performance times will run from Tuesdays to Sundays and ticket sales cost between R70 and R150.
Details: Anthony Ezeoke; 011 832 1641.
