The Market Theatre, founded in Johannesburg in 1976 by Mannie Manim and the late Barney Simon, was constructed out of Johannesburg’s Indian Fruit Market - built in 1913. The theatre went on to become internationally renowned as South Africa’s “Theatre of the Struggle”.
The Market Theatre challenged the apartheid regime, armed with little more than the conviction that culture can change society. The strength and truth of that conviction was acknowledged in 1995 when the theatre received the American Jujamcyn Award. In providing a voice to the voiceless, the Market Theatre did not forego artistic excellence, but rather, made a point of it. Its 21 international and 300 South African theatre awards bears eloquent testimony to the courage and artistic quality of its work.
During the past three decades, The Market Theatre Foundation has evolved into a cultural complex for theatre, music, dance, photography, education and training and allied arts. Today, The Market Theatre Foundation remains at the forefront of South African theatre and photography, actively encouraging new works that continue to reach international stages.
The Foundation was declared a cultural institution in 2005 and consists of the Market Theatre, Market Labolatory and the Market Photo Workshop. The three are responsible for staging of productions, theatre training and Photography training respectively.
Contact details
56 Margaret Mcingana St Newtown Johannesburg 2113
Tel: +27 (0)11 832 1641
