Market Theatre Blog UBU & The Truth Commission

In: Show Press ReleasesThe Market Theatre and the Windybrow Theatre in association withHandspring Puppet CompanypresentUBU and the Truth CommissionAuthor Jane TaylorDirected by William Kentridge and associate Janni Younge25 August - 11 September 2016Ubu and the Truth Commission is a striking collaboration between William Kentridge and the Handspring Puppet Company. After extensive international touring this landmark piece of South African Theatre is returning to the Market Theatre to entertain and challenge audiences. The production is laced with dark sardonic wit, spectacular and disturbing animation and poignant, finely detailed puppetry.The performance combines puppetry, live actors, music, animation and documentary footage drawn from the historical archive of South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The character of Pa Ubu (Dawid Minaar) represents the various instruments of Apartheid violence, like the police, assassins, spies, and politicians. For Pa Ubu, torture, sex, and food are all elements of a single gross appetite.The drama revolves around a metaphorical tale of marital betrayal. Ma Ubu (Busi Zokufa) misinterprets Pa's nocturnal absences in this tragic comedy that gives us glimpses into the devastating complexities of Apartheid. Handspring's ingenious puppets provide the poignant testimonies that formed part of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission hearings. Direction and animation are by William Kentridge.The Market Theatre's Artistic Director James Ngcobo is bringing back Ubu and the Truth Commission to help the theatre celebrate its 40th anniversary by staging an exciting line-up of diverse and exhilarating productions. The play had it's premier at the Market Theatre 20 years ago, and members of the original cast, Busi Zokufa, and Dawid Minaar are back on stage in the roles they brought to life so vividly.Revived in celebration of 20 years of democracy in South Africa, the production has been touring internationally for the past 3 years. It is now returning to South Africa for a limited season from 25 August - 11 September, with the Market Theatre bringing it back home.PREVIOUS PERFORMANCES1997-1999Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America2014-2016Brasil, Colombia, Taiwan, South Africa, United-Kingdom, Italy, Belgium, Greece, Australia, Canada, USA, France, Spain, Hungary and Germany.PRODUCTION INFORMATION:Author Jane TaylorDirector William KentridgeAssociate Director Janni YOungePuppet Design Adrian KohlerAnimation William KentridgeLighting Design Wesley FranceSet Design Adrian Kohler and William KentridgeCostume Design Adrian KohlerChoreographer Robyn OrlinSound Design Wilbert SchubelMusic Design Warrick Sony and Brenday JurySound Technitian Simon MahoneyStage Manager Bruce KochPerformers: CharacterDawid Minaar Pa UbuBusi Zokufa Ma UbuMongi Mthombeni PuppeteerMandiseli Maseti PuppeteerGabriel Marchand PuppeteerSeason: 25 August - 11 September 2016Opening Night Friday 26 August 2016 Venue: The John Kani @The Market TheatreShow times: Tuesdays to Saturdays @ 20h00 and Sunday @15h00 To make block bookings, please contact Anthony Ezeoke 011 832 1641ext 121 and Ncebakazi Thintsila 011 832 1641 ext 135.Ticket Prices:• Student Price R65.00• Tuesday - Wednesday R95. 00 • Thursday: R 120.00• Friday - Saturday: R 200.00• Sunday: R 150.00 For further information, interviews, and images, contact:Lusanda Zokufa , Senior PublicistMarket Theatre011 832 1641 ext 123 or 072 367 7867lusandaz@markettheatre.co.za