An all-women cast comprised of Chi Mhende, Thembisa Mdoda, Zola Nombona, Thuso Mbedu, Cindy Swanepoel, Fiona Ramsay, Lesedi Job, Khanyisile Ngwabe, Napo Masheane, Lerato Gwebu, Natasha Sutherland, Esmeralda Bihl and Lulu Mlangeni will bring their talents to a unique production as a gift of unconditional kindness to raise an awareness about the challenges facing children living through poverty and conflict.
The Children’s Monologues, featuring testimonials by children and adapted for the stage by multi-award-winning playwrights will highlight the power of creative storytelling. Produced by Mfundi Vundla and directed by the Market Theatre’s artistic director, James Ngcobo, The Children’s Monologues will feature some of Mzansi’s most loved and high-profiled television actresses.
“This is an exciting time for me. I have not previously directed some of these big artists. This is going to be interesting collusion of seasoned theatre actors and young upcoming talented television actors. They have all given up time from their busy schedules to give back to voiceless and faceless children whose stories will be performed”, said James Ngcobo.
While Ngcobo is directing the all-South African cast at the Market Theatre, at the Cargenie Hall in New York, Danny Boyle will direct a US production of The Children’s Monologues with an all-star US cast to add to his earlier repertoire of The Children’s Monologues that was staged to sold-out houses at London’s The Old Vic and Royal Court theatres. Danny Boyle is a founding trustee of the registered charity, Dramatic Need, which runs an arts and culture centre at a farm in the very poor community of Viljoenskroom, Free State.
Proceeds from the one night only Market Theatre production will benefit Dramatic Need as well as support educational programming at the Market Theatre Laboratory and the Market Photo Workshop.
“We are hoping to raise enough money to make a difference in the lives of the under-privileged”, said James Ngcobo. “For the children whose stories will be told on a professional stage by some of South Africa’s leading actresses this is an opportunity to experience a sense of hope”.
Tickets cost R200 per person on the online booking system www.webticket.co.za . Patrons can benefit from a 50% discount by purchasing their tickets directly from the Market Theatre’s audience development department by contacting Anthony Ezeoke at 011 832 1641 ext 203 or Yusrah Bardien at 011 832 1641 ext 204. Make that call now or visit www.markettheatre.co.za / www.webtickets.co.za
