US Mission partners with Market Theatre to commemorate Black History Month
Newtown – With the month-long run of Paradise Blue the US Mission to South Africa has announced its support, through a grant of R1.4 million, for the production of Paradise Blue at the Market Theatre, to run between January 31 and March 1.
In a statement the US Mission said to commemorate Black History Month, recognized each year in February, it has partnered with the Market Theatre to deliver high impact and thought-provoking theatre to South African audiences.
“This year marks the fifth anniversary of this collaboration, initiated by the Market Theatre’s Artistic Director, James Ngcobo in 2016. Paradise Blue is a dynamic and jazz-infused drama by award-winning African American playwright Dominique Morisseau about what is at stake when building a better future.”
The play captures the yearning of individuals sidelined by life into the role of second-class citizens living and working in a black neighbourhood on the cusp of obliteration as part of the city’s plan to eliminate “blight.” The characters face issues that resonate with South African audiences and enlighten them to the similar struggles faced by low-income inner-city communities.
The Market Theatre’s production of Paradise Blue features a cast of leading South African actors, with Aubrey Poo in the leading role of Blue, supported by Pakamisa Zwedala and Seneliso Dladla as his fellow band members P-Sam and Corn. Busisiwe Lurayi plays the naïve Pumpkin and Lesedi Job the threatening Silver.
US Ambassador-designate Lana Marks said they are pleased to honour Black History Month with this production of Paradise Blue. “I look forward to seeing this compelling and difficult story of the effects of gentrification come to life, and I think South Africans will see an echo of their own struggles in this American story.”
Performances take place through March 1, 2020, in the John Kani Theatre at the Market Theatre, Tuesdays to Saturdays at 20:00 and Sundays at 15:00.
