Woza Albert! recalls Market Theatre’s 50-year cultural legacy

The Market Theatre is celebrating its 50th anniversary, with Arts Alive Joburg joining the milestone by honouring the Johannesburg institution’s contribution to South African theatre and cultural life.

Woza Albert! returns to its historic home

Among the works associated with the anniversary celebrations is Woza Albert!, which returned to The Market Theatre in July for a limited run. Created by Mbongeni Ngema, Percy Mtwa and Barney Simon, the landmark production was first staged at the theatre in 1981.

The production imagines what would happen if Morena, the Lord, returned to apartheid South Africa. Through satire, humour and political commentary, it examines racial oppression, poverty and inequality while drawing attention to the experiences of ordinary Black South Africans.

The anniversary production featured Hamilton Dhlamini, who also directed the revival, alongside Thulani Mtsweni. The two performers take on multiple characters, continuing the production’s minimalist approach to storytelling.

The Market Theatre says Woza Albert! is part of the institution’s DNA, having been created there during its early years. The production has since travelled internationally and remains a significant work in South African theatre.

For Arts Alive Joburg, the anniversary forms part of its wider programme celebrating Johannesburg’s arts and cultural landscape.

As The Market Theatre reaches five decades, its history remains closely connected to the city’s evolving cultural identity and the artists whose work has helped shape it.