The Market Theatre has been at the forefront of contemporary South African theatre since the 1970s. Now in response to the call from audiences and artists for live online content, they've announced their first ever digital storytelling festival. Over the coming nine weeks, the Market Theatre will present the Ditshomo Story Time Season via live streaming on their social media platforms. After months of closure due to the COVID-19 crisis, this comes as a welcome directive into the world of digital theatre and recorded performance. Here's how the idea for a digital storytelling festival came about at the Market Theatre.
Cut - performed by Vincent Mantsoe.[/caption]
#TheatreWillRiseAgain
Since the start of the national lockdown period, the Market Theatre has been active on their social media platforms, staying engaged with their artists and audience. The theatre quickly debuted the #TheatreWillRiseAgain monologue series - a daily snippet series of one-minute monologues, delivered by some of South Africa's finest actors from their homes. Throughout lockdown, they've posted these snippets to help keep you entertained and engaged with South African theatre. The Market Theatre has also hosted a number of artist seminars, as well as a virtual career expo during this time. The evolution of the #TheatreWillRiseAgain campaingn has now culminated in the Market's Artistic Director James Ngcobo commissioning new works to premiere online. Embracing this new sense of theatrical experimentation and innovation, the Market Theatre firmly moves itself into the 21st Century while maintaining is homegrown essence. While the theatre is taking a massive leap forward, it still thrives on telling stories that depict the diverse experiences of people from all walks of life. This is precisely what the Ditshomo Story Time Season hopes to achieve over its nine week run. [embed]https://www.instagram.com/tv/CBibHtmDgup/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link[/embed] "We are completely committed to the idea that sees us programming and staying in touch with our patrons and at the same time celebrating those who have always gifted us with stories to tell. It also presents an opportunity for our work to be accessible to global audiences," says James Ngcobo. The Market Theatre will be releasing a new production online each week from Thursday, 18 June 2020. Filmed at the Market Theatre with high definition cameras, these productions invoke a real theatrical experience for viewers at home. Here's a sneak peak at what's on the bill:Cut - A collaborative dance short film
The Market Theatre debuted the Ditshomo Story Time Season with Vincent Mantsoe's Cut. This 13-minute long dance film was created in collaboration by three artists over email. Grappling with the emotions, tensions and confusion caused by the worldwide pandemic scare, Cut reaches deep into the viewers imagination. It is both frightening and comforting, as Mantsoe whips around the frame, battling his own inner conflict. Cut is a definite must-see and the ideal kick start to the Ditshomo Story Time Season. The film will be available to stream on the Market Theatre's Facebook page until Thursday, 2 July 2020. Don't miss it! [caption id="attachment_113463" align="alignnone" width="660"] Cut - performed by Vincent Mantsoe.[/caption]
