With September being heritage month, “Katanga, January 17”, is worth checking out at the Market Theatre from September 7 to 22.
This production, which is aimed at reinforcing African artistic collaboration, encourages an exchange of stories celebrating the African liberation heritage.
To add some historical context, Katanga was a secessionist province in the Republic of Congo in which the first prime minister of that country, Patrice Lumumba, and his associates were assassinated by a firing squad on January 17, 1961.
As such, this show unpacks pertinent conversations around colonialism, African solidarity, instability, decolonisation and independence through the life of the slain prime minister.
It also looks at the events surrounding the assassination of Lumumba and comrades Joseph Okito and Maurice Mpolo.
The story is narrated through the eyes of a former child soldier, who shares the psychological, physical and social impact of war on child soldiers.
The production is co-directed by Lesego Rampolokeng, an internationally renowned writer, poet and academic, and Bobby Rodwell, a human rights activist, playwright and director.
Interestingly, Lumumba’s words are used in the play, as taken from his famous final letter to his wife, Pauline.
“Katanga, January 17” is told in English, Swahili, Lingala and French. It features a pan-African cast of South African artists Billy Langa and Khutjo Green as well as Congolese actor Charly Azade, who is now living in South Africa.
With audiences transported to the eastern DRC, they experience the lived realities of its people within the context of an African renaissance.
Where: Mannie Manim, Market Theatre.
When: September 7 to 22, 7pm.
Cost: Ticket prices vary from R100 to R200 and can be booked through Webtickets.
Mo Magic: Stage of Wonders
Theatregoers looking for something a little different, should look no further than this show by the entertainer extraordinaire.
Mo Magic is celebrated for his world-class magic, mystifying mentalism as well as comedy.
Audiences will be as intrigued as they are enchanted.
The show is built around audience participation, so be prepared.
If you are not sure of what to expect, his show, “Mo Magic Live”, is streaming on Showmax.
Where: Theatre on the Square.
When: September 4 to 8, times vary.
Cost: Tickets cost R220 and can be purchased through Computicket or at the box office.
Meat Loaf – The Rebel Ride
If you are a music lover, The Cirk and Stageworx promise a one-of-a-kind experience with “Meat Loaf – The Rebel Ride”, featuring “The Voice SA” runner-up, Yahto Kraft.
Fans need no introduction to Meat Loaf’s hits, so expect to see mind-blowing performances of “Bat Out of Hell” and “I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)”.
“Paradise” by the Dashboard Light, in addition to featured moments of some of the biggest Jim Steinman songs like “Total Eclipse of the Heart” and “All Coming Back to Me Now”, is also on the playlist.
Aside from the haunting vocals by Jordyn Schaefer, Nozi Phehane, Oliver Kelfkens, Bulelo Landman (Stageworx Alumni) and the sensational Ntshikeng Matooane, along with additional Stageworx students, audiences can also enjoy incredible circus acts from The Cirk’s Cheree Simpson, Kelsey Minne, Kiowa Howes, Mohammed Aqueel and Nakita Santos.
Theatregoers can expect a mesmerising, high-energy show with jaw-dropping acrobatics.
Where: The Cirk at Cresta Shopping Centre.
When: Friday, September 6, until Sunday, September 29.
Cost: Tickets range from R180 to R280 and are available through the venue website. For general information, email info@cirk.co.za or call 067 261 0289.