‘Sophiatown’ and ‘Itsoseng’ hit Joburg Theatre

The Joburg Theatre is hosting its inaugural Schools Setworks Festival featuring two highly acclaimed productions – Sophiatown and Itsoseng – from this week until May 5. The productions are set in high school curriculum.

“Sophiatown and Itsoseng are both important to all South Africans’ experience and to their understanding of the country,” says Makhaola Ndebele, Joburg Theatre’s artistic director.

“The festival is open to both schools and the general public, and with a special double-bill price of R200 for Saturdays it is not to be missed.”

Directed by the State Theatre’s multi award-winning artistic director, Aubrey Sekhabi, the iconic Sophiatown has been revived with a fresh and young cast that resonates with today’s audiences.

Itsoseng. Picture: Twitter

Featured on stage is Phumlani Mdlalose, who plays Jakes, Caitlin Clerk (Ruth), Terrence Ignacious Ngwila (Mingus), Kenneth Mlambo (Fahfee), Barileng Malebye (Princess), Madge Kola (Mamariti), Zama Ngubane (Lulu), Bongani Masango and Maurice Matyutyu, both playing Charlie.

Sophiatown is rich in the timeless “Kofifi-styled” acapella harmonies and original music that made Sophiatown in Johannesburg legendary and the original production very famous.

The gripping one-man play Itsoseng is written and directed by Omphile Molusi and performed by Thapelo Sebogodi.

Set between the early ’90s and 2008, it finds its inspiration in the North West township of Itsoseng and is a first-hand account of life in a South African black township.

Tickets are available from R60 at www.joburgtheatre.com or by calling the box office on 086-167-0670.

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