New theatre anthology set to launch on 6 June to mark the

30 years milestone for the Market Theatre Laboratory

 The Market Theatre Laboratory, together with independent publisher Diartskonageng, will launch Between the Pillar and the Post, a multi-lingual anthology of contemporary South African monologues and scenes. This ground-breaking new collection offers a broad range of texts, with a particular focus on identities, languages and themes that are under-represented in the South African theatre canon. It features 29 of South Africa’s most interesting emerging and established playwrights, writing in 8 South African languages.

The intention of this compilation is to reflect the diversity of South African people in the characters and conversations on the page, ensuring that every actor, especially those in student and audition contexts, has the opportunity to work with writing they connect to; that feels current, relatable, and accessible.

Head of the Market Theatre Laboratory, Clara Vaughan, says, “I am looking forward to witnessing how this anthology contributes to the conversation about language in South African theatre, and most particularly, how it affects our students’ perceptions of how theatre relates to their lived experiences, what stories are valid, and how certain identities are foregrounded or marginalised.”

Kwasha! Theatre Company will be performing a selection of monologues and scenes from the anthology at the Johannesburg book launch of Between the Pillar and the Post on 6 June at 19:30 at the Ramolao Makhene Theatre. Attendance is free, but booking is advisable. To book a ticket, please go to www.markettheatre.co.za.

The Market Theatre Laboratory celebrates 30 years since it was established by Barney Simon and John Kani as a training facility. It has trained exceptional performers and theatre-makers including Olive Schreiner award winner Philip Dikotla, three Standard Bank Young artist of the year winners  Monageng Motshabi (2016), Prince Lamla (2013) and Mncedisi Shabangu (2014), and SAFTA  award winners Warren Masemola, Harriet Manamela and Lindiwe Ndlovu. In addition, the Market Theatre Laboratory has been recognised in multiple platforms for creating excellent theatre that engages with human rights issues.

To purchase the anthology, please contact Thandeka Nheke at thandeka@marketlab.co.za.