Revolution in the theatre

15 June 2016

 

There is a literary revolution taking place at the iconic Soweto Theatre in Jabulani.

 

The theatre has set up Revolution House, a pop-up book store featuring some of the thought-provoking literature from a wide range of thought-leaders and highly respected social activists from the past.

The experience, in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the June 16 1976 Soweto student uprising, will run at the theatre until Sunday June 19. Hosted daily, it is complemented by live readings led by prominent authors and reading activists.

“From campuses across South Africa, the message rings loud and clear: We want a different curriculum. We want to be nourished with the ideas of Africa. We want our minds to be challenged. We want to be critical thinkers. We want to be empowered with a curriculum, an African curriculum, an African narrative! The revolution is here,” say the organisers of Revolution House.

The readings are free of charge.

This week the Soweto Theatre is also hosting free screening of the award winning production Sarafina! The Sound of Freedom by accomplished playwright and writer Mbongeni Ngema.

The film, featuring leading South African actress Leleti Khumalo, American screen legend Whoopi Goldberg and the late globally acclaimed singer Miriam Makeba, is screened daily free of charge at the Soweto Theatre until Sunday June 19. It will also be screened at the Joburg Theatre from Monday June 20 to Saturday June 25.

Sarafina! The Sound of Freedom celebrates the courage of the youth who changed the course of South Africa’s history. Joburg City Theatres CEO Xoliswa Nduneni-Ngema said this month’s offerings were tailored to mark the anniversary of 16 June 1976.

“Soweto Theatre and Joburg Theatre present historical and informative shows, free movie screenings and dialogues in celebration of Youth Month.

“Joburg City Theatres (a City of Johannesburg-owned entity) looks forward to engaging and entertaining the youth on matters that are relevant to this new age, fast-changing society,” she said.