Joburg Theatre is excited to announce the South African premiere of Ntozake Shange’s iconic masterpiece, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf, directed by James Ngcobo. The production is scheduled to run from February 16 to March 3, 2024. This highly anticipated performance promises a captivating exploration of the female experience that is sure to leave a lasting impact.
In keeping with the school set-work curriculum, Joburg Theatre has purposefully increased the importance of this specific play. This initiative’s main objective is to fill theatres with daytime programming that is especially intended for school audiences while also providing top-notch live performances that are based on the set books that are part of their curriculum. Together, these initiatives create a more complete learning environment for students studying relevant subjects in the performing arts as well as improving the quality of education for students.
The program hopes to ensure accessibility and a profound artistic experience that will inspire in the audience a lifetime love of creation. One of the main elements of the set-work program is the carefully planned opportunities to strengthen JCT’s involvement in youth development.
For Colored Girls tells powerful stories narrated by women who have faced profound pain. The production introduces soul-stirring musical interludes, elevating the emotional depth of the narrative. With symbolic pertinence during Black History Month and South Africa’s 30th year of democracy, the play graces the Johannesburg stage after leaving an indelible mark on Broadway and the West End.
The stellar cast, featuring Lerato Mvelase, Refilwe Modiselle, Swankie Mafoko, Thuto Gaasenwe, Siphesihle Ndaba, Danica Jones, Boitumelo Lesejane, and Sioban King, is a powerhouse ready to transport audiences into the heart of the female narrative.
The visionary Director James Ngcobo leads the creative team which includes Musical Director Mandla Mkaba, Choreographer Lulu Mlangeni, Lighting Designer Enos Ramaroko, AV specialists Jurgen Meekel and Andrea Rolfes, as well as Accent Coach Yewande James.
“Joburg Theatre enriches the community through set-works, nurturing young talents and inspiring future artists. The school setwork program is a cornerstone in cultivating well-rounded individuals with empathy and a profound appreciation for the arts. Productions like For Colored Girls showcase our commitment to creating a transformative environment where creativity thrives, inviting you to join us on a journey beyond conventional theatre boundaries, exploring the intricate tapestry of the human soul and sharing powerful narratives.” said James Ngcobo, Artistic Director, Joburg City Theatres.
Ms. Xoliswa Nduneni–Ngema, CEO of Joburg City Theatres, highlights the captivating montage presented by For Colored Girls. “This production surpasses the typical playgoing experience, evolving into a dynamic exploration of the complexities, triumphs, and tribulations inherent in the feminine journey. It stands not merely as a theatrical performance but as a living, resonant encounter.”
Mark your calendars for this historic production running from February 16 to March 3, 2024, at Joburg Theatre. With a strict no-latecomers policy, every audience member can experience the full impact of this unforgettable 95-minute performance. Tickets are available online at www.joburgtheatre.com and the Joburg Theatre Box Office.
About Joburg City Theatres:
Nestled atop The City of Johannesburg, Joburg Theatre is more than a structure; it’s a living testament to the city’s vibrant cultural evolution. Born in 1962 and reborn in the ’80s with a dazzling makeover, it stands as a southern hemisphere beacon of technical brilliance.
Fast forward to the turn of the millennium, a bold move by the city council transformed the theatre into a dynamic Municipal Entity, birthing the Joburg Theatre (Pty) Ltd.
Guided by a visionary Board of Directors, the indomitable Xoliswa Nduneni Ngema at the helm, this theatrical haven evolved into the street-smart gem we now know.
The theatre consistently captivates audiences and is renowned for hosting sold-out spectacles, ranging from global sensation shows to astonishing local performances. It holds the distinction of being one of the first theatres to introduce digital streaming and collaborate with television channels, creating a new sphere for celebrating diversity in the arts.
This is not just a venue; it’s the beating heart of Johannesburg’s artistic soul.
