EXCITING RE-OPENING OF THE ICONIC WITS THEATRE IN BRAAMFONTEIN

In EDUCATION, ENTERTAINMENT, NEWS, THEATRE

EXCITING RE-OPENING OF THE ICONIC WITS THEATRE IN BRAAMFONTEIN

by hypress Thursday, August 22, 2024

The heart of Johannesburg’s arts scene is about to beat stronger than ever as the iconic Wits Theatre at Wits University in Braamfontein reopens its doors after a period of dormancy. This historic venue is set to come alive with an electrifying line-up of theatre, music, comedy, and dance performances, reigniting the passion of Johannesburg’s theatre lovers and marking a thrilling new chapter in the city’s cultural life.

Adding to the excitement, Wits Theatre Complex is proud to announce that Wits academic and for Market Theatre artistic director, Malcolm Purkey, has re-joined the team as Consulting Director for the Wits Theatre complex. “With the plethora of unimaginable talent within Johannesburg and South Africa, the Wits Theatre is proud to host a vast array of these talents within our top-class facilities, alongside the emerging talents of our incredible students. Our upcoming programme celebrates 42 years of Wits Theatre success, standing proudly on a historical foundation of excellence while looking toward a future filled with incredible talent. The Wits Theatre will once again provide the stage for historic moments in theatre, magical music, and unforgettable dance experiences,” says Purkey.

Upcoming Highlights

Antidote – The Musical
From 3 to 8 September, audiences can experience an absurdist legal drama like no other. Antidote follows the story of an experimental aggression-reducing drug tested on inmates, only to have this attempt at “fixing” humanity backfire dramatically. Presented as a series of court trials, the musical’s episodic nature invites the audience to step into the role of jury members, becoming part of the performance as they navigate the complex, gripping narratives of the convicts on trial.

The Lab of Learning Jam Sessions
Curated by the renowned Carlo Mombelli, these sessions will kick off with the Lex Futshane Wits Jazz Ensemble on Tuesday, 20 August, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Wits Theatre Foyer. This event is free and open to all, offering a vibrant start to our reopening celebrations. Mombelli, a celebrated South African jazz bassist, composer, and educator, is known for his innovative approach to music and his ability to fuse various musical genres. His work has been internationally recognised, and he has collaborated with top musicians worldwide. His passion for nurturing young talent aligns perfectly with Wits Theatre’s mission, making him an ideal curator for these jam sessions.

MEME[tics] – A Physical Theatre Masterpiece
Running from 21 to 24 August at The Wits Piazza, this powerful physical theatre piece delves into the [re]evolution of culture and our experience of the world. Through evocative dance and physical storytelling, MEME[tics] explores the past, present, and future of South Africa, drawing connections between generational experiences and modern-day life. The show presents cultural evolution as a continuous thread, asking what MEMEs GenZ will pass on as digital natives, and the lasting effects on future generations.

Don’t miss this extraordinary lineup of performances that promise to set the Wits Theatre alight with creativity, emotion, and the timeless magic of live theatre. Join us as we celebrate the return of a Johannesburg cultural landmark and look forward to many more years of artistic brilliance.