Revolution of Words is a powerful and thought-provoking poetry production that transcends time, bridging the richness of South African poetry with the urgency and resonance of contemporary voices. This co-production between the Market Theatre Foundation’s Kwasha! Theatre Company and UJ Arts & Culture, a division of the Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture (FADA) at the University of Johannesburg, represents a meaningful and dynamic partnership. Together, both institutions bring their artistic expertise and vision to this landmark project, highlighting the power of collaboration in advancing contemporary South African performance.
Featuring a curated selection of poems from the Grade 11 and 12 school curricula alongside the bold work of modern poets, Revolution of Words invites audiences into a space where the past meets the present, sparking critical dialogue and reflection.
The production is contextualised by the award-winning poet and cultural icon, Lebo Mashile, and is performed by the talented young artists of the Kwasha! Theatre Company. Under the direction of Khethukuthula Jele, with movement direction by Sinenhlanhla Mgeyi, this performance is set to be a transformative experience that speaks to the heart and challenges the mind.
In addition to its creative power, Revolution of Words serves as a call to action—a celebration of language, identity, and the transformative power of poetry. This production promises to inspire, challenge, and move audiences forward through the art of spoken word.
Gerard Bester, Head of the Windybrow Art Centre a division of the Market Theatre Foundation shared his thoughts on this collaboration “Working with UJ on Revolution of Words has been an incredibly rewarding experience. This partnership provides an exciting opportunity to work with emerging talent and to continue our mission of creating dynamic, relevant theatre. UJ’s support has enabled us to amplify this important work, and together, we’re giving voice to the next generation of South African poets and performers. It’s a powerful collaboration, one that underscores the importance of community and culture in our storytelling.”
Cast:
Andile Mgeyi, Thingo Mcanyana, Gofaone Bodigelo, Londa Mkhize, Makotone Jack Mabokachaba
Creative Team:
- Line Producer: Karabo Legoabe
- Director: Khethukuthula Jele
- Movement Director: Sinenhlanhla Mgeyi
- Writer: Lebogang Mashile
- Curated by: Lebogang Mashile, Jade Bowers & Quaz Roodt
- Script Consultants: Lebogang Mashile & Quaz Roodt
Performance Date & Times
- Tuesday 16 September at 10:00 & 13:30
- Wednesday 17 September at 10:00 & 13:30
- Thursday 18 September at 16:30 & 19:00
- Friday 19 September at 12:30 & 19:00
- Saturday 20 September at 15:00
Tickets are now available at only R80.00.
For more information, please contact Pontsho Dube on dubep@uj.ac.za or 011 559 3058
About Kwasha! Theatre Company
The Kwasha! Theatre Company, a collaboration between the Market Theatre Foundation and the Windybrow Arts Centre, supports the careers of recent performing arts graduates in South Africa. The company’s mission is to create new and dynamic theatre pieces each year, providing emerging theatre makers with a platform to showcase their work. The company prides itself on its collaborative spirit and its focus on youth arts groups, offering skills and resources to create sustainable futures for African artists. The name ‘Kwasha!’—meaning ‘It’s on fire!’ in isiZulu—captures the urgent, energetic, and creative fire that defines the company’s work.
About UJ Arts & Culture
UJ Arts & Culture, a division of the Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture (FADA) produces and presents world-class student and professional arts programmes aligned to the UJ vision of an international university of choice, anchored in Africa, dynamically shaping the future. A robust range of arts platforms are offered on all four UJ campuses for students, staff, alumni and the general public to experience and engage with emerging and established Pan-African and international artists drawn from the full spectrum of the arts.
In addition to UJ Arts & Culture, FADA (www.uj.ac.za/fada) offers programmes in eight creative disciplines, in Art, Design and Architecture, as well as playing home to the NRF SARChI Chair in South African Art & Visual Culture, and the Visual Identities in Art & Design Research Centre. The Faculty has a strong focus on sustainability and relevance, and engages actively with the dynamism, creativity and diversity of Johannesburg in imagining new approaches to art and design education.