For 50 years, the Market Theatre has served as more than just a space where plays were performed. During the apartheid era in South Africa, it became recognised as a symbol of resistance, storytelling and artistic freedom, earning a global reputation as South Africas Theatre of the Struggle.
It was established by anti-apartheid actors Barney Simon and Mannie Manim in June 1976. It opened its doors the same week as the Soweto Uprising. During the period when racial segregation was dire because of apartheid laws, the theatre became one of the few spaces where black and white artists could perform together for non-racial audiences.
Later over the years, the theatre became internationally acknowledged for producing South Africas best local productions like Sophiatown, The Island, Sizwe Banzi is Dead and other productions that told stories of South Africas reality during apartheid.
