Mzansi Theatre Review

Timothy Moloi, Craig Urbani, Adam Howard, Nadine, and Harry Sideropoulos : Picture: Supplied Montecasino’s Teatro exploded with sound, sparkle, and showbiz magic on Friday night as Swingin’ Las Vegas made its grand return, bigger, brighter, bolder, and more dazzling than ever. Swingin’ Las Vegas 2025 isn’t just a musical showcase; it’s a heartfelt tribute to the legends of Las Vegas, past and present. This glittering celebration is brought to life by a star-studded quartet: Craig Urbani, Timothy Moloi, Nadine, and Harry Sideropoulos, backed by the powerhouse 18-piece Johannesburg Big Band under the direction of maestro Adam Howard. From the opening fanfare to the final bow, the audience was transported through decades of iconic Vegas showmanship, punctuated by some of the greatest songs ever written and performed in Sin City. The setlist is a glittering roll call that includes Frank Sinatra, Michael Bublé, Celine Dion, Elton John, Ella Fitzgerald, Lionel Ritchie and Lady Gaga. “It’s ...

The cast of The Last Country after performing at The Market Theatre (from left to right): Andile Vilakazi, Nompilo Maphumulo, Mpume Mthombeni, and Faniswa Yisa. Picture: Supplied. Immigration remains a sensitive and complex issue across Africa, a continent often marked by conflict, poverty, and economic instability. Every year, countless individuals are forced to leave their home countries in search of better prospects, driven by the dire circumstances that threaten their livelihoods.  As the southernmost tip of the continent, South Africa has emerged as a beacon of hope for many migrants, promising opportunities amidst an array of challenges. In a groundbreaking production titled The Last Country currently being staged at the Market Theatre in Johannesburg, audiences are invited to walk in the shoes of four remarkable women—Ofra, MaThwala, Aamiina, and Aneni—who have journeyed from their respective homelands to start anew in South Africa’s bustling city of Durban. Their stories,...

Road will be performed at the 2025 National Arts Festival. Picture: Supplied The countdown has begun for South Africa’s most iconic celebration of the arts. Set to take place in Makhanda, Eastern Cape, from 26 June to 6 July 2025, the National Arts Festival (NAF) is poised to once again transform this historical town into a buzzing hub of artistic expression, collective resistance, and cultural reflection. With the full programme unveiled and tickets now available at www.nationalartsfestival.co.za, this year’s Festival promises eleven electrifying days packed with bold performances, innovative premieres, and a cultural atmosphere unlike any other. The NAF remains South Africa’s longest-running arts festival, and just one year after celebrating its golden jubilee, returns with renewed energy, rebellious spirit, and creative urgency. This year’s Curated Programme is a blend of bold theatrical innovation with deep introspection, offering a powerful lineup of performances that mirror both...

The cast of Mantsopa (from left to right): Leomile Motsetsela, Tseko Manaheng, Itumeleng Mofokeng, Lebohang Banyane, Florence Masebe. Picture: The Market Theatre. Having missed the official opening of the iconic Mantsopa earlier this month, I seized the opportunity this past Saturday to witness what many have already dubbed one of the most significant theatrical works of the season. And boy oh boy, I am that I heeded that call. Even amidst the excitement of the Soweto Derby dominating the national mood, an equally electric energy pulsed through the city's cultural veins. It was a thrill, a moving experience, to see the Market Theatre filled to the brim, not just with regular theatre-goers but with proud men and women adorned in vibrant Basotho regalia.  The unmistakable elegance of Seanamarena blankets and beaded accessories painted the theatre in waves of cultural pride, creating a deeply symbolic and fitting way to celebrate Africa Month, honouring heritage not just on stage, bu...