Nine Lives A reflection of anger and pain of refugees in the world!

By CityLife Arts Writer

Nine Lives will make its South African debut from 12 November – 12 December 2021 as part of the 45 years celebration programming at the Market Theatre written by Zimbabwean-born world renowned playwright and poet Zodwa Nyoni. Making her long awaited directorial debut is all-rounder creative Diamond Mokoape.

Returning to Market Theatre stages in this gripping and heart wrenching piece is multi award winning actor who is also the Market Theatre Laboratory alumni, Warren Masemola. Warren is an accomplished Film, Theatre and Television actor who has brought so much versatility to the acting craft. Best known for his roles in blockbuster movies like iNumber Number, Eye In The Sky and Vaya which he was nominated for best supporting actor for Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards 2017.

Nine Livesis a one man show about Ismael, a gay Zimbabwean asylum seeker who is dispersed to Leeds – UK. He fled from his home where homophobia threatens his life. While he awaits the Home Office decision regarding his case the clock is ticking, and his fate is being decided. This is atale that shines the spotlight on the horrors of asylum seeking communities in the UK and across the world.

This play will connect our audiences to the realities of asylum seekers, hate crime victims, xenophobia and homophobia. It aims to counter the generalisations made about immigration and assumptions about the lived experiences of refugees and asylum seekers.​

“Affirming the Market Theatre’s commitment to unearth and support leading young creatives who are breaking boundaries and are determined to excel in their professions, Diamond Mokoape with more than 10 productions under her directing belt has been tasked with a mammoth task of directing the play. She says with this play she hopes our audiences are moved to be advocates of human rights.

Audiences will be left in awe with the thought provoking monologues from this unforgettable truthful solo drama performed by South Africa’s finest actor Warren Masemola.

The Market Theatre continues with its commitment of producing continental content, Warren was last seen in a Nigerian play The Fisherman, there is something poignant about him tackling this time around a play whose origins are Zimbabwean. The Market excels in creating universal productions that depict and dissect stories from the continent with such pure delight,” the institution says in its statement ahead of the show’s opening..

Nine Lives a play worth watching!

PRODUCTION INFORMATION CREATIVE TEAM

Writer                                                              Zodwa Nyoni

Director                                                           Diamond Mokoape

Lighting Designer                                            Josias Mashiane

Sound Designer                                               Neill Solomon

Costume Designer                                           Nthabiseng Makone

Stage Manager                                                Lebeisa Molapo

Performer

Warren Masemola

Age Recommendation                        13

Season:                                                Friday 12 November – Sunday 12 December 2021

Venue:                                     Barney Simon Theatre

Performance times:    Tuesday – Saturday @19h00 and Sunday @15h15

Ticket prices:   Tuesday – Thursday R90.00 Friday – Saturday R150.00 and Sunday R130.00