Set in a post-apocalyptic South African wasteland, Afropocalypse follows a community of travelling players who navigate a desolate landscape through the power of storytelling. As they dodge drone strikes and evade swarms of military helicopters, these intrepid storytellers encounter an unexpected audience. Compelled to share their tales, they recount stories that have survived and evolved through the cataclysm that reshaped society. Afropocalypse is directed by Daniel Buckland and performed by The Market Theatre Laboratory 2nd year students.
The production delves into speculative narratives, exploring the events that led to the end of the world as we know it. Through four fables, the play addresses themes fundamental to the human experience: Greed, Mortality, Religion, and Unconditional Love. In exploring these themes, the players are faced with their own resilience and need to survive, highlighting the strength of the human spirit, even in the face of overwhelming despair.
The Market Laboratory team set out to explore the theme of “Hope” in a world full of despair. The current climate across our globe is one that often feels chaotic with meaningless wars, human rights violations and ongoing environmental doom – and there is definitely a sense of hopelessness when reflecting on life on earth. The Market Laboratory team asked questions such as: What would remain as symbols of hope to the human race at the end of the world? What would South Africans value most at the end of it all? What functions do stories and storytelling hold in supporting this notion of hope? Our goal was to bring humour and lightness to our audience, offering them an engaging theatrical experience that would leave them laughing and uplifted. We believed Daniel Buckland’s visual and physical style was the perfect match for this work.
Production Credits
The Market Theatre Laboratory trains actors and theatre makers. Founded by Barney Simon and Dr John Kani in 1988, it is the educational arm of the world famous Market Theatre, and has developed into one of the premiere training facilities of its kind in Southern Africa. It has trained exceptional performers and theatre-makers including Olive Schreiner Award winner Phillip Dikotla, three Standard Bank Young Artist of the Year winners, Monageng Motshabi (2016), Prince Lamla (2013), and Mncedisi Shabangu (2014), Theatre Duo (2024) and SAFTA award winners Harriet Manamela, Warren Masemola and Lindiwe Ndlovu. In addition, the Lab has been recognised on multiple platforms for creating excellent theatre that engages with human rights issues. Deeply embedded in the ethos of the Laboratory is its commitment to providing opportunities to talented youth from disadvantaged backgrounds who would not otherwise be able to pursue their passion for the arts.
About the Artists
Daniel Buckland is a Johannesburg-based performer, director, educator and theatre-maker. His career has seen him work both locally and abroad for over ten years. One of his career highlights was performing in Cirque du Soleil's 'Saltimbanco' and 'Love'. He is a Co-Artistic Director of Dark Laugh Theatre Company who's production of 'The Butcher Brothers', directed by Sylvaine Strike, was awarded the 2011 Naledi Award for Best Cutting Edge Production and a Standard Bank Ovation Award. In 2014, he again collaborated with Strike in the production of the Standard Bank Ovation Award winning one man show ‘The God Complex.’ He worked for the Motion Capture animation studio Flying Circus where he co-wrote, directed and acted in the 26 part animated comedy series “Silly Seasons” and the animated action adventure comedy; “Inside Job”. He has also collaborated with The Cirk, creating and directing their performance of 'Urban Circus' and 'Cast Aways'.
- Venue: Centenary Hall
- Location: St Andrews College
- Ticket price: ZAR 120.00
- Programme type: The Fringe
- Genre: Theatre
- Duration: 60 minutes
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Ages:
10+
