Market Theatre (Johannesburg)

The Market Theatre, based in the downtown bohemian suburb of Newtown in Johannesburg, South Africa, was opened in 1976, operating as an independent, anti-racist theatre during the country's apartheid regime. It was named after a fruit and vegetable market that was previously located there. It was also known as the Old Indian Market or the Newtown Market, which closed after 60 years. The Market Theatre was founded by Barney Simon (Artistic Director), Mannie Manim (Administrative Director), Aletta Bezuidenhout, Vanessa Cooke, Judith Cornell, David Eppel, Leoni Hofmeyer, Janice Honeyman, Danny Keogh, Sue Kiel, Lindsay Reardon, and John Oakley Smith. Two of the theatres are named after the two founders Barney Simon and Mannie Mannim. Main Theatre at the Market Theatre was renamed as The John Kani Theatre in 2014 after the renowned South African stage actor John Kani.