Opvoeding | Education > Skole | Schools > Kennisgewings | Notices > Performances of Bessie Head’s Maru for schools Performances of Bessie Head’s Maru for schools

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2008-07-31
Directed by Phyllis Klotz

Phyllis Klotz's evocative and sensitive adaptation of Bessie Head’s novel is back by public demand playing at the Market Theatre. This acclaimed production of Maru has played to over 13 000 learners throughout Gauteng over the past two years. The novel Maru is prescribed reading for Grade 12 learners, schools are advised to book early this year to avoid disappointment. Maru will be presented in the main theatre at the Market Theatre from the 21st July to the 24th August 2008.

Head's novel articulates her strong concerns about racism, economic stagnation and most crucially the status of women. Maru centres on the plight of a San woman Margaret who, despite being raised in a white mission where she received a superior education and ultimately attained the respected position of teacher, attempts to integrate herself into the black community of Dilepe, a rural village in Botswana where the San are seen as slaves.

When the two community leaders, Maru and Moleka go head to head in a clash for her affections it would seem that in some small measure Margaret has been accepted by the community. Directed by Sibikwa’s acclaimed artistic director Phyllis Klotz "This production attempts to create the duality in the novel itself; the historically specific problem of racism and the method of its eradication and the fairy tale, magical, allegorical dimensions", says Klotz, a Naledi lifetime achievement award winner. Hayleen Nahman a teacher at Sandrigham High says “ it benefited the learners to see the characters so vividly brought to life’ Mrs Letswele of Buhlebemfundo remarked “The learners were very happy when they left the theatre as the production touched on all the important themes in the novel and gave them a better understanding.”

The leading roles are played by Sello Motlloung as Maru. His rival Moleka is played by Thato Moraka and Renko by Mandala Gaduka.

Maru runs at the Market theatre from the 21st July to the 24th August. Performances are at 12pm and 3pm Monday to Friday and at 3pm on Saturday. Price of tickets R40 per learner. 20 and above learners 1 Ticket for the educator and 3 free tickets for educators per group of over 50.

Schools in these districts – Ekurhuleni West, East and South, Gauteng North, South and West, Tshwane and Johannesburg East. Contact Linda at the Sibikwa Arts Centre for inquiries or bookings. Tel 011 422 2132; fax 011 421 2346 or e-mail [email protected]; Website: www.sibikwa.co.za

Schools in these districts – Johannesburg Central, North West and South and Sedibeng. Contact Tiny Macevele and Antony Ezoeke at the Market Theatre 011 832 1641 fax 086 606 2465. E-mail [email protected] or [email protected]