On the cusp of the nation's 30 th year of democracy, The Market Theatre is opening a new
play that delves into the labyrinth of personal interests, corruption, and abuse of power that
has shaped the perilous world of current South African politics.
The Brothers, Number One and a Weekend Special is the story of the rise of State Capture,
starting with the announcement of a new Minister of Finance in late-2015. The play, that
tracks a two-year history, is written by astute political analyst, Richard Calland, who has
been close to the frontline of South African politics since 1994 and a political columnist at the
Mail & Guardian since 2001.
As the drama unfolds, an audience will witness the high-stakes manoeuvres, clandestine
dealings, and the manipulation of public sentiment that fuelled further racial division across
the nation. Calland weaves a compelling narrative that connects the dots between
government, media, and corrupt businessman, laying bare the underbelly of a political
landscape marked by noise, complexity, and a dangerous volatility. The bold new play will
immerse audiences into a narrative rich with thought-provoking revelations, unravelling the
complexities of power.
Theatre luminaries, David Dennis, Michael Richard, and Zane Meas lead the cast alongside
Astrid Braaf, Ziaphora Dakile and Melissa Haiden. They are guided by The Market Theatre’s
award-winning Artistic Director, Greg Homann, who is celebrated for his cutting-edge
direction of new South African work. Under Homann’s adept direction, the exceptional cast
brings South Africa’s political landscape to life on stage. The production is designed by Lisa
Younger with filmmaker Xolelwa ‘Ollie’ Nhlabatsi bringing a dynamic multi-media element to
the production.
Homann says, “The action in the play unfolds like a political thriller, so as much as the play is
a bold exploration of contemporary history, it is also a theatrical experience.” He adds, “The
Brothers, Number One and a Weekend Special allows an audience to gain deeper insights
into the forces that have recently shaped South Africa as we approach our seventh
democratic elections.”
This is Richard Calland’s debut as a playwright. Now an Emeritus Associate Professor in
Constitutional Law at the University of Cape Town and Adjunct Visiting Professor at WITS,
he has dedicated the past three decades to democratic governance and sustainable
development, advising governments worldwide on transparency and governance reforms. As
a sought-after political analyst, commentator and writer, he has authored books such as
“Anatomy of South Africa” (2006) and “The Zuma Years” (2013), articulating South Africa's
political trajectory. He says, “Much of my career has been devoted to the principles of
transparency and accountability, and constitutional democracy more generally, so the play is
my contribution to keeping the story alive and in helping South Africa and other countries
learn the lessons of when democracy is threatened.”
Speaking specifically about the play, Calland adds, "State Capture did great harm. But
scandal fatigue in modern-day South Africa means that there is a great danger that society
will just move on without digesting the underlying causes of what went wrong and why. This
is where art can step in and help – by keeping the narrative alive and by dramatizing the
complex web of political and legal strands of the story.” He states, “The play is a fable of our
times, but also, poignantly, about the challenges that have confronted the African National
Congress (ANC) as it has battled to contain malign forces from within and to keep alive its
reputation as a proud liberation movement.”
Calland concludes, “Rebuilding hollowed out state institutions and restoring integrity in public
life is proving to be the task of Sisyphus. The Zondo Commission recommends hundreds of
remedial actions, but the basic storyline may be lost in the detail.”
The exciting production will run at the Mannie Manim Theatre at The Market Theatre with
discounted previews from 20 April 2024, followed by an official opening on the eve of the
countries 30 th year of democracy. It will then run until 12 May 2024.
Book your tickets now via Webtickets to embark on a journey into the heart of South Africa’s
political turbulence.
For more information, visit The Market Theatre’s website (www.markettheatre.co.za).
For media inquiries, contact Lusanda Zokufa (Brand, and Communication Manager at the
Market Theatre Foundation) at lusandaz@marketheatre.co.za or (011) 832 1641 or 072 367
7867.
For reduced-price block bookings (of 10 or more) and school groups, contact Anthony
Ezeoke, (Audience Development), at AnthonyE@markettheatre.co.za or 083 246 4950 and
Mamello Khomongoe mamellok@markettheatre.co.za or 081 572 9612
