E77- Bearing witness: Theatre In South Africa

a Conversation with MALCOLM PURKEY

How did playwrights navigate censorship, embrace improvisation, and use their craft as a powerful tool for resistance and change. From the vibrant musical evenings of childhood, to the transformative plays of Athol Fugard and directing the Market Theatre in Johannesburg, Malcolm Purkey is in conversation with Elizabeth Howard about the resilience and creativity that emerged from a society in crisis. Malcolm shares his personal journey through the world of theatre during a time of political upheaval in South Africa. And, raises the questions: "Where is South Africa going? How do we decolonize in a way that's for real? What does that mean? Does it mean that the eleven official languages are even given equal weight across the board? Those are hard questions. And I'm not sure if I can even yet understand."

Elizabeth Howard is recording in South Africa, researching and listening to learn more about how the legacy of apartheid continues to shape the artistic landscape today.

The Short Fuse Podcast  hosted and produced by Elizabeth Howard, are conversations with artists, writers, musicians, and others who have a lens on contemporary thought and stir us to seek change. Through their art, music, performances, and singular vision they lead us through the social and environmental transformations sweeping across the globe.

“Artists are here to disturb the peace.” James Baldwin.

The Short Fuse is distributed through the Arts Fuse, a journal of arts criticism and commentary.

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