Marcus Mabusela Presents Down 2nd Avenue A Powerful One-Man Stage Adaptation Of Eskia Mphahlele’s Classic Memoir
Marcus Mabusela proudly presents Down 2nd Avenue, a compelling one-man theatrical adaptation of the celebrated memoir by literary giant, educator and anti-apartheid intellectual Eskia Mphahlele. The production will be presented at the National Arts Festival in Makhanda from 28 June to 30 June 2026.
Adapted and directed by acclaimed theatre-maker Mosehlana Mamaregane and performed by Marcus Mabusela, Down 2nd Avenue reimagines Mphahlele’s autobiographical masterpiece through an intimate, emotionally charged theatrical experience that explores identity, memory, dignity and resistance.
Drawing from one of South Africa’s most important literary works, the production follows Mphahlele’s journey from his childhood in the rural village of Maupaneng to the bustling streets of Marabastad and Second Avenue in Pretoria. Through a vivid blend of storytelling, humour, poetry, music and physical theatre, audiences are invited into the world that shaped one of South Africa’s most influential literary voices.
At the centre of the production is “The Prophet“, a singular performer who embodies not only Mphahlele himself but also the collective memory of a people navigating dispossession, segregation and survival. Through this powerful theatrical device, the production becomes both a personal memoir and a national reflection.
Set across multiple timelines, the adaptation allows Mphahlele‘s experiences to resonate with contemporary South Africa, creating a dialogue between past and present. The work interrogates questions of belonging, education, freedom, memory and identity while celebrating the resilience and humanity that define the South African experience.
The production features an original musical score by Maxwell Baloyi, drawing inspiration from Dinaka traditions and indigenous soundscapes, while movement direction by Baleni “Ginger” Ernest brings a dynamic physical language to the stage. Through choreography, physical theatre and embodied storytelling, Ernest helps transform Mphahlele’s words into a visceral theatrical experience, deepening the emotional resonance of the narrative and creating a rich performance vocabulary that bridges memory, movement and meaning.
More than sixty years after the publication of Down Second Avenue, Mphahlele’s words remain profoundly relevant. His reflections on dignity, displacement, education, family, injustice and hope continue to echo across generations. This adaptation honours his legacy while introducing his work to new audiences through a contemporary theatrical lens.
Speaking on the production, director Mosehlana Mamaregane said:
“Eskia Mphahlele’s work remains one of the most important literary records of Black South African life. Through this adaptation, we hope to honour his legacy while creating a conversation between his experiences and the realities of contemporary South Africa. This is a story about memory, identity and what it means to be truly seen.”
Producer and performer Marcus Mabusela added:
“Down 2nd Avenue is more than a historical narrative; it is a living testimony to the resilience of our people. We are excited to bring this remarkable story to the National Arts Festival and to celebrate the enduring contribution of Eskia Mphahlele to South African literature, culture and thought.”
Through literature, music, movement and performance, Down 2nd Avenue offers audiences a moving portrait of one man’s journey while reflecting the collective story of a nation in search of dignity, freedom and belonging.
Performance Details:
- Venue: National Arts Festival, Makhanda
- Dates: 28 June – 30 June 2026
- Running Time: Approximately 55 Minutes
- Genre: Drama / Physical Theatre / Literary Adaptation
The National Arts Festival takes place from 26 June – 6 July in Makhanda in the Eastern Cape. The full programme can be viewed here. Tickets can be purchased online here.
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