The Market Theatre Presents Call Us Crazy

‘Call Us Crazy’ A Social Commentary On Sa’s Democracy

In commemoration of South Africa’s 30 years of democracy, the Market Theatre ends the year with Call Us Crazy, a fast-paced multi-conventional play that offers a social commentary on post-apartheid South Africa with rib-cracking comedy. The play is written and directed by Josias Dos Moleele and comprises an exceptionally talented all-women cast of Khutjo Green, Momo Matsunyane and Noko Maboya.

A returning classic and award-winning masterpiece first introduced to theatre-goers in 1994, Call Us Crazy, like South Africa’s democracy, has also been around for three decades, cutting a figure as the nation’s happiness supplier. The play gives audiences a side-splitting glimpse into life in the rural areas, the vibrant energy of townships and urban settings, and amusing soundbites from honourable members of parliament that live rent-free in our heads.

The show concludes the Market Theatre’s 30-years-of-freedom commemorative programming in a light-hearted but equally meaningful manner.

Greg Homann, the Market Theatre Foundation’s Artistic Director, says:

“This production playfully reflects on the period 1994 – 2024 in its own distinct style and with its easy-going feel. Earlier in the year, the Market Theatre staged new works that were serious and grounded in critiquing where we are as a country, celebrating some of the successes we achieved and reflecting on the setbacks. This is now an opportunity for us to look at this milestone in a more playful, tongue-in-cheek way.”

Writer and director, Josias Dos Moleele, adds,

“Call Us Crazy’s primary objective has always been to make people laugh. To bring laughter to people in times of stress. With everything else going on in the world, and increasing anxieties about the future of our country, this play is an amusement park that tickles the crazy in all of us.”

Though originally written in and for the 1994 period, the story has been adapted to serve as hindsight on how the past 30 years have been. It now starts in 2024 as a point of reflection, before going back in time 30 years ago and finally landing back to modern-day South Africa, hilariously provoking audiences to interrogate the promise of a better life for all.

Back in 1994, a new democratic government is about to be formed. Ambitious political players campaign to be in the new president’s starting line-up. And staff riders also pace themselves to catch the fast-moving gravy train. On that backdrop is a disillusioned road construction worker known as Auntie (portrayed by Khutjo Green) who has a grand ambition to pave every road in the world, and will stop at nothing to live the dream. In the play, road construction is also used metaphorically as a crash course in nation-building and national unity, just as roads connect people from different communities.

This play is a certified banger that will make you appreciate everything about our country that makes the world call us crazy.

Show Information:
Call Us Crazy

Venue:
Mannie Manim Theatre at The Market Theatre

Dates & Times:
27 November to 15 December 2024
Wednesday – Friday at 19h00
Saturday at 15h00 & 19h00
Sunday at 15h00

Tickets:
Tickets from R150

Bookings:
Can be made through Webtickets

Special prices for groups of 4 or more, and half-price on Wednesdays

Age Restriction:
PG