The Market Theatre Presents This Is Who I Am

Groundbreaking Arts Project Brings Voices of Hillbrow to the Stage

The British High Commission, in collaboration with Windybrow Arts Centre (The Market Theatre Foundation) and London Artists Projects, proudly presents This Is Who I Am — a powerful multidisciplinary arts initiative that brings the voices of Hillbrow residents to the stage and screen.

Launching as part of the G20 Culture Ministerial in South Africa, This Is Who I Am is a revolutionary theatrical experience that explores identity, resilience, and community through the lens of ten Hillbrow residents. Each participant performs a deeply personal 500-word monologue in response to the project’s title, revealing stories of abuse, alienation, disability, violence, and xenophobia — all woven into a mosaic of hope and resistance.

Co-directed by Jeremy Goldstein (UK) and Jaden Mmokwa Oratile Mosadi (SA), the project features live and online performances set to an original score by Dyskinetic (UK), photo portraits (including tactile prints for visually impaired participants), and digital content. The initiative is supported by Canon South Africa, whose photographers Roger Machin and Quintin Mills contributed to the visual storytelling.

Dr Sarah Meisch Lionetto, MBE, Public Diplomacy Lead at the British High Commission, says:

“This project is a unique artistic channel for intercultural dialogue. It explores what it means to be human and creates an innovative opportunity for underrepresented voices to speak from the truth of their lived experiences.”

British High Commissioner Antony Phillipson CMG adds:

“This Is Who I Am reflects our commitment to inclusion and access in the arts, challenging stereotypes and fostering respect and understanding between the UK and South Africa.”

The Market Theatre Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Tshiamo Mokgadi, emphasises the importance of this partnership in advancing arts education, telling authentic African stories and maintaining the organisation’s international appeal as a strategic partner.

“As The Market Theatre nears its 50th anniversary, marking a legacy of a bold vision and artistic excellence, This Is Who I Am reminds us of the importance of the stories each one of us carries. We’re honoured to be a crucible for these deeply personal, thought-provoking accounts that prompt us to look beyond difference and recognise our shared humanity. This is who we are.”

This Is Who I Am is created by award-winning British theatre maker and HIV+ activist Jeremy Goldstein, as part of a long-term theatre project inspired by the political and philosophical beliefs of Nobel Prize-winning playwright Harold Pinter and his Hackney Gang, who included Goldstein’s late father Mick Goldstein and poet Henry Woolf who original poetry bejewels the work.

This Is Who I Am is a co-production between London Artists Projects and Windybrow Arts Centre, commissioned by the British High Commission South Africa, in partnership with Canon South Africa.

Show Information:
This Is Who I Am

Venue:
Barney Simon at The Market Theatre

Dates & Times:
23 – 27 October 2025
Thursday & Friday at 19h00
Saturday at 15h00 & 19h00
Sunday at 15h00

Tickets:
Priced from R110 – R220
Reduced prices for block bookings (of 10 or more) and school groups

Bookings:
Can be made through Webtickets

Age Restriction:
Performances contain stories of lived experience including trauma, political stances, and adult themes.
Recommended for audiences aged 14+. Parental guidance recommended.