Why You Need to See Yangthola!, a Social Commentary on Homelessness in Johannesburg

Back for a second run at The Market Theatre, Yangthola! tells the story of a Joburg street dweller and recycler who navigates the harsh realities of South Africa’s unforgiving capitalist system. This independent theatre work in Johannesburg gives voice to a fallen and dispossessed sect in society, to those who exist at the edge of safety, and at the point of being undone.

What is Yangthola! about?

Written and directed by Mongezi Ntukwana who runs an emerging theatre production company in Johannesburg, Yangthola! unfolds through a solo performance wrought with humanity and social consciousness in equal measure.

Actor Alex Sono follows the life of a street dweller making sense of life in an unforgiving, gritty urban landscape and capitalist system. The show ingeniously crafts a captivating world where discarded items come to life in the hands of the protagonist, breathing new meaning into the overlooked fragments of society. Alex transforms discarded treasures into works of art while cleverly merging puppetry with storytelling.

“What I want people to take away from this production is that we are all human regardless of our social status and economic situation,” says Mongezi. “So this is changing the view and perception of homeless people. You might think that when you see a homeless person you assume that they will ask you for money but sometimes they just want your recognition.”

The often-overlooked entrepreneurial potential of displaced people, which many non-profit organisations try to fine-tune, is also a driving force behind this production. Mongezi continues: “I’m trying to subvert the idea of the homeless. The reason why I place homeless people as entrepreneurs (in the play) is because homeless people are generally entrepreneurs. They’re trying to wash your car, direct traffic, or recycle, as a means of income. So in a parallel universe, these people would have formalised businesses and make millions.”

More behind the making of the play

Mongezi first explored the story as a student, while he was busy completing his degree in Theatre and Performance at Wits University.

“I needed a topic for my writing exam I was studying and I used to encounter a lot of homeless people on my way home,” explains the writer and director. “It was a very daunting task and decided to befriend a lot of homeless people just for my own safety. Once I started hearing their stories, I decided to write a play about it for my exam, and we changed that exam into a full-fledged production.”

One of the challenges this emerging company faced was finding support in the arts community to realise and provide a platform to produce the show. Thankfully the Market Theatre Laboratory allowed Mongezi and his team to stage the show for two runs.

Cost: R100pp, book via Webtickets

When: Running from 31 May to 2 June 2024. Shows at 7pm and 3pm
Where: Ramolao Makhene stage at The Market Theatre, 56 Margaret Mcingana St, Newtown, Johannesburg

Website: markettheatre.co.za
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 011 832 164
Facebook: @TheMarketTheatre
Instagram: @markettheatre