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Daily Maverick and the Market Theatre partner

When Swallows Cry
When Swallows Cry Cast

A dynamic partnership between the 40-year old Market Theatre and the fearless, nonconformist online news platform, Daily Maverick, will launch a series of events centred around the world premiere of Mike van Graan’s play When Swallows Cry.

“This is a perfect match between the work of a bold and outspoken playwright and the independently owned media group with no affiliation to any political party or religious organisation,” said Ismail Mahomed, the CEO of the Market Theatre.

Daily Maverick provides a blend of news, information, analysis and opinion reaching more than 1 million monthly browsers. Its core team of experienced journalists is bolstered by thought-provoking and topical articles written by well-respected external contributors and public figures.

When Swallows Cry tackles the often-controversial issue of ‘foreigners’ and the global migration crisis. Van Graan created the script as part of a unique international collaborative project run by Norway’s Ibsen International Theatre Company. Van Graan was one of eight playwrights chosen from around the world to meet over a period of nine months in three Chinese cities – Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou – to develop scripts about migration using Chinese actors and dramaturgs from Norway, Italy and Slovenia.

Directed by Lesedi Job and mentored by Megan Willson, the production developed under the Department of Arts & Culture-funded Incubator programme will feature two talented Wits University students in the cast and a successful alumnus from the Market Theatre Laboratory. The Daily Maverick partnership will enable audiences to participate in a series of post-performance discussions and seminars about the play, the playwright and the themes of migration.

“The Market Theatre prides itself on looking for meaningful partnerships that will enhance the audience experience and add value to events at the Market Theatre,” Mahomed added. “This is a significant and very welcome first collaboration between the Market Theatre and a prestigious online publication that delivers cutting edge news and has been a key supporter of the arts.”

When Swallows Cry runs at the Market Theatre from 13 January to 5 February.

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