Artistic duo Pamela Nomvete and Koleka Putuma, are bringing an iconic story to life on stage. Their play Venus Vs Modernity will soon bring the tragic story of Sara Baartman into active memory again at The Market Theatre.
The story marks award-winning poet Lebo Mashile’s first foray into writing and producing a full-length theatrical work. The play marks the world class acting debut of classically trained opera singer, Ann Masina, who co-stars in the play alongside Mashile in the title role of Venus.
Venus Vs Modernity tells the story of South African icon Saartjie Baartman whose horrific experiences of exploitation on account of her ample posterior have become a reference point for black women’s body image and representation worldwide.
Venus Vs Modernity is an emotional, hilarious, poetic, musical and layered journey into the life of one of South African history’s most important women.
The production runs from 12-28 September at the Market Theatre and then travels to Holland for the acclaimed Afrovibes Festival, an African-Dutch theatre festival which has taken place annually for more than two decades.
Venus Vs Modernity will tour Holland with 6 performances in 5 different theatres from 3-13 October. It is poignant and befitting that the conversation around colonialism and its many legacies travels back to its roots in the form of a work exploring the life of Saartjie Baartman.
This piece comes at a time when the country is lit up with conversations and protests on the issues of gender-based violence and femicide. This current run of Venus Vs Modernity taking place at the Market Theatre as well as the tour of Holland with Afrovibes festival are both courtesy of the Windybrow Arts Centre. Venus Vs Modernity could not have come at a better time. This piece shows that history is as active as the present. It is a must watch for all South Africans.
Tuesday - Saturday: doors open at 20:00. Show starts at 20:15. Tickets R90- R150 at the door, Webtickets and Pick n Pay.
