The Good Woman of Sharkville

The Good Woman of Sharkville, based on Bertolt Brecht's parable play about urban poverty The Good Woman of Setzuan (1942), adapted by Janet Suzman and Gcina Mhlope in 1996. The story finds another setting in contemporary South Africa, the fabled city is called Sharkville, a place underwritten by an old tragedy, but now inhabited by the colourful and villainous characters of Brecht's moving musical play.

Performance history in South Africa
Produced at the National Arts Festival, 1996, directed by Janet Suzman, assisted by Sello Maake Ka-Ncube. Set designer Johan Engels, costume designer Sarah Roberts, lighting designer Mannie Manim, composer and musical director Didi Kriel. The cast included Sello Maake Ka-Ncube, Pamela Nomvete, Alistair Dube, Patrick Ndlovu, Selaelo Maredi, Maggie Williams, Nomsa Nene, Martha Mdenge, Lindelani Buthelezi, Ramolao Makhene, James Ngcobo, Sello Motlaung, Eddie Mhlapo, Connie Mafuka, Patricia Mothapele, Makhaola Ndebele, Debbie Siyenga, Doris Sihula.

Staged in the Market Theatre, 16 July - 31 August 1996: Eddie Mhlapho, James Ngcobo, Nomsa Nene, Patrick Ndlovu, Makhaola Ndebele, Debra Siyengo, Sello Motloung, Sello Maake ka Ncube, Lindelani Buthelezi, Martha Mdenge, Ramolao Makhene, Patricia Mothapele, Connie Mfuku, Selaelo Maredi.

There was a 1997 tour to the United Kingdom of the play.

Return to
Return to PLAYS I: Original SA plays

Return to PLAYS II: Foreign plays

Return to PLAYS III: Collections

Return to PLAYS IV: Pageants and public performances

Return to South African Festivals and Competitions

Return to The ESAT Entries Return to Main Page