Mark Dornford-May

DORNFORD-MAY, Mark (1955- ) is a British-born South African theatre and film director. [1]

Biography

Born in Yorkshire and brought up in Chester.

He is married to the opera singer, actress and writer Paulina Malefane. Their daughter is actress Chumisa Dornford-May.

In 2024, he founded Ensemble ‘84, a theatre company for County Durham as a sister company to Isango Ensemble.

Contribution to SA theatre, film, media and/or performance

As producer

Dornford-May has been attached to three companies in South Africa:

• South African Academy of the Performing Arts/renamed Dimpho di Kopane (co-founded with musical director Charles Hazlewood, 2000)

• Isango Portobello (co-founded with Paulina Malefane and producer Eric Abraham, 2006-2010)

• Isango Ensemble (co-founded with Paulina Malefane (2011-)

Some sources online, including Isango Ensemble's website, attribute most, if not all, of Dornford-May's work in South Africa to Isango Ensemble, but other sources suggest that Isango Ensemble was established once The Fugard Theatre ended Isango Portobello's occupancy at the venue in 2010 following poor box office takings and claims of 'financial irregularities'.

As director

2000: The Mysteries – Yiimimangaliso (Spier Festival in collaboration with Broomhill Opera Company).

2001: U-Carmen ((Dimpho di Kopane))

2002: The Beggar's Opera (Dimpho di Kopane)

2004: New York Season: The Beggar's Opera, The Mysteries – Yiimimangaliso, Ikumkanikazi yeKhephu, U-Carmen (all Dimpho di Kopane))

2005: U-Carmen eKhayelitsha (film)

2007: The Magic Flute - Impempe Yomlingo (Isango Portobello)

2008: The Magic Flute - Impempe Yomlingo (Isango Portobello)

2010: The Magic Flute - Impempe Yomlingo (Isango Portobello)

2010: Aesop’s Fables (Isango Portobello)

2010: The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists – Izigwili Ezidlakazelayo (Isango Portobello)

2013: Unogumbe – Noye’s Fludde (film, Isango Ensemble)

2015: Breathe Umphefumlo (film, Isango Ensemble)

Other productions for Isango Ensemble (dates unknown) include: Der Silbersee, A Christmas Carol – iKrismas Kherol, , La Boheme – Abanxaxhi, , Venus and Adonis, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, A Man of Good Hope, SS Mendi – Dancing the Death Drill and St. Matthew Passion.

He also produced and directed the film: Son of Man (Isango Ensemble).

Sources

https://amp-worldwide.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Treemonisha_Info-Deck.pdf

David Smith. 'All-black South African acting company evicted from theatre'. The Guardian. 23 November 2010.

https://brandsouthafrica.com/109109/international-news/ucarmen-ekhayelitsha/

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