Mark Dornford-May
DORNFORD-MAY, Mark (1955- ) is a British-born South African theatre and film director. [1]
Contents
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.
Contribution to SA theatre, film, media and/or performance
As producer
Dornford-May has been attached to three production companies in South Africa:
- Dimpho di Kopane (co-founded with musical director Charles Hazlewood, 1999)
- 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 it is clear from other sources 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: The Beggar's Opera (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)
2013: Unogumbe – Noye’s Fludde (film, Isango Ensemble)
2015: Breathe Umphefumlo (film, Isango Ensemble)
Other productions for Isango Ensemble (dates unknown) include: The Snow Queen, Der Silbersee, A Christmas Carol – iKrismas Kherol, Aesop’s Fables, La Boheme – Abanxaxhi, The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists – Izigwili Ezidlakazelayo, 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.
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