Commenting on the appointment, Gumbi said, "We are delighted that Mr Ncgobo has accepted our offer. He brings a wealth of experience and skills to the Market Theatre, having worked in theatre for 24 years. James is a logical successor to the current AD, Prof Malcolm Purkey, having directed numerous productions locally and abroad."
Gumbi further added, "Council believes that the senior management team comprising of Annabell Lebethe (CEO), Christine McDonald (CFO) and James Ngcobo (AD) have the skills and leadership capacity to advance the foundation to even greater heights."
In 2012, Ngcobo directed a piece about the centenary of the ANC and toured Songs of Migration with Hugh Masekela to Hackney Empire (London) and the Kennedy Centre (Washington DC). His adaption of Eskia Mpahlele's The Suitcase officially opened the Soweto Theatre in May 2012. He also directed Boesman & Lena, which won two Fleur du Cap awards in 2013.
"I am looking forward to this challenging task to be in a dynamic cultural institution that mirrors the society it seeks to serve," Ngcobo said. "I will be coming with all the humility and a clear understanding that this is an organisation that is revered for making edgy work that caters for diverse audiences. In such changing times and an evolving country, we need to choose narratives that speak to that landscape."
The council has extended its thanks to the outgoing artistic director, Professor Malcolm Purkey, for his instrumentality in reshaping the artistic programme since October 2004, and his dedication in carrying out such tasks for the benefit of the Market Theatre Foundation.
