The Market Theatre Foundation was founded in the depths of the apartheid era – a system only a few can deny its horrors, which tore deep, divided families, maimed and killed so many while South Africa was in pursuit of its Freedom. With their stages, the Market Theatre Foundation became a platform for artists and communities to consume, share and liberate the country.

Their stages today remain iconic to the era of their founding, the era of their purpose – to liberate a country and a people. They have defined the present times to honour that heritage and link it to the future – through Cultural Revolution. Where artistic brilliance speaks to communities, people in historical, present and future circumstances can help find themselves.

This Cultural Revolution honours the greatness and embodies the spirit of Mandela. His forthrightness, regal sense of purpose and brilliant accomplishments inspire everyone to do more, often with less.

Mandela understood that exclusion from education was a major limiting factor to development. He said education was "the most powerful weapon with which you can change the world".

The Market Theatre Foundation remains committed to his legacy and continues to provide a platform for developing performing artists and photographers through the Market Laboratory and the Market Photo Workshop.

At this moment in history and in the pursuit of total liberation – the Market Theatre Foundation recommits itself to the ideals of our founding statesman.

The Market Theatre Foundation is a platform to celebrate, reflect and mourn the passing including the meaning of Mandela to South Africa and the world. Flags will fly at half mast, but hearts will be filled with both sadness and pride – that he is South African, we are one with him.

All staff, arts practitioners, and friends of the Market Theatre Foundation, will have a space in the theatre to engage and console each other until the funeral.

Hamba Kahle President Nelson Mandela