James Ngcobo

James Ngcobo became the first black Artistic Director to take over the most prestigious creative side of the Market Theatre Foundation in 2013.  In his tenure at the theatre, James, in partnership with the US Embassy, was instrumental in introducing Black History Month Celebrations to South African audiences. This initiative celebrates Black History Month, an annual observance in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom to remember important people and events in the history of the African diaspora. The Market Theatre has been South Africa’s leading performing arts institution, providing high-quality and inspiring productions directed by Ngcobo as part of its annual Black History Month observances.

He uses the power of storytelling to bring Indigenous productions to the theatre's audiences, which also translates to new audiences. Under his directorship, the theatre ventured into unfamiliar territory in 2014 when it became the first theatre to create its own award named after the stellar performer Sophie Mgcina. The Sophie Mgcina Award acknowledges the crucial role young and emerging professionals will play in the creative industry.

James left the Market Theatre after 9 years and is currently the Artistic Director at the Jo'burg Theatre.

James is also an award-winning actor who has metamorphosed into a multi-award-winning director who has created a new vision for staging works at the theatre. His passion for working with emerging actors and young designers and for mentoring young industry enthusiasts has yielded impressive results.

In 2016, he wrote and directed Songs of Migration, with Hugh Masekela and Sibongile Khumalo as lead musicians. The production played to full houses at the Market and was followed by a successful international tour to Washington DC Kennedy Centre, Hackey Empire, and Amsterdam. He also adapted E’skia Mphahlele's short story The Suitcase, which toured six cities in London for six weeks.

In 2017, James Ngcobo and Danny Boyle went head to head when they both directed for children’s charity a star-studded The Children’s Monologues, which premiered in New York and Johannesburg, respectively.

James' versatility has seen him undertake commercial work, including directing the MTN Flash mob at Park Station and the 100 Faces of Madiba produced on behalf of Tourism Indaba in Durban.

He also wrote and directed Tshihumbudzo, the ANC Centenary celebration, and wrote and directed Ubizane for the DAC AU Summit.

James continues to create work that is engaging, challenging, and entertaining, which keeps him young at heart.