Ntate Selaelo Daniel Maredi
Legendary theater icon Ntate Selaelo Daniel Maredi, is set to be laid to rest on Saturday, 26 August 2023 in Bochum, located outside Polokwane.
He was Born on March 10, 1938 and passed on August 17, 2023, at 6pm after a long illness at the age of 85.
Maredi, a notable anti-apartheid activist, accomplished playwright, seasoned actor, producer, and accomplished theatre director, made significant contributions to the arts in South Africa.
Displaying unwavering patriotism, he held a renowned position within the global arts landscape for many years, receiving numerous awards in acknowledgment of his artistic endeavors.
During the early 1970s, he played a pivotal role in Workshop ’71, an artistic initiative that provided him with an international platform to showcase his talents.
NTATE MAREDI THEATRE CONTRIBUTION
His play “Survival” toured worldwide, even gracing the UN Assembly stage in an effort to sway the world towards recognizing apartheid as a crime against humanity.
Maredi’s acting roles included appearances in productions like “Crossroads” and “Marabi” with the Junction Avenue Theatre company, as well as “The Good Women of Sharkville” under the guidance of Janet Smith, among others.
While living in exile in the United States, he assumed the role of artistic director at San Francisco’s Julian Theatre, sharing the spotlight with globally acclaimed stars.
Throughout his time in the US, he actively participated in anti-apartheid movements, advocating for the unconditional release of political prisoners, the unbanning of liberation organizations, and the end of apartheid.
He returned in South Africa in 1994, and he was appointed as the resident director at the Market Theatre, collaborating with the iconic John Kani.
In 2003, he assumed a position as a board member of the Limpopo Performing Arts Network of Southern Africa.
His thought-provoking plays, including “Hell, We Can,” staged across the country, including the South African State Theatre in Pretoria, showcased his creative prowess.
Works such as “The Core,” “Blankage,” “Beautiful Things,” “For Better Not for Worse,” and “Bound by Love” were met with enthusiasm from arts enthusiasts.