The British High Commission, in collaboration with Windybrow Arts Centre (The Market Theatre Foundation) and London Artists Projects, proudly presents This Is Who I Am—a powerful multidisciplinary arts initiative that brings the voices of Hillbrow residents to the stage and screen.
Launching as part of the G20 Culture Ministerial in South Africa, This Is Who I Am is a revolutionary theatrical experience that explores identity, resilience, and community through the lens of ten Hillbrow residents. Each participant performs a deeply personal 500-word monologue in response to the project’s title, revealing stories of abuse, alienation, disability, violence, and xenophobia—all woven into a mosaic of hope and resistance.
Co-directed by Jeremy Goldstein (UK) and Jaden Mmokwa Oratile Mosadi (SA), the project features live and online performances set to an original score by Dyskinetic (UK), photo portraits (including tactile prints for visually impaired participants), and digital content. The initiative is supported by Canon South Africa, whose photographers Roger Machin and Quintin Mills contributed to the visual storytelling.
Performances will take place at The Market Theatre from 23 – 27 October 2025, with a Press Night on 24 October 2025 and a special G20 Ministerial Launch on 27 October 2025.
“This project is a unique artistic channel for intercultural dialogue,” says Dr Sarah Meisch Lionetto, MBE, Public Diplomacy Lead at the British High Commission. “It explores what it means to be human and creates an innovative opportunity for underrepresented voices to speak from the truth of their lived experiences.”
British High Commissioner Antony Phillipson CMG adds, “This Is Who I Am reflects our commitment to inclusion and access in the arts, challenging stereotypes and fostering respect and understanding between the UK and South Africa.”
The Market Theatre Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Tshiamo Mokgadi, emphasises the importance of this partnership in advancing arts education, telling authentic African stories and maintaining the organisation’s international appeal as a strategic partner. “As The Market Theatre nears its 50th anniversary, marking a legacy of a bold vision and artistic excellence, This Is Who I Am reminds us of the importance of the stories each one of us carries. We’re honoured to be a crucible for these deeply personal, thought-provoking accounts that prompt us to look beyond difference and recognise our shared humanity. This is who we are.”
This Is Who I Am is created by award-winning British theatre maker and HIV+ activist Jeremy Goldstein, as part of a long-term theatre project inspired by the political and philosophical beliefs of Nobel Prize-winning playwright Harold Pinter and his Hackney Gang, who included Goldstein’s late father Mick Goldstein and poet Henry Woolf who original poetry bejewels the work.
This Is Who I Am is a co-production between London Artists Projects and Windybrow Arts Centre, commissioned by the British High Commission South Africa, in partnership with Canon South Africa.
Live Performance Dates:
23 October 205 – Preview (7pm)
24 October 2025 – Press Night (7pm)
25 October 2025 – Performance (7pm)
26 October 2025 – Performance (3pm)
27 October 2025 – G20 Ministerial Launch (3pm)
Content Warning:
Performances contain stories of lived experience including trauma, political stances, and adult themes. Recommended for audiences aged 14+. Parental guidance recommended.
