Edited by Lionel Abrahams and Jane Fox
Barney Simon (1932–1995) was the legendary artistic director, writer, and co-creator of the Market Theatre in Johannesburg, one of the most influential and distinguished theatres in South Africa and the world. He workshopped, wrote, and directed unforgettable and pertinent plays in his quest to hold a mirror up high to society. These works stand as a testament to South Africa’s recent history.
Here, Leila Henriques and Irene Stephanou present 80 testaments from international artists about Barney’s often mysterious creative process. Barney was especially known for his famous orange exercise. Through a single orange, he communicated lessons of detail, care, and respect. With full-color illustrations throughout, this is an essential book for students and teachers of theatrical expression, and indeed for anyone who strives to understand their own voice. With the passing of a decade of democracy in South Africa, The World in an Orange is a record of the last years of apartheid and the role of the arts community in bringing it down.
Irene Stephanou is a South African writer and performer of Greek descent, whose notable works include Is Every Sperm Sacred? and Meze, Mera and Make Up.
LEILA HENRIQUES is an actress whose dramatic roles have ranged from the heroines of Ibsen to characters on South African television series. She is the co-author of The World in an Orange: Creating Theatre with Barney Simon.