Mark Fleishman

Professor Mark Fleishman, based at the University of Cape Town, is a leading figure in contemporary theatre and performance studies. He serves as Convener of the MA Theatre & Performance program and co-artistic director of Magnet Theatre, a company he founded in 1987. His work spans artistic practice, academic research, and pedagogy.

• Education: BA, Performer's Diploma in Speech and Drama, MA, PhD (University of Cape Town)

His research focuses on reimagining tragedy from African and Global South perspectives through the ReTAGS project, funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Key areas include postcolonial theatre, translation, digital archiving, and the performative dimensions of history and migration.

The 15 most recent publications highlight his interdisciplinary approach, combining artistic practice with academic inquiry. Themes include refugee participation in theatre, classical adaptation, post-apartheid politics, and methodological frameworks for artistic research.

As an active theatre practitioner, he has directed over 45 productions globally and runs training initiatives for marginalized youth. His supervision of 45 postgraduate students (36 MA/MFA, 11 PhD) underscores his commitment to mentorship.