NEWS
NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES TO SERVE ON THE COUNCIL OF THE MARKET THEATRE FOUNDATION
In terms of the Cultural Institutions Act, 1998 (Act 119 of 1998), the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr G Mckenzie invites members of the performing arts (Playhouse/Theatres) fraternity and the public to nominate persons to serve as members of Council of the following Performing Arts Institution (Cultural Institution)
Nominated candidates should possess a broad understanding and experience in the field of performing arts; managerial; financial expertise; legal; marketing and liaison; fundraising; education and cultural/social research; corporate governance, as well as a willingness to render community service. The remuneration of the appointed nominees is in line with the remuneration scheme of the National Treasury guidelines as prescribed in the Cultural Institutions Act as amended.
what's on
current Event
The Market Theatre’s Kippies Fringe Programme Returns With Bold, Urgent Storytelling
26 Jun - 6 Dec 2025
Productions will start running from June through to December 2025, offering artistic vision that platforms storytelling and artistic expression that refuses to play it safe. Audiences will be treated to musical and theatrical performances, alongside the programming of cultural provocations with the power to shift the stage and spark change
current Event
It’s time to cheat on your barber as Barber Shop opens in Johannesburg
6-30 Nov 2025
All men will be free this November to cheat on their barber and never regret it, as The Market Theatre ends the year with staging the renowned “Barber Shop Chronicles” for the first time on African soil. Brilliantly written by Nigerian-born British playwright, Inua Ellams, the international-hit play is directed by Sibusiso Mamba.
The play chronicles six barbershops across the cities of Johannesburg, Harare, Kampala, Lagos, Accra as well as London. It’s an insightful exploration of masculinity, vulnerability and connection. Ellams explains, “The narrative unfolds over a single day, connecting the lives and stories of African men. These barbershops serve as sanctuaries where men gather not just for haircuts but for camaraderie, debate and solace, exploring themes of identity, fatherhood, history, relationships, culture, race and masculinity.
current Event
Afropocalypse
19 Nov - 07 Dec 2025
This energetic and hugely imaginative production follows the journey of a group of story tellers in an apocalyptic setting as they share their fables of hope and resilience. Afropocalypse’s fourteen strong ensemble uses physical comedy and tragic magic realism to paint a vivid and vibrant picture of the past, present and speculative future. The intrepid storytellers aim to entertain audiences young and old, as they recount how they have survived and evolved through the cataclysm that reshaped their society.
Produced by The Market Theatre Laboratory in 2024 and playing to sold out runs at The Ramolao Makhene Theatre, the play now returns to Johannesburg from a critically acclaimed run at the 2025 National Arts Festival where it won the festival’s highest Fringe accolade - the Standard Bank Gold Ovation Award.
upcoming Event
MEDEA
27-30 Nov 2025
Set in a parched Johannesburg where the water is running out, this bold new production of Medea reimagines Euripides’ classic for our fractured times. Jason, crushed by debt, believes marrying the king's daughter will keep his family afloat. But, Medea, a foreigner in a hostile land, heartbroken, banished, and emotionally dysregulated revenge becomes the only way forward. As the Nurse tries to hold the chaos together, tragedy unfolds with devastating force.
Featuring The Kwasha! Theatre Company, The Windybrow Arts Centre Art Programme participants, soundscape by The Playgroup, set and costume design by Chloe Wittstock, this production is directed by Leila Henriques and runs from 27th – 30th November at the Barney Simon Theatre, Market Theatre.
With a teenage chorus embodying the city’s conscience, Medea is an exploration of emotional dysregulation, betrayal, and the cost of love in a world running dry.
upcoming Event
Naledys Teddy Bear
28 Nov 2025
Naledi is a vibrant 12-year-old girl who finds comfort in her teddy bear, her trusted companion and secret-keeper. When it suddenly goes missing, Naledi begins to uncover painful truths, her father has been selling her to powerful men in exchange for school fees, money, and social respect. The missing teddy bear becomes the symbol of her stolen innocence. Age recommendation: _12+_
Silenced by those around her, dismissed by authorities, and betrayed by her own family, Naledi turns to her diary, where she writes her fears, her pain, and her fight for survival. But when even the diary is stolen, her voice is erased. Refusing to remain silent, Naledi calls upon the memory of her late mother and finds the courage to speak out.
upcoming Event
he Jokeologist: A one Man Comedy Special
5-6 Dec 2025
The Jazzy One, as Jazzbuda is affectionately known, will be on stage at Kippies, Market Theater on 5 and 6 December 2025. This multi-talented, multilingual comic fuses his comedy with music setting him apart from his peers. In this one man show Jazzbuda shares his life journey, comedic journey, as well as his cancer survival story in a funny way. His energy filled performance will not only leave you in stitches buy will contact a laugh-a-minute set making it an enjoyable ride throughout the show.
