what's on
CURRENT Event
Isitha Sabantu
06-29 March 2026 [Extended]
Empatheatre, in partnership with Ibsen Scope, The Market Theatre and Home in Crisis, proudly presents the world premiere of “Isitha Sabantu”—an exciting reimagining of Henrik Ibsen’s “An Enemy of the People” for contemporary South Africa.
CURRENT Event
SKIN WE ARE IN
From 10 March 2026
The Windybrow Arts Centre and Turquoise Harmony Institute, in partnership with ASSITEJ SA and the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), present the return of Skin We Are In, following its previous successful tours. This thought-provoking piece is set to start touring schools, festivals and community spaces from 10 March 2026, engaging young audiences in meaningful dialogue.
Originally performed by the Kwasha! Theatre Company, the production now features an all-new cast, bringing renewed energy and perspective to a story that remains deeply relevant.
It is directed by Mosie Mamaregane
upcoming Event
Maleh Dithapelo Concert
28 March 2026
Experience an intimate evening of spiritual awakening as the multi-award-winning Maleh launches her highly anticipated album, Dithapelo, at the John Kani Theatre on 28 March 2026. Known for her ethereal vocals and soulful depth, Maleh invites you on a sonic journey of prayer, gratitude and healing. Don’t miss this transformative live performance in the heart of Johannesburg. Secure your seats now for a night of pure musical transcendence.
upcoming Event
30 Years on from the TRC: A New Play Reflects on the Act of Forgiveness
09-19 April 2026
The Market Theatre in partnership with Qendra Multimedia in Kosovo presents “Under the Shade of a Tree I Sat and Wept”, a piercing and irreverent new play that explores national reconciliation and public forgiveness through South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and Kosovo’s Movement for the Reconciliation of Blood Feuds.
Through archive and newly-collected testimonials, the highly visual, and often playful production reflects on the lessons that the Movement for the Reconciliation of Blood Feuds and the TRC offer Kosovars, South Africans and the world today. The production coincides with the 30th anniversary of the start of the TRC hearings, adding its voice in interrogating the commission’s unfinished business. The play questions national processes of truth-telling, forgiveness and reconciliation, and probes what liberates us in today’s post-truth age.
upcoming Event
Manana – Mending Broken Hearts Tour
18 April 2026
MANANA ANNOUNCES THE MENDING BROKEN HEARTS TOUR — HIS FIRST EVER NATIONWIDE THEATRE TOUR
A Love Letter to South Africa Spanning an Entire Career
Johannesburg, South Africa: Soulful singer-songwriter and producer, Manana has announced his highly anticipated Mending Broken Hearts Tour, a landmark nationwide theatre experience that will see the acclaimed artist take the stage in six cities across South Africa. This marks Manana's first ever theatre tour on a national scale and promises to be one of the most intimate and emotionally resonant live experiences the country has seen in years.
upcoming Event
The Vault
23 April 2026
Multi-award-winning songstress and Standard Bank Young Artist for Music 2023, Zoë Modiga, presents “The Vault: Album Launch Live at The Market Theatre”. This new wonder world era will take place on 23 April 2026, staged on the iconic John Kani Theatre stage.
It is brought to you by creative and cultural hub, Yelloëwax.
“The Vault” is Modiga’s self-written and produced fourth album, characterised by an experimental, alternative-soul sonic landscape. It is a love-themed time machine with 20 years’ worth of unreleased music dating from 2007 to 2025, composed alongside some of the career-defining songs in her discography. It is a love-themed time machine with 20 years’ worth of unreleased music dating from 2007 to 2025, composed alongside some of the career-defining songs in her discography.
upcoming Event
Echoes of the Soul
01 May 2026
Multi-award-winning Afro-soul artist, composer and performer, Berita, gears up for a landmark, one-night-only music concert performance – Echoes of the Soul – at The Market Theatre. Supported by the SAMPRA Development Fund, the concert will take place on 1 May 2026 in the John Kani Theatre.
Born in Zimbabwe, Berita is a multi-award-winning singer-songwriter whose music resonates deeply with audiences across Africa and beyond. First introduced to South Africa in 2012 through her debut single ‘Thandolwethu’, Berita's music is a rich blend of Afro-soul, jazz and pop influences, offering a soundtrack for life's diverse experiences. Her music explores themes of love, resilience and empowerment, resonating with audiences worldwide.
Upcoming Event
Dr Mbongeni Ngema: This is my story
30 May 2026
A much-anticipated documentary on the life and times of acclaimed theatre-maker, musician and writer, Dr Mbongeni Ngema, is set to premiere at The Market Theatre on Saturday, 30 May 2026.
Themed “Celebrating South African Heroes and Heroines”, the screening will honour the legacy of Dr Ngema as a powerful voice that spoke courageously against an oppressive regime. This moment occurs as the country marks 50 years since the June 16, 1976 Student Uprisings as well as the 50th anniversary of The Market Theatre, key historical developments bearing profound significance for post-struggle South Africa.
NEWS
The Market Theatre Foundation Welcomes the Appointment of Its New Council
The Market Theatre Foundation (MTF) is pleased to announce that the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Hon. Gayton McKenzie, has appointed new members to its Council in terms of Section 5(1)(a) of the Cultural Institutions Act (Act 119 of 1998).
The newly appointed Council is legislatively mandated to provide oversight and strategic direction in the implementation of the institution’s bold creative vision.
The Market Theatre @ 50: Still Home to South African Music
This year, The Market Theatre celebrates an incredible milestone: 50 years of culture‑defining storytelling. For five decades, music has been one of the theatre’s most powerful forces, shaping its legacy and amplifying voices that have gone on to influence the sound of the nation.
Naledi Theatre Awards: The Market Theatre Foundation celebrates over 40 nominations
The Market Theatre Foundation proudly announces that work presented across its stages in 2025 have bagged 42 nominations across several categories at the 21st Naledi Theatre Awards. This achievement, announced in the 50th year of The Market Theatre, reaffirms the institution’s leadership in theatrical excellence, relevant programming and world‑class talent.
