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Current Event
The Good White
08 May – 08 June 2025
In this explosive new play by Mike van Graan, the non-racial project is thrust into the spotlight.
It’s 2016—Jacob Zuma is in power, corruption is rife, and the "born-free" generation is taking to the streets as the #FeesMustFall movement demands change. Four individuals, played by an outstanding cast (Russel Savadier, Renate Stuurman, Vusi Kunene and Shonisani Masutha), are forced to confront their beliefs, their identities, and the choices that define them. As ideals are tested, their journey reflects a nation grappling with its past and future.
current Event
The Black Circus of The Republic of Bantu
13 June 2025 – 29 June 2025
Internationally acclaimed performance artist, Albert Ibokwe Khoza, collaborates with award-winning director, Princess Zinzi Mhlongo, to bring you “The Black Circus of The Republic of Bantu”. This installation-based performance journeys its audience through a reection of ethnic beauty and the pride that has been systematically damaged over generations, dragged and stripped of its dignity. The work dwells heavily on early recorded studies of black bodies as "different species" to the white man.
upcoming 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.
upcoming Event
The Hyena’s Tuckshop
26-29 June 2025
Jo’burg parents, gather your little ones around the fire for a sparkling storytelling experience, fuelled with colour, giggles and life-long lessons. The Market Theatre opens its Kippies Fringe programme curated by The Art Cave with a bang by presenting an award-winning children’s play, ‘The Hyena’s Tuckshop’. Playing from 26 – 29 June 2025 for a total of five performances only, young audiences are up for a whirlwind of humour, music, dance and a healthy dose of rebellion in the 50-seater venue alongside The Market Theatre.
upcoming Event
The Moon Looks Delicious From Here
09 July – 27 July 2025
Hailed as a masterclass in writing and performance, Aldo Brincat’s ‘The Moon Looks Delicious From Here’ is coming to Jo’burg for the first time after its massive national and international success. The captivating semi-autobiographical story about immigration plays at The Market Theatre from 9 – 27 July 2025. This multi-award-winning piece of theatre is an action-packed exploration of identity, sexuality and heritage.
Told with brave vulnerability and theatrical flair, the play is Brincat’s personal account as a first-generation South African in his family. It is directed by Sjaka Septembir, with music by internationally renowned singer and songwriter, Bongeziwe Mabandla.
upcoming Event
Breakfast with Mugabe
16 July - 10 August 2025
“Breakfast with Mugabe” is a National Arts Festival, The Market Theatre and Festival Enterprise Catalyst (FEC) co-production, in association with the Calvin Ratladi Foundation. This gripping psychological thriller is directed by Calvin Ratladi, 2025 Standard Bank Young Artist for Theatre.
It is set in the final years of Robert Mugabe’s rule in Zimbabwe. Inspired by real events, Fraser Grace’s award-winning play explores the troubled mind of the once-revered leader as he battles inner demons and political paranoia.
upcoming Event
Tutu Puoane: Wrapped In Rhythm at the Market Theatre
From 01 August 2025
With the blessing of acclaimed poet Lebogang Mashile, celebrated jazz vocalist and composer Tutu Puoane brought a fresh musical dimension to Mashile’s debut anthology, “In A Ribbon of Rhythm”. Carefully selecting a series of evocative poems, Puoane wove them into a rich, original repertoire, blending her signature fusion of African jazz, soul, and singer-songwriter influences. The result is a deeply personal and emotionally resonant musical journey that breathes new life into Mashile’s words, transforming them into melodies that pulse with rhythm and meaning. Puoane’s interpretations honour the spirit of the original poetry, while infusing it with her unique artistry, creating a vibrant and soul-stirring experience. This project stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between poetry and music, offering audiences an immersive celebration of storytelling in sound.
upcoming Event
FATHER & I
20 – 31 August 2025
Using personal stories, dance, song, and music, “Father & I” offers a warm and nuanced portrayal of South African fatherhood, fostering understanding.
This theatrical experience delves into the complexity, beauty, and imperfections of fatherly relationships. The production balances honest narratives, acknowledging the wounds of disappointment and abandonment. The work’s artistic treatment creates an empathetic space that encourages dialogue about healing the “father wound,” reconciling broken families, and inspiring a new generation of fathers to break destructive cycles.
upcoming Event
Barber Shop Chronicles
Dates to be announced soon. Watch this space!
“Barber Shop Chronicles’’ is a powerful, electric play by Nigerian-born British playwright Inua Ellams, which explores community and black masculinity. Set in barbershops in London, Lagos, Accra, Johannesburg, Kampala, and Harare the play weaves together a series of interconnected stories exploring masculinity, vulnerability and connection.
This internationally acclaimed one act play is filled with detailed beautifully drawn characters, humour, dance, hair, soccer and an infectious joy.
upcoming Event
Phakamisa Dance Commission: Asanda Ruda
17 - 21 September 2025
This is a National Arts Festival, The Market Theatre and JOMBA! Dance Festival (Centre for Creative Arts) co-production, with contributing funding from Standard Bank South Africa. It is choreographed by Asanda Ruda, 2025 Standard Bank Young Artist for Dance and recipient of the 2025 CCA JOMBA! and The Market Theatre Phakamisa Dance Commission.
More details and bookings available soon.
