what's on
Current Event
Mr Duiker Sang the Blues’ Presents a Meditation on the Death of an Artist
13 Sep - 04 Oct 2026
The Market Theatre in partnership with the Dramatic, Artistic and Literary Rights Organisation (DALRO), Wits University Press and the University of KwaZulu-Natal's Centre for Creative Arts (UKZN CCA) have teamed up for the premiere of Mr Duiker Sang the Blues, a theatrical adaptation of the 2025 DALRO Can Themba Merit Award winning short story of the same name, written by Dyondzo Kwinika.
This new play-with-music tracks the life of an exceptional jazz musician named “Themba”, who enjoys a successful music career while wrestling his inner demons. Through the recollections of his family and those closest to him, the play presents a deeply intimate and honest exploration of family, friendship, memory and the complexities of mental health.
Current Event
Suzie Miller’s PRIMA FACIE premiers in South Africa
17 Sep - 11 Oct 2026
How Now Brown Cow in association with The Market Theatre presents the South African premiere of Suzie Miller’s award-winning Prima Facie, directed by celebrated theatre maker Neil Coppen (Isidlamlilo/The Fire Eater; Animal Farm; Tin Bucket Drum).
It will run from 16 Sept – 4 Oct 2026 at The Market Theatre.
Danica De La Rey Jones (Hunting Jessica Brok; Unseen; For Colored Girls) performs the role of Tessa, a brilliant young barrister who climbs her way up from working class origins to the top of her game: defending, cross-examining and winning. Tessa believes in the legal system, until a brutal attack turns her world upside down as she navigates the very same system she once championed. Now put on trial herself, re-traumatised through her cross-examination, she finds herself questioning everything she believed about justice.
Current Event
the Kippies Fringe 2026
10 July - 6 Dec 2026
The Market Theatre is proud to announce the return of the Kippies Fringe, curated for the second year running by The Art Cave (Philangezwi Nxumalo and Tebogo Malapane). The 2026 programme – which unfolds from July to December 2026 at Kippies – promises a bold and dynamic fringe offering that engages multiple generations, themes and communities.
This year’s iteration, in the 50th year of The Market Theatre, marks a significant milestone for The Art Cave, while reaffirming The Market Theatre’s commitment to bridging access, empowering up-and-coming storytellers and developing new audiences.
Upcoming Event
The inaugural Queer Festival at The Market Theatre
21 - 25 Oct 2026
This year’s Pride Month is set to be a theatrically rich, exhilarating affair as The Market Theatre presents its first ever Queer Festival, running from 21 to 25 October 2026. This new initiative aims to bring together a mix of nine performances across cabaret, drama, live concert, dance and new writing.
“With this inaugural iteration, we enter a bold new chapter, promising a vibrant celebration of identity, resistance and radical joy. The Market Theatre has always thrived on being home to the South African story across all backgrounds and experiences. With this festival, we once again make a statement of safe belonging and free expression,” said Greg Homann, Artistic Director at The Market Theatre Foundation.
Current Event
The Word N Sound Poetry League
11 April - 13 Dec 2026
The Word N Sound Poetry League is one of South Africa’s leading spoken word platforms, bringing together emerging and established poets in a vibrant live slam series. For over a decade, it has been a home for bold voices, powerful performance, and poetic excellence.
Now in Season 12, the League runs monthly from April to November 2026, creating a journey of competition, creativity, and community, before culminating in December with the Word N Sound Poetry Festival, a three-day celebration of spoken word and live literature.
Upcoming Event
SHOCKWAVE Marks Pride Month
15 Oct - 08 Nov 2026
The Market Theatre acknowledges Pride Month with Chantal Stanfield’s brand new play, SHOCKWAVE, a compelling 1980s drama directed by David Dennis running from 15 Oct – 8 Nov 2026.
Set against a turbulent political landscape marked by the State of Emergency, deepening social divisions and the spreading fear of the so-called ‘gay plague’, a young man navigates questions of his sexuality.
At the heart of the play is the character of Larry, who is trapped by fear and prejudice. Larry is forced to seek lodging with a deeply religious widow on the Cape Flats, where police casspirs skulk on every corner.
Upcoming Event
The Breasts of Tiresias
15 Oct - 08 Nov 2026
In a greatly anticipated return during the 50th birthyear of The Market Theatre, former Artistic Director Malcolm Purkey directs The Breasts of Tiresias, a new provocative story rooted in truth and lived experience which Purkey has co-written with Angelo de Klerk.
The production stars Gerard Bester and Sandi Dlangalala, with live music created by Carlo Mombelli and additional material by Renos Spanoudes.
The Breasts of Tiresias will have a strictly limited run of two weeks in the Barney Simon Theatre, from 15 – 25 October, with some of its performances forming part of The Market Theatre’s inaugural Queer Festival.
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Upcoming Event
Bum Stuff: A Cheeky Cabaret with an Anal Fixation
22 - 25 Oct 2026
Bum Stuff: A Cheeky Cabaret with an Anal Fixation gets to the bottom of our complicated relationship with the bum. Through comedy, music and three personal journeys, the show explores pleasure, shame, masculinity, faith, queer identity and sexual health.
As Vuli, Kabous and Saiid confront inherited beliefs and make surprising discoveries about their bodies and desires, the show travels from ancient history and religious taboo to consent, lubricant, toys and too many bum puns. Funny, frank and unexpectedly tender, it invites audiences to reconsider what our discomfort with the bum reveals about us, and what becomes possible when curiosity replaces shame.
Upcoming Event
The Jury Experience
31 Oct 2026
Step into the world of justice with The Jury Experience, where you become the jury in a live, interactive trial. This immersive courtroom drama challenges you to examine witness testimonies, cross-examine key players, and assess forensic evidence, all while live actors present compelling arguments in front of a cinematic screen.
As you engage with the case, you’ll make decisions at pivotal moments, with your final vote determining the fate of the accused: guilty or innocent.
Upcoming Event
Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty
01 Nov 2026
⭐ Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty has arrived in Johannesburg! This beloved tale is brought to life with classical dance, stunning choreography, and beautiful glow-in-the-dark costumes. Get your tickets for Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty in a Sparkling Show in Johannesburg!
Highlights
🩰 Six incredible local dancers light up the stage
✨ Glow-in-the-dark costumes transform every movement into a radiant display
NEWS
The Market Theatre’s 50th Birthday Weekend: A Celebration of the South African Story
19 June – Sunday, 21 June 2026
The Market Theatre Foundation is excited to announce The Market Theatre’s 50th birthday weekend celebrations, running from Friday, 19 June – Sunday, 21 June 2026 at The Market Theatre in Newtown. The anniversary festival will comprise a special performance entitled “Let’s Meet at The Market”, exhibitions, surprise appearances, a wall with the names of people who have shaped the Theatre, talks as well as a brand new play acknowledging the historic week in which the theatre opened in June, 1976.
Each of these activities stand as a touchpoint inviting audiences to feel and be a part of the Theatre’s 50-year-strong internationally renowned legacy.
Skin We Are In – 3rd Term Tour
The thought-provoking school production Skin We Are In returns from 3–27 August, bringing powerful conversations about race, identity and belonging to young audiences. Through storytelling, music and audience interaction, the play encourages empathy and challenges misconceptions about skin colour. For school bookings and enquiries, contact Anthony Ezeoke (Audience Development Specialist) at AnthonyE@markettheatre.co.za or 083 246 4950.
