what's on
Current Event
Under Pressure’ – Demands Climate and Gender Justice
10 Oct - 05 Nov 2026
The Windybrow Arts Centre in partnership with Terrastella Scen & Film presents ‘Under Pressure’, a new play by acclaimed playwright Mike Van Graan, directed by Kyla Davis. The play will be performed on selected days and times throughout October and November 2026 in an intimate venue at The Windybrow Arts Centre, marking the first time in more than a decade since the space staged a professional play.
‘Under Pressure’ follows the story of Gasira (played by Khutjo Green) and Abuya (portrayed by Lunga Aphane), two Kenyan women navigating an uncertain world shaped by climate change, forced migration, LGBTQI+ repression, racism, religion and rampant economic inequality.
Current 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.
Current Event
Compelling Family Drama – The Graduation of K-C – Premieres at The Market Theatre
05-29 Nov 2026
When the Dlomo family comes together to celebrate their daughter’s academic achievement, uncomfortable questions of identity, family history and belonging unravel.
The Graduation of K-C is a brand new South African play by multi-award-winning playwright, director and dramaturg, Greg Homann, co-produced by The Market Theatre and How Now Brown Cow. The production will run from 5 – 29 November 2026 at The Market Theatre.
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.
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
Producers Spotlight: Beyond Gauteng
13-15 November 2026
Four independent productions from the Free State and Limpopo are set to join The Market Theatre Kippies Fringe for the inaugural Producers Spotlight: Beyond Gauteng, a three-day programme running from 13 to 15 November 2026 at Kippies.
Featuring four independent productions from the Free State and Limpopo, the initiative aims to create opportunities for theatre makers beyond Gauteng to present their work to Johannesburg audiences and become part of the artistic exchange taking place at The Market Theatre during its 50th anniversary year.
Upcoming Event
Classics On Turf presents A Sibongile Khumalo Celebration
13 November 2026
Classics on Turf made possible by Telkom will stage a concert in remembrance of Sibongile Khumalo. This is a collaboration with The Market Theatre as the institution celebrated fifty years of artistic brilliance. Ms Khumalo herself recorded her second album on the very stage of The Market Theatre in 1998.
Music director Tshepo Mngoma will lead a cast of esteemed singers and band members, many of whom worked with Ms Khumalo. Together with conductor Kutlwano Masote, they have woven together a set list that will revisit Ms Khumalo’s extensive forays into the traditions of jazz, opera, art song and indigenous music, notably the songs of Princess Magogo kaDinizulu, who music was canonised by Ms Khumalo in her self-titled album of 2007.
Masote will also conduct Chamber Orchestra of Johannesburg in orchestrated accompaniments to the sound world of Ms Khumalo.
Upcoming Event
SANKAYI JAZZ SERIES PRESENTS SISONKE XONTI: UKHOLO ALBUM LAUNCH AT THE MARKET THEATRE
17 November 2026
After six years since his last album, celebrated South African jazz saxophonist, composer and bandleader Sisonke Xonti presents uKholo, a powerful new album exploring faith, hope, healing and resilience.
On Saturday, 7 November 2026, Xonti brings uKholo to the John Kani Theatre at The Market Theatre for a special live album launch, presented by Sankayi Jazz Series and produced by Alex Productions.
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.
