Created and directed by Mongezi Ntukwana, ‘The Hyena’s Tuckshop’ won Best Script and Best Director at the National Children’s Theatre’s Young Directors Festival (2025). This wildly amusing tale introduces children to ideas of justice, accountability, and resistance, all while keeping them in stitches as cartoon-style characters are brought to life with energy, wit and soul. live music gets their cute little toes tapping and beautiful hearts thumping with excitement as they dance along to the Pantsula-inspired moves.
According to Ntukwana, ‘The Hyena’s Tuckshop’ is not just a show but a gift that ignites imagination, builds children’s confidence and facilitates unforgettable learning experiences.
“In a world where children often sense unfairness but don’t always know how to name it, this production nudges them to ask bold questions, trust their instincts, and speak truth to power. This is theatre that respects their intelligence, nurtures their courage, and reminds them that even in a world full of ‘hyenas,’ the rabbit still has a voice, and a sharp mind,” explains Ntukwana.
The Art Cave, curators of the Kippies Fringe, add that this play captures the Fringe’s objective of presenting theatre that holds power accountable and amplifies unheard voices on the fringes of society.
“Children learn best when they’re entertained. They hold on tight to what makes them laugh and sets their spirits free. In a digital age where kids spend so much time glued to screens, ‘The Hyena’s Tuckshop’ goes beyond ordinary storytelling, it magically unlocks social awareness and comprehension, empowering kids to speak up for themselves,” comments Philangezwi Nxumalo, co-founder of The Art Cave.
He concludes that by taking a highly sensitive crisis and grading it to children’s understanding, this show reaffirms the role of children’s theatre as a powerful method for playful, interactive teaching and learning.
‘The Hyena’s Tuckshop’ is presented by Aziye Productions in association with The Art Cave and The Market Theatre for the 2025 Kippies Fringe. Tickets for the show are available on Webtickets at just R100 for all ages. A special discount applies for groups/families of four and more, with those tickets at R80 each.
ENDS.
Kippies Fringe is an initiative of The Market Theatre, curated by The Art Cave.
The Market Theatre is a Division of The Market Theatre Foundation, an agency of the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture.
For media enquiries, please contact Bongiwe Potelwa (Publicist at The Market Theatre Foundation) at bongiwep@markettheatre.co.za or (011) 832 1641.
For school groups, contact Anthony Ezeoke (Audience Development Specialist at The Market Theatre Foundation) at anthonye@markettheatre.co.za or 083 246 4950.
