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.

The programme features “And…Action” by Jane Mpholo, “Lentsoe” by Bapala Creatives, “I Bleached My Punani” by Goitsemang Pholo and “AmaGrootman” by Solly Malaka. Each production will have one performance only at the small-seater venue. The selection focused on productions already touring, with existing arrangements for travel and accommodation.

Together, the works bring different creative voices into a programme that asks an important question: how can independent theatre makers from across South Africa access new audiences and opportunities beyond their home provinces?

According to The Art Cave, the idea for Producers Spotlight: Beyond Gauteng grew from conversations with independent producers who expressed an interest in bringing their productions to Johannesburg. “That conversation stayed with us. We may not yet have the resources to bring everyone for a full season, but we can start somewhere. This first programme gives four productions an opportunity to be seen, and it allows us to learn what might be possible if we continue building this idea.”

For The Art Cave, however, the initiative is about more than bringing shows to Johannesburg. It is also about how theatre spaces can make room for artists whose work is created beyond the country’s main theatre centres.

The Art Cave’s curation of the Kippies Fringe offers an opportunity to contribute to The Market Theatre’s broader vision of shared ownership and wider access. Producers Spotlight: Beyond Gauteng is one step towards making that vision tangible by connecting artists, audiences and stories across provincial boundaries—a true home to the South African story in all its complexities and nuances.

Performance schedule

Friday, 13 November 2026

• 19:30 — And…Action by Jane Mpholo (Free State)

Saturday, 14 November 2026

• 15:30 — Lentsoe by Bapala Creatives (Free State)
• 19:30 — I Bleached My Punani by Goitsemang Pholo (Free State)

Sunday, 15 November 2026

• 15:30 — AmaGrootman by Solly Malaka (Limpopo)

Audiences can catch an individual production for R80 or purchase a four-show pass for R260 to experience the full Producers Spotlight: Beyond Gauteng programme.

Support independent theatre makers and discover stories from beyond Gauteng at the 2026 Kippies Fringe, taking place at Kippies, Market Theatre, Newtown, Johannesburg, from 13 to 15 November 2026.

Tickets are out on Webtickets selling for R100. Bulk tickets can be purchased at The Market Theatre box office: 4 tickets at R350 and 8 tickets at R670.

ENDS

The Kippies Fringe is an initiative of The Market Theatre, a division of The Market Theatre Foundation.

For media enquiries, please contact Bongiwe Potelwa (Publicist at The Market Theatre Foundation) at bongiwep@markettheatre.co.za or (011) 832 1641.

For reduced price block bookings of 10 or more and school groups, contact Anthony Ezeoke (Audience Development Specialist at The Market Theatre Foundation) at anthonye@markettheatre.co.za or 083 246 4950.