Skhumba Brings Brand-New Laughs to The Market Theatre

Skhumba Brings Brand-New Laughs to The Market Theatre

South Africa’s favourite funnyman, Skhumba Hlophe, is ready to light up the stage with a comedy experience fans will not want to miss. From 13 – 15 August 2026, Skhumba takes over the iconic Market Theatre for Skhumba at The Market Theatre, a special solo stand-up showcase packed with brand-new material, big laughs and the unmistakable energy that has made him one of the country’s most loved comedians.

This is not just another comedy night—it is Skhumba like audiences have never experienced him before.

For the first time in this format, Skhumba will headline the stage alone, bringing audiences an up-close and personal performance in one of Johannesburg’s most celebrated theatre spaces. With no supporting acts and no distractions, it’s just Skhumba, his fresh new stories, his signature wit, and a room full of people ready to laugh out loud.

Known for his effortless storytelling, larger-than-life personality and ability to turn everyday South African moments into unforgettable comedy, Skhumba is stepping into a more intimate and intentional space, giving fans the chance to experience him in a way that feels more direct, more connected, and even more memorable.

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And for those who have been waiting for new jokes, new stories and a brand-new live experience, this is the one.

Set against the rich cultural backdrop of The Market Theatre, this limited-run comedy event promises a night of fresh humour, authentic connection and world-class entertainment from a performer who continues to own his place as one of the country’s comedy greats.

Whether you’ve followed him for years or you’re simply in the mood for a seriously good night out, Skhumba at The Market Theatre is set to be one of the standout comedy events on the entertainment calendar.

This is your chance to come see your favourite comedian live, raw, refreshed and funnier than ever. Don’t miss this solo comedy show from 13 – 15 August 2026. Tickets are out on Webtickets.

 

Skhumba Brings Brand-New Laughs to The Market Theatre

A GOOD HOUSE

Cape Town-born writer, Amy Jephta, directs her thrilling and comedic hit play, A Good House, which first premiered at the Royal Court Theatre and Bristol Old Vic (United Kingdom) in 2024 in association with The Market Theatre.

In the quaint suburban community of Stillwater, a mysterious shack springs up from the dust with the inhabitants nowhere to be seen. As speculation abounds, new residents Sihle and Bonolo are recruited by their white neighbourhood to be the face of a campaign to demolish the shack in this biting satire of community politics.  A Good House is a work about a couple who discover the limits of good neighbourliness and what is required to fit in.

This play – which Jephta was nominated for the prestigious international Susan Smith Blackburn Prize that honours women+writing for the stage – is full of wit, humour, insight and exhilarating tension. It sharply locates itself within South Africa’s middle-class community, where complex dynamics and race relations play out behind high walls.

Praise for A Good House:

‘Superb social satire’ – The Guardian

‘Excruciatingly funny’ – Financial Times

‘Worthy exploration of prejudice and privilege’ – LondonTheatre

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The Art Cave Returns to Curate the Kippies Fringe During The Market Theare’s 50th Year

The Art Cave Returns to Curate the Kippies Fringe During The Market Theare’s 50th Year

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.

“For 50 years, The Market Theatre has proved itself to be a trusted home of the South African story—and continues to be a space in which diverse voices find expression. The Kippies Fringe sits within that objective of giving space to small-scale work, while amplifying rising voices,” states Greg Homann, Artistic Director at The Market Theatre Foundation.

“Our continued work with The Art Cave is not just a contract, but a decisive commitment to reimagining the next 50 years of live performance, curation and artistic direction. As we give new works on the fringe life, we have also integrated The Art Cave into our artistic and corporate functions for guided mentorship and practical experience across our day to day activities.”

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In line with this commitment to growth and operational excellence, Tankiso Mamabolo also joins the team as an intern, offering administrative and project management support, while gaining practical experience.

For The Art Cave, having a return season as curators of the Kippies Fringe is exciting and deeply affirming, reflecting the trust placed in this trailblazing organisation’s ability to present a compelling artistic offering.

“Last year taught us the importance of balance between emerging and established voices, between experimentation and accessibility. This year, we have been more intentional in shaping a programme that not only challenges audiences, but also invites them in. We have improved on structure, diversity and thematic cohesion,” reflects Philangezwi Nxumalo, Artistic Director at The Art Cave.

Nxumalo continues: “We have broadened regional inclusion, strengthened youth participation, and continue to ensure a conscious gender balance across the programme. This is not just a programme, it is a micro reflection of where we are as a society, and where we are going.”

This year’s callout attracted more than 200 applications across the categories of live music, theatre, comedy and young audiences. The selection process focused on authenticity, urgency and artistic innovation.

“We were looking for work that is honest, relevant and bold in its storytelling. The selected productions stood out because they are not only artistically compelling, but they also speak to the times we are living in and align with the scale of the 50-seater fringe venue. There is a strong sense of identity, experimentation and intention across the programme,” shares The Art Cave’s Producer, Tebogo Malapane.

The Market Theatre Kippies Fringe Programme opens in July, with the programme honouring the spirit of legendary jazz icon Kippie Moeketsi through a curated Music Unplugged Weekend. This segment showcases emerging voices in South African soul and jazz, including Sanele Mfene’s Imanyano Yobuhlobo and S’nazo’s self-titled S’nazo Unplugged, offering a contemporary continuation of a rich musical legacy. The month concludes with Zweli and the Lemon Seed, a theatre production for young audiences that blends entertainment and education, focusing on environmental awareness and sustainability which is  a clear investment in the next generation.

August explores themes of collaboration and shared space. The programme intentionally features works that centre and elevate women’s voices. Productions such as First Love and Voice of Women reflect a commitment to gender inclusivity, with women leading as directors and performers, while male creators serve to actively support a space for female narratives to thrive.

In September, the programme expands into a broader exploration of heritage and identity. Moving beyond a singular cultural lens, works such as Roti Queen and Sade in Hollandse kombuise spotlight Indian and Afrikaans cultural narratives. This curatorial choice reflects a commitment to unity and dialogue, embracing South Africa’s diversity while reimagining a shared future.

October serves as a space of transition and experimentation within the programme, featuring The Champion and Askies! Sorry. This month continues the programme’s commitment to bold and innovative storytelling that challenges form and expands theatrical language within the Kippies Fringe context.

November brings the programme into an intimate and emotionally charged space through Sense by Thato Moeng and Who Left the Fridge Open? by Botshelo Mmutle. These pieces are positioned to explore the pressures of everyday life and the complexity of human presence through small-scale, character-driven storytelling. This moment in the programme invites reflection, confrontation and recognition.

The programme concludes in December with the Soweto Comedy Festival curated by Kedibone Mulaudzi. This closing moment embraces comedy as both liberation and connection, celebrating voice, resilience and the power of storytelling to travel beyond its origins while remaining rooted in lived experience.

All productions are staged at the intimate 50-seater Kippies venue, located adjacent to The Market Theatre. Tickets for all shows sell for R100 and are available on Webtickets.

                                                                                                                 ENDS

The Market Theatre 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.

A GOOD HOUSE

A GOOD HOUSE

Cape Town-born writer, Amy Jephta, directs her thrilling and comedic hit play, A Good House, which first premiered at the Royal Court Theatre and Bristol Old Vic (United Kingdom) in 2024 in association with The Market Theatre.

In the quaint suburban community of Stillwater, a mysterious shack springs up from the dust with the inhabitants nowhere to be seen. As speculation abounds, new residents Sihle and Bonolo are recruited by their white neighbourhood to be the face of a campaign to demolish the shack in this biting satire of community politics.  A Good House is a work about a couple who discover the limits of good neighbourliness and what is required to fit in.

This play – which Jephta was nominated for the prestigious international Susan Smith Blackburn Prize that honours women+writing for the stage – is full of wit, humour, insight and exhilarating tension. It sharply locates itself within South Africa’s middle-class community, where complex dynamics and race relations play out behind high walls.

Praise for A Good House:

‘Superb social satire’ – The Guardian

‘Excruciatingly funny’ – Financial Times

‘Worthy exploration of prejudice and privilege’ – LondonTheatre

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THE CRY OF WINNIE MANDELA

THE CRY OF WINNIE MANDELA

The critically acclaimed play, based on Njabulo S. Ndebele’s seminal novel of the same name, returns to The Market Theatre for 6 performances only, following its run at the National Arts Festival. It will sit in the John Kani Theatre between 08 – 12 July 2026.

Directed by MoMo Matsunyane, the much-loved play brings together four women bound by the shared experience of waiting for their husbands’ return. Through intimate moments of reflection and fellowship, they draw strength from – and locate themselves within – the legacy of Winnie Mandela. The women interrogate their waiting, and the emotional, psychological, and social impact it has had on their lives. These explorations unfold into layered, haunting, and deeply resonant conversations that connect the historical struggles of women to contemporary realities – highlighting how the past continues to live in the present.

All this is done with intense emotion and cleverly injected humour, weaving together the characters’ private accounts and exposing the shadows, isolation and complexities of their journeys against the backdrop of the life and times of Winnie Mandela. You are invited to join these resilient women as they gather, share their stories, sing, and metaphorically drink their “tea” – a potent blend of strength and vulnerability.

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Award-winning TV actress, theatre practitioner and presenter, Thembisa Mdoda-Nxumalo, takes on the character of ‘Winnie’. Mdoda-Nxumalo joins the remarkable cast, comprising Warona Seane, Les Made, Momo Matsunyane, Nomonde Mbusi and Siyasanga Papu in this searing adaptation of Njabulo S. Ndebele’s seminal novel. 

Matsunyane describes the work as a courageous story of endurance and emotional survival: “Winnie Mandela continues to be a powerful, multi-layered figure to explore. Her revolutionary spirit, resilient character and generous heart have become anchors for many women of all generations and identities. Indeed, she did not die; she multiplied.”

The Market Theatre’s 50th Birthday Weekend: A Celebration of the South African Story

The Market Theatre’s 50th Birthday Weekend: A Celebration of the South African Story

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.

Tshiamo Mokgadi, Chief Executive Officer at The Market Theatre Foundation, describes the 50th birthday weekend as not just a calendar milestone, but a celebration of 50 years of culture-shifting storytelling, fearless resistance and giving a voice to authentic South African stories.

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“As we look back, we reflect not only on the powerful works that have played on our stages, but the people who have turned our space into a dynamic, diverse and truly South African experience. This institution was not built by infrastructure alone; it has always stood on the unbending backs of many individuals, institutions and corporates whose names line the walls on the boards in our foyer.”

Artistic Director, Greg Homann, adds that the weekend programme is framed as a celebration of the South African story, complex and nuanced as it is.

“We have curated the whole birthday weekend experience not only in memory of the past, but as a commitment that The Market Theatre will always be home to the South African story in as authentic a way as possible, told by voices from all backgrounds. This is what has made The Market Theatre so resilient, so agile, and so important for us as a country, and the world, across the decades.”

Below is a full line-up of activities:

Let’s Meet at The Market – John Kani Theatre

Let’s Meet at The Market is a 90-minute multidisciplinary stage production created to celebrate the extraordinary legacy of The Market Theatre. It is a work told through music, movement, spoken word, archival imagery and live performance. Beginning in the old Indian Fruit Market of Newtown, the production journeys across five decades of artistic rebellion, resistance and reinvention, tracing how an abandoned market became one of the world’s most important theatres. The production is directed by Clive Mathibe.

Tickets for this once-off public performance on Sunday, 21 June 2026 are available at R50 from Webtickets. 

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50 Years Bold – Barney Simon Theatre

A series of five intergenerational conversations under the title, 50 Years Bold, will bring veteran actors, directors, writers, producers, designers, arts administrators and technical personnel into dialogue with the next generation of theatre-makers shaping the institution’s future. Curated by the Artistic Director, with guidance from Vanessa Cooke, Zane Meas, and Nthati Moshesh, the talks will reflect on the Theatre’s radical history, while engaging in conversations around artistic legacy, cultural activism, mentorship, storytelling, production innovation and the evolving role of theatre in contemporary South Africa.

The Company at The Market (Saturday 20 June: 11am)

Join Vanessa Cooke and Janice Honeyman alongside Momo Matsunyana for the first in a series of four FREE intergenerational conversations under the title, 50 Years Bold. This once-off talk shares the story of The Company – an independent group of theatre-makers – who found a home at the fruit market that grew into the internationally renowned Market Theatre that we know today.

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Artistic Directors at The Market (Saturday 20 June: 13:45pm)

Join Malcolm Purkey, James Ngcobo, and Greg Homann facilitated by Mxolisi Masilela for the second in a series of four FREE intergenerational conversations under the title, 50 Years Bold. This once-off talk with the current and past Artistic Directors of The Market Theatre shares what it is like to lead the creative life of one of South Africa’s iconic cultural spaces.

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Playwrights at The Market (Sunday 21 June: 11am)

Join John Kani, Paul Slabolepszy, and Gcina Mhlophe facilitated by Tiisetso Mashifane wa Noni for the third in a series of four FREE intergenerational conversations under the title, 50 Years Bold. In this once-off conversation with current and past playwrights who have premiered their work at The Market Theatre, they share their reflections on telling the South African story through the medium of theatre.

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Actors at The Market (Sunday 21 June: 13:45pm)

Join Zane Meas, Motshabi Tyelele, Christo Davids and Kate Liquorish for the final talk in a series of four FREE intergenerational conversations under the title, 50 Years Bold. These celebrated actors of the stage and screen sit together to reflect on their journey of telling the South African story at The Market Theatre and beyond.

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The Market Theatre Foundation Exhibition – Lindelani Buthelezi Gallery

The Market Theatre Foundation Exhibition in the Lindelani Buthelezi Gallery traces the 50-year evolution of the Foundation, charting its journey from the founding of The Market Theatre in 1976 to the growth of its wider creative family. Through archival material, posters, photography and rare images, the exhibition explores the emergence of The Market Photo Workshop, The Market Theatre Laboratory, and the addition of The Windybrow Arts Centre, revealing how each space and programme now contributes to shaping South Africa’s cultural landscape.

The exhibition is free. No reservation required.

Vision / Voice / Legacy Exhibition

This is a contemporary visual arts exhibition celebrating the icons, voices and cultural architects who continue to shape South Africa’s future. The exhibition brings together sixteen contemporary artists commissioned to create original works inspired by some of South Africa’s most influential cultural figures. The exhibition explores the intersection of legacy, identity, leadership, activism, sport, music, fashion and popular culture while creating an intergenerational conversation between the heroes of today and the dreamers of tomorrow. In partnership with the Riky Rick Foundation, the exhibition embraces the spirit of artivism—the intersection of art, culture and social impact. The featured icons include Ricky Rick, Thuso Mbedu, Anele Mdoda, Trevor Noah, Zozibini Tunzi, Julius Malema, Black Coffee and more.

The exhibition is free and open all day from 08 – 29 June 2026 at The Market Theatre.

RISE ’76 – Mannie Manim Theatre

The Market Theatre has teamed up with the Baxter Theatre to co-produce a brand new play, RISE ’76: The Story of June 16th,  that honours the 50th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising – a milestone that coincides with the week in which The Market Theatre first opened its doors in 1976. It is written and directed by multi-award-winning playwright and director, Tiisetso Mashifane wa Noni.

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People of The Market

People of The Market is a wall of names that honours the thousands of individuals who have shaped the life of The Market Theatre over the past five decades. From actors, directors, writers and designers to technicians, administrators, front-of-house staff and producers, the project recognises the many people whose work and presence helped build the Theatre’s legacy. The aim of the initiative is to create the most comprehensive record possible of all those who have worked for or at The Market Theatre across its 50-year history. During the birthday weekend launch and throughout the rest of 2026, digital pads will be available for the public, former staff, artists and collaborators to submit suggested names for inclusion.

The growing installation can be visited during the Theatre’s open hours.

The Market Theatre Tours

Guided tours across the birthday weekend will offer the public a rare behind-the-scenes journey through one of South Africa’s most iconic cultural spaces. Audiences will have the opportunity to explore rehearsal rooms, backstage corridors, dressing rooms, technical areas, and other hidden corners of the Theatre that many never get to see. The tours promise an intimate glimpse into the stories, creativity, and community that continue to define the theatre’s legacy.

Tours are ticketed at R20 on Webtickets and via the Box Office. 

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For fifty years, our stages have been the home of the South African story, fearlessly centring the rich artistic life that has shaped a nation. Join us for a special weekend-long celebration as we journey across the decades that have forged this iconic space.

ENDS

The Market Theatre Foundation is an agency of the Department of Sport, 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.

Bringing the Market Back to The Market

Bringing the Market Back to The Market

Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, The Market Theatre returns to its roots as a historic market that turned into an authentic space for human connection and a proud home to the South African story.

The market reimagines a historic site of exchange as a vibrant, contemporary cultural marketplace. More than a trading space, the market is a celebration of creativity, culture and community. It brings together artists, designers, crafters, storytellers, food vendors and social impact entrepreneurs from across South Africa and the broader African continent. Within this dynamic environment, makers engage directly with an audience of thinkers, activists and creatives, creating meaningful human connections beyond just transacting.

Beyond commerce, Bringing the Market Back to the Market is expected to activate the precinct as a thriving cultural hub. It creates an enabling environment for the production, exhibition and consumption of arts and culture, integrating a diverse mix of business trades with live performances and outdoor entertainment.

A Night With Mthunzi

A Night With Mthunzi

Fresh off the massive success of collaborative hits like “Imithandazo” and “Amazwe”, award-winning vocalist Mthunzi is bringing his undeniable sound to the stage for “A Night With Mthunzi”. On Saturday, June 6, 2026, he’ll be taking over the John Kani stage at Johannesburg’s Market Theatre.

Trading the usual DJ decks for a full live band, Mthunzi is elevating his signature blend of soulful melodies and vibrant rhythms. The show is set up as an immersive journey through his catalogue, giving fans a chance to see the full depth of his artistry. You can expect to hear everything from his deep Afropop roots to the chart-topping Amapiano collaborations with Kabza Da Small that have been dominating the airwaves.

It’s a rare opportunity to experience Mthunzi’s music completely reimagined in a raw, live-instrument setting.

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The Quick Details:

  • Event: A Night With Mthunzi
  • Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026
  • Time: 19:00
  • Venue: John Kani, Market Theatre, Johannesburg
  • Tickets: Available now on Webtickets

Secure your tickets early and come experience the music live!

Safe, secure and affordable underground parking available at Newtown Junction.

Tony Dayimane – The Big Boy Live Show

Tony Dayimane – The Big Boy Live Show

On Friday, June 5, 2026, Tony Dayimane is trading the usual heavy bass drops for something a bit more personal. He’s bringing The Big Boy Live Show to the John Kani stage at The Market Theatre for a unique, live-band experience.

Instead of just pressing play, Tony is breaking down his biggest hip-hop anthems and performing them raw and stripped back. Backed by a live band, the show is an intimate musical journey that gives fans a rare chance to hear the soul and artistry behind his multi-platinum catalogue.

Whether you’ve been a day-one supporter or are just getting into his music, this is about experiencing the tracks you know in a completely reimagined way.

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Show Details:
● Event: The Big Boy Live Show
● Date: Friday, June 5, 2026
● Venue: John Kani, Market Theatre, Johannesburg
● Tickets: Available now on Webtickets
The Big Boy Live Show
Space is intimate, and tickets will go fast, so secure your spot and be part of the music!
Safe, secure and affordable underground parking available at Newtown Junction.

Tony Dayimane – The Big Boy Live Show

Dada Masilo’s Hamlet

The Market Theatre in association with Dada Masilo/The Dance Factory presents Dada Masilo’s Hamlet for two performances only, prior to an international tour. It will run on Saturday, 16 May at 19h30 and Sunday, 17 May at 15h00 in the John Kani Theatre. The internationally acclaimed piece first premiered at the Burgtheater, Vienna in 2024 as part of the ImPulsTanz International Festival, before touring to Kampnagel, Hamburg and deSingel, Antwerp. 

Masilo – who is best known for reinventing classics and for fusing different dance forms to create a new and exciting language – has reimagined Shakespeare’s power play as an hour-long dance theatre piece. Through the eyes of the maiden, Ophelia, the audience is invited to explore what leads to her ultimate despair. Masilo’s interpretation explores misogyny and manipulation, and attempts to make sense of Ophelia’s madness. With references to classical ballet, African dance and period dance in both choreography and music, the work is accompanied by an original score by Thuthuka Sibisi, Ann Masina, Leroy Mapholo and Mpho Mothiba. 


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This new version is led by Llewellyn Mnguni, choreographer and long-time colleague, who also plays the role of Hamlet’s mother. Aphiwe Dike continues in the role of Hamlet. 

Mnguni aims to honour Masilo’s intent, while further developing the movement’s potential. He is joined by a cast of Johannesburg-based performers from the original cast and also by dancers seconded to this season by both Joburg Ballet and Moving into Dance: Tumelo Lekana, Thando Mgobhozi and David Maluleka from Joburg Ballet; Lesego Dihemo, Wesley Hlongwane, Lucracia Magoro and Nandi Zulu from Moving Into Dance. Newcomers December Skhosana and original cast members Thuso Lobeko and Lehlohonolo Madise (as Ophelia) join the company. 

The late Masilo’s works have been performed in 30 countries and 176 cities around the world; and she received numerous accolades and awards. Her immense popularity stemmed from her ability to take inspiration from literature and ballet, and make performances accessible to all. Despite tempting offers, she chose to base herself in Johannesburg, saying it had an edge that flavoured her creations. In her Hamlet, audiences can expect less words, more dance.  

Don’t miss this powerful, electric reimagination of the classic theatre piece, as Masilo intended and Mnguni furthered it. Tickets are out on Webtickets, starting from R170. Age restriction: PG12.  

                                                                                                                                                 ENDS 

The Market Theatre is a Division of The Market Theatre Foundation, an agency of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. 

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

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