PRIMA FACIE by Suzie Miller 

PRIMA FACIE

How Now Brown Cow presents the South African premiere of Suzie Miller’s award-winning Prima Facie directed by celebrated theatre maker Neil Coppen (Isidlamlilo/TheFire Eater; Animal Farm; Tin Bucket Drum). 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 same system she once championed. Now put on trial herself, re-traumatized through her cross-examination, she finds herself questioning everything she believed about justice.  

Prima Facie is a hard-hitting look at the “patriarchal power of the law” where the burden of proof and existing rules of evidence often work against victims of sexual violence. 

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The 2022 London production of the show was nominated for five Laurence Olivier Awards, with wins for Best New Play and Best Actress for Jodie Comer, who subsequently won a Tony Award for the same role on Broadway in New York. 

“I’m honoured to be directing the South African premiere of this production, the themes of which matter deeply to me and all of us as South Africans who live with some of the highest and most horrific gender-based violence statistics in the world,” says Neil Coppen, director of Prima Facie.  

 

“Suzie Miller’s play has had performances across the globe, and over the last few years has been translated into multiple languages. This will be the first time it’s been performed in South Africa, and I couldn’t imagine a more urgent and pertinent context to be presenting the play within.” 

 

“Beyond merely presenting a gripping staging of Prima Facie on South African stages, I’m excited by the opportunity this creates to use the production strategically to deepen the discussion around its concerns and themes with our audiences.” 

How Now Brown Cow in association with The Market Theatre presents the production in Johannesburg from 16 September to 4 October at The Market Theatre. 

Rise 76: The Story of June 16th

Rise 76: The Story of June 16th

Commissioned by The Market Theatre and The Baxter Theatre to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Youth Uprisings, two-time Fleur du Cap award-winning playwright-director Tiisetso Mashifane wa Noni presents Rise ’76: The Story of June 16th a powerful new South African work of historical fiction.

Set in the fictional Molefe Secondary School in Soweto, the play traces a community on the brink, as students, teachers and families confront the devastating implications of Afrikaans being imposed as a medium of instruction. What begins as an ordinary school day unfolds into a moment that will irrevocably shape the course of history.

Drawing on testimonies from over 40 individuals, alongside archival material, literature and public record, Rise ’76 reimagines June 16 not only as a day of protest, but as a lived, intimate experience one marked by courage, confusion and collective awakening. At its heart, the play reflects on how history is made: in classrooms, in conversations, and in the quiet, defiant choices of young people finding their voice. It is a story of resistance, memory and the enduring power of youth.

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Rise ’76: The Story of June 16th premieres at the Baxter Theatre Studio from 8 to 30 May 2026, before transferring to the Market Theatre’s Mannie Manim from 5 to 28 June 2026.

Featuring: Zilungile Mbombo, Deon Lotz, Mfuneli Ntumbuka, Sbuja Dywili, Ben Albertyn, Alex Sono and Botlhale Mahlangu.

Dada Masilo’s Hamlet

Dada Masilo's Hamlet

The Dance Factory in association with The Market Theatre brings you Dada Masilo’s Hamlet just prior to shows in Wiesbaden and London. The work is restaged by dancer/choreographer Llewellyn Mnguni, who also plays the role of Hamlet’s mother.

Mnguni aims to honour Masilo’s intent, but to further develop the movement’s potential. He is joined by a cast of Johannesburg-based performers from the original cast and also by dancers seconded by both Joburg Ballet and Moving into Dance.

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Masilo is best known for reinventing classics and for fusing different dance forms to create a new and exciting language. She always drew from the extraordinary energy of Johannesburg. Born and raised in Soweto, Masilo trained at The National School of the Arts, Jazzart Dance Theatre and the Performing Arts Research and Training Studios in Brussels. She received several local and international awards; and her works were staged in 30 countries and 176 cities around the world

Age Restriction: P.G 12 – Nudity, Simulated Violence
Interval: None
Duration: 65 Minutes
Previews: None
Opening Night: Sat 16th May 19:00

AFROPOCALYPSE

Afropocalypse

Imaginative Play – “Afropocalypse” – Returns to The Market Theatre Before Touring to Sweden

The multi-award-winning ensemble from The Market Theatre Laboratory is geared up for a return season of “Afropocalypse” at The Market Theatre, after setting the stage on fire with energetic performances in 2025 with their professional debut. The play will show from 7 – 23 May 2026 in the Mannie Manim Theatre, promising renewed energy and exciting storytelling that has proved to be a joy for audiences of all ages.

This electric and hugely imaginative production follows the journey of a group of storytellers in an apocalyptic setting as they share their fables of hope and resilience.

In 2026, “Afropocalypse” scored six Naledi Theatre Awards nominations, winning Best Ensemble.

At the 2025 National Arts Festival in Makhanda, the production won the Festival’s highest Fringe accolade: the Standard Bank Gold Ovation Award.

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Following its return run this Africa Month, the critically acclaimed production will head to Sweden for a showcase at the bibu biennial festival in May. The bibu biennial festival is renowned for being a cultural melting pot in Sweden’s arts scene, bringing together a careful selection of Swedish and international performances for young audiences.

Cherae Halley, Head of The Market Theatre Laboratory, says that “Afropocalypse” being one of only four international productions at this year’s festival, selected from nearly 600 applications, is a notable milestone that speaks to the excellence of the production and the institution behind it.

“The Market Theatre Laboratory continues to build its reputation as a leading incubator for the development of skilled theatre-makers, while also producing bold, cutting-edge work. This international recognition is a testament to our brand and legacy. For most of the cast, which is made up of 14 graduates from The Lab’s full-time two-year programme, this marks their first international debut, and I could not be more thrilled for this ensemble,” Halley remarks.

Directed by Daniel Buckland, “Afropocalypse” was originally produced by The Market Theatre Laboratory as their student production in 2024, and has now grown into an award-winning professional production. The brilliantly entertaining work uses physical comedy and tragic magic realism to paint a vivid and vibrant picture of the past, present and speculative future. The stories they tell are inspired by a myriad of South African voices, from Credo Mutwa to Jan Rabie, to our shared collection of modern South African myths and fables, all interwoven in a comical tapestry of catastrophe and release.

“This is a mischievous and vibrant look at South African society through the lens of all the weird and wonderful ways it could come to an end. The show uses dynamic and joyous ensemble storytelling, with bucket loads of physical comedy, puppetry and storytelling, to paint a vivid picture of the fallibility of humankind, as well as the resilience and creativity of the human spirit,” states director, Daniel Buckland, continuing: “The story leans into joy and tragedy. The idea of an apocalypse is a dark subject matter and framing, the story itself is not only about that. It’s a fun, silly platform to poke fun at contemporary society and take all the delicate bits of South Africa and satirise them.”

Greg Homann, Artistic Director at The Market Theatre Foundation, adds: “This is a show young and old should look forward to watching. Its youthful energy combined with imaginative storytelling make for an entertaining tonic best enjoyed with loved ones and in groups. It’s a wonderful work, with an impressive balance of dark moments mixed in with pure joy, hope, and theatricality.”

Don’t miss this imaginative play as it returns for an unmissable set of performances before its international tour. By attending the production, you will also be helping this formidable ensemble with the costs of taking the show to other parts of the world.

Tickets are available on Webtickets with special discounts for preview performances, for groups of four or more, and with all Wednesdays at half-price.

Safe and secure underground parking is available at the Newtown Junction.

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.

Manana – Mending Broken Hearts Tour

Manana – Mending Broken Hearts Tour

MANANA ANNOUNCES THE MENDING BROKEN HEARTS TOUR — HIS FIRST EVER NATIONWIDE THEATRE TOUR 

A Love Letter to South Africa Spanning an Entire Career 

Johannesburg, South Africa: Soulful singer-songwriter and producer, Manana has announced his highly anticipated Mending Broken Hearts Tour, a landmark nationwide theatre experience that will see the acclaimed artist take the stage in six cities across South Africa. This marks Manana’s first ever theatre tour on a national scale and promises to be one of the most intimate and emotionally resonant live experiences the country has seen in years. 

The tour will touch down in Johannesburg, East London, Port Elizabeth, Durban, Cape Town, and Pretoria, offering fans across the nation the rare opportunity to witness Manana in the setting his artistry was made for: an intimate theatre, where every note and lyric can be felt in full. 

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The Mending Broken Hearts Tour is more than a concert series. It is a journey through the full arc of Manana’s career, from the raw vulnerability of his 2020 debut EP In the Beginning Was the End, through the tender longing of the 2022 EP But Could the Moments in Between, and culminating in the rich, healing soundscape of his 2024 debut album Our Broken Hearts Mend and extended 2025’s offering OBHM: Full Stop, the final chapter of his acclaimed romantic trilogy. Together, these projects trace the full emotional map of love: its beginning, its complexity and ultimately, its healing. 

“This trilogy has always been about the journey,” says Manana. “Heartbreak, intense love, everything in between and finally, mending. This tour is for everyone who has carried a broken heart. We’re going to mend it together.” 

In a deeply special moment for long-time fans, Manana will also perform a selection of songs he has not performed live in years and which he will perform for the very last time on this tour. These performances are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear the music that shaped Manana’s voice and marked the beginning of his story. 

The aim of this tour is simple and profound: healing. Whether you’re navigating heartbreak, rediscovering love or simply in need of a space to feel, the Mending Broken Hearts Tour is your invitation. 

Johannesburg: 17 April, 19:30pm | 18 April, 19:30pm | 19 April, 15:00 | John Kani Theatre, Market Theatre | Tickets @Webtickets 

Stay connected via @officialmanana across all platforms. 

Our broken hearts will mend. 

SKIN WE ARE IN: A Thought-provoking play for the times we are in

SKIN WE ARE IN: A Thought-provoking play for the times we are in

The Windybrow Arts Centre and Turquoise Harmony Institute, in partnership with ASSITEJ SA and the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), present the return of Skin We Are In, following its previous successful tours. This thought-provoking piece is set to start touring schools, festivals and community spaces from 10 March 2026, engaging young audiences in meaningful dialogue.

Originally performed by the Kwasha! Theatre Company, the production now features an all-new cast, bringing renewed energy and perspective to a story that remains deeply relevant.

It is directed by Mosie Mamaregane.

Skin We Are is based on the acclaimed children’s book of the same title, authored by Dr Sindiwe Magona and Professor Nina Jablonski and published by New Africa Books). The book, available in all 11 official South African languages, addresses the historical misuse of science to justify discrimination – particularly during apartheid – and reframes skin colour as something natural, meaningful, and often misunderstood.

Adapted for stage by award-winning playwright for young audiences, Omphile Molusi, the play offers an enriching theatrical experience designed to support conversations around race, belonging and shared humanity. 

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Through storytelling, music, and audience interaction, the piece introduces complex ideas in an age-appropriate and engaging way. Grounded in scientific research, the production challenges misconceptions about skin colour, emphasising that skin tone accounts for only 0.001% of human biological difference.

“Children are born with the innate ability to want to live, learn and adapt. If anyone can learn to look beyond small differences, to appreciate variety and value people for who they really are, it’s them,” says Dr Magona, on why the play continues to be an essential viewing for young audiences.

“Performances of Skin We Are In will allow more young people access to valuable research and ideas that already exist in the book,” she adds. “It can also inspire teachers to shift conversations around skin colour and help foster healthier attitudes.”

Gerard Bester, Head of The Windybrow Arts Centre, thanks Turquoise Harmony Institute and ASSITEJ South Africa for making sure this work reaches more audiences. “This project,” Bester continues, “will create public forums through theatre and post-performance workshops, engaging young audiences, teachers and parents, that will challenge social biases and discrimination, foster empathy and create a safe space for necessary dialogue on identity.”

For Turquoise Harmony Institute, the production forms part of its broader commitment to social cohesion and inclusive education across diverse communities. Through arts-based learning, the Institute seeks to  create safe spaces for young people to explore identity, challenge prejudice, and build empathy. The 2026 tour reflects the Institute’s ongoing work with schools to nurture dignity, mutual respect and shared humanity.

 

“ASSITEJ SA is proud to partner with the production in order to reach more schools and youth in Gauteng. As an organisation, our work ensures access to the arts, supports artists, empowers education and connects and advocates for the role of the arts in the lives of children and young people,” says Yvette Hardie, Director: ASSITEJ South Africa and Honorary President: ASSITEJ International Association for Theatre and Performing Arts for Children and Young People.

Hardie adds that the play will also be promoted as part of ASSITEJ SA’s Take A Child (Teen) to the Theatre Today campaign, which celebrates the World Day of Theatre for Young Audiences on 20 March each year.

Tshepo Madlingozi, Commissioner: Anti-racism, Education and Equality Office at SAHRC, says “Skin We Are In” speaks directly to the Commission’s key programmes, such as calling out for the phasing out of state racial classification, sensitivity and diversity training, Schools’ Model Code of Conduct as well as the Rights and Responsibility Campaign.

“All of the above are anchored on and inspired by our National Question Campaign, which ultimately seeks to proactively create a South Africa where everyone has a sense of affective and material belongingness. The creative arts have a pivotal role to play in this regard. As an independent constitutional body, we are humbled and honoured to join this wonderful initiative,” concludes Commissioner Madlingozi.

Don’t miss this insightful, thought-provoking piece that equips young audiences with the skills, vocabulary and psychology to embrace difference.

ENDS

The Windybrow Arts Centre is a division of The Market Theatre Foundation, 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.

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

ECHOES OF THE SOUL 

Echoes of the Soul

Echoes of the Soul 

Multi-award-winning Afro-soul artist, composer and performer, Berita, gears up for a landmark, one-night-only music concert performance – Echoes of the Soul – at The Market Theatre. Supported by the SAMPRA Development Fund, the concert will take place on 1 May  2026 in the John Kani Theatre.  

Born in Zimbabwe, Berita is a multi-award-winning singer-songwriter whose music resonates deeply with audiences across Africa and beyond. First introduced to South Africa in 2012 through her debut single ‘Thandolwethu’, Berita’s music is a rich blend of Afro-soul, jazz and pop influences, offering a soundtrack for life’s diverse experiences. Her music explores themes of love, resilience and empowerment, resonating with audiences worldwide. 

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Marking over a decade of captivating South African audiences, Berita is set to elevate her authentic Afro-soul signature to new heights with this concert. For this second edition, she will be accompanied by a dynamic 9-piece ensemble and also feature hand-picked guest artists, creating a lush musical experience designed specifically for the intimate and prestigious atmosphere of The Market Theatre.  

“This show is a homecoming for my music and my spirit,” shares Berita. “Moving into the John Kani Theatre allows us to truly honour the heart. I want to share the stories behind the songs and the moments in between that have echoed in my soul over the years.”  

Audiences can expect a meticulously curated journey through Berita’s chart-topping hits and soulful renditions of beloved classics, all reimagined for a world-class theatre stage.  

Don’t miss this once-off unforgettable night that honours your heart and echoes your soul.  

Tickets for “Echoes of the Soul” are available at Webtickets. 

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

ITROTRA–MAP

ITROTRA–MAP

4th ITROTRA–MAP Dance Festival at The Market Theatre 

Itrotra Art X Connection (IAXC), in partnership with leading South African and international cultural institutions, proudly presents the 4th edition of the ITROTRA–MAP Dance Festival, taking place from 27 February to 7 March 2026 across Soweto and Johannesburg. This project has been funded by the Barloworld Empowerment Foundation. 

Hosted at The Market Theatre, University of Johannesburg Arts & Culture, Alliance Française of Johannesburg, Goethe-Institut South Africa, Bapedi Hall (Soweto) and selected schools, the Festival reaffirms its position as a vital Mobile Art Platform (MAP)—connecting artists, audiences and communities through movement, dialogue and social engagement. 

 The 2026 edition unfolds under the powerful theme: “SAFE SPACES, SAFE LIVES.”  

The Festival is co-curated by Gaby Saranouffi (Madagascar/South Africa) and Moeketsi Koena (SA).  Both are internationally respected choreographers, educators and cultural leaders whose shared vision continues to position ITROTRA–MAP as a leading contemporary dance platform on the African continent. 

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Anchored in the conviction that a clean environment is a human right, and so is the right to live free from violence, the Festival positions contemporary dance as a catalyst for social  reflection, resistance, healing and transformation. Through performances, films, workshops, flash mobs, exhibitions and public conversations, ITROTRA–MAP confronts urgent realities of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), environmental justice, masculinity, mental health and human dignity.

 Rooted in the legacy of the ITROTRA International Contemporary Dance Festival of Madagascar – now in its 17th international edition – the South African chapter continues to strengthen Afro-global artistic exchange. The Festival brings together established and emerging artists from South Africa, Madagascar, Mozambique, Sweden, France and Germany, presenting a rich interdisciplinary programme that includes high-calibre contemporary dance and dance-theatre performances, circus and youth-focused works, dance film screenings and artist talks, professional choreographic residencies and workshops, school performances and community outreach initiatives as well as an immersive GBVF-focused visual art exhibition.  

 The Festival will open on 27 February 2026 at The Market Theatre (Barney Simon), forming part of the theatre’s 50th anniversary celebrations. The opening will launch with a powerful triple bill featuring a spoken-word performance by Kgotso Koena with live saxophone by Karabo Mohlala. Again, Moeketsi Koena will present MEKGWA – Habits (Reimagined), while Luthando Arts Academy will showcase SEHOKOLO – Missing Link.  

 International and local highlights include works by Thierry Randriatsitohaina (Madagascar), Vincent Mantsoe (France/SA), Thabiso Pule (SA), Deus Nos Acudi–Pak Ndjamena (Mozambique), Kwanele Finch (SA) and many more. 

 Selected events will be ticketed via Webtickets, Quicket and box office; many events are free entry.  

The Vault

The Vault

The Vault: Album Launch Live at The Market Theatre

Multi-award-winning songstress and Standard Bank Young Artist for Music 2023, Zoë Modiga, presents “The Vault: Album Launch Live at The Market Theatre”. This new wonder world era will take place on 23 April 2026, staged on the iconic John Kani Theatre stage.

It is brought to you by creative and cultural hub, Yelloëwax.

“The Vault” is Modiga’s self-written and produced fourth album, characterised by an experimental, alternative-soul sonic landscape. It is a love-themed time machine with 20 years’ worth of unreleased music dating from 2007 to 2025, composed alongside some of the career-defining songs in her discography.

By definition, “The Vault” is inspired by the safekeeping of valuable things and the unearthing of what lies buried and unseen. It also means “to jump or leap over an obstacle”. In this case, the obstacle is overcoming life experiences through choosing to wholeheartedly surrender to one’s childlike imagination.

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This work introduces the songstress’s creative “evolved” ego and producer tag, “Rha”, who takes centre stage in the telling of this personable, vulnerable, quirky and sensual story. “Rha!” is the South African expression usually associated with disgust. In this case, it is used as an expression of audacity, which is what expressing freely requires.

The phrase also means “places of water”. This is the code to this secret music and the secret place in all of us.

“I am a musical chameleon who is excited to share that with people. I feel anchored in all we’ve been able to collectively create and build over the years, and I feel ready to expand on that through what has been a childlike exploration and fire beneath my feet. Much of my practice involves being anchored by the discomfort that can accompany the music-making process. It is in the digging deep that I intend to express and encourage the necessary freedoms that can only emerge from being refined in that fire,” Zoë Modiga shares.

She continues, “We have cultivated a culture around the music, imaging and messaging, and now I wish to share the in-betweens, the unknowns, and ultimately the beauty in creating from that. I wish for many things; I wish to find the innocence and play that music always brought out of me from an early age. I recognise the layers and textures as they describe the multiplicity that has always existed with me. More than anything, I champion humanising myself and all my listeners with this record.”

Zoë Modiga returns to The Market Theatre during its year-long 50th anniversary celebrations, which – among others – aim to highlight the power of music in confronting injustices and giving audiences a vocabulary of love, hope and resistance. As she lends her powerful voice to this crucial milestone, heritage meets innovation to create a legacy for the future.

Don’t miss this powerful performance on 23 April 2026 in the John Kani Theatre. Unlock “The Vault” and discover the wonders hidden within you.

The show starts at 7:30pm. Tickets are out on Webtickets.

Zawadi Yamungu to Enchant Audiences at The Market Theatre

Zawadi Yamungu to Enchant Audiences

On 14 March 2026, Zawadi Yamungu – an exceptional musician renowned for her commanding performances and distinctive approach to indigenous instruments – is set to captivate audiences at her highly anticipated Ngimuhle Album Tour. The event will take place at The Market Theatre, with doors opening at 17:00 and the performance commencing at 18:00.

Zawadi, celebrated for her powerful African voice and the healing effects of her music, draws inspiration from her rich heritage and experiences. Her artistry incorporates a wide range of indigenous instruments, bringing traditional sounds to contemporary audiences. Over the years, she has garnered acclaim alongside some of the industry’s leading artists. She has also represented the country on international stages, including a prominent collaboration which took South Africa by storm at the Paris Fashion Week with the Maxhosa brand. Again, she received an award in Ghana and made a name in India by doing cultural exchange activities.

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This upcoming performance will showcase a selection of Zawadi’s beloved tracks and her latest singles “Ngimuhle” and “Mama”, capturing the essence of her musical journey. Each song is infused with deep emotional resonance and cultural significance, offering listeners a unique experience.

Joining Zawadi on stage will be a stellar lineup of featured artists, including The Soil, a renowned Afro-soul band known for their harmonious vocals and socially conscious lyrics, Sindiswa Zulu, a rising star in the music scene, and a guest act yet to be confirmed, whose dynamic performances are sure to enhance the evening’s entertainment. Together, they promise to create an unforgettable atmosphere filled with vibrant energy and rich musical variety.

Tickets for the event are available now, and early booking is highly recommended given the anticipated demand. This concert provides an excellent opportunity for fans to experience live music in a captivating venue, and supports the local arts scene.

The show arrives at The Market Theatre as it marks 50 years of bold storytelling, with programming that is in part dedicated to highlighting the power of song and sound in confronting injustice and giving audiences the vocabulary of hope, love and resistance.

Zawadi Yamungu invites music lovers of all backgrounds to join her on this special night, as she celebrates the power of music to connect communities and uplift spirits. This performance at The Market Theatre is not just a concert; it’s a celebration of culture, unity and the enduring beauty of African music.

Tickets for Ngimuhle Album Tour are out on Webtickets.