Marabi

Marabi

Musical Theatre Classic – “Marabi” – Returns to The Market Theatre

South Africa’s musical theatre classic, “Marabi”, makes a grand return to The Market Theatre, launching the theatre’s year-long 50th anniversary celebrations on a high note. Directed by Arthur Molepo, who was part of the original cast, the play with music that is produced by Mpho Molepo (Molepo Theatre Projects) in association with The Market Theatre runs from 19 Jan – 22 Feb 2026.

Set in the tough Doornfontein yards of the 1930s, “Marabi” tells the story of an ordinary family of first-generation black migrants to Johannesburg who have had to move to the city, leaving behind a peaceful and predictable life. Held neatly together by a wonderful musicality, the play explores love and loss, as well as how music and memory connect the past to the present.

As an adaptation of Modikwe Dikobe’s seminal book titled “Marabi Dance”, the story unfolds through the character of July Mabongo as he struggles with ancestral duty, poverty and urban life. Mabongo’s daughter Martha falls in love with Ginger George, a charismatic marabi instrumentalist, defying tradition and sparking family conflict. 

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The script – originally workshopped by Junction Avenue Theatre Company – is brought to life by a nine-member cast that features Sello Sebotsane (as Mabongo), Katleho Moloi (as Ginger George) and Gabisile Tshabalala (as Martha), to mention a few.

Staged in the 140th year since Johannesburg was formed, the piece in 2026 presents an important reflection on the city’s unique cultural identity, artistic richness and movement of people. It looks into the introduction of recorded music and the exploitation of artists that followed, bearing rich reflection for the music industry, especially for up-and-coming musicians. This local classic further exposes the evils of the apartheid regime’s forced removals, which uprooted families from Doornfontein to Soweto in order to achieve its ideology of segregation.

Director Arthur Molepo calls the revival of “Marabi” during The Market Theatre’s landmark year a profound tribute to South Africa’s cultural heritage. “This is not just a classic story retold with a fresh voice and sound,” he explains. “It’s also an opportunity to bridge generations of artists, promote social cohesion and preserve our country’s musical heritage. This piece speaks to the power of music as a transcendent force, using rhythm to guide us back to our roots.”

For The Market Theatre, opening its 50th anniversary year with this uniquely South African work illustrates its proud legacy as the people’s theatre.

Greg Homann, Artistic Director at The Market Theatre Foundation, states: “Our 50th celebrations will be guided by our principles of fearless storytelling, shared ownership and programming that reflects our nation’s diversity. This work is a signature South African theatre piece that will be enjoyed by both our legacy audiences as well as new theatre-goers of any age, giving them access to a period that defined the soul of the city. It’s a perfect play to sit as our 50th Anniversary season premiere, as we look back at the past and set the tone for the future.”

Homann further notes that just as marabi rose from the hardship of one of Johannesburg’s toughest spaces to become the city’s defining cultural sound and movement, The Market Theatre too was born in the wake of one of apartheid’s darkest tragedies: June 16, 1976. “We opened our doors in the same week as the Youth Uprising, which rooted The Market to a legacy of using artistic expression to resist oppression. It feels especially fitting, then, to begin our 50th-anniversary year with a production that celebrates how music and dance have shaped our social life and created a sense of home for generations of migrants navigating a fast-paced and unfamiliar city,” he says.

Get ready to start your year with a theatrical experience that reminds us of South Africa’s true gift to the world: the power of sound, movement and storytelling.

Tickets for the show are available on Webtickets via The Market Theatre’s website, with special festive season prices at R150 available till 11 January 2026. Reduced price bookings of 4 or more and half-price Wednesdays are also on sale.

Affordable, safe and secure underground parking is available at the Newtown Junction.

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The Market Theatre is a Division of The Market Theatre Foundation, an agency of the Department of Sports, 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, contact Bongiwe Potelwa (Publicist at the Market Theatre Foundation) at bongiwep@markettheatre.co.za or (011) 832 1641.

Naledy’s Teddy Bear

Naledy’s Teddy Bear: Blowing the Whistle on SA’s Missing Children Crisis

To shine the spotlight on missing children, The Market Theatre Kippies Fringe presents “Naledy’s Teddy Bear” from 28 – 30 November 2025 at Kippies, Newtown. South Africa continues to experience high numbers of missing children, with statistics revealing that nearly a quarter of children reported missing in the last three years – 2 000 in total – were found. Unaccounted for, these children – typically 17 years and younger – are often presumed dead or trafficked, leaving shattered families behind.

Starring Andile Vilakazi and Ntokozo Vilakazi, “Naledy’s Teddy Bear” will be staged in line with the 16 Days of Activism Against for No Violence Against Women and Children.

Developed in 2021, the play emerged in response to a spike in missing children’s cases, giving voice to young girls and drawing attention to ongoing child and women abuse in our country. Today, its relevance is even more critical—the production sparks community dialogue and social reflection, encouraging young people to think critically about social issues.

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“Using the metaphor of a missing teddy bear, the show appeals to young audiences with a powerful message that breaks down an otherwise heavy topic to entertain and educate children. This production is a beacon of hope, a call to action, and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.  While the subject matter is intense, the production is crafted with care to ensure an engaging and thought-provoking experience,” said Andile Vilakazi.

The Market Theatre Kippies Fringe, which has delivered exceptional developmental works throughout the year, nears its glorious end with a number of productions scheduled for November. The month’s programming is themed around healing, reflection and renewal. This play continues to engage our collective conscience, interrogating how we treat the most vulnerable. Again, it offers affected people a moment to grieve and heal, while sharing educational information about children’s safety.

This is  a production that will leave audiences moved, inspired and motivated to act against South Africa’s worsening crisis of missing children.

Tickets are out on Webtickets for R100.

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Kippies Fringe is an initiative of The Market Theatre, curated by 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 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.

MEDEA

MEDEA: Hell Has No Fury Like a Sorceress Betrayed

Fans of theatre classics are in for a ride as The Windybrow Arts Centre stages “Medea” at The Market Theatre, an ancient Greek tragedy now reimagined for South Africa and the world’s current fractured times. Directed by Leila Henriques, the play will run from 27 – 30 November 2025 for four unmissable performances only.

The reimagined story plays out in a parched Johannesburg where water is running out. There, Jason, crushed by debt, abandons his lover Medea as he believes marrying an affluent daughter will keep his family afloat. But to Medea – a foreigner in a hostile land who is devastated by betrayal – revenge becomes the only response. Featuring an impressive young cast and teenage chorus from the Windybrow Arts Centre who embody the city’s conscience, “Medea” is an exploration of emotional dysregulation, betrayal and the cost of love in a world running dry.

Henriques says although the play was first performed in 431 BC, it still resonates with local and global dynamics, capturing the complexities of modern-day love, betrayal, obsession, immigration and gender politics. “In its essence,” Henriques elaborates, “it is a story of a breakup where the children are used as bargaining chips between the two warring parties. Adults sacrificing children for honour, wealth, power and to inflict as much pain on the other side as possible. This is relevant in the world today.

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Not only in love relationships but also in global politics and wars. I was drawn to the original play by Euripides because of the relevance of its themes, but also because of its heightened language, heightened emotion that tells a domestic story of love, betrayal and survival.”

Gerard Bester, Head of The Windybrow Arts Centre, adds that “Medea” presents a reframing of marginalisation, calling for deeper understanding of each other’s lived experiences. “The work forces us to engage, in the most visceral way, what desperation can do to us to create havoc and destruction to those close to us and ourselves. How poverty and finding oneself unwanted in a foreign land can lead to this destruction. The work demands understanding, empathy and compassion for humans who perform horrific acts under the most difficult of circumstances.”

“Medea” is a collaboration between The Windybrow Arts Centre, Kwasha! Theatre Company as well as Playgroup, a multidisciplinary art collective whose interest lies in how Johannesburg is experienced through sound. Chloe Whittstock designs set and costumes, Andile Mgeyi choreographs and Themba Mthimkulu designs lighting. The cast comprises Gofaone Bodigelo, Londa Mkhize, Thingo Mcanyana, Jack Mabokachaba, Natasha Dube, Malcom Moloi, Andile Ngoboza and Privilege Ndhlovu.

Tickets for “Medea” are available on Webtickets starting from R110, with special prices for groups of four or more. The recommended age for this play is 14+.

Affordable, safe and secure underground parking is available at the Newtown Junction.

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The Windybrow Arts Centre is a Division of The Market Theatre Foundation, an agency of the Department of Sports, 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, contact Bongiwe Potelwa (Publicist at the Market Theatre Foundation) at bongiwep@markettheatre.co.za or (011) 832 1641.

Kaza Kamba

Kaza Kamba Pan African Theatre Festival Returns to The Market for its 2nd iteration

The Market Theatre and mehlo-maya (eye-to-the-sun) have once again partnered for the four-day festival of theatre, music, workshops, film screenings and talks, curated by Bobby Rodwell and Lesego Rampolokeng. This dynamic new festival, which takes place from 06 – 09 November 2025, brings together the arts and the political discourse.

The festival features seven Southern African countries, making it a very critical cross-border initiative aimed at strengthening ties between countries. Again, it gives audiences an opportunity to immerse themselves in the stories of our sub-region.

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Afropocalypse

Afropocalypse

Imaginative and Allegorical Play – Afropocalypse – Returns to Jo’burg

The award-winning production “Afropocalypse” returns to Jo’burg after a critically acclaimed run at the 2025 National Arts Festival, where it won the festival’s highest Fringe accolade—the Standard Bank Gold Ovation Award. Running at The Market Theatre from 19 November – 7 December 2025, this energetic 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.

We’re all used to apocalyptic imaginings, but what would an apocalypse in the African context look like? How would its survivors tell the story as they rise from the ruins?

Directed by Daniel Buckland, “Afropocalypse” was originally produced by The Market Theatre Laboratory as their student production in 2024. It played to sold-out runs at The Ramolao Makhene Theatre, becoming a hit and instant favourite for audiences. The fourteen-strong ensemble now present the work in their professional debut in the Mannie Manim Theatre at The Market Theatre. 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.

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“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. 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,” explained Buckland.

Greg Homann, Artistic Director at The Market Theatre Foundation, said staging the production is an opportunity to celebrate the journey it has gone on, highlighted by winning the highest accolade in the National Arts Festival fringe programme – the Standard Bank Gold Ovation Award. Homann further stressed that the show is a family-friendly offering perfect for winding down after a long year.

Homann adds, “This is a show young and old should look forward to watching. Its youthful energy combined with imaginative storytelling make for an entertaining, relaxing treat best enjoyed with loved ones and in groups. It’s a wonderful work, with an impressive balance of dark and more bleak moments mixed in with joy and hope.”

If you are craving theatre that’s out of this world, then “Afropocalypse” is here for that. Travel to a time yet to come and immerse yourself in stories untold.

Tickets are available on Webtickets starting from R110, with special discounts for the preview performance, for groups of four or more, and with all Wednesdays at half-price.

Affordable, safe and secure underground parking is available at the Newtown Junction.

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The Market Theatre is a Division of The Market Theatre Foundation, an agency of the Department of Sports, 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.

THIS IS WHO I AM

THIS IS WHO I AM

British High Commission and Windybrow Arts Centre present 

London Artists Projects

THIS IS WHO I AM

South African premiere

This Is Who I Am is a theatrical journey into Hillbrow and beyond, a place where history and present collide with contradictory illusions and dreams of a mercurial South Africa. A storied, yet troubled inner-city area of Johannesburg, Hillbrow remains a safe harbour for an ever-changing mix of iconoclasts.

Imbued with all the power and the passion of deeply personal real-life stories, ten Hillbrow artists and participants express the truth of their lived experience in their own five-hundred-word monologue in response to the title. Lives of abuse, alienation, disability, violence, and xenophobia connect in a mosaic of hope and resistance that demands justice and the right to a better future. 

This Is Who I Am is an ongoing multidisciplinary, intercultural arts platform featuring live and online performances, photo portraits, exhibitions, workshops and dialogue between artists from London Artists Projects in the UK and Windybrow Arts Centre in Hillbrow, South Africa.

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Launching as part of the G20 Culture Ministerial in South Africa, This Is Who I Am is part of UKwithSA cultural exchange and the British High Commission’s commitment to diversity and equality by drawing on the transformative power of the arts to contribute to wider access and inclusion in collaboration with local partners.

This Is Who I Am is the companion work to Jeremy Goldstein’s Truth to Power Café. Both works are inspired by the political and philosophical beliefs of Nobel Prize winning playwright Harold Pinter and his inner circle, The Hackney Gang, who included Jeremy’s late father, Mick Goldstein, and poet and actor Henry Woolf, whose original poetry bejewels the work.

“Revolutionary theatre at its best and most direct” 

Guardian on Truth to Power Café

This Is Who I Am is a London Artists Projects and Windybrow Arts Centre co-production commissioned by British High Commission South Africa with support from Canon South Africa 

Hillbrow artists and participants:

Gcebile Dlamini, Simphiwe Dube, Reneilwe Leopeng, Tshiyeya Kalombo, Minenhle Masina, Hlengiwe Masondo, Thabang Matsaung, Sandiso Mbatha, Tyson Nkala, Caleb Nyanguila

Artistic team:

Created by Jeremy Goldstein for London Artists Projects

Original score by DYSKINETIC

Co-directed by Jeremy Goldstein and Jaden Mmokwa Oratile Mosadi

Media Editor Flick Harrison 

Photo Portraits by Roger Machin and Quintin Mills 

Videography by Presley Mpofu and Sandile Daniel Radebe

Sound Recordist Tumelo Mosenogi

Behind the Scenes Photography by Kopano Lebotse

Dramaturgy and Workshop Facilitation Stacy Hardy (Creative Writing, Wits University)

Script Consultant Chris Thompson

Executive Producer 

Dr Sarah Meisch Lionetto, MBE 
Public Diplomacy – Head of Arts, Culture & Sports
British High Commission, South Africa
 

Performances contain stories of lived experience that include trauma, political stances and adult themes. 

Audience age: 14+ – parental guidance recommended

Photo: Roger Machin and Quintin Mills

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Kaza Kamba Pan African Theatre Festival returns to the market for its 2nd reiteration

Kaza Kamba Pan African Theatre Festival Returns to The Market for its 2nd iteration

The Market Theatre and mehlo-maya (eye-to-the-sun) have once again partnered for the four-day festival of theatre, music, workshops, film screenings and talks, curated by Bobby Rodwell and Lesego Rampolokeng. This dynamic new festival, which takes place from 06 – 09 November 2025, brings together the arts and the political discourse.

The festival features seven Southern African countries, making it a very critical cross-border initiative aimed at strengthening ties between countries. Again, it gives audiences an opportunity to immerse themselves in the stories of our sub-region.

An installation speaking to the history of Pan Africanism opens on Thursday, 04 September in The Market Theatre’s Lindelani Buthelezi Gallery, setting the tone for the festival.

Mainlining at the festival is “Lyrics Unchained on website / webtickets”, in which South Africa meets Zimbabwe meets Lesotho in a blend of poetry and percussion, featuring poets Matodzi Ramashia (Makhafula Vilakazi) from South Africa, Mercy Dhliwayo (sista x) from Zimbabwe, naledi chai (zeph) South Africa and Lesotho’sThabiso Mohapeloa (Tha Hymphatic Thabs). Musicians Louis Mhlanga (Guitar) and Gontse Makhene (Percussion) join the production, hosted by poet Lesego Rampolokeng.

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Kaza Kamba Festival LYRICS UNCHAINED : https://www.webtickets.co.za/event.aspx?itemid=1577437811

Kaza Kamba Festival Setimo Juramento: https://www.webtickets.co.za/event.aspx?itemid=1577431186

Mozambican Producer Joaquim Matavel of Grupo de Teatro Girassol brings “Setimo Juramento / Seventh Oath”, written by Paulina Chiziane and directed by Ramadane Matusse. Paulo Jamine plays a character who traverses dark worlds in search of a new global identity – one that offers wellbeing, social justices and love – through storytelling, poetry and movement, offering provocations for a better world. The piece is in Portuguese, with English sub-titles.

Workshops over the four days include a performance dance workshop, “Barena: Reimagined” by Smangaliso Ngwenya, “Finding My Voice, Speaking My Truth”, Directing for Theatre by Liatile Mohale of Lesotho, a dance workshop on gender based violence, “Still We Dance” by choreographer Gaby Saranouffi from Madagascar, the Somatic Library workshop on voice by Mpho Malesa and Gifter Ngobeni, and “gubhu seNtshomi (Djembe of Stories)”. There will also be a workshop for young people, facilitated by Sibusiso ‘Vonde-r’ Fihlani, and one for the very young, our Baby Corner, for adults who wish to attend workshops or films.

 

Our films are: “Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat” [2024], a film by Johan Grimonprez that examines the political machinations behind the 1961 assassination of Congolese leader, Patrice Lumumba and “Dying for Gold” [2018] that focuses on the impact of Gold Mining in the SADC region, produced by Richard Pakleppa and Catherine Meyburgh. There will be panel discussions with the screenings of both documentaries.

A film showing and discussion on the situation in Sudan will be held by members of Sudanese solidarity groups.

The Kaza Kamba Colloquium this year will be held on Saturday, 08 November 2025, “Decolonising the Theatre Space” to be presented by Warona Seane, who will engage with theatre producers from the sub-region.

Our late evenings will be spent at our Kaza Kamba Pavement café in The Market Theatre Precinct, with music and an open mic and lots of lovely food and drink to purchase.

In short, there is a lot to see, experience and debate at Kaza Kamba Pan African Theatre Festival 2025.

All documentary films and workshops are FREE. Tickets for our play and “Lyrics Unchained” are on Webtickets.

There will be food and drinks for sale throughout the day, as well as stalls with books and other delights.

Come down to The Market Theatre from 06 – 09 November 2025 for a weekend of live performances, film, workshops and debate on Pan Africanism. Everyone is most welcome!

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

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 or Mamello Khomongoe mamellok@markettheatre.co.za 0815729612.

Pride Month at The Market Theatre Kippies Fringe

Pride Month at The Market Theatre Kippies Fringe

Paint-On-Stage Productions in association with The Art Cave and The Market Theatre Kippies Fringe present ‘The Queer In The Queue’, a bold and intimate portrait of queer love in the face of rejection and red tape by Jason Wheeler, starring performer Luke Ness playing multiple characters.

The play runs from 2 – 5 October 2025 at 19:30pm, with two matinees at 3:30pm over the weekend in the 50-seater fringe venue.

Curated by The Art Cave in celebration of Pride Month, ‘The Queer In The Queue’ follows a newly married gay man trying to change to a new name; one name that changes everything. “In this deeply moving and sharply humorous solo performance, a gay man sits in the dreaded Home Affairs queue, paperwork in hand, ready to change his surname to that of his beloved husband. But what begins as a bureaucratic chore becomes a heartfelt excavation or memory, identity, and family. As he inches forward in the line, the protagonist unpacks his complicated-relationship with his father, the scars of homophobia, and the bittersweet triumph of reclaiming his name, not just legally, but emotionally and spiritually,” explains writer and director, Jason Wheeler.

Staged with innovative intimacy, the audience is seated in a U-shape formation, mimicking the very queue our character finds himself in. With no fourth wall to hide behind, the audience becomes the other citizens in line, witnessing his story unfold step by step. In the centre of this space lies memory itself, a performance zone where the character relives moments from his life with poignancy and poetic insight. 

Wheeler – an emerging playwright – brings his  wit, nuance and emotional range to this highly personal work. Following the acclaim of his previous works, ‘The Marvellous Mr Moffie’, ‘4:59’ and ‘Birds of a Feather’, Wheeler continues to explore queer identity, vulnerability and the pursuit of dignity with unflinching honesty. In 2024, Wheeler was appointed Associate Playwright at The Market Theatre and won the STAND (Sustaining Theatre and Dance Foundation) Global South Playwright Competition.

The play’s solo performer, Ness, recently graduated with distinction from the University of Witwatersrand, and has numerous roles under his belt, including Hally in Fugard’s ‘Master Harold and the Boys’, Gigi in ‘Bobo Eats Sand’ and Doctor A in the absurdist piece, ‘The Patient’.

Presented during The Art Cave’s Pride and Identity Spotlight this October, ‘The Queer In The Queue’ is more than a play about changing a surname; it’s about changing the story we tell ourselves, and finding freedom in the truth of who we are. “In many ways, queer lives are suffocated by a bureaucracy that turns a blind eye on the many queers in the queue looking for dignity. There’s no better way to mark Pride Month than tackling real issues facing the queer community in an entertaining yet meaningful way, which is what this play offers,” says The Art Cave, curators of The Market Theatre Kippies Fringe.

Tickets for the 5 performances are available on Webtickets for R100.

ENDS

Kippies Fringe is an initiative of The Market Theatre, curated by 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.

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Journey of Discovery Concert                                                    

Journey of Discovery Concert

SOUTH AFRICAN AND HONG KONG ARTISTS SET TO SHINE ON THE MARKET THEATRE STAGE IN “JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY” CONCERT

The National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC), in collaboration with the Hong Kong Arts Development Council (HKADC), is excited to present the second instalment of Journey of Discovery, a much-anticipated concert taking place at the renowned Market Theatre in Johannesburg on 24 and 25 October 2025.

This groundbreaking cultural exchange was launched following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the NAC and HKADC on 2 February 2024. It gained momentum at the inaugural Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo (HKPAX) held from 14–18 October 2024, where South African and Hong Kong- based musicians captivated audiences with a unique co-created musical showcase.

As part of this ongoing initiative to promote indigenous music and celebrate cultural identities, the five South African musicians who performed at HKPAX alongside their Hong Kong counterparts will once again share the stage, this time on South African soil.

Creative and Production Team

Music Director: Ng Cheuk-yin
Musicians (South Africa): Ayanda Jiya, Mbuzeni Duncan Mkhize, Natalie Rungan, Sky Dladla, Thandeka Mfinyongo
Musicians (Hong Kong): Ngaiman, Jing Wong, Ma Wai Him

Producer: Kenny Chen

Together with their Hong Kong collaborators, these award-winning musicians will present an innovative, cross-cultural performance that bridges continents through music.

“Journey of Discovery is more than just a concert; it is a celebration of shared humanity, musical dialogue, and creative expression that transcends borders. Through this collaboration, the NAC continues to foster global visibility for South African talent while honouring the importance of cultural diplomacy and creative exchange,” says Mr Lebogang Mogoera, Interim Chief Executive Officer of the NAC.

Ms Pheon Tsang, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Arts Development Council, a statutory body established by the government to promote the development of the arts in Hong Kong also shared her enthusiasm:

“I am delighted to witness the fulfilment of this strategic partnership with the South African National Arts Council under the helm of Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo. It marks a meaningful step forward in deepening cultural exchange and mutual understanding through the arts. As we enter the second year of the Journey of Discovery concert series, I am confident it will be even more impactful as we proudly extend our artistic footprint onto the African continent.”

Hosting the concert will be the prestigious Market Theatre Foundation. Ms Tshiamo Mokgadi CEO of Market Theatre Foundation remarked:

“We are honoured to host an event of such calibre at the Market Theatre. This partnership reflects the power of the arts to transcend borders and connect communities. Our team is working to ensure that all preparations are in place to welcome both local and international guests for what promises to be a wonderful musical experience, shared across borders.”

ENDS

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The TX Theatre Hub

The TX Theatre Hub

The TX Theatre Hub x The Market Theatre Collaboration Presents the Soul of Community Storytelling

The Market Theatre has teamed up with The TX Theatre Hub in a groundbreaking collaboration intended to dismantle barriers between mainstream platforms and fringe creations, while amplifying community storytelling. As a result of this partnership, The Market Theatre is a proud host of The TX Theatre Hub @ The Market, a festival of five works running from 24 – 28 September 2025. The festival boldly aims to present new and existing works by emerging and established voices, nurture talent and connect traditional narratives with contemporary expressions for the viewing pleasure of audiences.

For five days, the festival promises five compelling productions, comprising of comedy, drama, and puppetry. The works include Masai Sepuru’s ‘Dark Magic’ and Moruti Abednigo Dlamini’s ‘Stevovo the Puppeteer’,  ‘Madi Phatleng’ by Solly Ramatswi, ‘Chasing Laughter’ by Isaac Sithole, as well as ‘Behind Van Vuuren’s Farm’ by Mxolisi Masilela.

Mxolisi Masilela, Founder of The TX Theatre Hub described the collaboration between The Market Theatre and the Tembisa-based theatre hub as both “timely and necessary”, elaborating: “It bridges the divide between mainstream and fringe productions, brings fresh energy to the sector, ensuring that stories born in the township reach wider audiences, while affirming their place in the national cultural conversation.”

Dark Magic:

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Stevovo the Puppeteer :

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Madi Phatleng:

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Chasing Laughter:

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Behind van Vuuren’s Farm:

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Masilela added that both theatres stood to benefit from this historic partnership. “The TX Theatre represents the next wave of theatre-making: daring, raw, and rooted in community. It has become a platform for young, independent artists to develop work that speaks to today’s realities, often with limited resources but unlimited creativity. This collaboration matters because each theatre needs the other. Together, they create a powerful pipeline that ensures artistic excellence is not confined by geography or resources.”

In addition to exposing audiences to authentic township stories that rarely enjoy the spotlight, the collaboration between The TX Theatre Hub @ The Market Theatre collaboration is also about sustainability and inclusivity in an increasingly vulnerable arts sector facing shrinking funding  and strong competition from alternative mediums. As they join hands, the two organisations will attempt to reimagine the relationship between mainstream and community-based theatre, and explore future fruitful partnerships.

Complementing the festival’s best-five performances are two interactive talks designed to deepen audience engagement. For the first talk, Mxolisi Masilela will join The Market Theatre Foundation’s Artistic Director, Greg Homann, in discussing the intersection of theatre, history and activism. The second talk will be a reflection session on the dominant themes emerging out of the festival, giving audiences intimate access to the stories. All talks are free of charge.

Greg Homann highlighted the investment made by The Market Theatre Foundation in empowering community-based creatives, a legacy of nearly 50 years.

“The Market Theatre Foundation regards fringe theatre as the future of storytelling. We have chosen to collaborate with The TX Theatre Hub who are doing immensely important work in amplifying the often unheard voices in our communities. This partnership is a continuation of the longstanding investment we have made in developing the next layer of South African theatre, creating new entry level opportunities, empowering young theatre-makers with meaningful creative roles and introducing fresh voices to our loyal audiences. We have done this in the past through initiatives such as the decades-old Zwakala community theatre festival and our recent introduction of Kippies Fringe, which allow us to maintain our legacy as a crucible for fearlessly honest performances,” Homann said.

As The TX Theatre Hub @ The Market  approaches, township stories that are often staged first in small community venues will now stand on the same platform that has propelled many of South Africa’s greatest stage plays. This visibility will go a long way in demonstrating that township-born creativity is central and not tangential to the country’s artistic future, sustainability and relatability.

The TX Theatre Festival is also supported by the National Arts Council (NAC) and the Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation.

Don’t miss the heart and soul of township storytelling, from 24 – 28 September 2025 at The Market Theatre. Tickets are available on Webtickets for R140 per show, with weekend day passes priced at R200. Buy one get one free special for the first 21 tickets per show applies.

Affordable, 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 Sports, 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, contact Bongiwe Potelwa (Publicist at the Market Theatre Foundation) at bongiwep@markettheatre.co.za or (011) 832 1641.