ADAM’S ALE

Adam’s Ale is a powerful one-man theatrical work that explores the complexities of identity, masculinity and loss within contemporary South African society. At the heart of the story is a young man – Letswai – navigating the uncertain space between boyhood and manhood, grappling with what the rite of passage into manhood truly means and whether the expectations placed upon him align with his own understanding of himself.

The story unfolds through a series of memories, reflections and encounters that reveal the protagonist’s journey from innocence to experience. As he confronts the realities of social expectations, absent fatherhood and the pressures of manhood, he is forced to question the values and beliefs that have shaped his life. The work examines how inherited ideas of masculinity can both empower and imprison individuals, while also highlighting the resilience required to break cycles of trauma and silence.

Adam’s Ale is written by Mxolisi Masilela, directed by Banele Yengeni and performed by Kgwadi Tshwarelo Selolo.

UNTITLED DEEDS

In a desolate land built from tin cans and plastic scraps, survival is a daily act of resistance. There is no water, electricity or any promise of service or care. Only the Law: a merciless system that forces citizens to move endlessly, evicted from one settlement to the next without reason or warning.

At the centre of this world is a family constantly on the run. Each time they build a fragile sense of home, the law arrives to tear it apart, declaring the land forbidden and the people illegal. Homes are dismantled overnight, memories left behind among rusted metal and melting plastic.

As eviction after eviction erodes their dignity and hope, the family begins to question whether the law is meant to control land or to erase the people who live on it. In a world designed to keep its citizens rootless and silent, their struggle becomes a quiet rebellion: the fight to belong, to stay and to exist.

Untitled Deeds is written and directed by Abednigo Moruti Dhlamini.

TX Theatre at The Market 2026

The Market Theatre is proud to host the second season of Tembisa Township’s TX Theatre Hub at The Market Theatre, a four-day festival running from 23 – 26 July 2026 and comprising of five compelling, thematically rich and theatrically explorative productions.

Audiences are spoilt for choice as Masai Sepuru and Isaac Sithole return with the Naledi Theatre Award-winning Dark Magic and Standard Bank Ovation Award-winning Chasing Laughter, respectively. Mxolisi Masilela’s Adam’s Ale, also a recipient of an Ovation Award, makes a debut appearance alongside Untitled Deeds by Moruti Dlamini. Solly Ramatswi’s new work, Sinking, adds more flavour to the festival buffet.

The festival comes hot off the heels of The TX Theatre Hub’s successful showcase at the National Arts Festival in Makhanda, presenting works that won the hearts of audiences.

“The first year proved that there is both an audience and a need for this platform. Returning for a second year allows us to deepen that work,” reflects The TX Theatre Hub’s Artistic Director, Mxolisi Masilela. “This partnership with The Market Theatre is about creating continuity for artists, building audiences for independent theatre, and ensuring that stories developed in townships occupy the same stages and receive the same consideration as any other work in the country. We are not simply presenting productions, we are investing in a theatrical ecosystem that values access, collaboration and artistic excellence.”

The 2026 edition also welcomes the valued support of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, who will be sponsoring a series of technical workshops for women in theatre. Starting from 23 July 2026 and running throughout the festival, the workshops will cover areas such as producing, directing, administration and technical. Participation in the workshops is free, but registration is necessary.

The TX Theatre Hub Walk from Tembisa to The Market Theatre that took place on Mandela Day functioned as a symbol that highlighted to township-based storytellers that there’s a pathway to present their work at a leading cultural institution such as The Market. It marked a long walk of roughly 40 kilometres for independent theatre-makers, where every step was a bold statement of faith for access to venues, funding opportunities and audience cultivation.

“Many creators in townships find it incredibly difficult to showcase their creations on big stages. So, our walk is essentially a movement of dreams, where the distance signifies the obstacles township-based storytellers continue to face when trying to bring productions to mainstream spaces. Having since walked the journey, we are bringing others on board to ‘show them the way’. To us, this is not just an exercise but a transfer of knowledge, mentorship and inspiration,” Masilela states.

Greg Homann, Artistic Director at The Market Theatre Foundation, speaks with excitement about the return of The TX Theatre following a successful inaugural run in 2025, saying this continued collaboration further affirms The Market Theatre’s commitment to community-based storytelling, amplifying voices, creating access, and blurring the lines between so-called independent spaces and mainstream platforms.

“We’re looking forward to having The TX Theatre Hub with us again. This partnership is significant to us as it brings us closer to the communities and stories often limited only by resources and access. The Market Theatre, across five historic decades, has cemented itself as a home to the South African story in its complexities. Through our continued work with The TX Theatre, we’re reassuring community theatre-makers that The Market Theatre is a space where they – and their stories – can find an artistic home.”

Don’t miss this year’s instalment of The TX Theatre Hub at The Market Theatre for award-winning, socially engaged and entertaining storytelling created with the heart, soul and authenticity of the township.

Tickets for the festival are available on Webtickets.

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.

SINKING

In Sinking, written by Solly Ramatswi and directed by Moruti Dhlamini, a born-free revisits the memories in his blood. There are living shadows of his (great) grandmother and grandfather to aid him as he interrogates the times of apartheid. The journey starts with a remembrance of who we are – or more accurately, who our (great) grandparents were – and heads to the war zones where his grandfather disappeared. We see a name get buried when a body is not found; his absence is used as a telescope looking into the past and the future.

DARK MAGIC

Written and performed by the award-winning poet Masai Sepuru, Dark Magic is a powerful celebration of African spirituality, delving into its rich history and its profound influence on the global medical industry and spiritual institutions. Through an evocative blend of prose, poetry and music, Masai leads audiences on a journey into a world of mystery, ancestral wisdom and wonder. This work invites deep reflection, sparking conversation and urging audiences to reimagine and challenge dominant perspectives.

The Jury Experience

Step into the world of justice with The Jury Experience, where you become the jury in a live, interactive trial. This immersive courtroom drama challenges you to examine witness testimonies, cross-examine key players, and assess forensic evidence, all while live actors present compelling arguments in front of a cinematic screen. As you engage with the case, you’ll make decisions at pivotal moments, with your final vote determining the fate of the accused: guilty or innocent.

Designed for group participation, this 60-minute experience immerses you in high-stakes courtroom drama where the line between right and wrong is blurred. Will justice be served? Only you can decide.

Practical info

⏳Duration – 65 minutes – Doors open 30 min before

📍Venue – John Kani Theatre – The Market Theatre – 138 Lilian Ngoyi Street, Newtown, Johannesburg 2001

👤Age12+Under 16s must be with an adult

♿Accessibility – Fully accessible Wheelchair zone available

Woza Albert!

WOZA ALBERT! Returns to Its Home at The Market

Woza Albert! makes a highly anticipated return to The Market Theatre for a strictly limited run of two weeks as part of the Theatre’s 50th anniversary celebrations. The work was first created and staged at The Market Theatre in 1981 by Mbongeni Ngema, Percy Mtwa and Barney Simon. Through biting satire and chilling truthfulness, the creators explored what would happen if Morena – the Lord – were to return to a racist, oppressive apartheid South Africa.

The current version is performed by Hamilton Dhlamini – who also directs it – and Thulani Mtsweni. The two actors move between characters to capture the daily realities of Black lives under apartheid. They highlight the resilience, imagination and defiance of Black South Africans, while confronting audiences with the moral contradictions of the time.

Set to run in the Barney Simon Theatre from 15 July – 02 August July 2026, this hugely influential piece of protest theatre is an honest and raw portrayal of the apartheid regime’s brutality as it satirically revisits the ground we walk on today.

Actor-director Hamilton Dhlamini regards the staging of Woza Albert! as an opportunity for the nation to sit back and reflect on its progress more than 30 years after democracy, especially in a high-stakes local government election year.

“Thematically, this play is about power and its (mis)use. We need responsible and accountable leadership who will honour the sacrifices of the past and deliver a better life for all. When it was created, it pierced sharply into the heart of apartheid. Its return is now an examination of the conduct of our current leadership. The piece is an important mobilising tool towards elections, reminding both leaders and the electorate of what the struggle has always been about: the people.”

“It is an immense honour,” Hamilton goes on, “to bring Mbongeni Ngema, Percy Mtwa and Barney Simon’s seminal piece to its original home. With this totally unmissable run, we’re not just reviving an old apartheid story; we’re confronting contemporary issues facing the nation in the new dispensation.”

At the height of apartheid in the ‘80s, which included the declaration of the State of Emergency alongside calls to make the country ungovernable through mass action, Woza Albert! commanded attention globally as a strong voice against the regime. Through impactful performances, the work contributed to the international condemnation of the system, proving how powerful art can be in giving language to people’s struggles.

Almost 50 years later, the play has enjoyed a prolific local and international life, with successful tours and rave reviews at the Edinburgh Festival, Berlin, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Philadelphia and more.

It has also won numerous international awards and is now among South Africa’s stage classics read in schools nationally, and is studied worldwide.

About its return during the crucial 50^th birthyear of The Market Theatre, Artistic Director Greg Homann comments: “Woza Albert! is woven into the DNA of The Market Theatre. Created here in the early years of our existence, it stands as one of the seminal works that helped define both our stages and the South African story we have been home to for the past 50 years. Bringing it back now acknowledges where we come from as a nation, as well as how our story continues to evolve.”

Tickets for Woza Albert! 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.

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.

Woza Albert!

THE NEWS IS A JOKE: If We Don’t Laugh, We’ll Sigh

Dan Corder is coming to the home of bold, The Market Theatre, to present his brand-new political comedy show, THE NEWS IS A JOKE: If We Don’t Laugh, We’ll Sigh. Featuring sharp news analysis, edgy satire, celebrity guest interviews and live music from one of South Africa’s best jazz bands, THE NEWS IS A JOKE is a funny take at some of South Africa’s most ridiculous moments, tearing into the newsmakers of the day, political figures and key developments in this democracy of ours.

Corder, celebrated for his solid grasp, unusual humour and unique delivery, presents more than a show; it’s a commission of inquiry into how did we get here! Today’s economy might have impeached your bank balance, but if you dig deeper, you might find some dollars in your couch. So, get down to The Market Theatre, and remember to get your ticket on Webtickets, or Madlanga will be calling you. The only cold drink we recognise is the one sold at the bar.

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 Theatre’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.

Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty

⭐ Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty has arrived in Johannesburg! This beloved tale is brought to life with classical dance, stunning choreography, and beautiful glow-in-the-dark costumes. Get your tickets for Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty in a Sparkling Show in Johannesburg!

re🎵 Created by María Farelo and Cristian Pérez of Luma Artistas S.L.
✨ Looking for more magic? Check out other Ballet of Lights shows in Johannesburg

General Info
📅 Dates and times: select your date & time directly in the ticket selector
📍 Location: John Kani Theatre – The Market Theatre, 138 Lilian Ngoyi St, Newtown, Johannesburg, 2001, South Africa
⏳ Duration: approx. 60 minutes (doors open 30 mins prior to the start time, late entry is not permitted, and there is no interval)
👤 Age requirement: Age requirement: 5+. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
♿ Accessibility: the venue is wheelchair accessible
❓ For more information, please consult the FAQs of this experience here

We recommend you arrive early ✨ If you would like to book a private show or buy tickets for a large group (30+ people), click here

Description Step into a world where light and dance intertwine in this breathtaking retelling of Sleeping Beauty. As dancers glide across the stage, their illuminated costumes create a dazzling display of color and light, making every twirl and leap feel otherworldly. This isn’t just a ballet show—it’s a magical experience that brings a beloved classic to life in a way you’ve never seen before. Get your tickets now for Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty in a Sparkling Show in Johannesburg!

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.”

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.