The Zabalaza Theatre Festival has been an essential platform for emerging South African theatre-makers since its inception in 2011.
Held annually at The Baxter Theatre in Cape Town, the festival has created opportunities for young, independent artists, particularly those from townships and marginalised communities.
Over the years, it has helped develop new talents, offering actors, playwrights, and directors the chance to refine their craft and showcase their work. Many productions that started at Zabalaza have gone on to receive further recognition, shaping the South African theatre landscape.
The festival has grown in impact, offering affordable and engaging performances that reach new audiences. It provides mentorship, workshops and skills development, expanding beyond just performances to include directing and scriptwriting.
The festival showcases a diverse range of works, including drama, comedy, children’s theatre, poetry and musical performances.
This year, the Zabalaza Theatre Festival will celebrate its 15th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its history. For the first time, The Baxter will curate the festival, commissioning 15 productions to honour this occasion.
These productions will be mentored by established theatre-makers, ensuring that this shift in approach strengthens the festival’s impact. The theme for 2025 is “Make Your Mark”, encouraging artists to leave a lasting imprint on the South African theatre scene.
The festival will run from March 14 to 22, featuring 15 exciting productions, such as "Pumpkin Finds Her Kindness" by Bianca Flanders, "Confused Mhlaba" by Kitso Seti, "Pandok se Liefde" by Lauren Snyders, "Idinga" by Loyiso Damoyi, "Sleeping with the Enemy" by Lwanda Sindaphi, "Umgibe Womphefumlo" by Mava Silumko, and "OH" by Miliswa Mbandazayo, to name a few.
Meanwhile, a special weekend programme on Saturday, March 15, and Sunday, March 16, will include a family-oriented experience, providing a chance for everyone to enjoy the magic of theatre.
Jazz in the garden on Sunday, March 16, will add a lively atmosphere to the event.
The Zabalaza Theatre Festival remains a vital force in developing new talent and shaping the future of South African theatre.
Where: The Baxter Theatre.
When: Runs from March 14 to 22 at 10am.
Cost: Tickets range between R40 and R50 and can be purchased through Webtickets.
"(de)Constructing Gender"
Live Art Weekends at Masambe Theatre presents "(de)Constructing Gender", a dynamic event exploring the complexities of gender, identity, and societal norms.
Through performances, installations and inter-disciplinary art, this weekend critiques how gender ideologies shape and constrain our experiences.
In a country facing high rates of gender-based violence and entrenched patriarchy, the event provides a space for reflection and change.
It addresses the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals, the emotional suppression of men, and the inequalities women face.
Curated by Carin Bester, the event features artists like Aimee Pullon, Andi Colombo, Grace Storm Barnes, Mamello Makhetha and Roland du Preez, offering a platform to challenge and transform perceptions of gender.
Where: The Masambe Theatre.
When: Runs from March 13 to 15 at 7pm.
Cost: Tickets range between R100-R160 and can be purchased through Webtickets.
"Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons"
Sam Steiner’s "Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons" is a poignant romcom that explores the power of language in a world where communication is gradually restricted by a government-imposed word limit.
The play follows Bernadette and Oliver as they navigate their relationship under these constraints, where every word and pause holds deep significance.
Starring Maxim du Toit and Jessie Diepeveen, this production brings fresh energy to the play. Directed by Henu Baden, whose previous works include "Every Brilliant Thing", the play delves into the profound effects that limited communication has on relationships, personal expression, and freedom.
Since its debut in 2015, "Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons" has been performed worldwide, with a major West End revival in 2023.
The play's blend of humour, emotional depth and sharp writing challenges audiences to reconsider how they communicate - not just through words but also through silence, actions and the spaces between.
Where: The Drama Factory.
When: Runs until March 15 at 7.30pm.
Cost: Tickets cost R210 and can be purchased through www.dramafactory.co.za.