The 16th Baxter Zabalaza Theatre Festival will once again champion local stories and artistic excellence, while giving a platform to the next generation of theatre makers.
The Baxter will come alive as a vibrant festival hub from 13 to 22 March 2025, with a programme featuring drama, comedy, theatre for children, jazz, live music, workshops, panel discussions, an exhibition and of course, delicious food and drink on offer.
Zabalaza is committed to the growth and development of theatre-makers, with a key focus on promoting upcoming voices. For the past 16 years, the Festival has nurtured numerous artists and writers, making a significant contribution to the theatre landscape. Simultaneously, new audience members have had the chance to experience theatre for the first time.
“This year, we are presenting an exciting combined programme of curated work from artist proposals and productions that were first showcased at our various mini festivals held during the year,” says Zabalaza Artistic Director and Curator, Mdu Kweyama. “In doing so, we are thrilled to be returning to our roots, finding stories and theatre makers in the heart of our communities, bringing them alive on stage as full productions through mentorship and skills development.”
Workshops, panel discussions, live music
Festival goers will be able to engage in several workshops and panel discussions. These include Women in theatre spaces facilitated by Tiisetso Mashifane and a panel discussion honouring six decades of English Alive on Wednesday 18 March.
“Robin Malan was the editor of English Alive for many years and the founder at Junkets, which publishes the scripts of the Zabalaza Theatre Awards winners,” says Bulelani Mabutyana, Zabalaza coordinator and co-curator. “We will be hosting a special tribute in his memory, featuring a weeklong exhibition of English Alive book covers. The launch event on 18 March will be hosted by English Alive editor Kirsten Deane.”
English Alive is a flagship project of the South African Council for English Education (SACEE), an NPO that supports learners to enjoy communicating and expressing themselves in the English language, whether as a home or secondary language.
The red-hot music line-up includes the popular Sunday jazz session, the RAW Experience, all-female band Mfazwe Ya Mwezi (pictured above) and Joliza Bhaca Soul in Ushuni WeBhaca, a celebration of traditional sounds and the honouring of cultural roots, African heritage and stories.
What: 16th Baxter Zabalaza Theatre Festival
Where and when: Baxter Theatre from 13 to 22 March 2026
Tickets: Webtickets
Extra: Make a difference, build the future: Take the Zabalaza Challenge! Purchase tickets at only R40 for the 16th Baxter Zabalaza Theatre Festival, which the Baxter then distributes to learners, students and groups who cannot afford to purchase tickets themselves
WS
