The groundbreaking Baxter Zabalaza Theatre Festival celebrates 15 years of transformative and innovative artistic excellence. Themed Make Your Mark, it will showcase its remarkable success over the years at The Baxter from 14 to 22 March, 2025.
The festival has had a tangible impact on the South African theatre landscape and cultural community. Numerous productions and artists have had the opportunity to share, develop and further present their work as a result of participating in this vital event, while audience members have had the chance to experience theatre for the first time.
This is the first time The Baxter has curated the festival, commissioning 15 productions in honour of the celebration and partnering with highly respected theatre makers as mentors to the artists. This includes captivating performances that engage and entertain, with drama, children’s shows, comedy, poetry and Jazz in the garden on Sunday.
Don’t miss the chance to make it a family weekend on 15 and 16 March with a programme that’s suitable for everyone to experience the magic of theatre.
Fifteen theatre makers will offer a range of dramas, comedy and theatre for children.
Artists and their productions
Pumpkin Finds Her Kindness by Bianca Flanders
Confused Mhlaba by Kitso Seti
n Pandok se Liefde by Lauren Snyders
Idinga by Loyiso Damoyi
Sleeping with the Enemy by Lwanda Sindaphi
Umgibe Womphefumlo by Mava Silumko
OH by Miliswa Mbandazayo
These Are Not My Shoes by Mthobisi Mphandle
Blending In? by Nolufefe Ntshuntshe
Luks by Samkelo Zihlangu
In the Shade of the King Protea by Savannah Steyn
The Salt Lesson by Sibuyiselo Dywili
Sand Gat by Sohail Booise
Don’t Believe A Word I Say by Tankiso Mamabolo
Purpose by Thando Doni
Bookings can be made at Webtickets online or at Pick n Pay stores.
Zabalaza Challenge
“The Zabalaza Festival has a legacy of showcasing the finest emerging artists in South Africa,” says Zabalaza Artistic Director and Curator, Mdu Kweyama. “It’s a vibrant week-long celebration of South African stories and storytellers, transforming the entire Baxter Theatre Centre into a hub of creativity and connection with performances in every venue and conversations in every corner.”
“To build on the significant impact the programme has had on the theatre landscape, we wanted to position Zabalaza as a sought-after ticket on the national festival calendar, presenting high-calibre productions. In doing so, we elevate the standard of the festival and foster a new wave of creativity and excellence in theatre. Furthermore, the participants bring a wealth of experience, talent and fresh perspectives to the festival. The mentorship system aligns with the festival’s goal of nurturing talent and providing a platform for both new and established artists.”
“We are sincerely grateful to the mentors, esteemed members of the industry, who have participated in this year’s programme: Monageng Motshabi, Yael Farber, Mandla Mbothwe, Tiisetso Mashifane, Adrian Kohler, Jaqueline Dommisse, Lara Foot and Nico Scheepers,” says Kweyama.
“Additionally, the 2025 festival will honour its founder members – the late Zoleka Helesi, Thami Mbongo, and Bongile Mantsai as it pays tribute to the collective efforts of everyone involved in making the festival a huge success over the years,” says Bulelani Mabutyana, coordinator and co-curator. “Be part of its future – come witness the outstanding talent and captivating stories.”
“I would like to urge everyone to take up our Zabalaza Challenge. Purchase tickets at only R40, which The Baxter then distributes to learners, students and groups who cannot afford to purchase tickets themselves. The door takings from each show also go straight back to the groups or artists, investing in the future of our sector.” adds Mabutyana.
Past, Present and Future
This year, the 15 theatre creators took part in developmental workshops and were paired with the mentors to refine their productions. The selected artists are grouped according to three themes: Past, Present and Future. Past – a tribute to previous festival participants; Present – includes artists who have been involved with the festival over the past eight years, while the Future category features individuals selected based on ongoing observations of the local theatre scene, with attention paid to productions, festivals, reviews and public commentary.
The Baxter will once again host the Best of the Fest Awards, with the ceremony taking place on 22 March. The winning script will have the incredible opportunity to be published by Junkets.
What: 15th Baxter Zabalaza Festival Make Your Mark
Where: Baxter Theatre, Cape Town
When: 14 to 22 March 2025
Tickets: All shows R40 / R50 for 16:00 and 19:00 Shows
Zabalaza tickets: Webtickets
WS
