The two Finest of the Fest winning productions at the 2026 Zabalaza Theatre Festival – Until I Arrive and Kinnes van Somers – come to the Baxter Studio for one week each, between 29 September and 10 October 2026.
Until I Arrive kicks off the programme from 29 September to 3 October, followed by Kinnes van Somers which runs from 6 to 10 October 2026. Both productions are on at 8pm, Monday to Saturday, with matinees at 2pm on Saturdays. Celebrated director, Sylvaine Strike, is creative supervisor to both productions and mentor on Kinnes van Somers.
Until I Arrive (pictured above) is a deeply personal one-woman, physical theatre work, written, directed and performed by Lindokuhle Melaphi, who also won Best Script at the festival. The story follows a female soldier in search of belonging. The acclaimed and award-winning, Tiisetso Mashifane wa Noni (Rise ’76, Delela and Neighbourhood), is the mentor on the production.
The play is performed in English and some isiXhosa, with surtitles and there is an age restriction of 13 years.
Reimagining South African folklore
The second Zabalaza Finest of the Fest winner, Kinnes van Somers (pictured right), boldly reimagines South African folklore, breathing new life into an old Afrikaans cautionary folk tale.
This gripping new theatre production recalls the oral stories and warnings in the shadows of a small community where myths, lullabies and curses intertwine.
Directed by Tamsyn Alexander and Hanro Cloete, the play is devised and performed by Caitlyn Haywood, Irmah Jeleza Tiemie, Katelynne Matthews, Tameka Petersen and Tamsyn Alexander, who collectively bring Antjie and many other characters to life on stage.
Performed in Afrikaans and English, with surtitles, the play explores themes of identity, fear, inheritance and transformation There is age restriction of 14 years and parental guidance is advised.
What: Zabalaza Finest of the Fest
Where and when: Baxter Theatre from 29 September to 10 October 2026
Tickets: Webtickets
Photographs: Xolani Tulumani and Mark Dobson
WS
