Celebrating South African stories and new voices on Cape Town stages
'Kinnes van Somers' performed by Caitlyn Haywood, Hannah Tayla, Katelynne Matthews, Tameka Petersen, Tamsyn Alexander.
Image: Supplied
The Baxter Zabalaza Theatre Festival
For 16 years, The Baxter Zabalaza Theatre Festival has championed local talent, helping emerging artists find their voice while introducing new audiences to the thrill of live theatre.
The festival celebrates identity, community, and resilience through dynamic storytelling across genres from drama and comedy to children’s theatre.
It’s also a space for mentorship, workshops and discussions that nurture talent and explore important themes, like women in theatre or the legacy of "English Alive", the anthology promoting young writers and creative expression.
Artistic Director Mdu Kweyama says this year’s programme combines curated productions with works developed through mini-festivals, keeping Zabalaza grounded in community stories and mentorship.
Highlights include workshops like Women in Theatre and a tribute to six decades of English Alive, featuring a weeklong exhibition celebrating editor Robin Malan and his work promoting young writers.
Young audiences are included in the storytelling adventure, with shows like "BOUNCED", "Captain Kwanda’s Fanplastic Adventures" and "Themba: The Little Lion That Lost His Mane", introducing children to theatre that’s imaginative, interactive and culturally rich.
Meanwhile, music and performance pieces celebrate African heritage, roots and stories, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to community and culture.
From "The Battered Housewives’ Club" to "How to Train Your Thoughts," the festival presents diverse shows in English, Afrikaans, isiXhosa, and other local languages.
Where: The Baxter theatre.
When: Friday, March 13, to Sunday, March 22, (times vary).
Magnet Theatre’s Family Festival
Magnet Theatre’s Family Festival is a joyful celebration of theatre made for all ages, especially young audiences.
Curated by the award‑winning independent company in Cape Town, the shows which are part of the programme use movement, song, shadow play and storytelling to captivate children, parents and grandparents alike.
They offer entertaining and culturally rich experiences that emphasise connection, creativity and the magic of live theatre.
Where: The Magnet Theatre.
When: Friday, March 13, and Saturday, March 14 at 10.30pm and 11.30pm.
My Name Is Lucy Barton
Pulitzer winner Elizabeth Strout’s "My Name Is Lucy Barton" is a powerful solo stage adaptation exploring a mother-daughter relationship.
Lucy reconciles her troubled past and estranged mother during a hospital visit, reflecting on family, identity, and hope. Adapted by Rona Munro, the production stars Julie-Anne McDowell and is directed by Charmaine Weir-Smith.
Where: The Drama Factory.
When: Saturday, March 14, to Sunday, March 15, at 4pm.