Zabalaza Theatre Festival 2025

The Zabalaza Theatre Festival proudly celebrates its 15th anniversary, showcasing the finest emerging and seasoned artists and talent in South Africa.

As a platform for new voices and groundbreaking stories, this milestone festival presents a vibrant line-up of productions that explore identity, community and resilience. Fifteen years of inspiring theatre, dynamic storytelling and creativity will be honoured.

Line-up

The Salt Lesson
Written by Sibuyiselo Dywili & Directed by Anthea Thompson

Sand Gat
Written & Directed by Sohail Booise

These Are Not My Shoes
Written by Mxolisi Masilela & Directed by Mthobisi Mpandle

LUKS
Written by Thando Baliso & Directed by Samkelo Zihlangu

Umgibe Womphefumlo
Written & Directed by Mava Silumko

Idinga
Written & Directed by Loyiso Damoyi

Confused Mhlaba
Written by Khayalethu Mqayisa, Directed & Adapted by Kitso Seti

Purpose
Written by Lwanda Sindaphi & Directed by Thando Doni

In the Shade of the King Protea
Written by Savannah Steyn & Directed by Matthew dos Santos

OH
Written by Miliswa Mbandazayo & Directed by Olwethu Ntanjana-Mapisa

‘n Pandok se Liefde
Written by Lauren Snyders & Directed by Samuel Jumat

Blending In ?
Written & Directed by Nolufefe Ntshuntshe

Pumpkin Finds Her Kindness
Written by Dean Balie and Bianca Flanders & Directed by Bianca Flanders

Don’t Believe A Word I Say
Written by Tankiso Mamabolo & Directed by Faniswa Yisa

Sleeping With the Enemy
Written & Directed by Lwanda Sindaphi

This festival has been made possible by the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sports, the City of Cape Town, the HCI Foundation, the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Fund and the Makwande Empowerment Trust.


Sign up for The Baxter's monthly newsletter for exclusive discounts and specials. Be the first to hear about all the up-and-coming productions, and benefit from early bird prices. Subscribe here