As The Market Theatre Foundation moves toward its 50th anniversary in 2026, the Johannesburg-based institution has unveiled a dynamic and far-reaching 2025 programme that celebrates its legacy of storytelling while investing in the future of South African arts.
In a foreword released this week, Artistic Director Greg Homann said the Foundation was continuing to shape the country’s cultural landscape through theatre, photography, training, and development initiatives.
“As we approach The Market Theatre Foundation’s 50th year in 2026, we continue to strengthen our legacy as a crucible for South African storytelling,” said Homann. “Our 2025 programme builds upon this tradition, fostering bold new voices and making visible powerful narratives that resonate with contemporary audiences.”
The programme includes productions, exhibitions, collaborations, and training projects that engage artists across disciplines and experience levels.
The Market Photo Workshop will present exhibitions such as Afrikan Stories for Social Change, Impilo Iyaqhubeka, and Women in Photography at the National Arts Festival. It will also continue mentorship projects like the Oxfam Participatory Project and the National Legacy Photography Project.
“Our visual storytelling efforts are not just about the exhibitions,” Homann said. “They are about creating platforms for new photographers to express themselves and document the evolving South African experience.”
The Foundation’s training arm, The Market Theatre Laboratory, will continue to provide performance opportunities and workshops for aspiring theatre-makers. One of the highlights this year is Afropocalypse, which will be staged at the National Arts Festival, along with the return of the Saturday Showcases—a space dedicated to artistic experimentation.
The Windybrow Arts Centre (WAC), located in inner-city Johannesburg, will maintain its strong focus on youth and community. Programmes such as the Spelling Bee and other cultural partnerships aim to provide inclusive access to the arts.
“WAC continues to play a critical role in shaping the future of our society by giving young people access to creative platforms,” said Homann.
The Foundation’s Play Development Programme will expand significantly in 2025, selecting 12 Associate Playwrights to develop new works under mentorship. A call for unproduced full-length plays has been issued nationwide, with up to 40 submissions set to receive Reader’s Reports and potential advancement to production.
“This year, we are putting more energy into supporting mid-career and emerging playwrights,” Homann explained. “We believe in mentorship and collaboration as key to building strong theatrical voices.”
In a new partnership with Art Cave, The Market Theatre will present the Kippies Fringe Programme from June to December, offering 12 curated slots for spoken word artists, musicians, poets, comedians, and fringe theatre performers. These artists will receive technical and marketing support to bring their work to broader audiences.
Furthermore, the Theatre is inviting expressions of interest from designers in lighting, sound, set, costume, and AV to join its creative network. Shortlisted designers will meet with the producing team in June to discuss future collaborations.
Homann concluded, “The Market Theatre remains a space of innovation, resilience, and excellence. As we look ahead to our 50th year, our commitment is to continue nurturing talent, telling powerful stories, and providing platforms for South African creatives to thrive.”
