Celebrating 15 Years of the Baxter Zabalaza Theatre Festival: A Platform for Emerging Talent

In an engaging discussion with Mdu Kweyama, Artistic Director of the Baxter Zabalaza Theatre Festival, and Bulelani Mabutyana, Festival Coordinator, we explored the remarkable journey of ththe Baxter Zabalaza Theatre Festival.

The Zabalaza Theatre Festival is marking a remarkable milestone—15 years of fostering emerging talent and pushing the boundaries of South African theatre. What began in 2011 as a development initiative has now grown into a platform that bridges the gap between township theatre and professional theatre, ensuring inclusivity for performers, directors, and audiences alike.

The festival has consistently provided opportunities for emerging artists to develop their craft and showcase their work on a professional stage. Over the past 15 years, Zabalaza has cultivated a rich and diverse theatre landscape in Cape Town and beyond, offering artists a chance to transition from grassroots theatre to mainstream platforms.

This year's theme, Make Your Mark, is a powerful statement reflecting the festival’s evolution. Theatre practitioners who have long been part of Zabalaza’s journey are now recognized as professionals in their own right. The festival aims to highlight their artistic growth and contribution to the industry, solidifying their place in South Africa’s theatre landscape.

In a departure from the traditional application-based selection process, the 15th edition of the festival features 15 commissioned productions. These productions have been carefully handpicked from past festival winners and seasoned performers, ensuring a lineup that represents the festival’s legacy while paving the way for its future. The mentorship program has also been elevated, featuring esteemed industry professionals such as Lara Foot, Yael Farber, and Mdu Kweyama, who are guiding the selected artists toward producing high-quality, professional theatre.

Zabalaza has played a significant role in shaping the careers of many established theatre makers. The festival’s commitment to storytelling remains steadfast, with a focus on authentic South African narratives presented in indigenous languages. This year, for the first time, all main festival productions will include subtitles, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for a broader audience.

As Zabalaza celebrates its 15th anniversary, it continues to honor its past, engage with the present, and shape the future of theatre in South Africa. By nurturing a new generation of theatre makers and providing them with a platform to tell their stories, the festival is cementing its place as a crucial incubator for the arts. With its unwavering commitment to artistic excellence, Zabalaza is not just a festival—it is a movement that continues to transform lives, one performance at a time.

The 15th Baxter Zabalaza Festival – Make Your Mark takes place at The Baxter from 14 to 22 March. Tickets to all shows cost R40 / R50 for 16:00 and 19:00 shows. They can be bought at Webtickets.

Written by Camille De Vos

Produced by Sikelela Ntsaluba

Presenters: Khusi & Camille