Market Theatre

The Market Theatre opened in June 1976 in a former market building in Newtown, the cultural district on the western side of the city centre. In the apartheid years it was known around the world for staging plays that challenged the government and for bringing black and white performers and audiences together. Many of South Africa's best-known actors and playwrights built their careers here, and the theatre marked its 50th anniversary with a birthday weekend in June 2026.

The complex has several stages, including the John Kani Theatre and the Mannie Manim Theatre, named after leading figures from its history, and Kippies, a smaller venue used for jazz and fringe performances. The programme changes constantly and covers new South African drama, classics, comedy, cabaret, dance, poetry and music. Recent and upcoming listings include a Kippies Fringe season, a poetry league, jazz album launches, a queer festival and the satirical character Evita Bezuidenhout, which gives a sense of the range.

Seeing a show here is one of the best ways to experience contemporary Johannesburg culture, and it suits couples, groups of friends and anyone with an interest in South African storytelling. Most productions are in English, though some use other South African languages, so check the description before booking. Shows are listed on the theatre's website, and most tickets are sold online through its ticketing partner.

Book ahead for popular productions and for weekend evenings. Arrive in good time to park and find your seat, and plan your journey home in advance: most theatre-goers drive or use a ride-hailing app rather than walking around Newtown after dark. Schools can arrange group bookings through the theatre's audience development team.

If you are new to South African theatre, read the short description of each production on the theatre's website before you choose, and check the language and any age guidance. The Kippies Fringe programme is a good way to see new work by emerging performers.

Newtown also contains Mary Fitzgerald Square, the Nelson Mandela Bridge and several cultural venues, and the theatre is a short drive from Braamfontein and Constitution Hill. If you want to make an evening of it, eat in Braamfontein or Melville before the show or book a table at one of the restaurants near your hotel afterwards.