Theatre, Dance, Music & Art Highlights At Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees

The Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees delivers over a week of theatre, music, dance, and the visual arts from 3-11 October in and around Stellenbosch, featuring some of the country’s most in-demand talent across a variety of art forms.

With its unique blend of performers and acts, Woordfees celebrates South African creativity in all forms. While often associated primarily with Afrikaans, the Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees proudly embraces the many languages, cultures and traditions that shape South Africa. The festival programme includes a wide range of productions that welcome English-speaking audiences and celebrate the diversity of South Africa’s heritage.

Innovative theatre

Theatre is how Woordfees started and, decades later, is still the thread that connects the programme. Audiences can experience beloved classical works reimagined for contemporary audiences, including An Iliad, in which acclaimed performer Alan Committie delivers a thrilling retelling of the ancient conflict between the Greeks and Trojans, exploring humanity’s enduring struggle to learn from its past. I, Lord Hamlet, transport Shakespeare’s timeless prince to the contemporary Cape Flats. Through a dynamic multi-role performance by Carlo Daniels, the production explores questions of identity, belonging and the universal search for meaning.

Internationally celebrated director Brett Bailey returns to the Woordfees with FaustX, a striking and visually arresting reinterpretation of Goethe’s Faust II. Through a surreal and experimental lens, the production examines the forces of power, technology, and capitalism that shape our modern world.

Andrew Buckland brings his trademark wit, energy and physical brilliance to the festival with The Fool’s Guide: a comedic one-man theatrical adventure through the world of modern technology and what it means to be human in an age dominated by social media, artificial intelligence and constant digital connection.

Other highlights include the coming-of-age tale A Girl Called Owl, the humorous one-woman play A Woman Alone, and the timeless Apartheid-era exploration of queer identity in Moffie.

Live music

Music is another big festival attraction, and this year’s Classical Music Programme offers a wealth of dynamic experiences. An Italian Songbook brings together Korean bass-baritone EuiHyan Park and the Salon Music String Orchestra for an evening inspired by the rich traditions of Italian music.

For younger audiences, Little Maestros acts as their gateway to the world of classical music. Created by Magdalene Minnaar, this engaging concert combines music, storytelling and audience participation to bring the works of great composers, including Mozart and Bach, to life for curious young ears.

Music, movement and the spoken word come together in In the Blink of an Eye, an immersive exploration of climate change that journeys from the ancient rhythms of the earth to the urgency of our present moment.

For something completely different, Claude Bolling’s Suite for Flute and Jazz Trio offers a joyful fusion of classical sophistication and jazz exuberance. Across seven movements, this crossover piece pairs the elegance of the flute with the infectious rhythms and energy of a jazz trio

Contemporary dance

Dance enthusiasts are in for a treat with a rich and diverse programme featuring some of South Africa’s most innovative dance companies, including Jazzart Dance Theatre, Figure of 8 Dance Theatre, Darkroom Contemporary, Sbonadaba Dance, and Garage Dance Ensemble.

These acclaimed companies bring innovative and visually captivating works to the stage, using movement to explore the realities of contemporary life. Through compelling storytelling and world-class technique, their performances reflect on who we are as individuals, how we connect with one another, and how we navigate a rapidly changing world. Whether thought-provoking, moving or uplifting, these productions offer audiences a unique opportunity to experience the creativity, imagination and emotional resonance of South African dance at its finest.

Classic art

The visual arts at Woordfees invite audiences to experience a diverse range of thought-provoking exhibitions across Stellenbosch. From contemporary works to historic installations, art lovers can explore the many ways creativity helps us understand ourselves and the world around us.

For those looking to engage more deeply, the festival offers a variety of immersive experiences, including hands-on art classes and visits to the studios of acclaimed Stellenbosch artists. These unique opportunities provide a glimpse into the creative spaces where local artists bring their works to life.

Visitors can also book special guided tours of the renowned Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden, where art and nature combine in a spectacular setting. Whether you are a seasoned collector, a curious first-time buyer or simply an admirer of fine art, the Strauss & Co Art Auction at Woordfees offers something for every taste and budget.

It is the perfect opportunity to explore, learn, collect and be inspired by the vibrant visual arts landscape that forms an integral part of the Woordfees experience.

Book tickets to Woordfees 2026

Whether you are drawn by world-class theatre, inspiring music, groundbreaking dance, thought-provoking visual art or the enduring power of stories, the Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees offers countless opportunities to be surprised, challenged and inspired by South African culture.

Cost: Various prices. Tickets are available on Quicket.