Event information
The 15th Annual Baxter Zabalaza Theatre Festival marks a significant milestone in the event’s journey, showcasing its remarkable success and evolution over the years. This year’s theme, "Make Your Mark", reflects the festival's enduring influence in the theatre world and its role in shaping the future of South African arts and culture.
As the festival celebrates its 15th anniversary, it demonstrates a renewed commitment to fostering the growth and development of both emerging and established artists, theatre-makers, and local communities. The Zabalaza Theatre Festival has long been recognized for its ability to provide a platform for fresh voices and diverse narratives, making it a cornerstone event for artists looking to connect with audiences and gain recognition in the industry.
In this milestone year, The Baxter Theatre has taken on the mantle of curating the festival, marking a transformative shift in its vision. For the first time ever, the festival will feature 15 specially commissioned productions that reflect the festival’s diverse and dynamic range. These productions, curated as part of the anniversary celebrations, will highlight the breadth of talent in the South African theatre landscape, showcasing works that tackle pressing social issues, experiment with new forms of storytelling, and push the boundaries of conventional theatre.
This new direction is part of a broader effort to honor the festival’s history while also setting the stage for its future. The decision to commission 15 productions speaks to the festival’s dedication to providing unique opportunities for theatre-makers and opening doors to new voices. These artists will be guided by highly respected mentors, who are some of South Africa's most influential and experienced theatre professionals.
