There is plenty to explore in the country's theatre stages this week.
The city’s line-up touches on Pan Africanism, memory and South Africa’s complicated history, while audiences can also settle in for a classic murder mystery featuring one of fiction’s most famous detectives.
Also, in case you missed last week's listing, see here: https://thenational.co.za/culture/2026-08-12-a-look-at-theatre-shows-tackling-difficult-and-unique-conversations-across-the-country/
Johannesburg:
Kaza Kamba Pan African Festival
The Kaza Kamba Pan African Theatre Festival returns for its third year, bringing together theatre centred on African stories and ideas.
This year’s theme, "Memory Against Forgetting", looks at the importance of remembering the past while considering how it continues to shape the present. Inspired by Milan Kundera’s "The Book of Laughter and Forgetting", the festival explores South Africa’s relationship with the continent and the responsibility that comes with remembering.
Where: Barney Simon, Market Theatre, Johannesburg
When: Runs from August 20 to August 23, 7pm. Times differ over the weekend.
The Apartheid Museum
This two-hander follows Sibonelo, a young playwright who finds himself caught up in memories of South Africa’s past.
As he moves through different moments in history, he confronts apartheid, the legacy of resistance and stories from his own family. The production looks at memory, identity and healing while asking how the past continues to influence the present.
Where: space.com at Joburg Theatre
When: August 19 to 23. Times differ each day.
Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
Hercule Poirot comes out of retirement when Roger Ackroyd, the head of a troubled family, is murdered. With a village full of suspects, conflicting stories and plenty of possible motives, Poirot must use his famous detective skills to uncover the truth.
This new stage adaptation of Agatha Christie’s popular mystery promises plenty of twists, laughs and surprises, while giving audiences a chance to see if they can solve the murder before Poirot does.
Where: Pieter Toerien Montecasino Main Theatre, Johannesburg
When: August 21 to 30, 7.30pm. Times differ over the weekend.
* Compiled by Nomathamsanqa Sithathu.
Cape Town:
Immortal
Immortal takes audiences back to one of the Eastern Cape’s darkest railway disasters, but does so through the story of one child who survived it.
Written by Peter Terry, directed by Sharon Spiegel-Wagner and performed by Penny Wolhuter, the one-woman production tells the story of Hazel, a seven-year-old girl who survived the 1911 Blaaukrantz River bridge disaster after the train carrying her family plunged into the valley below.
The tragedy claimed most of the passengers and left Hazel to face the aftermath at an age when most children would have been worrying about far smaller things.
The historical record makes the story even more haunting. On April 22, 1911, the train was carrying stone from Bathurst for the construction of the cathedral in Grahamstown when a goods wagon derailed, sending passenger carriages over the bridge.
Contemporary accounts recorded numerous deaths and injuries, while later research has also highlighted how little was written about the Black passengers who died in the disaster.
That gives "Immortal" more to work with than tragedy alone. It is a story about survival, memory and the lives that history sometimes records unevenly.
With Wolhuter carrying the production alone, the play brings a century-old South African event into an intimate theatrical setting, making the distance between historical fact and lived experience feel considerably smaller.
Where: The Drama Factory.
When: Wednesday, August 19 at 7.30pm.
The Call: The Melodious Journey of Hajj
For many Muslims, Hajj is a journey that carries a lifetime of meaning. "The Call: The Melodious Journey of Hajj" brings that pilgrimage to the stage through the true-life story of Bahia, combining live nasheed with multimedia storytelling to explore faith, change and the experience of making the journey to Makkah.
Presented by SAIPAN in collaboration with Daryl Arqam, the production offers a personal look at Hajj through Bahia’s story, with live performances by the Darul Arqam Nasheed Group adding a musical dimension to the production.
For audiences familiar with the pilgrimage, it offers a fresh theatrical perspective. For others, "The Call" provides an accessible introduction to one of Islam’s most significant spiritual journeys.
Where: Spine Road High School.
When: Saturday, August 22 at 7pm.
The Sound of Music
Paarl Girls High School presents "The Sound of Music", the beloved musical following Maria as she brings music and warmth into the home of Captain von Trapp and his seven children.
With its memorable songs and themes of family, courage and love, the classic continues to endure.
Where: Paarl Girls High School.
When: Tuesday, August 18 to Friday, August 21 at 7pm.
* Compiled by Bernelee Vollmer.
Durban:
The KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra’s three-concert 2026 Early Spring Season
The season has a strong female presence in honour of Women’s Month. For both August concerts, the orchestra will be led by female conductors, Barbara Dragan, Debora Waldman and Leon Bosch, and feature female soloists, Zlata Chochieva, Lidia Baich, Xin Wang and Florian Koltun.
When: August 20, 27 and September 3 at 7pm.
Where: The Playhouse Opera Theatre
Rugby Mad
"Rugby Mad", a high-energy, laugh-out-loud one-man comedy from acclaimed South African performer Aaron McIlroy. In this dynamic solo show, McIlroy dives into the world of rugby, bringing to life a colourful cast of characters who are obsessed with the game.
From an overenthusiastic referee and intense sideline coach to die-hard spectators who live for every try, tackle, and controversial call, "Rugby Mad" captures the spirit, humour, and drama that surround rugby culture.
When: August 19 and 20 at 7pm
Where: The Milkwood Theatre, Danville Park Girls' High School, Virginia, Durban North
My African Dream will be staged at The Milkwood Theatre in Durban North
image: Supplied
My African Dream by Step In Time Dance Studio
Experience the majesty of the African savanna brought to life through dance. This production reimagines the timeless tale of Simba’s journey from a spirited cub to the rightful king of the pride lands. Through a fusion of dance styles including tap, ballet, lyrical, jazz, African contemporary and hip hop. With vibrant costumes and iconic music, dancers will transport the audience into a world of unconditional love, courage, betrayal, hope and redemption.
When: August 22 at 1pm and 5.30pm
Where: The Milkwood Theatre , Danville Park Girls' High School, Virginia, Durban North
Hymns According To Fisani
Prepare your vintage attire and get ready to be uplifted by the powerful hymns written by an African composer. Hymns According To Fisani returns for its third annual live recording a spiritually rich and soul-stirring musical experience that celebrates faith, heritage and the timeless beauty of sacred music.
When: August 22
Where: The Playhouse Opera Theatre
* Compiled by Taschica Pillay.
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