The theatre scene has something for music lovers and fans of classic storytelling this week.
Along with the Cape Town run of "Prima Face" concluding, there are also shows with a twist. Shakespeare’s "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" gets a musical makeover, while two concerts celebrate the music of Whitney Houston and Taylor Swift.
Johannesburg
A Midsummer Night’s Dream: The Musical
Oakfields College brings a musical version of Shakespeare’s popular comedy to the stage, performed by its musical theatre and dance students.
The story unfolds when fairies begin interfering in the lives of mortals, turning love and friendships upside down. Lost lovers, confused actors and magical creatures find themselves caught in a night of spells, mistaken identities and chaos.
Directed by Tracey Human, with musical direction by Dale Ray, the production features music, dance and performances from Oakfields students, with guest appearances by Danny Meaker, Sandi Dlangalala and Grant Towers.
Where: The Lesedi at Joburg Theatre
When: August 28 to 30, 7pm. Times differ over the weekend.
'The Greatest Love of All' starring Belinda Davids
Belinda Davids pays tribute to the late Whitney Houston in this concert celebrating the singer’s music and career.
Davids, a RiSA chart-topping artist who has performed alongside the likes of Keri Hilson, Keyshia Cole and Monica and featured on Fox TV’s "Showtime at the Apollo", "Britain’s Got Talent" and BBC1 TV’s "Even Better Than the Real Thing" will be performing alongside a live band and backing vocalists in a show built around Houston’s well-known songs.
Where: Mandela Theatre at Joburg Theatre
When: August 28 at 7.30pm and August 29 at 8pm.
Taylor: A Tribute to the Eras of Taylor Swift
Swifties can catch this unofficial tribute show celebrating the music of Taylor Swift.
Josette performs with an international band and dancers in a concert complete over 20 exquisite renditions of Taylor’s biggest hits from every era of her career, including "Shake It Off", "Anti-Hero", "Cruel Summer", "You Belong With Me", "Love Story", "I Knew You Were Trouble", "Blank Space", "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together", "Bad Blood", "Our Song", "Lover" and more.
Audiences can also expect costumes, dance and a large-scale stage production inspired by the different eras of the pop star’s career.
Where: Mandela Theatre at Joburg Theatre
When: August 29 and 30 at 2pm.
* Compiled by Nomathamsanqa Sithathu.
Durban
Africana Women Synergy Music Festival
Curated by Bukelwa Cakata, the "Africana Women Synergy Music Festival" is an annual celebration of African women in music, bringing together female artists of African descent for a powerful showcase of talent, collaboration and cultural expression.
Supported by the eThekwini Municipality and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the festival highlights the transformative power of music to foster African unity, celebrate diversity, and empower women artists.
Where: The Playhouse Durban drama theatre
When: August 28
KZN Philharmonic Orchestra 2026 Early Spring Symphony Season Concert 2
The KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra continues its "2026 Spring Symphony Season" with a captivating evening of world-class classical music under the direction of internationally acclaimed conductor Debora Waldman.
Joining the orchestra is celebrated violinist Lidia Baich.
Where: The Playhouse Durban opera theatre
When: August 27
Heart of Freedom
Presented by Freedom Dance Studio, "Heart of Freedom" is a celebration of dance, courage, connection, and community. Featuring 36 extraordinary women, five young dancers, and special guest performances by Sherwin Green, and Zahn-Reece Malgas, this year's production is a powerful reminder that dance belongs to everyone.
Where: Milkwood Theatre, Danville Girls' High School
When: August 28 to 30
Chal Naach - Lets Dance
Experience an electrifying fusion of Indian and African dance as some of Durban’s finest performers take to the stage in a breathtaking display of artistry, passion and precision.
The line-up features some of Durban’s most acclaimed dance companies and academies, including Rudra Dance Theatre, Param Athman Dance Theatre, Kumari Shiksha Dance Institute.
Where: The Playhouse Durban opera theatre
When: August 28
Back to You - A Tribute to Bryan Adams
The show is presented by The Black Lapels promises to capture the energy, passion, and unmistakable sound that made Bryan Adams one of the world's most enduring rock artists. Rob Warren is on vocals, while Garth Warren on bass, Colin Peddie on keyboards and guitar, and Bruce Baker on drums.
Audiences can look forward to classics including Summer of '69, "Heaven", "Run to You", "Please Forgive Me", "Everything I Do (I Do It for You)", "Back to You", and many more.
Where: Rhumbelow Theatre, 42 Cunningham Rd off Bartle Road, Durban
When: August 30 at 2pm
* Compiled by Taschica Pillay
Cape Town
SCOTT
"SCOTT" follows Sizwe, a gardener from Nyanga who works for a white woman in Constantia and cares for her beloved dog, Scott.
When Scott dies, Sizwe becomes a source of comfort to his employer as she deals with the loss. But when Sizwe's own mother dies, the relationship between the two begins to shift, exposing uncomfortable questions about grief, class, race and whose pain is given importance.
Written and directed by Morapeleng Molekoa, the one-person production stars Sbuja Dywili, who brings Sizwe and the other characters to life through voice, movement and physical performance.
The result is an intimate piece of theatre that places one man's experiences at the centre while asking audiences to consider the social dynamics surrounding him.
The play was inspired by a real-life 2018 Cape Town incident in which a white woman and her dog survived a head-on collision while her black employee, who was travelling in the back of the vehicle, died.
The incident stayed with Molekoa and became the starting point for a story about the value placed on different lives and the people whose grief is often overlooked.
"SCOTT" was previously recognised at the Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards, winning Best New Script, Best New Director and Best Solo Performance.
Where: Masambe Theatre - Baxter Theatre Centre.
When: Tuesday, August 25 to Saturday, August 29 at 2pm and 7pm.
Madeline - The Ballet
At her boarding school in Paris, Madeline is excited to hear from home, until every girl receives a letter except her. Feeling lonely and forgotten, she decides to run away.
As night falls, Madeline falls asleep beneath the stars in a Parisian square. By morning, the square is buzzing with colourful characters who bring the magic of the city to life.
But when rain sends everyone rushing away, Madeline is left alone and begins to miss Miss Clavel and her friends. She soon realises that running away was a mistake.
After searching across Paris, Miss Clavel finds her and brings her home, where her friends greet her with hugs, laughter and dancing.
A charming story about friendship, belonging and knowing you are never truly alone.
Where: Herschel High School Theatre
When: Friday, August 28 to Sunday, August 30 at 1pm and 6pm.
Highlights
WGRUV Dance Company presents "Highlights", a celebration of contemporary and classical ballet featuring works by internationally acclaimed choreographers alongside choreography by Holly and Lex Gruver.
Following "Juxtapose", the production brings together audience favourites and new works for an evening exploring movement, emotion and storytelling through dance.
The programme moves between classical technique and contemporary expression, offering audiences a chance to experience the different ways dancers can use the body to communicate feeling and meaning.
Where: Homecoming Centre, District Six.
When: Friday, August 28 and Sunday, August 29 at 7pm and 3pm.
Prima Facie
What happens when the person who knows the legal system inside out finds herself on the other side of it? "Prima Facie", the Olivier and Tony Award-winning play by Suzie Miller, follows Tessa, a successful barrister who has built her career defending men accused of sexual offences.
Her confidence in the justice system is shaken when she becomes a victim of sexual assault herself. The questions, procedures and rules she once knew so well now take on a very different meaning.
Performed by Danica De La Rey Jones and directed by Neil Coppen, the South African premiere explores justice, power, sexual violence and what happens when the system you trust is tested personally.
Where: Baxter Studio - Baxter Theatre Centre.
When: Tuesday, August 11 to Saturday, August 29 at 3pm and 8pm.
* Compiled by Bernelee Vollmer.
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