Zabalaza Season Of The Best, Masambeni!

7 - 18 September

Season Of The Best, Masambeni! Features four fantastic productions that won the 11th annual Zabalaza Theatre Festival in March 2021. The season will showcase, Heads or Tail(s); Thank You For Your Service ; Blood On The Road and Ganga Nyoko! Inzima Nyoko!

Group Price: R30 (single morning performance), R45 (both morning performances) & R85 (double-bill evening performance).

Tuesdays - Fridays: 10.00 (single performance), 11.30 (single performance) &18:30 (double bill)
Saturdays: 14:30 (double bill)
Running time: 55 minutes per performance
Age restriction: 16+ / Grade 11 and upwards
All productions done with English surtitles

Heads or Tail(s)?
7 - 10 Sep @10:00 & 18:30 | 11 Sept @ 14:00

Hannah, a pious Christian, gives birth to twins Julia and Julian. She decides to take in a third child without her husband's consent who has abandoned the family. Now grown, her children seek the truth behind their father’s disappearance and her adopted son seeks out his true identity. Everyone has their own questions but on which side of the coin will the truth land, Heads or Tail(s)?

Production Themes: Coming of age story about a young Xhosa teenager adopted by a coloured family seeking his biological parents to guide him into his journey of manhood. A mother bound by morality and righteousness battling, to be honest with her children. Cultural and Identity Politics. Adoption. 

Language: English, Afrikaans & Xhosa (with English Surtitles)

Thank You For Your Service
7 - 10 Sep @ 11:30 & 20:00 | 11 Sept @ 15:30

A physical theatre piece that deals with two soldiers who were childhood friends. We see them exploring their journey in service while unpacking their childhood days in comparison to their current lives. They focus on the trauma and side effects serving in the military had on them and their families. The story projects the voices of the fallen soldiers who died holding on to empty promises from the government.

Production Themes: Retired Soldiers. Elderly Care. Social Justice

Language: English & Xhosa (with English Surtitles)

Ganga Nyoko! Inzima Nyoko!
14- 17 Sep @ 10:00 & 18:30 | 18 Sept @ 14:00

Synopsis: Two friends reconnect after being estranged for years. They soon realise that the differences between them are distinct. There are secrets between them that threaten to change or end their friendship. Will this result in permanent separation or will their friendship be salvaged?

Production Themes: Gay Identity. Gender performance in rural vs urban society. Friendship. Homophobia. 

Language: Xhosa & English (with English Surtitles)

Blood on the Road
14 - 17 Sep @ 11:30 & 20:00 | 18 Sept 15:30

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. What happens when one suffers from the consequences of others' reactions? Blood on the Road is all about what happens when anger builds up because of the past, how easy it is for one to fake love when they have hidden agendas.

Production Themes: Rich Xhosa Text. Reflections of traditional practices and culture.  Language. Deceit and Murder. History.

Language: Xhosa (with English Surtitles)

For direct, non-group bookings, book online here

For Block Bookings, please contact:

Leon van Zyl | leon.vanzyl@uct.ac.za
Carmen Kearns | carmen.kearns@uct.ac.za

COVID-19 Safety Protocols at The Baxter: What to Expect

All performances at The Baxter will be limited to a maximum capacity as stated by the current Lockdown level restrictions, with all COVID-19 protocols in place. These will include the availability of hand sanitisers at various points, temperature checks, tracking and tracing recorded when you enter the building, compulsory wearing of masks and social distancing. Patrons and audience members are advised to arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of the performance to avoid delays.