The two Finest of the Fest winning productions at the 2026 Zabalaza Theatre Festival – Until I Arrive and Kinnes van Somers – come to the Baxter Studio for one week each.
Until I Arrive kicks off the programme from 29 September to 3 October, followed by Kinnes van Somers which runs from 6 to 10 October 2026. Both productions are on at 8pm, Monday to Saturday, with matinees at 2pm on Saturdays. Celebrated director, Sylvaine Strike, is creative supervisor to both productions and mentor on Kinnes van Somers.
Until I Arrive is a deeply personal and moving one-woman, physical theatre work, written, directed and performed by Lindokuhle Melaphi, who also won Best Script at the festival. The story follows a female soldier in search of belonging. The acclaimed and award-winning, Tiisetso Mashifane wa Noni (Rise ’76, Delela and Neighbourhood), is the mentor on the production.
The play is performed in English and some isiXhosa, with surtitles and there is an age restriction of 13 years.
The second Zabalaza Finest of the Fest winner, Kinnes van Somers, boldly reimagines South African folklore, on stage from 6 to 10 October 2026, breathing new life into an old Afrikaans cautionary folk tale.
Caitlyn Haywood
This gripping new theatre production recalls the oral stories and warnings in the shadows of a small community where myths, lullabies and curses intertwine.
Directed by Tamsyn Alexander and Hanro Cloete, the play is devised and performed by Caitlyn Haywood, Irmah Jeleza Tiemie, Katelynne Matthews, Tameka Petersen and Tamsyn Alexander, who collectively bring Antjie and many other characters to life on stage.
Performed in Afrikaans and English, with surtitles, the play explores themes of identity, fear, inheritance and transformation There is age restriction of 14 years and parental guidance is advised.
The Zabalaza Finest of the Fest season is made possible by the City of Cape Town, Makwande Empowerment Trust, Oppenheimer Memorial Trust, HCI Foundation, Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport and Nati.
WHAT: Zabalaza Finest of the Fest
WHERE: Baxter Studio, Main Road, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7600
WHEN: Until I Arrive 29 Sept to 3 Oct I Kinnes van Somers 6 to 10 Oct
BOOKING: R80 – R120. Available through Webtickets online or at Pick ‘n Pay stores
INFO: Â VISIT
LEAD PHOTO: Until I Arrive Lindokuhle Melaphi by Xolani Tulumani
