The plays by the two winners of the 15th Baxter Zabalaza Theatre Festival Awards will be performed in September at The Baxter Studio Theatre.
Lwanda Sindaphi’s Purpose and ‘n Pandok se Liefde by Lauren Snyders won the Best Production/Finest of the Fest Award at the Festival which was held in March. The productions enjoy the space and resources to be further developed and presented in a full run at The Baxter. Lwanda and Lauren will also have the opportunity to work with respected industry figures Mwenya Kabwe and Lee-Ann van Rooi respectively to bring their productions to the stage.
Additionally, these winners will have their scripts published, thanks to the support of Junkets Publishers.
The annual Festival, which this year had the theme, Make Your Mark, is committed to having a tangible impact on the development of artists, audiences, theatre-makers and communities.
‘n Pandok se Liefde will be performed from 9 to 13 September.
Written and performed by Lauren Snyders, directed by Samuel Jumat and also featuring Dealan Fredericks ‘n Pandok se Liefde is a compelling drama about a married couple who have to come to terms with their wounds after a traumatic event. This gripping play delves into the aftermath of trauma, exploring the profound impact of a dramatic night on their relationship and identities. It vividly portrays the fragility of manhood and womanhood when faced with unimaginable circumstances, inviting audiences to reflect on the resilience of the human spirit in the face of despair.
Says writer Lauren Snyders “‘n Pandok se liefde, is a raw exploration of trauma and survival. We create a space where vulnerability is honoured and where audiences can connect with the characters’ journeys to their healing. Our main aim is to bring these real-life themes to light. I am grateful to the creative team who have helped bring this play to life, and mentor Yael Farber who worked on the play with me for the initial festival.”
Purpose will be performed from 16 to 20 September.
Purpose, written and performed by Lwanda Sindaphi and directed by Thando Doni is a witty and romantically hypnotising production, accompanied by the density of a peripherally ancestral world. The play explores sacredness and spirituality from the lens of a young man who has engaged with his traditional forms of practice.
Set in the community of Delft, Lidinga Aba pursues a girl he sees as his soulmate. He wakes up every day to sit in a circle, in windy, rainy and sunny days, to just wait for this beautiful girl. His pursuit is disrupted by ancestral visions. His unfathomable love this girl turns him blind to the messages he receives from his haunting dreams. He becomes emotionally tormented when he realises that the metaphysical overpowers the romantic. Whilst spending an intimate moment with his soulmate, he sees the red-smeared face of his late grandmother. The circle turns to time, unlimited time. It turns to a scared place, a river. It becomes a liminal place. His life changes drastically.
“In a world filled with so much doubt and understanding of what Maths and physics can’t explain to us. Purpose follows a narrative of a young man dealing with the complexities of being summoned to be a traditional healer,” says Lwanda Sindaphi.
“We are proud to walk the journey with the winners, bringing their ideas from page to stage.”
WHAT: Winners of the 15th Baxter Zabalaza Theatre Festival Awards
WHERE: Baxter Theatre Centre, Main Road, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7600
WHEN: 9 – 20 September 2025
BOOKING: Tickets R120 (Full price) | R65 (discount for block bookings, students and senior citizens) | Bookings at Webtickets online or at Pick n Pay stores.
INFO: Visit
PHOTOS: Lauren Snyders and Dealan Fredericks in N Pandoke se Liefde Photo credit Xolani Tuluman | Lwanda Sindaphi in Purpose Photo credit Xolani Tulumani
The 15th Baxter Zabalaza Theatre Festival has been made possible by the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sports, the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Fund, the Makwande Empowerment Trust, the City of Cape Town, the HCI Foundation, the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (KKNK), Nasionale Afrikaanse Teater-inisiatief (NATi), Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees, Pick n Pay and Webtickets
