The cast on stage in a scene from 'Afropocalypse'.
Image: Ngoma Ka Mphahlele
Currently running for several weeks, "Afropocalypse" has returned to The Market Theatre for a new season.
This production, initially presented in 2024 as a student offering by The Market Theatre Laboratory, has garnered significant acclaim.
Last year, it was honoured with the Standard Bank Gold Ovation Award at the National Arts Festival.
Now an award-winning show, its success is further cemented by securing six nominations, including the win for Best Ensemble, at the 2026 Naledi Theatre Awards.
Director Daniel Buckland characterises the production as a "mischievous and vibrant look at South African society," exploring "all the weird and wonderful ways it could come to an end."
The show features "dynamic and joyous ensemble storytelling," which incorporates "bucket loads of physical comedy, puppetry and storytelling."
Ultimately, the play seeks to vividly illustrate both "the fallibility of humankind" and the remarkable "resilience and creativity of the human spirit."
He added, “The story leans into joy and tragedy. The idea of an apocalypse is a dark subject matter and framing; the story itself is not only about that. It’s a fun, silly platform to poke fun at contemporary society and take all the delicate bits of South Africa and satirise them.”
“This is a show young and old should look forward to watching," says Greg Homann, artistic director at The Market Theatre Foundation.
Its blend of youthful energy and imaginative storytelling, he noted, creates an entertaining tonic that is best enjoyed when shared with family and friends or in a group.
Homann concluded that it is "a wonderful work, with an impressive balance of dark moments mixed in with pure joy, hope, and theatricality.”
"Afropocalypse" is ultimately a vivid and vibrant portrayal of the past, present and speculative future, achieved through physical comedy and tragic magic realism.
The narrative is a comical tapestry of catastrophe and release, weaving together a myriad of South African voices - from Credo Mutwa to Jan Rabie - with our collective modern South African myths and fables.
Where: Mannie Manim, Market Theatre.
When: Runs until May 23, 7pm. Weekend times differ.
SARAFINA!
The iconic musical by Dr Mbongeni Ngema, which features music co-written with the late Hugh Masekela, is being staged once more.
This Broadway-acclaimed work, previously adapted into a feature film starring Whoopi Goldberg and Leleti Khumalo, is now under the direction of Mpho Molepo.
The production powerfully recounts the 1976 student uprisings in Soweto, focusing on a courageous group of learners from Morris Isaacson High School.
They stand up against the apartheid regime's oppressive education policies. This story of resilience, courage and unwavering hope for freedom is brought to life through dynamic song, dance and compelling narration.
The age restriction for the play is PG-10.
Where: Gibson Kente Theatre at Soweto Theatre.
When: Runs until May 31. Times vary.