The Market Theatre

The Market Theatre is a performing arts complex in Newtown, Johannesburg, South Africa, that opened on June 19, 1976, three days after the Soweto Uprising. Founded by Barney Simon and Mannie Manim as a non-racial venue during apartheid, it became known internationally as the "Theatre of the Struggle" and has received more than 300 South African awards and 21 international awards over its 50-year history.

History and Cultural Significance

The Market Theatre occupies a building constructed in 1913 as Johannesburg's Indian Fruit Market. When the city relocated the produce market to larger premises in the 1970s, Simon and Manim submitted a proposal to convert the building into a community arts center. They won the bid over competing developers and began fundraising to restore the neglected complex.

The theatre opened its doors on June 19, 1976, with a production of Anton Chekhov's "The Seagull" directed by Simon, followed by Arthur Miller's "The Crucible" directed by Janice Honeyman. The timing was extraordinary: the Soweto Uprising began on June 16, 1976, and the theatre opened three days later as a deliberately non-racial space in a segregated society.

The venue operated on land zoned for light industrial use rather than residential use, which placed it just outside the reach of the Group Areas Act. This legal loophole allowed black and white South Africans to attend performances together, making the Market Theatre one of the few places in the country where racial mixing was tolerated during the 1970s and 1980s.

Productions like "Woza Albert," "Sophiatown," and "Born in the RSA" brought the theatre international recognition as a center of anti-apartheid art. In 1995, the Market Theatre received the American Jujamcyn Award for its contribution to creative talent in South African theatre. In October 1987, Janet Suzman directed a multi-racial production of "Othello" at the Market Theatre, a direct challenge to apartheid norms.

Venue Spaces

The Market Theatre complex houses three performance spaces:

• The Barney Simon Theatre: 120 seats, named after co-founder Barney Simon, the first space to open in 1976
• The John Kani Theatre (Main Theatre): 387 seats, renamed in 2014 after the renowned South African actor and playwright, opened in October 1976
• The Laager Theatre: 120 seats, named in 1979

The complex also includes two art galleries, a jazz club (Kippies), a bookshop, two restaurants (the Market Bar and Bistro and the historical Gramadoelas), a coffee bar, and a Saturday flea market. The Market Photo Workshop offers gallery space, an auditorium, darkroom, and lecture room.

2026 Season and 50th Anniversary

The Market Theatre celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026. The anniversary season began with "Marabi" by the Junction Avenue Theatre Company in January, followed by the Tony-nominated musical "Blues in the Night" in February.

June 2026 marks the birthday month celebration, including a special performance called "Let's Meet at The Market," exhibitions, surprise appearances, and a new play titled "RISE '76: The Story of June 16th" co-produced with the Baxter Theatre. The Kippies Fringe returns from July to December 2026, curated by The Art Cave, featuring jazz concerts including S'nazo Unplugged and the Imanyano Yabahlobo Jazz/Soul Concert. Comedy programming includes Dan Corder's "THE NEWS IS A JOKE" and Skhumba Hlophe's solo showcase.

Why It Matters for Independent Artists

The Market Theatre represents a different model of venue than commercial concert halls. It is a publicly funded cultural institution that programs theatre, jazz, comedy, and political performance art. For independent musicians, the Kippies jazz venue within the complex offers a performance space that programs emerging South African artists alongside established acts.

If you are a South African artist or an international artist interested in performing in Johannesburg, the Market Theatre's Kippies venue is worth researching for jazz, world music, and experimental performances. The theatre's commitment to new voices means submission opportunities exist for artists who align with its programming values.

Use our Tour Revenue Calculator to model what international touring could look like for your act. Read our guide on touring internationally as an independent artist for practical advice on booking venues outside your home country. The complete guide to making money as a musician in 2026 covers revenue strategies for artists at every stage.

Related Resources

• Tour Revenue Calculator - Estimate earnings from live shows
• Touring Internationally as an Independent Artist
• How to Book Your First Tour: Step-by-Step Guide
• Market Theatre Official Website