Top things to know
- The Market Theatre's inaugural Queer Fest runs from 21 to 25 October 2026, coinciding with the venue's 50th anniversary.
- Artistic director Greg Homann says the festival aims to be both "a place of celebration and joy" and "a place of activism".
- Chantal Stanfield's play 'Shockwave', directed by David Dennis, runs until 8 November and is set in 1980s Cape Town during the State of Emergency.
- Lead actress Renate Stuurman says there is still "a young person right now for whom this is their reality".
- The programme includes Pieter-Dirk Uys in 'Evita @ 91', Guillaume Apollinaire's 'The Breasts of Tiresias', Bruce J Little's 'Bum Stuff: A Cheeky Cabaret' and a performance by Thamsanqa Tshabalala.
The Market Theatre has launched its inaugural Queer Fest, a five-day programme running from 21 to 25 October 2026 that coincides with the venue's 50th anniversary and places a dedicated spotlight on LGBTQ+ experiences.
Artistic director Greg Homann said the festival aims to be both "a place of celebration and joy" and "a place of activism", acknowledging queer victories while confronting ongoing struggles. He described The Market Theatre as "very much about the diversity of the South African voice".
The festival opened with a special appearance by satirist Pieter-Dirk Uys, who brings his iconic alter ego to the stage in Evita @ 91. The programme also features Guillaume Apollinaire's provocative play The Breasts of Tiresias, Bruce J Little's adult comedy Bum Stuff: A Cheeky Cabaret, and a physical performance from Thamsanqa Tshabalala. Music and live entertainment feature prominently, with performances by Chris Chameleon, The Luyanda Madope Trio and duo Adrian & Emma-Jean.
One of the highlights is Chantal Stanfield's play Shockwave, which runs until 8 November. Set in 1980s Cape Town during the State of Emergency, the production examines life in a society where apartheid, religious conservatism and prejudice dictate who is allowed to exist openly. The political unrest, heavy police presence and restrictions imposed under apartheid create an atmosphere of uncertainty.
Despite the weight of its themes, the production never succumbs to despair. As director David Dennis observes, "There is no wedding without tears and no funeral without laughter." That philosophy is reflected in the play's blend of humour, music and human connection.
Shockwave intertwines personal struggles with broader political realities. Through immersive sound design — off-stage police vehicles, barking dogs and exploding canisters — the production makes the historical threat feel immediate. If apartheid controlled where people could live and move, the fear surrounding the HIV/Aids epidemic, the so-called "gay plague", exposed the emotional cost of hiding one's identity. Hearing discriminatory words directed at characters on stage is unsettling not because they belong to the past, but because they still echo attitudes that exist today.
Lead actress Renate Stuurman, who plays Sister Debbie, notes there is still "a young person right now for whom this is their reality". The play also tackles religious hypocrisy, showing how faith can be both a source of comfort and a tool of exclusion. As Stuurman observes, it can be heartbreaking when "loving your fellow man and following rules set out by religion or church go in opposite directions".
The production stars Lois du Plessis, Trevor Lynch, Renate Stuurman and Dwayne Behrens. Homann said theatre's greatest strength is its ability to foster empathy, and Shockwave is presented as a powerful example of that commitment.
Ultimately, Shockwave offers transformation over despair, leaving audiences with hope and a deeper appreciation for human resilience. By fostering empathy and understanding, it exemplifies why Queer Fest matters.