The Baxter has a bumper lineup of exciting, award-winning and diverse productions running from April to June.  Bold stories, fresh perspectives and unforgettable performances light up their stages.  

The English (12-24 May) and Afrikaans (01-10 May) versions of Henrik Ibsen’s classic, Hedda Gabler, will feature at the Baxter in May.  This production, adapted and directed by Christiaan Olwagen and featuring a powerhouse creative team – has already garnered five top South African awards, including Best Production, Best Actress, Best Ensemble and Best Achievement in Design.  

The internationally acclaimed and multi-award-winning Kafka’s Ape (until 12 Apr) continues its run, delivering a gripping adaptation of Franz Kafka’s A Report to an Academy. Red Peter, a primate forced into the realm of human society, offers a devastatingly powerful reflection on captivity, identity and assimilation. Globally praised as a masterpiece of physical theatre, this moving, empathy-driven performance will linger long after you've left the theatre. "A masterpiece of physical theatre." - The Scotsman, Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2024. 

Empatheatre presents the electrifying one-woman show Isidlamlilo/The Fire Eater (09-19 Apr), created by Neil Coppen and performed by the phenomenal Mpume Mthombeni. Set in a Durban women’s hostel, this acclaimed production follows Zenzile Maseko, a grandmother declared legally dead by bureaucracy, confronting her turbulent past. This tour-de-force production brilliantly weaves humour, humanity and haunting reflections on identity, redemption and resilience.

Quickening Theatre Company proudly brings you Lucas Hnath's Tony Award-winning hit, A Doll’s House, Part 2 (16 Apr-10 May). Directed by acclaimed New York-based Barbara Rubin, this smart, contemporary and brilliantly funny sequel to Ibsen’s classic explores the complexities of marriage, love and societal expectations with razor-sharp wit and emotional depth. Starring South African stars Bianca Amato (Isidingo, Binnelanders) and Zane Meas (7de Laan, The Storyteller of Riverlea), this production is both thought-provoking and thoroughly entertaining. "Smart, funny and utterly engrossing" - The New York Times. 

From the pen of acclaimed playwright Louis Viljoen comes Mrs. Mitchell Comes To Town, (22 Apr - 10 May) a dark, gritty new thriller starring Jenny Stead and Aidan Scott. With the city on edge, a rising star politician confronted by betrayal and a mother searching for her son amid escalating violence prepare for an unflinching exploration of ambition, power and desperation.

The 26th Jive Cape Town Funny Festival (from 03 - 29 June), is South Africa’s oldest and foremost comedy festival, showcasing the best local stand-up comedians, along with top international variety acts. It’s Cape Town’s winter comedic talent and a great night out! Here’s this year’s lineup: Dalin Oliver (South Africa, MC from 2-15 June); 

Alan Committie (South Africa, MC from 17 – 29 June); Dr Riaad Moosa (South Africa, Full Festival; Charlie Caper (Sweden, winner of Sweden’s Got Talent, Full Festival), Winner Of The Jive Funny Championships (Full Festival); Emo And Loukmaan Adams, South Africa, Full Festival);  The Big Boys, South Africa, Full Festival); Tumi Morake, South Africa, 17-29 June) and Baccala Compagnia, (Italy, 17-29 June).

Stand-up comedian Nik Rabinowitz returns to the Baxter from 27 to 31 May for the final run of his smash-hit show Pension Killer. From global chaos to personal embarrassments, Rabinowitz leaves no stone unturned - and no WhatsApp group unmuted. Armed with razor-sharp wit, mild bewilderment and an uncanny ability to cause just the right amount of offence, he tackles some of South Africa’s most pressing concerns, including the question of: “Wat Weet Ons, Wat Hulle Nie Weet, Nie?” (What do we know, that they don’t know, that we really should know — but possibly don’t?).