The Market Theatre 
and Baxter Theatre have joined forces to co-produce a new play, RISE ’76: The Story of June 16th, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising and The Market Theatre’s opening in 1976.
Written and directed by award-winning playwright and director Tiisetso Mashifane wa Noni, the production runs at the Mannie Manim Theatre from 5 to 28 June 2026, including special Youth Day performances and as part of The Market Theatre’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
Set at the fictional Molefe Secondary School in Soweto, the historical fiction drama follows student leaders “Bafana Buthelezi” and “Kedibone Moloi” as they clash with principal “Mr Alfie Ndlovu” over the enforcement of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction. The conflict escalates into tragedy, exposing the brutality of apartheid and changing the course of history.
The cast includes Alex Sono, Zilungile Mbombo, Botlhale Mahlangu, Deon Lotz, Mfuneli Ntumbuka, Sbuja Dywili and Ben Albertyn.
Since debuting at the Baxter Theatre in May, the production has received critical acclaim. Broadway World described it as “a haunting and powerfully human portrait of the Soweto uprising”, while actress Thembi Mtshali-Jones praised its emotional and historical depth.
For The Market Theatre, the production reflects its longstanding role in telling South African stories rooted in resistance, resilience and justice. The theatre opened just days after the 1976 uprising and became known for bold anti-apartheid storytelling.
Artistic Director Greg Homann described the play as a deeply human and meticulously researched production that revisits the events of June 16 with compassion and honesty.
Mashifane wa Noni said the play drew from interviews, archival records and literature to focus on the overlooked personal stories surrounding the uprising.
This information was supplied by The Market Theatre.
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