Where Imagination Takes Centre-stage!
Tickets:
Tickets for performances can be booked directly on Webtickets.
Adults: R180 a performance;
Children 2-18: R130 a performance;
Block booking price: R85 for 10 or more tickets.
4 People: R400
Contact Siyanda on siyanda@assitej.org.za for block bookings and for special deals or complimentary tickets.
Donate:
Can’t come, but still want to contribute? You can donate to children attending the festival through either:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/the-imagine-nation or https://www.givengain.com/campaign/take-a-child-to-the-theatre-today-campaign-14163/
Young Critics:
This is a special programme to grow our young people as theatre critics and informed audience members. Schools can propose a group of 10-12 learners to be Young Critics for a day. All Young Critics will get online workshops with theatre critics/journalists prior to the festival. They will be invited to create content about one day’s programme of the festival. The school will receive media attention, and the created products (interviews, photographs, reviews, posts, etc.) will be shared across several platforms, including community media and social media, with the best items being selected for mainstream media. Young Critics will participate in a special conversation on the last day and be part of the Closing Ceremony as judges of the festival awards.
Contact Tsholofelo on tsholo@assitej.org.za for more information.
Who / When / Where:
Who is organising this event?
ASSITEJ South Africa
Where will it take place?
The event will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa at the Market Theatre from 31 August - 6 September 2026.
Who is it aimed at?
Audiences aged 1-25, and their families; Creative Arts/ Arts and Culture / Dramatic Arts teachers and Subject Advisors; Artists making work for and with children and young people
Where do we park at the Market theatre?
Park in the underground parking of Newtown Junction Mall, situated at the corner of Miriam Makeba Street and Gwigwi Mrwebi Street in Newtown, Johannesburg. It is a short walk through the shopping center precinct directly to the theatre entrance.
NOTE: For shows at Ramoloa Makhene, we suggest you park on the Mary Fitzgerald Square side of the building, and come in the side entrance from Lilian Ngoyi Street directly into the Market Theatre Foundation Building.
Is it also in Kimberley?
Yes, there is also a touring festival of dance, theatre and workshops taking place in Kimberley, Northern Cape from 24-28 August. Contact Letlhogonolo on letlhogonolo@assitej.org.za for more information.
Acronyms Explained:
ASSITEJ: Association Internationale du Théâtre de l’Enfance et la Jeunesse (International Association of Theatre and Performing Arts for Children and Young People)
TYA: Theatre for Young Audiences
ITYARN: International Theatre for Young Audience Research Network
IIAN: Inclusive Arts Network
YDN: Young Dance Network
Who should I contact if I need to know more?
Theatre & Professional Programme: contact Yvette Hardie on director@assitej.org.za
Logistics: contact Hailey Chisholm on operations@assitej.org.za
Media enquiries?
Contact Kwanele ‘Finch’ Thusi on social@assitej.org.za or Bridget van Oerle on bridget@thebuzhive.co.za