Each week we round up the latest concerts, markets, parties, tours and other cool happenings so you don’t miss them! For a full guide to what’s on in Joburg, check out our online events calendar and subscribe to our newsletter guide to Joburg published every Thursday morning.
Here’s our pick of events to put on your calendar this weekend.
The Umbrella Men at The Bioscope
THU JUN 9–WED JUN 15 The Bioscope presents a series of special debut screenings of Durban-born film director John Barker’s new film, The Umbrella Men, ahead of its general South African release. Starring well-known South African talent Keenan Arrison, Kagiso Lediga and Shamila Miller, the film is a crime caper with a unique twist. A group of musicians decide to rob a bank during the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival in the hopes of saving a debt-ridden nightclub in Bo Kaap. Tickets R80, available online here.
Kunene and the King at Joburg Theatre
UNTIL JUN 19 South African theatre icon John Kani returns to the Joburg Theatre stage in this play written by the actor and directed by Janice Honeyman. Set in 2019 South Africa, Kani plays Lunga Kunene, a nurse with a passion for Shakespeare who finds himself caring for a terminally ill classically trained actor, played by the legendary Michael Richard. It’s a must-see because of the two actors involved but we thought the script could have taken another round of development to create a more nuanced story. Let us know what you think? Tickets are R300-R450 available online here.
Joburg Heritage Tour with Seth Mazibuko
SAT JUN 11 AT 14:00 Join the Joburg Heritage Foundation for an intimate walking tour of Constitution Hill led by Seth Mazibuko. A teenager at the time of the Soweto uprising, Mazibuko was one of the leaders of the student protests that rocked the country in June 1976. He was sentenced to prison for his involvement in the uprising at the tender age of 16. On this tour, Seth Mazibuko leads a trek through the cells of Constitution Hill, talking through each step of his journey from student activist to a political prisoner. Tickets R275 (Joburg Heritage members R150), available online here.
Art Battle at Victoria Yards
SAT JUN 11 AT 13:00 Art Battle is a global live art tournament where 12 artists are allotted 20 minutes to transform their blank canvases into masterpieces in front of a live audience. The audience then votes for their favourite works to go through to the next round with the winner receiving a cash prize and the chance to represent South Africa at the Art Battle National Championships. Takes place at Victoria Yards in Lorentzville. Tickets R100 online here, or R120 at the door.
Joburg Ballet Raw 3
SAT JUN 11 & SUN JUN 12 Joburg Ballet presents its third edition of the Raw showcase, a platform designed for young and upcoming ballet choreographers. This latest showcase features the work of three Joburg Ballet dancers Donavin Cicatello, Bruno Miranda and Mbongeni Moyake, as well as a new work by Junior Rehearsal Coach, Thabang Mabaso. There is also a Q&A session with the dancers following the matinee performances at the Joburg Ballet studios at Joburg Theatre. Performances on Sat Jun 11 at 15:00, Sun Jun 12 at 11:00 and 14:00. Tickets R150, call +27 11 877 6898 or email futhi@joburgballet.com to book.
Sunday Best with Trevor Stuurman
SUN JUN 12 FROM 11:00 Book for the first of two ‘Sunday Best’ themed gatherings taking place at Trevor Stuurman’s solo exhibition, A Place Called Home at Botho Project Space in Parktown West. Combining art, music and food, guests are invited to dress in their Sunday Best for food cooked up by Chef Mpho Phalane from Food I Love You and live entertainment by award-winning singer-songwriter Mpho Sebina and African storyteller Muneyi. Takes place at 26 Rhodes Avenue, Parktown. Booking essential. Tickets R540 available online here. Read our interview with Trevor Stuurman here.