Teksmarkthe KKNK’s script development project, celebrates a decade of unique stories on Thursday 4 and Friday 5 September.
“This year’s Teksmark brings together an exceptional group of playwrights – including three Hertzog Prize-winners – and offers an exciting glimpse into the future of South African theatre”, says Hugo Theart, CEO and Artistic Director of the KKNK.
Audiences attending Teksmark in the Baxter Studio at The Baxter Theatre, can look forward to creative script ideas from Nicola Hanekom (Die gebed van ’n halfmens), Saartjie Botha (ge-gebergtes), Willem Anker (Stormjaers), Tertius Kapp (Vastrap), Veronique Jephtas [K(r)aak], Nico Scheepers (My kinders se honde), Jason Jacobs & Devon Delmar (Kontrapunt), Carla Smith (CRYBABY), Amee Lekas (Beloofde land) and Wilken Calitz (Pierneef en die bok). Excerpts from two winning productions from The Baxter Theatre’s Zabalaza Festival, Lauren Snyders’s ’n Pandok se liefde and Lwanda Sindaphi’s Purpose will also be presented.
Teksmark is made possible through the support of NATi, The Baxter Theatre, UJ Arts & Culture and the Het Jan Marais Nationale Fonds.
Playwrights will have the opportunity to discuss their new script ideas here, followed by a short excerpt as play readings. These excerpts will be directed by among others Marthinus Basson, Dean Balie, Samuel Jumat and Kanya Viljoen, with several playwrights - who are also experienced directors - directing their own work.
On stage for the readings are Frank Opperman, Chris van Niekerk, Joanie Combrink, Waldemar Schultz, René Cloete, Ira Blanckenberg, Cintaine Schutte, Bianca Flanders, Carel Nel, Daneel van der Walt, Wian Taljaard, Gretha Brazelle, Wilhelm van der Walt, Morné Visser and many more.
Teksmark is free to attend and all those interested are warmly invited to be part of the creative process - where the first seeds are planted for the development of new South African theatre productions - and to celebrate the tenth anniversary of this award-winning project.
Cornelia Faasen, CEO of NATi says: “In a world increasingly dominated by artificial substitutes and hollowed-out imitations, theatre and especially Teksmark stands as a beacon of unique voices and original ideas, emerging from the lived experiences of our own playwrights. This project recognises that our shared humanity is best nurtured and celebrated through the irreplaceable work of artists who dare to hold up a mirror to our society and to tell uncomfortable truths. At a time when true human connection feels more precious than ever, these new works remind us why theatre remains essential. It is not a luxury, but a moral compass and a sanctuary for the imagination.”
According to Lara Foot, CEO and Artistic Director of The Baxter Theatre, Teksmark has played a pivotal role since its inception in 2016 in nurturing young playwrights, giving them the opportunity to tell their stories and share their voices in their mother tongue. “Stories help us to learn, to feel, and to heal — as audiences, communities, and society at large. The Baxter is proud of its partnership with KKNK and NATi, and we wish Teksmark continued success as it builds an inclusive, supportive, and caring platform for generations of storytellers to come.”
For this milestone celebration, the project has taken a slightly different approach compared to previous years. Teksmark did not issue an open call for script proposals this year, instead, playwrights were identified by the project’s main partners to write commissioned works or existing scripts were selected.
Since the inception of Teksmark nearly 200 script ideas by more than 170 playwrights have been presented for further development, with approximately 57 scripts having been developed into full productions – many of which have gone on to win prestigious awards.
“We look forward to welcoming all those interested to The Baxter Theatre to experience the beginnings of these new works. We also encourage playwrights to prepare their script ideas for Teksmark 2026, when an open call for submissions will once again form part of this project”, Theart concludes.
More information and the full programme for Teksmark 2025 is available online at kknk.co.za. For enquiries contact the KKNK office via email at info@kunste.org.za, by phone on 044 203 8600 or send a WhatsApp to 065 285 2337.