The Market Theatre marks Pride Month with SHOCKWAVE, a new 1980s drama by Chantal Stanfield, directed by David Dennis, 15 October – 8 November 2026.

The Market Theatre acknowledges Pride Month with Chantal Stanfield’s brand new play, SHOCKWAVE, a compelling 1980s drama directed by David Dennis running from 15 October – 8 November 2026.

Set against a turbulent political landscape marked by the State of Emergency, deepening social divisions and the spreading fear of the so-called ‘gay plague’, a young man navigates questions of his sexuality.

At the heart of the play is the character of Larry, who is trapped by fear and prejudice. Larry is forced to seek lodging with a deeply religious widow on the Cape Flats, where police casspirs skulk on every corner.

The outstanding cast is headed up by Renate Stuurman and Trevor Lynch, with Lois du Plessis and Duane Behrens in supporting roles.

According to director David Dennis, the work is a theatrical fight for visibility and memory at a crucial time in South Africa’s democracy, reminding audiences that the liberation struggle was not just about changing the political order, but dismantling all forms of discrimination.

“In terms of our own history, I think it’s incredibly important for all ages, but especially for young people, to contextualise where we come from, the politics of this country in all aspects of the word. Bearing in mind that South Africa, within the context of this play, would later become the only country in Africa to legalise same-sex marriage, liberation meant far more than political freedom alone for many people living at that time.”

Chantal Stanfield concurs. “The piece,” she states, “reflects on growing up in the early 1980s, where the realities of the State of Emergency, religion and sexuality existed all around us, yet so much remained unspoken. Homosexuality and faith often lived side by side in our communities, but only as long as certain things were never spoken about. And the play explores those silences and what they meant for the people living through them.”

Dennis emphasises that while SHOCKWAVE carries provocative thematic elements, it still offers exceptional entertainment value, with moments of lightness and comedy, amplified by the characters’ mutual love for the music of the much-loved South African rock and soul band, The Invaders.

“The humour, music and the elements of comedy make it a very heartwarming and relatable story. These are all characters and situations we recognise. Though the play is set during a heightened time of political tension and activism, with riots and protests being a significant element in the play and underscoring what’s going on in its interior, the story of these lives and the people we meet in the play is also a lightness of touch.”

The Market Theatre Foundation’s Artistic Director, Greg Homann, who served as dramaturg to Stanfield during the initial development of the work in 2021 as part of How Now Brown Cow’s Writers Collective, has expressed great anticipation for SHOCKWAVE’s run as the anchor piece of The Market Theatre’s inaugural Queer Festival, taking place over five days towards the end of Pride Month this October.

“Having walked the journey with the playwright, from idea to page and now stage, I’m excited by The Market presenting work that centres the story of a gay man, and of LGBTQ+ themes more broadly. This play revisits historical developments, not to settle in them, but to interpret them for our current context, drawing from what was taboo then to joyfully celebrating queer bodies in a free South Africa today,” says Homann.

“Often, the State of Emergency is spoken about based on what it meant around race. This piece moves from the widespread protests to the restrictions placed on people’s personal intimacies. It is a very grounded, authentic story about what it means to try and live your life freely, while navigating a dangerous social and political atmosphere.”

Head to The Market to journey through a heartfelt struggle of a young man who just wants to be himself.

Tickets for SHOCKWAVE are available on Webtickets https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1597182659 starting from R110, with special discounts for the preview performance, for groups of four or more, and with all Wednesdays at half-price.

Affordable, safe and secure underground parking is available at Newtown Junction.

The Market Theatre is a division of The Market Theatre Foundation, an agency of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.

For reduced price block bookings (of 10 or more) and school groups, contact Anthony Ezeoke (Audience Development Specialist) at AnthonyE@markettheatre.co.za or 083 246 4950.

For media enquiries, please contact Bongiwe Potelwa (Publicist) at bongiwep@markettheatre.co.za or 011 832 1641.

Bongiwe Potelwa
bongiwep@markettheatre.co.za
079 967 3441
The Market Theatre Foundation
http://www.markettheatre.co.za