KIDS

Market Theatre Laboratory, Newtown, Johannesburg 2–4 October 2026 | 18:00 Tickets: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1601844950   

 

Acclaimed Swiss director and writer Boris Nikitin joins forces with Johannesburg-based filmmaker, cinematographer and cultural journalist Tšeliso Monaheng to present KIDS, an ambitious live cinema production that transforms the streets of inner-city Johannesburg into a cinematic stage. The production will premiere at the Market Theatre Laboratory from 2–4 October 2026.

Part theatre, part film, and entirely live, KIDS follows a group of young people wandering through Johannesburg after dark. Born in the early 2000s, they have come of age in a world shaped by economic instability, global conflict, social fragmentation and digital hyperconnectivity. They inhabit a multicultural society, but not necessarily an equitable one. Curious, angry, hopeful, ironic and deeply vulnerable, these young people refuse to hide their uncertainty. Instead, they turn it into a source of power.

 

World Premiere Performances 2, 3 & 4 October 2026

Johannesburg Ramolao Makhene Theatre, Market Theatre Laboratory

Basel Kaserne Basel

Lugano FIT – Festival Internazionale del Teatro

Further Performances 11–12 December 2026 – HAU Hebbel am Ufer, Berlin

Language: English (German surtitles in Basel) Format: Live cinema and theatre, transmitted live from Johannesburg

Concept, Text and Direction: Boris Nikitin

Director of Photography and Conceptual Collaboration: Tšeliso Monaheng

Director of Photography: Bantu Mahlangu

Cast: Chioma Mphelo, Chrisophocus Seboka, Kenzo Hendrix, Nidaa Husain, Thabang Chauke

Sound: Matthias Meppelink

Costume Design: Nthabiseng Makone

Costume Assistant: Molebogeng Phiri

Dramaturgy: Annett Hardegen

Outside Eyes: Neo Muyanga, Sebastian Nübling

Assistant Directors: Mongezi Ntukwana, Ngwedi Ramphele

Johannesburg Production Manager: Thantaswa Mthembu

Switzerland/Germany Production Manager: Alexa Tepen

Johannesburg Technical Director: Michael Inglis

Switzerland/Germany Technical Director: Sebastian Sommer