Teksmark Oudtshoorn brings 12 new script ideas to the Klein Karoo

Sponsored Content

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS - The KKNK’s award-winning Teksmark will be presented in Oudtshoorn for the second time this November.

Teksmark Oudtshoorn is a script development project that creates a platform where new South African stories can be presented to stakeholders in the theatre industry.

The project is presented by the KKNK and NATi, with the support of The Baxter Theatre, UJ Arts & Culture, the Jannie Mouton Foundation and the Het Jan Marais Nationale Fonds.

“This year, we received a record number of applications for Teksmark, from both emerging and established playwrights. All submissions were read and evaluated anonymously by a panel, and it is particularly encouraging that several of the works selected were written by playwrights from Oudtshoorn and elsewhere in the Southern Cape.

"This is precisely why we are so excited to present Teksmark in Oudtshoorn for a second time and to introduce 12 new and diverse stories to audiences in the Klein Karoo. It is a privilege to provide a platform where new voices can be heard and to bring original South African stories one step closer to the stage,” says Hugo Theart, CEO and Artistic Director of the KKNK.

Teksmark Oudtshoorn is presented over three sessions on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 November 2026 at The Neelsie Theatre in Oudtshoorn. This year a special focus is placed on cabaret, satire and comedy.

The creation of new South African theatre scripts is encouraged through Teksmark Oudtshoorn and here playwrights and stakeholders in the theatre industry can connect, for possible investment and further development of script ideas.

Session 1 is presented on Friday 6 November from 10:00 to 13:00 with Die chef by Ben Pretorius, Vrot – Vrug by Chrisma Theron, Jou waitress is nou hier by Zoë Beetge & Lenay Rossouw and Gen X Konvensie: Terug na die basics by Shandré Bruintjies.

Session 2 takes place on Friday 6 November from 14:00 to 17:00 with Kruis wat ek dra by Danelle Titus, Die tamatiekomplot by Morné Malan, Tussen twee stiltes by Kelvin Piedt and Terminale helderheid by Almero Welgemoed.

Teksmark Oudtshoorn concludes with session 3 on Saturday 7 November from 10:00 to 13:00 with Mengelmoes by Ludwig Eon Siwa, Wat maak tyd by Jaydin Abrahams, Olifantshoek Kerkkoor by Stephan Henrico and Klip en bloed by Wihan Esterhuyse.

Professional representatives are invited to Teksmark Oudtshoorn to discuss scripts with playwrights directly. At Teksmark Oudtshoorn playwrights have an opportunity to discuss their new script idea, followed by excerpts presented as stage reading.

Excerpts are directed by amongst others Waldemar Schultz, Ira Blanckenberg, Tiffany Witbooi and Theo Witbooi, with various playwrights also doing their own directing.

Performing in the stage readings excerpts are Waldemar Schultz, Ira Blanckenberg, Lida Botha, Cole Wessels, Janion Kennedy, Theo Witbooi, Dhania Schultz, Maritza Filander, Chantell Phillipus, Mirinda Ntantiso and many more.

KKNK Teksmark Baxter 2026 © Nardus Engelbrecht

Attendance is free. Those interested in attending are encouraged to register online in advance, as seating in The Neelsie Theatre is limited. to attend any of the sessions. All interested parties are invited to be part of the first seeds planted for the development of new South African theatre productions.

The 11th Teksmark was presented at The Baxter Theatre in Cape Town in September 2026, with the third Teksmark Joburg taking place at UJ Arts & Culture in Johannesburg in October 2026. A total of 19 new script ideas were presented here and more information about the playwrights and the scripts are available online.

Since the inception of Teksmark, more than 200 script ideas by over 180 playwrights have been presented for development. More than 50 of these have gone on to become full-scale productions, many of which received prestigious awards.

For more information and the complete programme for Teksmark Oudtshoorn 2026 visit kknk.co.za or contact the KKNK office via email at [email protected], phone 044 203 8600 or send a WhatsApp to 065 285 2337.