Award-winning theatre-maker Napo Masheane is bringing the spotlight back to QwaQwa as the HerStory International Theatre Festival returns this August with a powerful celebration marking 70 years since South African women marched against apartheid.
Running from August 7 to 10, the festival promises four days of theatre, music, poetry, dance, storytelling and cultural exchange under the theme: “Her Story, Her Voice, Her Stage 1956–2026.”
Hosted across some of the Free State’s most iconic heritage sites, including the Basotho Cultural Village, Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Joe’s Lifestyle and the Phuthaditjhaba Auditorium, the festival aims to celebrate women’s voices while positioning QwaQwa as a thriving cultural tourism destination.
Investing in the future of African storytelling
For Masheane, the festival has always been about much more than entertainment.
“HerStory has always been about creating space for women to tell their stories in their own voices while investing in the future of African storytelling. This festival is more than a celebration of artistic excellence; it is a platform for learning, mentorship, cultural exchange and creative collaboration,” she said.
She added that commemorating the milestone anniversary of the historic 1956 Women’s March makes this year’s edition particularly meaningful.
“As we commemorate 70 years since the Women’s March, we invite audiences to join us in QwaQwa to celebrate our shared heritage while inspiring the next generation of artists and storytellers,” Masheane said.
Masterclasses in acting, poetry, storytelling and performance
The festival programme stretches beyond stage productions, offering masterclasses in acting, poetry, storytelling and performance, alongside creative dialogues, workshops and mentorship opportunities led by acclaimed South African and international practitioners.
Festivalgoers will also experience Her Name Was Never Mine, HerStory’s in-house theatre production, as well as exhibitions, play readings and immersive cultural experiences celebrating women’s leadership and artistic excellence.
The celebrations will culminate on National Women’s Day, August 9, with the HerStory Concert 2026 at Joe’s Lifestyle. The concert will feature headline performances by Maleh, Tamara Dey and Wanda Baloyi, accompanied by poetry, dance and other performances honouring women’s contributions to the arts.
Beyond the performances, visitors will be encouraged to explore the region’s cultural and natural treasures through experiences at the Basotho Cultural Village and Golden Gate Highlands National Park, reinforcing the festival’s growing contribution to cultural tourism and the creative economy.
- The HerStory International Theatre Festival returns to QwaQwa from August 7-10, marking 70 years since the 1956 South African women’s anti-apartheid march with theatre, music, poetry, dance, and storytelling.
- Festival events are held at iconic Free State heritage sites like the Basotho Cultural Village and Golden Gate Highlands National Park, aiming to celebrate women's voices and boost QwaQwa’s cultural tourism.
- Curated by award-winning theatre-maker Napo Masheane, the festival emphasizes empowering women’s storytelling, mentorship, cultural exchange, and creative collaboration.
- The program includes masterclasses, workshops, theatre productions, exhibitions, and immersive cultural experiences highlighting women’s leadership and artistic contributions.
- The festival culminates on National Women’s Day, August 9, with a concert at Joe’s Lifestyle featuring artists Maleh, Tamara Dey, and Wanda Baloyi, alongside poetry and dance performances.
Award-winning theatre-maker Napo
Hosted across some of the Free State's most iconic heritage sites, including the
For
"HerStory has always been about creating space for women to tell their stories in their own voices while investing in the future of African storytelling.
"As we commemorate 70 years since the Women's March, we invite audiences to join us in QwaQwa to celebrate our shared heritage while inspiring the next generation of artists and storytellers,"
Festivalgoers will also experience Her Name Was Never Mine, HerStory's in-house theatre production, as well as exhibitions, play readings and immersive cultural experiences celebrating women's leadership and artistic excellence.
