Seen Here: Where women’s stories become history, and history inspires the future. The HerStory International Theatre Festival 2026 returns to QwaQwa to celebrate 70 years since the 1956 Women’s March through powerful theatre, music, poetry, dance and storytelling that honours the voices of women across generations. Photo Credit: Supplied
QWAQWA – South Africa’s cultural landscape is set to come alive this Women’s Month as acclaimed playwright, poet and storyteller Napo Masheane returns with the HerStory International Theatre Festival 2026—a powerful celebration of women’s voices, artistic excellence and cultural heritage.
Running from 6 to 10 August 2026, the festival will transform QwaQwa into a vibrant cultural destination where theatre, music, dance, poetry, storytelling and visual arts converge to commemorate 70 years since the historic 1956 Women’s March.
Held under the inspiring theme “Her Story • Her Voice • Her Stage | 1956–2026,” the five-day festival honours the women who shaped South Africa’s history while creating space for today’s artists to tell stories that inspire future generations.
Seen Here: Celebrating the women who dared to dream, speak and lead. From inspiring performances to meaningful cultural dialogue, the HerStory International Theatre Festival creates a powerful platform where women reclaim their stories and inspire generations through the transformative power of the arts. Photo Credit: Supplied
A Celebration of Women’s Legacy
More than a theatre festival, HerStory has become one of South Africa’s most important platforms for amplifying women’s experiences through artistic expression.
Founded by award-winning creative Napo Masheane, the festival has evolved into a movement that celebrates identity, resilience, heritage and the transformative power of storytelling.
“HerStory is more than a festival; it is a cultural movement that creates space for women to tell their stories, preserve our heritage and shape the future through artistic expression,” says Masheane.
Her vision continues to position art not only as entertainment but as a powerful tool for preserving history, promoting dialogue and inspiring social change.
Seen Here: One stage. Many voices. Endless inspiration. Artists from South Africa, Lesotho, Kenya, Eswatini and Italy will unite at the HerStory International Theatre Festival 2026, celebrating creativity, culture and international collaboration through unforgettable performances. Photo Credit: Supplied
Where Heritage Meets Performance
This year’s festival will unfold across some of the Free State’s most iconic cultural and heritage landmarks, including the Basotho Cultural Village, Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Joe’s Lifestyle and the Phuthaditjhaba Auditorium.
By integrating performances with heritage sites, the festival offers visitors an immersive experience that showcases both the cultural richness and breathtaking natural beauty of the QwaQwa region.
The initiative also strengthens the province’s growing reputation as a destination for cultural tourism, where history, creativity and community intersect.
Seen Here: Culture lives where stories are shared. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of QwaQwa, the HerStory International Theatre Festival celebrates African heritage, women’s resilience and artistic excellence while showcasing one of South Africa’s most beautiful cultural destinations. Photo Credit: Supplied
HerStory International Theatre Festival continues to expand its global footprint by welcoming artists and cultural practitioners from across Africa and beyond.
The 2026 programme will feature performers and creatives from South Africa, Lesotho, Kenya, Eswatini and Italy, creating opportunities for international collaboration while celebrating the diversity of global artistic traditions.
Audiences can expect an exciting programme of:
- Theatre productions
- Poetry performances
- Dance showcases
- Storytelling sessions
- Visual arts exhibitions
- Creative dialogues
- Workshops and masterclasses
Together, these experiences reinforce the festival’s mission of nurturing artistic excellence while promoting cross-cultural understanding.
Seen Here: Honouring 70 years of courage through the universal language of art. As South Africa commemorates the legacy of the 1956 Women’s March, the HerStory International Theatre Festival 2026 brings together theatre, music, dance and poetry to celebrate the extraordinary women who continue to shape our future. Photo Credit: Supplied
A Women’s Day Celebration Through Music
One of the festival’s highlights will take place on National Women’s Day, 9 August, when the HerStory Concert 2026 lights up Joe’s Lifestyle.
The concert will feature celebrated performers including Maleh, Tamara Dey and Wanda Baloyi, alongside spoken-word artists, dancers and special guest performers in an evening dedicated to honouring women’s creativity and cultural contribution.
The event promises to blend powerful music with inspiring storytelling, creating an unforgettable celebration of Women’s Month.
Driving Cultural Tourism and the Creative Economy
Beyond its artistic programme, the festival continues to make a meaningful contribution to South Africa’s creative economy.
By attracting visitors to QwaQwa, supporting local artists, creating employment opportunities and showcasing heritage destinations, HerStory demonstrates how arts and culture can stimulate regional tourism and economic development.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore the Basotho Cultural Village and the spectacular landscapes of Golden Gate Highlands National Park, adding another dimension to the festival experience.
More Than a Festival
As South Africa reflects on the courage of the women who marched against injustice in 1956, the HerStory International Theatre Festival reminds audiences that storytelling remains one of the most powerful ways to preserve history, challenge perceptions and inspire hope.
For five unforgettable days, QwaQwa will become a stage where women’s voices take centre stage, cultures connect across borders and creativity becomes a bridge between generations.
As artists, audiences and communities gather to celebrate 70 years of women’s stories, the HerStory International Theatre Festival once again proves that when women are given the space to tell their stories, entire societies are enriched.
