(Right: Rajesh Gopie with
Ralph Lawson who directs the popular ”Sthandwa” and “The Nature Thieves” productions
for young people which returns after a successful run on the 2025 festival)
Sastri College’s Red Mango Arts Festival is back at! Sastri College from July 22 to 25, 2026
Founded by acclaimed South African actor, playwright and director Rajesh Gopie, the festival is hosted in conjunction with Sastri College School, Red Mango Creative Arts (NPC), and the Sastri Alumni Association, with a firm commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for artists, audiences and communities through theatre, music, storytelling, cultural dialogue and artistic collaboration.
The 2026 programme will feature a line-up of theatre productions, music concerts, spoken word, heritage programming, youth development initiatives, industry conversations and collaborative international works. Particular emphasis will continue to be placed on inter-cultural narratives, contemporary South African storytelling and works that engage themes of humanity, identity, social justice and healing.
Highlights include Sydenham Lightie, Global Ballie by Kurt Egelhof; the poignant Pulitzer nominated drama, Letters of Suresh; the launch of Imraan Coovadia’s latest book, Enemy of the People; Sufis, Mystics and Qawali – an evening of music poetry and spiritual storytelling in a special star-studded concert; the Tshwane University of Technology group are back, this time with the fun sun-soaked frolic, Mama Mia; Tonya Koenderman brings her Getting Old Disgracefully; Comedy Night with Jailoshni Naidoo and Friends; two plays for young people, an open mic, a dance demo, a magic show, line dancing, piano diva, storytelling, a grand finale concert, and more.
Plus, refreshments, outdoor places to relax and meet friends, books for sale, exhibitions and displays.
Building on the success of the festival’s inaugural programming in 2025, audiences can expect bold new productions alongside returning favourites, with a strong focus on inter-generational engagement and accessible community participation. Schools and youth organisations will once again form a central part of the festival’s outreach strategy, and demonstrates the festival's commitment to cultivating future artists and audiences.
The 2026 edition will also deepen its collaborations with local businesses, educational institutions, cultural organisations and international partners, strengthening Durban’s profile as a creative hub rooted in diversity, dialogue and artistic excellence.
Sastri College, home of the Red Mango Arts Festival is situated in Greyville, alongside the historic Curries Fountain Stadium, holds deep historical and cultural significance. Long regarded as a landmark educational institution for communities of colour, it stands as a symbol of Durban’s rich social and political history.
Gopie adds; “Red Mango is ultimately about people. It is about artists being seen, communities reconnecting, young people discovering possibility through creativity, and Durban reclaiming its place as one of the great cultural cities of South Africa.”
Follow the artSMart website for further programme announcements, artist line-ups and partnership opportunities for the 2026 festival.
Tickets: Booking and more info through Webtickets.