STRAND – A quaint, much-loved theatre known for its intimate stagings of many a production has spread its wings and moved to a bigger venue.
The Drama Factory, which has been in operation for the last three years, now boasts a new look in new premises, and is now able to accommodate more patrons looking to indulge in a night out enjoying various forms of arts and culture.
Sue Diepeveen, founder, owner and face behind the successful theatre, said the thought to move to a bigger venue crossed her mind when a neighbour informed her of renovations set to take place at his business premises. “We sat for weeks trying to figure out how we were going to make it happen with all the noise,” she recalled.
Countless meetings left the creative mind without solutions and when her neighbour suggested the situation may call for a move to a bigger venue she was immediately intrigued.
“My neighbour agreed that this may be the push to go bigger [with the theatre],” Diepeveen said, “It really left me thinking about the space as it was small and not ideal for artists. I wanted a bigger space that allowed for a bigger audience.”
The new Drama Factory is still located in Asla Business Park, along the N2 highway, at 10 Compro Square, Henry Vos Close, just around the corner from where it was first housed. It now accommodates 120 patrons, compared to 80 at the old venue.
The move from the old to new building occurred just three weeks before the nationwide lockdown, “and two brilliant shows have taken place on the new stage,” Diepeveen proudly said.
In addition to an almost forced change of location, her neighbour’s renovations again reiterated the importance of space for both artist and theatre audience, Diepeveen said. “In the three years of our existence, we have hosted a variety of shows and the move came at a time when we needed it most. I was all for this move to become a reality.”
When she considered the relocation though, Diepeveen did not wish to move too far away from the Lwandle and Nomzamo communities.
“I wanted the theatre to remain accessible for everyone,” she said. “A venue too far [from the townships] would mean the taxi ride would be too long and make us exclusive, which I did not want.”
Regarding the progress and overall growth of The Drama Factory, Diepeveen said: “There is always room for improvement.”
She enjoys much affirmation in her work as a renowned actress, producer, director and theatre impresario.
“I think I have worked extremely hard in supporting artists. I have also done very well in supporting new work, as well as new artists. And I think we have done a great job in opening the theatre up to more experienced artists, which is where we have progressed.”
Quizzed on plans for the future, Diepeveen said she and her team have been considering and researching virtual filming, which will allow for shows to be streamed live.
She is also working on a one-woman stage production to be featured later on this year as well as fun show to be run once the lockdown period is over.
. For more details on The Drama Factory, go to www.thedramafactory.co.za.
