The Artscape Theatre Centre will mark 55 years of performance and transformation on Tuesday 19 May, a milestone that speaks not only to the myriad productions staged within its walls, but also to the story of a country in transition.

Opened in 1971 as the Nico Malan Theatre, a space reserved for a select few under apartheid, it has since evolved into a cultural home for all South Africans. This anniversary, celebrated under the theme “A Place for All”, honours that long and significant journey.

Celebrations kick off on 19 May

The anniversary programme launches at 11:00 with the unveiling of a memory wall entitled “Becoming Artscape — a place reborn”, followed by an open press conference to which the public is also invited. At 12:00, everyone is encouraged to take part in a historic photograph on the steps of the building. The morning concludes with a free lunchtime concert at the Artscape Opera Bar, running until 13:30.

Performing at the concert will be four school bands: Mbekweni CMA, Cedar High School, Rhodes High School and Athlone School for the Blind. Admission is free, and all are welcome.

The lunchtime concert series forms part of Artscape’s ongoing commitment to access, championed under the leadership of CEO Marlene le Roux. These concerts have become a regular and much-loved feature, offering many their first experience of live performance inside the theatre, not as spectators but participants.

What’s on throughout the year

The anniversary programme extends well beyond May. On 6 June the Artscape Career Expo offers young people a behind-the-scenes look at the full range of professions that make theatre possible, from lighting and sound design to costume, technical operations and building management.

A series of Saturday masterclasses will run from May to November. The first, Fast Track to Opening Night, takes place on 23 May with KMH Architects, covering the design, construction and accessibility of the Artscape building. A follow-up masterclass, facilitated by Africa Melane, will focus on funding the arts.

On 8 November, an anniversary gala concert, produced and directed by Basil Appollis, featured in the theatre’s 50th-anniversary celebration, promises to be a glamorous evening to remember.

Special R55 tickets

As part of the anniversary celebrations, a limited number of R55 early-bird tickets will be made available for select performances in the Opera House and Theatre. Limited to two per person, tickets are available through Dial-A-Seat on a first-come, first-served basis.

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Voices on the milestone

Le Roux reflected on the theatre’s journey: “This building has walked a long road, from a space that excluded the majority of South Africans, to one that now actively welcomes and embraces all who enter it. Accessibility is not a concept for us; it is a daily commitment. Whether it is physical access for people with disabilities, representation on our stages or ensuring that people feel they belong here this is the work we do every day.”

Zak Gordon, chairman of the Artscape board, echoed the sentiment: “As we mark 55 years, our focus remains on ensuring Artscape continues to serve as an inclusive platform for expression, access and opportunity for all.”

Joe McGluwa, chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture, described Artscape as “a living symbol of transformation sprung from division to unity,” and praised the theatre’s record of clean audits in recent years. “Let us all raise a toast… congratulations, Artscape, on 55 years of excellence, creativity, inclusivity and good governance.”

Artscape’s 55-year journey is supported by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the Western Cape Government and the City of Cape Town.

Artscape Dial-A-Seat: 021 421 7695.
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