Arts and entertainment

Soweto theatre construction begins

10 February 2009

Residents of Soweto outside Johannesburg will soon be able to enjoy professional local and international drama productions on their doorstep, as construction on the township's first fully-fledged theatre begins this week.

The theatre will be located in Soweto's traditional heartland of Jabulani, on a vacant site between the Jabulani Mall and the Jabulani Amphitheatre, and will comprise three performing venues, capable of seating between 90, 180 or 420 people.

One of the key design elements is flexibility, so that a wide variety of artistic products can be accommodated at the venue.

The design of the theatre reflects various international venues, including the Northern Stage in Newcastle and the Young Vic Theatre in London, both in the United Kingdom.

To be built at a cost of R110-million, the theatre is expected to be complete in 2010.

Equitable access

According to the Department of Arts and Culture, the theatre will provide equitable access to arts and culture facilities for the residents of Soweto and surrounding areas.

The theatre will also be fully accessible for people with disabilities, with the three stages being accessible via wheelchairs from the foyer, with a number of wheelchair spaces in the auditorium.

Cultural attraction

According to the Johannesburg city municipality, Soweto has long been in need of a theatre, and the Jabulani theatre is expected to encourage more cultural opportunities for the local community.

"Besides providing various job opportunities and an arena for talented individuals to showcase their talent, the theatre will also attract patrons from the greater Johannesburg area, as Soweto is fast on its way to becoming a sought after local and tourist destination," the city said.

Arts and Culture Minister Pallo Jordaan and Johannesburg mayor Amos Masondo will be at an official sod-turning ceremony at the site on Thursday, to mark the start of construction.

Source: BuaNews