New Fugard Theatre lights up District Six

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Just as the New Space Theatre on Long Street, previously home to the original Space Theatre of many moons ago, has closed down, the Fugard Theatre has opened on Caledon Street, in what was previously District Six.  The theatre is named in honour of South Africa’s greatest playwright Atholl Fugard.

The 270-seat theatre, a three-level National Heritage site building which was previously the Sacks Guteran Building, connected to a church for its foyer, opened last week with a performance of ‘The Magic Flute – Impempe Yomlingo’, with dignitaries such as Athol Fugard, David Kramer, Pieter-Dirk Uys and Trevor Manuel attending. 

The “distressed walls reveal bricks through peeling plaster, and a glass panel on the floor displays the old stone work, which adds a beautiful historical ambiance to the foyer”, reports the Cape Times.

Two shows are performed on alternate nights: ‘The Magic Flute – Impempe Yomlingo” and ‘The Mysteries -Yiimimangaliso’.   ‘The Magic Flute’ has been performed internationally to great acclaim, and has won an Olivier and Globes de Cristal awards.   The cast comes from the townships, and all wear traditional dress.  Marimbas are played.   “…The Magic Flute will no doubt appeal to a large percentage of the population who enjoy big, loud musicals with elaborate props and decadent costumes”, says the review.

In March a new production, ‘The Train Driver’, written by Fugard, will be performed under the direction of Fugard.

The Fugard Theatre: www.thefugard.com tel 021 461 4554.  Open Tuesdays – Saturdays.  Ticket prices range from R 50 – R 120.

Chris von Ulmenstein, Whale Cottage Portfolio: www.whalecottage.com

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