Theatre Venues in Cape Town
A voice for the voiceless
Theatre has a noble history in South Africa. Struggle theatre was a powerful medium for voicing opposition to the Apartheid system and giving a voice to marginalised people.
Groundbreaking collaborations, such as those between Athol Fugard and the great actor John Kani, challenged prevailing norms. The recently opened Fugard Theatre, in Harrington Street, was named in honour of one of South Africa’s most important playwrights. The Fugard Theatre hosts local and international productions.
Centres of excellence
The Artscape Theatre Complex is Cape Town’s principal performing arts venue. The venue also hosts orchestral works, opera, ballet and modern dance. Visitors to Cape Town should be sure to check the Artscape schedule.
The Baxter, located in the suburb of Rondebosch, is another multi-purpose performing arts venue. The Baxter is part of the University of Cape Town, and its extensive theatre facilities were historically available to edgier work than state-run theatres of comparative size. The Baxter still runs an exciting theatre programme, as well as dance and jazz, pop and classical music. Cape Town’s theatre lovers keep a close eye on what’s on at the Baxter.
On the waterfront
Theatre supremo Pieter Torien’s Theatre on the Bay is located in the fashionable beachfront suburb of Camps Bay, making it ideal to combine a night at the theatre with dinner or drinks at one of Camp Bay’s many trendy restaurants. Productions at this intimate venue include one-actor plays and comedy shows.
Grand and spectacular
Extravaganzas aren’t always confined to traditional theatre venues. The Grand Arena at GrandWest Casino, often a concert venue, also plays hosts to musicals and other spectaculars.
Life is a cabaret
If dinner theatre is more your style, you are spoiled for choice. Vaudeville burlesque supper club exciting is and a little racy. Adjoining the Fez nightclub, you can go straight from enjoying the party to rocking the dance floor. On Broadway offers cabaret and comedy on Long Street, the centre of Cape Town’s urban nightlife.
