Soweto Theatre

The term Soweto Theatre can have two meanings, referring either to theatre as an activity and to a theatricval venue. Both are discussed below.

=Referring to theatre as an activity in Soweto=

Used as a general or generic term, this may refer to all the various theatrical activities in Soweto.

See the overview provided in the entry on Theatre in Soweto.

=Referring to a performance space=

Founding and management
The Soweto Theatre is a city theatre at the corner of Bolani Road and Bolani Link, Jabulani, opened on 16th May 2012 with a performance of The Suitcase by Es’kia Mphahlele, adapted and directed by James Ngcobo. Built in a zone of public space within the high density, mixed-use Jabulani CBD, the colourful, candy-coated building with flaring sails and cosy 436-seater auditorium, is intended to be a multi-purpose performing arts centre for theatre productions, dance, music, film and community gatherings. Known as the "cultural heart" of the suburb, it includes the existing Jabulani Amphitheatre, parkland, public art and other amenities. Residents of Soweto as well as the greater Johannesburg and surrounds will be able to enjoy professional local and international productions.

In 2013 Warona Seane was appointed as artistic director for the theatre.

In 2014 the City of Johannesburg, as part of its ongoing Institutional Review, resolved that the three civic theatres, the Joburg Theatre, the Roodepoort Theatre and the Soweto Theatre, be integrated into a single theatre management company, Joburg City Theatres (JCT), to manage the  functions and services of the theatres.

Productions and activities
Besides The Suitcase (2012), other productions done at the theatre have incuded Masote's Dream (201*), Book of Revelations (201*),Colour Me Human (2015)

Awards
In 2015 the Soweto Theatre received a Lifestyle and Achievement Award from Jozi FM radio station for their work.

= Sources =

"Soweto Theatre seeks Marketing Manager" Artslink 06/11/2014

See ESAT Bibliography

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