Mandela Bay Theatre Complex

The Mandela Bay Theatre Complex is a a cultural institution in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth). It was previously known as the Port Elizabeth Opera House. It was renamed the Mandela Bay Theatre Complex in 2018 and declared a cultural institution in terms of the Cultural Institutions Act 119 of 1998, on May 31, 2021, by the Arts and Culture Minister, Nathi Mthethwa. It currently operates as an Agency of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.

Cultural Institution

In May 2021, Minister Mthethwa declared the Mandela Bay Theatre Complex as a National Cultural Institution in terms of the Cultural Institutions Act 119 of 1998. As such, the venue is currently managed and funded by the National Department of Arts and Culture alongside other National Theatres like the Market Theatre in Johannesburg, the Playhouse in Durban and Artscape in Cape Town.

Venues

The Mandela Bay Theatre Complex is a performing arts complex that boasts the following venues:

• The Opera House (Main Stage) (seating capacity of 598)
• The Barn Theatre (seating capacity of 150 cabaret and 100 auditorium)
• Stageworld Campus with the following facilities: Workshop Facilities; Conference Facilities; TV Edit Room; Dance Studios
• Foyers (Ground: capacity of 200; Upper Foyer capacity 200)
• The Wardrobe (The wardrobe boasts diverse costumes that the public may hire. The wardrobe staff can design and make new costumes as per the needs of the client. The wardrobe is based at Stageworld Campus.)

History

For historical information (pre-May 2021), see Port Elizabeth Opera House

Present operations

The Mandela Bay Theatre Complex is officially a receiving house for productions that tour around the country. However, with the consent of the Board of Directors more than 75% of its activities are invested in development programmes. It is funded by the National Department of Arts and Culture, Eastern Cape’s Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (DSRAC) and the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM).

Management structure

The Mandela Bay Theatre Complex is managed by: Chief Executive Officer; Chief Finance Officer; and Operations Senior Manager. They are supported by:

• Head of Stageworld PAC
• Artistic Producer
• Programmes Management Officer
• Supply Chain Manager
• Facilities Use Manager
• Stage Services Manager
• Facilities Technical Manager

Source

The Herald, "Curtain Rises on Mandela Bay Theatre Complex" by Zamandulo Malonde, Tuesday, June 1, 2021.

Address by Minister Nathi Mthethwa at the Declaration of Mandela Bay Theatre Complex as Cultural Institution for Performing Arts, 31 May 2021 http://www.dac.gov.za/content/address-minister-nathi-mthethwa-declaration-mandela-bay-theatre-complex-cultural-institution

https://static.pmg.org.za/SIGNED_MBTC_-_3_Year_Strategic_Plan.pdf

https://www.nmbt.co.za/news/former_pe_opera_house_elevated_to_be_a_mecca_for_arts.html

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