Unisa Little Theatre
Unisa Little Theatre is a theatre venue located at 287 Nana Sita St, Pretoria Central, Pretoria.
Formerly known as the Die Kleinteater.
About the theatre
This is a uniquely designed classical drama theatre situated in the heart of Pretoria’s central business district. Designed by acclaimed South African architect, Norman Eaton, the theatre is fully equipped to support all fields of performing arts, and is considered one of the most established dance theatres in South Africa.
Origins
The idea for this venue is probably linked to the story of Ons Teatertjie, a venue conceived as a home for the Ons Teatertjie Toneelgroep (later known as Volksteater) in 1937 and for which the first plans were drawn up in 1938 by E Schwartz. Unfortunately the start of the war in 1939 meant that the plans were aborted, even though the idea had been supported by the government.
Then in March 1940, Mrs. Norah McCullough approached the architect Norman Eaton to design a children's arts centre in the South African capital. Construction began in 1941. Disagreements over the function and dimensions of the building delayed completion until 1946. During this time, Mr. Le Roux Smith Le Roux was appointed director of the new center in 1943, and he proceeded to develop a comprehensive theatre development program. In 1957, the theatre project was placed under the jurisdiction of the Pretoria Educational Training College (itself run by Transvaal Education Department), but due to a lack of funds and other issues, building was only completed in 1961.
Opening
The was officially opened by a Dr. Jordaan, deacon of the College, to whom the theatre was handed over and put into use under the name Kleinteater Little Theatre/Arts Center.
The venue was then used by local amateur groups, such as Volksteater, The Lodge Players and by the students of the Pretoria Educational Training College. It hosted the finals of the annual Administrator’s Cup Competition for many years. Also used as one of the venues for the annual playwriting incentive, the ATKV Kampustoneel Festival, in the 1980s.
UNISA ownership
In 1993, Maree & Els Architects were approved to plan a renovation, which was completed in August 1994. In 1995, UNISA became the Theatre's owner. It was declared a provincial heritage site in 2004 and renamed the Unisa Little Theatre. Further interior renovation was conducted under the guidance of the South African Heritage Resources Agency.
Sources
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/About/What-we-do/Arts-&-culture/Unisa-Little-Theatre
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