Difference between revisions of "Aula"
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| − | The | + | The [[Aula]] was for many years the [[University of Pretoria]]'s main hall and site of performances and ceremonies. |
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| + | Also referred to as [[The Aula]] or the [[UP Aula]] in some sources. | ||
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| + | ==The venue== | ||
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| + | It was designed by [[Karel Jooste]] under the auspices of the architectural firm Philip Nel, Pretoria, as a flexible 1,025-seat auditorium for musical and operatic productions, as part of a complex also including the [[Rautenbach Hall]] and a Student Centre. Completed in 1958, it was opened by the then Governor General, Dr E.G. Jansen, and on 2 November, 1958, and inaugurated with performances of a concert by operatic singer Mimi Coertze as part of a gala season of 2 months consisting of drama, music and art. | ||
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| + | The [[Aula]] remained a major venue in the city until the [[State Theatre]]'s completion in the early 1980s and played host to foreign dignitaries, presidents, local and international artists and numerous theatrical and musical productions over the years | ||
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| + | In 2009 a refurbishment of the old building began, designed by Anton de Jongh of ARC Architects. The new complex, consisting of the [[Aula]] theatre, the [[Rautenbach Hall]], the [[Musaion]] and the [[Amphitheatre]], and was formally opened in 2012 by UP Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Cheryl de la Rey followed by a variety programme of song, dance and musical performances as well as art exhibitions. In 2013 thos new [[Aula]] complex was awarded the [[SAPOA Award]]. | ||
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| + | ==Performances== | ||
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| + | Among the theatrical works performed there over the years was [[Neels Hansen]]'s 1972 production of ''[[Elektra]]'', ''inter alia'' featuring the Greek classical actress [[Aleka Katseli]], along with local performers and drama students from the [[University of Pretoria]]. | ||
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| + | ==Sources== | ||
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| + | https://www.up.ac.za/news/post_1774420-commemorating-the-aula | ||
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| + | https://artefacts.co.za/main/Buildings/bldgframes_mob.php?bldgid=8785 | ||
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| + | RC Fisher, SW le Roux and E Maré.. 1998. ''Architecture of the Transvaal''. Pretoria: [[UNISA]]. pg 128, 175-196, 128, 175-196, 214, 215, 216 | ||
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| + | Doreen Greig. 1971. ''A Guide to Architecture in South Africa''. Cape Town: [[Howard Timmins]]. pg 203 | ||
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| + | PDBY Staff. 2012. Tuks unveils the new Aula. ''[[PDBY]]'', 4 September, 2012.[https://pdby.co.za/tuks-unveils-the-new-aula/] | ||
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| + | == Return to == | ||
| + | |||
| + | Return to [[PLAYS I: Original SA plays]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | Return to [[PLAYS II: Foreign plays]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | Return to [[PLAYS III: Collections]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | Return to [[PLAYS IV: Pageants and public performances]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | Return to [[South_African_Festivals|South African Festivals and Competitions]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | Return to [[The ESAT Entries]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | Return to [[Main Page]] | ||
Latest revision as of 06:15, 1 November 2024
The Aula was for many years the University of Pretoria's main hall and site of performances and ceremonies.
Also referred to as The Aula or the UP Aula in some sources.
Contents
The venue
It was designed by Karel Jooste under the auspices of the architectural firm Philip Nel, Pretoria, as a flexible 1,025-seat auditorium for musical and operatic productions, as part of a complex also including the Rautenbach Hall and a Student Centre. Completed in 1958, it was opened by the then Governor General, Dr E.G. Jansen, and on 2 November, 1958, and inaugurated with performances of a concert by operatic singer Mimi Coertze as part of a gala season of 2 months consisting of drama, music and art.
The Aula remained a major venue in the city until the State Theatre's completion in the early 1980s and played host to foreign dignitaries, presidents, local and international artists and numerous theatrical and musical productions over the years
In 2009 a refurbishment of the old building began, designed by Anton de Jongh of ARC Architects. The new complex, consisting of the Aula theatre, the Rautenbach Hall, the Musaion and the Amphitheatre, and was formally opened in 2012 by UP Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Cheryl de la Rey followed by a variety programme of song, dance and musical performances as well as art exhibitions. In 2013 thos new Aula complex was awarded the SAPOA Award.
Performances
Among the theatrical works performed there over the years was Neels Hansen's 1972 production of Elektra, inter alia featuring the Greek classical actress Aleka Katseli, along with local performers and drama students from the University of Pretoria.
Sources
https://www.up.ac.za/news/post_1774420-commemorating-the-aula
https://artefacts.co.za/main/Buildings/bldgframes_mob.php?bldgid=8785
RC Fisher, SW le Roux and E Maré.. 1998. Architecture of the Transvaal. Pretoria: UNISA. pg 128, 175-196, 128, 175-196, 214, 215, 216
Doreen Greig. 1971. A Guide to Architecture in South Africa. Cape Town: Howard Timmins. pg 203
PDBY Staff. 2012. Tuks unveils the new Aula. PDBY, 4 September, 2012.[1]
Return to
Return to PLAYS I: Original SA plays
Return to PLAYS II: Foreign plays
Return to PLAYS III: Collections
Return to PLAYS IV: Pageants and public performances
Return to South African Festivals and Competitions
Return to The ESAT Entries
Return to Main Page
