Difference between revisions of "Gordon Small"

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==Contribution to SA theatre, film, media and/or performance==
 
==Contribution to SA theatre, film, media and/or performance==
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As a schoolboy, Small appeared in the choruses of musical productions at the [[Criterion Theatre]] on the Esplanade in Durban.
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At the [[University of Natal]] in Pietermaritzburg, he and his close friend, [[Peter Hey]], put on lively productions.
  
 
In the early 1980s, [[NAPAC]] acquired The [[Prince's Cinema]] and the [[Tudor Playhouse]]. These buildings underwent expert renovation and conversion into a state-of-the-art, multi-venue theatre complex that faithfully preserved many of the buildings' original characteristics and archetectural features. Gordon Small was the architect for this project. The new venue was officially opened on 12 April 1986 by State President P. W. Botha in 1986 as The [[Natal Playhouse]].
 
In the early 1980s, [[NAPAC]] acquired The [[Prince's Cinema]] and the [[Tudor Playhouse]]. These buildings underwent expert renovation and conversion into a state-of-the-art, multi-venue theatre complex that faithfully preserved many of the buildings' original characteristics and archetectural features. Gordon Small was the architect for this project. The new venue was officially opened on 12 April 1986 by State President P. W. Botha in 1986 as The [[Natal Playhouse]].

Revision as of 18:27, 3 July 2025

Gordon Small (1927-1995) was a Scottish-born architect with a particular love for the theatre.

Biography

Educated at Durban High School.

Career

His architectural work included The Law School and Arts block (including the Hexagon Theatre) at the University of Natal in Pietermaritzburg; the theatres at Cordwalles and Cowan House; the additions to St Alphege's; and the new Supreme Court building.

Contribution to SA theatre, film, media and/or performance

As a schoolboy, Small appeared in the choruses of musical productions at the Criterion Theatre on the Esplanade in Durban.

At the University of Natal in Pietermaritzburg, he and his close friend, Peter Hey, put on lively productions.

In the early 1980s, NAPAC acquired The Prince's Cinema and the Tudor Playhouse. These buildings underwent expert renovation and conversion into a state-of-the-art, multi-venue theatre complex that faithfully preserved many of the buildings' original characteristics and archetectural features. Gordon Small was the architect for this project. The new venue was officially opened on 12 April 1986 by State President P. W. Botha in 1986 as The Natal Playhouse.

Sources

Simon Roberts. 'Gordon Small obituary', https://natalia.org.za/Files/25/Natalia%20v25%20obituaries%20%20Small.pdf

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