Soweto Theatre

The term Soweto Theatre can have two meanings. Both are discussed below.

Theatre in Soweto

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

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

The name of 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*),

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[1]

See ESAT Bibliography

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