Difference between revisions of "Port Elizabeth Gilbert and Sullivan Society"
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== Founding and early history == | == Founding and early history == | ||
Established in 1932 and has operated continuously since then. | Established in 1932 and has operated continuously since then. | ||
| + | |||
| + | From 1966-1971, the society produced productions jointly with the [[Port Elizabeth Theatre Guild]]. | ||
'''For information on the rebranded society (from May 2024), see [[Impact Community Theatre Company]]''' | '''For information on the rebranded society (from May 2024), see [[Impact Community Theatre Company]]''' | ||
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In 1966 the [[Port Elizabeth Gilbert and Sullivan Society]] decided to build a rehearsal hall, later named the [[Savoy Theatre]]. To end the problem of rehearsal space and a place to construct elaborate sets, it was decided to duplicate the stage and backstage areas of the [[Port Elizabeth Opera House]] attached to the Society's own hall. The hall was unique in South Africa in that it was the only rehearsal hall designed specifically to duplicate the stage of another theatre. The Port Elizabeth City Council sold the organization a plot of land at the corner of Diaz Road & Stirk St, Parsons Hill. In order to coax donations from the public a category of Building Patrons was created. For R25-00 these patrons would be entitled to receive two complimentary tickets for every show produced by the Society for 15 years. At the existing rate for tickets, this meant their investment would be returned in four years with another 11 years of free theatre. | In 1966 the [[Port Elizabeth Gilbert and Sullivan Society]] decided to build a rehearsal hall, later named the [[Savoy Theatre]]. To end the problem of rehearsal space and a place to construct elaborate sets, it was decided to duplicate the stage and backstage areas of the [[Port Elizabeth Opera House]] attached to the Society's own hall. The hall was unique in South Africa in that it was the only rehearsal hall designed specifically to duplicate the stage of another theatre. The Port Elizabeth City Council sold the organization a plot of land at the corner of Diaz Road & Stirk St, Parsons Hill. In order to coax donations from the public a category of Building Patrons was created. For R25-00 these patrons would be entitled to receive two complimentary tickets for every show produced by the Society for 15 years. At the existing rate for tickets, this meant their investment would be returned in four years with another 11 years of free theatre. | ||
| − | + | '''For more information, see [[Savoy Theatre]].''' | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
== Impact on SA theatre, film, media and/or performance == | == Impact on SA theatre, film, media and/or performance == | ||
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The Society was previously aligned with [[CAPAB]], but currently (2014) funds all its performances from its own funds and have not received funding from any other source. | The Society was previously aligned with [[CAPAB]], but currently (2014) funds all its performances from its own funds and have not received funding from any other source. | ||
| − | The Society presents productions that cover a wide cross section of musical theatre genres including South African works. During the period 2011 to 2014 it has produced shows as diverse as the classic musical ''[[Oklahoma]]'', [[Andrew Lloyd Webber]]’s ''[[Evita]]'', the "juke box" style musical ''[[Disco Inferno]]'', ''[[Fiela’s Child - The Musical]]'' and ''[[Sounds of South End]]''. The Society also seeks to showcase local talent in revue style productions such as ''[[Page to Stage]]'' (2014) which feature many cast members performing solo numbers. | + | The Society presents productions that cover a wide cross section of musical theatre genres including South African works. During the period 2011 to 2014 it has produced shows as diverse as the classic musical ''[[Oklahoma!]]'', [[Andrew Lloyd Webber]]’s ''[[Evita]]'', the "juke box" style musical ''[[Disco Inferno]]'', ''[[Fiela’s Child - The Musical]]'' and ''[[Sounds of South End]]''. The Society also seeks to showcase local talent in revue style productions such as ''[[Page to Stage]]'' (2014) which feature many cast members performing solo numbers. |
In 2015 the G&S President, [[Rose Cowpar]], and [[Yolande Farrow]], newly-elected Chairperson of the [[Port Elizabeth Musical and Dramatic Society]] ([[PEMADS]]) initiated a closer relationship between the two societies, including joint projects. | In 2015 the G&S President, [[Rose Cowpar]], and [[Yolande Farrow]], newly-elected Chairperson of the [[Port Elizabeth Musical and Dramatic Society]] ([[PEMADS]]) initiated a closer relationship between the two societies, including joint projects. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Other projects have also included cabarets, concerts, workshops for all ages, the Savoy Drama Club for under 18s, a Carols evening has that raised funds for Maranatha Children's Home for over 14 years, and the Holiday Theatre Project. | ||
== Productions == | == Productions == | ||
This is a chronological list of productions staged by the [[Port Elizabeth Gilbert and Sullivan Society]] since its establishment in 1932. More details of director, cast etc. under seperate entry per individual musical or play. | This is a chronological list of productions staged by the [[Port Elizabeth Gilbert and Sullivan Society]] since its establishment in 1932. More details of director, cast etc. under seperate entry per individual musical or play. | ||
| − | |||
1932: ''[[Iolanthe]]'' | 1932: ''[[Iolanthe]]'' | ||
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2007: ''[[Footloose]]'' (directed by [[Robin Williams]]) | 2007: ''[[Footloose]]'' (directed by [[Robin Williams]]) | ||
| − | 2007: ''[[A Celebration – 75th Anniversary Revue]]'' (directed by [[ | + | 2007: ''[[A Celebration – 75th Anniversary Revue]]'' (directed by [[Leslie Speyers]]) |
2008: ''[[Guys and Dolls]]'' (directed by [[Robin Williams]]) | 2008: ''[[Guys and Dolls]]'' (directed by [[Robin Williams]]) | ||
| − | 2009: ''Valentine’s Cabaret – A Celebration of Love & Laughter'' (directed by [[ | + | 2009: ''[[Valentine’s Cabaret – A Celebration of Love & Laughter]]'' (directed by [[Leslie Speyers]]) |
2009: ''[[My Fair Lady]]'' (directed by [[Paul Griffiths]]) | 2009: ''[[My Fair Lady]]'' (directed by [[Paul Griffiths]]) | ||
| − | 2009: ''A Night on Broadway'' (directed by [[Garth Tavares]]) | + | 2009: ''[[A Night on Broadway]]'' (directed by [[Garth Tavares]]) |
2010: ''[[Valentine's Cabaret – Loves Me, Loves Me Not, Loves Me]]'' (directed by [[Rose Cowpar]]) | 2010: ''[[Valentine's Cabaret – Loves Me, Loves Me Not, Loves Me]]'' (directed by [[Rose Cowpar]]) | ||
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2011: ''[[Fiela’s Child - The Musical]]'' (directed by [[Robin Williams]]) | 2011: ''[[Fiela’s Child - The Musical]]'' (directed by [[Robin Williams]]) | ||
| − | 2011: ''Carols'' | + | 2011: ''[[Carols]]'' |
| − | 2012: ''Valentine’s Cabaret – All You Need is Love'' (directed by [[Rose Cowpar]]) | + | 2012: ''[[Valentine’s Cabaret – All You Need is Love]]'' (directed by [[Rose Cowpar]]) |
2012: ''[[Evita]]'' (directed by [[Robin Williams]]) | 2012: ''[[Evita]]'' (directed by [[Robin Williams]]) | ||
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2013: ''[[Carols]]'' | 2013: ''[[Carols]]'' | ||
| − | 2014: ''Valentine’s Cabaret – Be My Valentine'' (directed by [[Rose Cowpar]]) | + | 2014: ''[[Valentine’s Cabaret – Be My Valentine]]'' (directed by [[Rose Cowpar]]) |
2014: ''[[Page to Stage]]'' (revue) (directed by [[Rose Cowpar]]) | 2014: ''[[Page to Stage]]'' (revue) (directed by [[Rose Cowpar]]) | ||
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2014: ''[[Disco Inferno]]'' (directed by [[Rose Cowpar]]) | 2014: ''[[Disco Inferno]]'' (directed by [[Rose Cowpar]]) | ||
| − | 2022: ''[[Matilda The Musical]]'' (directed by [[Robin Williams]]. | + | 2022: ''[[Matilda The Musical]]'' (directed by [[Robin Williams]]). |
| − | '''For | + | 2023: ''[[Mind My Broadway]]'', ''[[Blast from the Past]]'', ''[[Hairspray]]'' (directed by [[Rose Cowpar]]) |
| + | |||
| + | 2024: ''[[Music! Movies! Magic!]]'' (co-directed by [[Leandi Fontini]] and [[Rose Cowpar]]), ''[[Love Shack]]'' (directed by [[Rose Cowpar]]) | ||
| + | |||
| + | '''For productions from May 2024, see [[Impact Community Theatre Company]]''' | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Awards== | ||
| + | |||
| + | In 2022, the Society was awarded the inaugural Isakhona Musical Theatre Fellowship by the [[Mandela Bay Theatre Complex]] for the Society's development of young talent. | ||
== Sources == | == Sources == | ||
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''[[Weekend Post]]'', 17 May 2003 | ''[[Weekend Post]]'', 17 May 2003 | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[Impact Community Theatre Company]] Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/impactcommunitytheatre/ | ||
Go to [[ESAT Bibliography]] | Go to [[ESAT Bibliography]] | ||
Latest revision as of 10:01, 15 August 2024
The Port Elizabeth Gilbert and Sullivan Society is an amateur theatre society based in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Also written Port Elizabeth Gilbert & Sullivan Society and called The "PE Gilbert and Sullivan Society".
On Thursday, August 11, 2022, the company announced it was changing its name to the Impact Community Theatre Collective (ICTC).
On 2nd May 2024, Impact Community Theatre Company was launched, replacing the original name of the society.
Contents
Founding and early history
Established in 1932 and has operated continuously since then.
From 1966-1971, the society produced productions jointly with the Port Elizabeth Theatre Guild.
For information on the rebranded society (from May 2024), see Impact Community Theatre Company
Vision and Mission
The Society's vision statement is: "To be the premier theatre society in South Africa".
The Society's mission statement is: "Putting our Hearts into the Arts with outstanding productions which nurture talent and provide audiences with a magical experience".
The membership of the Society crosses all age, race and gender demographics.
Objects
The Society's Constitution states that:
The main objects of the Society shall be: a) The study and performance of musical theatre; b) The fostering generally of interest in music and the theatre and the performance of any works in connection therewith; c) The presentation of experimental theatre and the Classics.
The ancillary objects of the Society shall be: a) To manage, maintain and develop the Savoy Theatre and Conference Centre; b) To raise funds by way of subscription, donation and otherwise or acquire any assets or resources that may be necessary for carrying out the Objects of the Society; c) To purchase or otherwise acquire plant, machinery, furniture, fittings, scenery and other necessary effects that may be necessary for carrying out the Objects of the Society.
Construction of the Savoy Theatre
In 1966 the Port Elizabeth Gilbert and Sullivan Society decided to build a rehearsal hall, later named the Savoy Theatre. To end the problem of rehearsal space and a place to construct elaborate sets, it was decided to duplicate the stage and backstage areas of the Port Elizabeth Opera House attached to the Society's own hall. The hall was unique in South Africa in that it was the only rehearsal hall designed specifically to duplicate the stage of another theatre. The Port Elizabeth City Council sold the organization a plot of land at the corner of Diaz Road & Stirk St, Parsons Hill. In order to coax donations from the public a category of Building Patrons was created. For R25-00 these patrons would be entitled to receive two complimentary tickets for every show produced by the Society for 15 years. At the existing rate for tickets, this meant their investment would be returned in four years with another 11 years of free theatre.
For more information, see Savoy Theatre.
Impact on SA theatre, film, media and/or performance
The Society owns and operates the Savoy Theatre and Conference Centre in Adcockvale, Port Elizabeth.
Since formation (1932), the society has presented high quality musical and dramatic productions for the Port Elizabeth community. Thousands of young performers, technicians, musicians and creative practitioners from all backgrounds have received training and reinforcement during productions. Many have gone on to study and work in professional theatre in South Africa and internationally, including Naledi Award winners Angela Kilian and Gareth Williams, professional performers Richard Vorster, Chireen Ferreira, Mandisa Tiso, Jerry Fortuin, Bennie Gerber, Jody Butler and many more.
The Society was previously aligned with CAPAB, but currently (2014) funds all its performances from its own funds and have not received funding from any other source.
The Society presents productions that cover a wide cross section of musical theatre genres including South African works. During the period 2011 to 2014 it has produced shows as diverse as the classic musical Oklahoma!, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita, the "juke box" style musical Disco Inferno, Fiela’s Child - The Musical and Sounds of South End. The Society also seeks to showcase local talent in revue style productions such as Page to Stage (2014) which feature many cast members performing solo numbers.
In 2015 the G&S President, Rose Cowpar, and Yolande Farrow, newly-elected Chairperson of the Port Elizabeth Musical and Dramatic Society (PEMADS) initiated a closer relationship between the two societies, including joint projects.
Other projects have also included cabarets, concerts, workshops for all ages, the Savoy Drama Club for under 18s, a Carols evening has that raised funds for Maranatha Children's Home for over 14 years, and the Holiday Theatre Project.
Productions
This is a chronological list of productions staged by the Port Elizabeth Gilbert and Sullivan Society since its establishment in 1932. More details of director, cast etc. under seperate entry per individual musical or play.
1932: Iolanthe
1932: The Pirates of Penzance
1933: Patience
1934: The Pirates of Penzance
1934: The Yeomen of the Guard
1935: H.M.S. Pinafore
1935: Patience
1936: The Mikado
1937: Iolanthe
1937: The Gondoliers
1938: Princess Ida
1939: Iolanthe
1940: The Yeomen of the Guard
1941: The Pirates of Penzance
1942: Ruddigore
1943: Princess Ida
1944: The Gondoliers
1945: Iolanthe
1946: The Mikado
1947: Merrie England
1948: Patience
1949: Ruddigore
1950: Tom Jones
1951: H.M.S. Pinafore
1952: The Geisha
1952: The Pirates of Penzance
1953: The Yeomen of the Guard
1954: The Gondoliers
1954: Trial by Jury
1955: The Mikado
1955: Trial by Jury
1956: Iolanthe
1956: The Vagabond King
1957: The New Moon
1958: Princess Ida
1959: The Merry Widow
1960: Golden Country
1961: Ruddigore
1962: The Gypsy Baron
1963: The Pirates of Penzance
1963: The White Horse Inn
1964: The Gondoliers
1965: Naughty Marietta
1966: The Mikado
1967: Oklahoma!
1967: The King and I
1968: Ali Baba
1968: Brigadoon (directed by Helen Mann)
1969: Romeo and Juliet
1969: The Student Prince
1970: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
1970: The Desert Song
1970: Twelfth Night
1971: Cox and Box
1971: Trial by Jury
1971: Show Boat
1972: Annie Get Your Gun
1973: South Pacific
1974: The Gondoliers
1975: Camelot
1975: Encore
1976: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
1976: Memories
1976: Mr Bolfry
1977: The Mikado
1977: Trial by Jury
1977: Tributes
1978: Free as Air
1978: The Merry Widow
1979: H.M.S. Pinafore
1979: The Student Prince
1980: Fiddler on the Roof
1980: Oklahoma!
1981: Die Fledermaus
1981: The Boy Friend
1982: Jubilee Revue
1982: My Fair Lady
1982: Will o’ the Whispers
1983: The Pajama Game
1983: Where’s Charley?
1984: Anything Goes (revue)
1984: The Sound of Music
1985: No productions (Port Elizabeth Opera House renovations)
1986: Annie
1987: The Pirates of Penzance
1988: Hello, Dolly!
1989: South Pacific
1990: Mame
1991: Kismet
1992: Fiddler on the Roof
1993: Grease
1994: Camelot
1995: Annie Get Your Gun
1996: The Sound of Music
1997: Annie
1998: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
1999: The King and I
2000: Evita
2001: Partners in Time (revue) (directed by Darryl Nel)
2002: Chicago (directed by Robin Williams)
2003: Sweet Charity (directed by Robin Williams)
2004: The Sound of Music (directed by Robin Williams)
2005: Fiddler on the Roof
2006: Cabaret (directed by Robin Williams)
2007: Footloose (directed by Robin Williams)
2007: A Celebration – 75th Anniversary Revue (directed by Leslie Speyers)
2008: Guys and Dolls (directed by Robin Williams)
2009: Valentine’s Cabaret – A Celebration of Love & Laughter (directed by Leslie Speyers)
2009: My Fair Lady (directed by Paul Griffiths)
2009: A Night on Broadway (directed by Garth Tavares)
2010: Valentine's Cabaret – Loves Me, Loves Me Not, Loves Me (directed by Rose Cowpar)
2010: High School Musical on Stage! (directed by – Robin Williams)
2010: Back to Broadway (directed by Garth Tavares)
2011: Valentine's Cabaret – Crazy in Love (directed by Rose Cowpar)
2011: Oklahoma! (directed by Robin Williams)
2011: Legends of Broadway (directed by Rose Cowpar)
2011: Fiela’s Child - The Musical (directed by Robin Williams)
2011: Carols
2012: Valentine’s Cabaret – All You Need is Love (directed by Rose Cowpar)
2012: Evita (directed by Robin Williams)
2012: Fiela’s Child - The Musical (directed by Robin Williams)
2012: Back to the 80's (directed by Marlene Pieterse)
2012: Carols
2013: Valentine's Cabaret – Head Over Heels (directed by Rose Cowpar)
2013: Sounds of South End (directed by Herbie Clayton)
2013: The Pirates of Penzance (directed by Rose Cowpar)
2013: Carols
2014: Valentine’s Cabaret – Be My Valentine (directed by Rose Cowpar)
2014: Page to Stage (revue) (directed by Rose Cowpar)
2014: Disco Inferno (directed by Rose Cowpar)
2022: Matilda The Musical (directed by Robin Williams).
2023: Mind My Broadway, Blast from the Past, Hairspray (directed by Rose Cowpar)
2024: Music! Movies! Magic! (co-directed by Leandi Fontini and Rose Cowpar), Love Shack (directed by Rose Cowpar)
For productions from May 2024, see Impact Community Theatre Company
Awards
In 2022, the Society was awarded the inaugural Isakhona Musical Theatre Fellowship by the Mandela Bay Theatre Complex for the Society's development of young talent.
Sources
Correspondence with Rose Cowpar, member of the Society's Executive Committee, October 2014.
Bob Eveleigh, 2015, "Closer ties for PE theatre societies" Artslink, 08/20/2015 08:49:41
Weekend Post, August 13, 2022.
The Herald, 11 April 2002
Weekend Post, 17 May 2003
Impact Community Theatre Company Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/impactcommunitytheatre/
Go to ESAT Bibliography
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Return to South African Theatre Venues, Companies, Societies, etc
Return to The ESAT Entries
Return to Main Page
