Port Elizabeth Gilbert & Sullivan Society

An amateur theatre society based in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Also called The "PE Gilbert & Sullivan Society".

Founding and early history

Established in 1932 and has operated continuously since then.

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.

Impact on SA theatre, film, media and/or performance

The Society owns and operates the Savoy Theatre in Adcockvale, Port Elizabeth.

Has, since formation (1932), 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.

Sources

Correspondence with Rose Cowpar, member of the Society's Executive Committee, October 2014.

Go to ESAT Bibliography

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