The Fugard

A theatre named in honour of Athol Fugard opened in 2010. Located in the historic Sacks Futeran building, a former textile and soft goods supplier in the early twentieth century, frequented by generations of District Six seamstresses and tailors.

A National Heritage Site today, it has been converted into a 270-seat theatre building, with a rehearsal studio, foyer space, dressing rooms and office space, by incorporating two warehouse spaces and the original congregational church hall in Caledon Street. The architect was Shaun Adendorff of Rennie Scurr Adendorff, and care has been taken to preserve this National Heritage Site. At the helm of the UK-based Portobello is producer Eric Abraham. He heads up Portobello Pictures, an independent film, television and theatre production company with its head office in London.

In October 2006, the company opened an office in Cape Town and set up Isango Portobello ("Isango" meaning “gateway” in Xhosa) in collaboration with award-winning director Mark Dornford-May and South African opera star and music director Pauline Malefane, to produce theatre and film projects in South Africa. The Fugard now becomes their much anticipated home base. Mannie Manim joined The Fugard team on a full-time basis in January 2010. Having been both a long-term supporter of the company and lighting designer for all its productions to date, Manim will work with Georgina Rae (General Manager) and the company in developing The Fugard and the local and international profile of the Isango Portobello Company. Opened 12 February 2010 with Isango Portobello's The Magic Flute – Impempe Yomlingo followed by an opening season of The Mysteries – Yiimimangaliso and a world premiere on March 19 of Athol Fugard’s new play, especially written for the opening, The Train Driver, directed by Fugard.

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