Stable Theatre

The Stable Theatre was the first independent black theatre company in South Africa, founded by the late Kessie Govender who was a well-known multi-award winning Durban playwright, director and actor.

Kessie Govender (1942 – 2002) was a pioneering voice in South African protest theatre. Born in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, his grandfather came to South Africa as an indentured labourer. His father was a bricklayer and, upon leaving school; Kessie also took up this trade.

He launched his Stable Theatre Company with his first play Stable Expense which was produced in the mid-70's, a time when Indians were being relocated to low cost housing in Chatsworth from areas around Durban which had been rezoned for whites only.

This production – and the name of the company itself – formed a scathing comment against the authorities of the time who spent the equivalent of the cost of a stable on a house in Chatsworth. However, the stables were more structurally sound than these badly-constructed dwellings. Basing his public comment on his experience in the building trade, Kessie stated it was an insult expecting people to live in a home of such poor quality.

The Stable Theatre Company moved through a number of venues from its original address in Queen Street.

In the early 90's, Kessie Govender seized on an empty warehouse space opposite the bus terminal and situated between Alice Street (now Johannes Nkosi Street) and the railway lines that run parallel to it. This is where Stable Theatre stands today.

Kessie moved in with his Stable Theatre Company to create a new community art centre and, although the Durban Municipality at the time continually tried to remove him and his organisation from the venue, he claimed squatters' rights and won his case.

Over the years, Stable Theatre has had a chequered history – moving from a thriving community arts centre to a neglected, poorly-run space with a bad reputation. However, it has continued to survive, like the phoenix which is part of the Indian culture that reflects its origins.

The Department of Arts, Culture and Tourism took the Stable Theatre under its wing three years ago and set in motion funding to run the venue. A hand-picked interim management committee comprising Mr Bongumusa Mtshali (Chairman), Mr Ramoll Bugwandeen, Ms Thuli Dumakude and Ms Caroline Smart was tasked with getting the centre back on its feet again.

Stable Theatre is now a Section 21 company. With the exception of Mr Mtshali who now heads the Department of Arts & Culture KZN: Eastern Region, the members of the interim management committee now serve on the board of directors along with Mr Musawenkosi Lembede, Ms Pearl Dwayisa, Ms Lindiwe Rakharebe and Ms Brenda Toko.

New administrative and financial systems are in place and the Stable Theatre is on track to reclaim its rightful place as a vibrant theatre venue in the city centre that is open to one and all

In 1979 Kessie Govender created and presented Working Class Hero there