Unisa Little Theatre
Opened in 1961 and owned by the Transvaal Education Department, the venue was used by the students of the Pretoria Educational Training College. In 1995, UNISA became the Theatre's owner.
Declared a Provincial heritage site in 2004, the Unisa Little Theatre is a uniquely designed classical drama theatre situated in the heart of Pretoria’s central business district. Designed by acclaimed South African architect, Norman Eaton, the theatre is fully equipped to support all fields of performing arts, and is considered one of the most established dance theatres in South Africa.
For more information, see Unisa Little Theatre.
THIS SECTION BROAD NOTES AT PRESENT - BEING EDITED
The idea for this venue is probably linked to the story of Ons Teatertjie, a venue conceived as a home for the Ons Teatertjie Toneelgroep (later known as Volksteater) in 1937 and for which the first plans were drawn up in 1938 by E Schwartz. Unfortunately the start of the war in 1939 meant that the plans were aborted, even though the idea had been supported by the government.
Then in March 1940, Mrs. Norah McCullough approached the architect Norman Eaton to design a children's arts centre in the South African capital. Construction began in 1941. Disagreements over the function and dimensions of the building delayed completion until 1946. During this time, Mr. Le Roux Smith Le Roux was appointed director of the new center in 1943, and he proceeded to develop a comprehensive theatre development program. In 1957, the theatre project was placed under the jurisdiction of the Teacher Training College in Pretoria, but due to a lack of funds and other issues, completion was only completed in 1961.
The venue was then used by local amateur groups, notably Volksteater.
That year, the finished building was officially opened by a Dr. Jordaan, deacon of the College, to whom the theatre was handed over and put into use under the name Kleinteater Little Theatre/Arts Center. In 1993, Maree & Els Architects were approved to plan a renovation, which was completed in August 1994.
In 1957, the theatre was placed under the jurisdiction of the Teacher Training College in Pretoria. Due to a lack of funds and other political issues, completion awaited 1961. That year, the finished building was officially opened by a Dr. Jordaan, deacon of the College, to whom the theatre was handed over and put into use under the name Little Theatre/Arts Center. In 1993, Maree & Els Architects were approved to plan a renovation, which was completed in August 1994.
In 1995, UNISA became the Theatre's owner. It was declared a provincial heritage site in 2004 and renamed the Little Theatre Unisa. Further interior renovation was conducted under the guidance of the South African Heritage Resources Agency.
but later Die Kleinteater ("The Little Theatre") was built for Volksteater (the former Ons Teatertjie Toneelgroep) in 19**.
Owned by the Transvaal Education Department, the venue was later also used by the students of the Pretoria Educational Training College, and hosted the finals of the annual Administrator’s Cup Competition for many years. Also used as one of the venues for the annual playwriting incentive, the ATKV Kampustoneel Festival, in the 1980s.
Owned by the Transvaal Education Department, the venue known as Die Kleinteater ("the Little Theatre") was managed by the Pretoria Educational Training College, and also used by the students of the college for their work and other performances and theatrical events, inter alia hosting the finals of the annual Administrator’s Cup Competition for many years and serving as one of the venues for the annual playwriting incentive, the ATKV Kampustoneel Festival, in the 1980s.
In 1995, UNISA became the Theatre's owner. It was declared a provincial heritage site in 2004 and renamed the Little Theatre Unisa. Further interior renovation was conducted under the guidance of the South African Heritage Resources Agency.
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/About/What-we-do/Arts-&-culture/Unisa-Little-Theatre
