Call for theatre proposals

Proposals are sought from the artistic community for programmes and services at the Soweto Theatre, which is expected to open in May.
WITH only a few months to go before the Soweto Theatre opens, the City is inviting proposals from theatre production companies that would like to provide theatre programmes and services at the new venue.

Only a few touch-ups remainOnly a few touch-ups remainThe deadline for submissions is at 12noon on 14 February. Late submissions will not be considered, according to Saskia Goldberg, the marketing manager of Joburg Promusica. Once complete, the Soweto Theatre will fall under the Promusica theatre company.

This move will give the opportunity to theatre production companies in Soweto to perform their work in their own area, Goldberg says.

The multimillion-rand theatre on Bolani Road in Jabulani, houses a multipurpose performing centre for theatre productions, dance, music, films and community gatherings.

Steven Sack, the City’s director of arts, culture and heritage, says it is expected to be handed over to the City in March. “We are proposing to launch it in May. However, we are still waiting for the approval from the Office of the Mayor.”

The theatre consists of three venues: a 420-seat main auditorium with an end stage, wings, orchestra pit, fly tower and buttress; and two venues smaller venues of 180 and 90 seats each.

Installation of seats in the main auditorium is complete, and only a few external elements still need to be finalised.

Proposals should be emailed to Saskia Goldberg at SaskiaG@promusica.co.za or Innocent@promusica.co.za. For more information, phone 011 674 1357/8.

The theatre is the first of its kind in a township and promises to be a popular attraction. It is located next to the Jabulani Mall, within shouting distance of the Jabulani Amphitheatre, a well-used venue for cultural activities.

The Soweto Theatre is among seven legacy projects of the football World Cup of 2010 which were announced in January 2007. These legacy projects were designed to ensure that Joburgers would benefit from the FIFA tournament long after it had finished.

Other legacy projects are: installing street furniture in the inner city; greening soccer fields; building an indoor sports centre in Orlando; upgrading Diepkloof Hostel; greening Klipspruit River; and establishing Rea Vaya, Joburg’s Bus Rapid Transit facility.

Housed in the Civic Centre in Roodepoort, the Joburg Promusica theatre is owned by the City of Johannesburg.