The Roodepoort Theatre has recently reopened the front section of the theatre after undergoing renovations for the past nine months. Contrary to some reports stating that the front section had been closed for nine years, the theatre’s media liaison officer clarified that the renovations were completed in nine months.
Established in 1980, the Roodepoort Theatre has a rich history of being both a receiving and producing theatre. Under the leadership of founding director Weiss Doubell, the theatre expanded to include production units such as the Pro Musica Orchestra, Opera Company, and Opera Chorus. Pro Musica made significant contributions to the South African arts scene, presenting numerous opera performances and symphony concerts.
In 1992, the Pro Musica Orchestra embarked on a concert tour of France, becoming the first South African orchestra to perform overseas after the lifting of the cultural boycott on South Africa. The tour included a performance at the Unesco Great Hall, attended by heads of state and televised internationally.
In 2013, the theatre underwent a name change to the Roodepoort Theatre under the leadership of Joburg City Theatres CEO Bernard Jay. Xoliswa Nduneni Ngema took over as CEO in July 2013, continuing the theatre’s legacy of artistic excellence.
As the theatre approaches its 45th anniversary in September, plans are underway to celebrate the milestone. The anniversary program is yet to be announced, with festivities scheduled to take place on September 24.
In addition to the anniversary celebrations, Joburg Ballet recently made a return to the Roodepoort Theatre after a nine-year absence. Their production, “DreamScapes,” showcases the company’s versatility and commitment to artistry and innovation. The program features a blend of classical ballets like “Les Sylphides” with new works by choreographers Kitty Phetla and Dane Hurst.
The Roodepoort Theatre continues to be a hub of artistic expression and cultural enrichment, welcoming audiences to experience the magic of live performance. Stay tuned for more updates on upcoming events and performances at this iconic South African venue.
