Artscape still the stage for every story five decades later

From a bold vision to a cultural landmark, the building that houses Artscape turned 54 this year, standing tall not just in bricks, but in creativity, community and remaining a beacon of hope for artists.

- KAYLYNNE BANTOM

The building, known for many years as the Nico Malan Theatre, officially opened its doors to the public in spectacular fashion showcasing the ballet Sylvia with Phyllis Spira as prima ballerina on 19 May 1971.

After 1994, the advent of a new dispensation saw the transformation of arts institutions, along with other institutions, which saw the doing away with of the old performing-arts councils that ran the country's state theatres, which became autonomous entities with their own governing bodies. The facility was renamed Artscape, after the entity that officially replaced the Cape Performing Arts Board (Capab) on 27 March 2001.

Today it remains an agency of the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, while the building itself is the property of the Western Cape Government.

People's Post spoke to Marlene le Roux, chief executive officer of Artscape Theatre, to find out how the institution has evolved over the past five decades.

"We truly embraced everyone's culture, tradition and language and made sure we leave no-one behind. We have a room of devotion that is used as a salaah room for Muslim staff, stakeholders and patrons. The theatre has become a home for all."