The New Space Theatre project, involving the restoration of one of the ‘grand old ladies of theatre’ - The Space Theatre - to her former glory, is one of the most exciting theatre projects to hit Cape Town in recent years.

The Space Theatre, which was established in 1972 and was South Africa’s first ‘fringe theatre’ and one of the first defiantly non-racial venues for free expression, has been revived as the New Space Theatre.

The original theatre venue, known as The Space/Die Ruimte/Indawo, opened in Bloem Street and relocated to its current location in 1976. Three years later it re-established itself as The Peoples Space/Die Volks Ruimte/ Indawo Ye Zizwe and became known as a defiantly non-racial venue in a racially divided country.

The Space Theatre was home to legendary South African performing arts names like Athol Fugard, Pieter-Dirk Uys, David Kramer, Winston Ntshona, Thoko Ntshinga and many more.

"This pioneer of fringe theatre in the country has staged almost 300 productions. Now 36 years later, with the encouragement of its founding members, it has re-opened its doors to theatre goers as a welcome addition to the Cape Town theatre scene," says Fred Abrahamse, the Artistic Director of the New Space Theatre.

Through their productions in the 80s, The Space took a courageous stand against an unjust system, and Cape Town is proud to have it back as part of a new democratic cultural landscape.

The New Space Theatre on Cape Town’s vibrant Long Street will function as a mini-precinct, intended to be a hive of activity from 9am until late, offering a wide variety of cultural activities and facilities as well as eateries, related retail outlets, information and booking services. The theatre itself will be state-of-the-art and air-conditioned, and accommodate an audience of 180.



Molo Says: "On Monday 1 September 2008 we were privileged to witness the preview and prelaunch of The New Space Theatre, and came away enthusiastic about the role this project will play in the Cape Town theatre scene."

CapeTownMagazine.com is looking forward to seeing the New Space Theatre back in action providing entertainment for South Africans and overseas visitors from all walks of life. The character and history of the original Space Theatre are powerful forces that should see the New Space Theatre once again playing a significant and inspirational role in South African theatre.

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