Excitement grows over Market Theatre opening

GEORGE NEWS - Excitement is growing as the opening day for the Market Theatre Community Centre draws near and things are getting fixed.

On Friday 14 July, the first show to be staged in the new theatre will feature Emile Minnie, fresh from Uzbekistan.

Tickets are selling out fast so if you want to experience the first performance in many years in this stunning heritage building with the talented Minnie, make sure you secure your seat on www.quicket.co.za.

The revival of the former Market Theatre is an initiative of a local non-profit organisation, Enable Community Projects that wants to get some shows going.

Siyakhona Drama Club are also excited to be a part of the re-opening of the theatre. Their enthusiasm for the arts is contagious and they are committed to making the theatre a welcoming and beautiful space for everyone.

"It's a reminder that everyone has a role to play in creating a successful and enjoyable experience for both performers and audience members," says Heather Stead, chairperson of Enable Community Projects. "Our aim is to run a community arts theatre here to bring the whole community together on one platform."

The building was built as St Paul's Mission Church in 1855 and was converted into a theatre in 1979, but it has been left unused for a number of years and has suffered a lot of damage at the hands of vagrants.

Renier and Vince fixing 15 broken chairs from 1970s.

Stead says their biggest challenge is to apply to Heritage Western Cape for funds to properly restore the building. In the meantime it is being spruced up so that it can be used.

Various people have recently been helping to start fixing things. Two volunteers are working to fix 15 broken chairs from 1970s and Mimebe Plumbing has been busy with the plumbing.

Stead says they have received some donations from the George Arts Theatre and would be happy for any time or donations from the George locals. A Friends of the Market Theatre Community Centre bank account has been opened through Enable Community Projects.

Anyone who would like to become a friend of the Market Theatre can become a member for R100 a year.

"For that R100 you will have the privilege of saying you helped save a unique 160-year-old theatre from crumbling into disrepair like so many of our heritage buildings," says Stead.

For more information, contact Heather Stead at markettheatre-communitycentre@gmail.com or 072 369 3304.

The charming old theatre's seats will be ready for opening night on 14 July.