Save our Grand Ol' Dame

Video

GEORGE NEWS AND VIDEO - Attempts are underway to do much-needed maintenance work at the Oakhurst Insurance George Arts Theatre. A new project, "Save our Grand Ol' Dame", was recently started for this purpose. This name was chosen because the building is seen as a beautiful old lady.

The theatre is one of George's historic landmarks and is owned and run by the George Society of Arts. The society is also responsible for the maintenance of the theatre.

Reneé van Rensburg, chairperson of the society, said when she came to George a few years ago, the beautiful theatre building was one of the first things that struck her. It is one of only a handful of community theatres left in South Africa.

"It is a stunning and historical building," she said. "I am passionate about history and love this building." Van Rensburg has a masters degree in history and teaches history at a local school.

During Covid last year their main concern was to keep the normal theatre activities going, such as producing shows and paying the staff. It has been difficult, she said, but they are surviving.

Maintenance essential

However, now they also face another challenge: the building itself. "When you are in survival mode the cracks start to show in other areas. In this case quite literally."

The parts of the building that need urgent attention are the roof and rising damp on the walls. Some pictures on the walls had to be removed because of the damp. When it rains, the roof leaks and water lands on the ceiling, causing damage. Sometimes it even leaks onto the stage.

Watch a video below:

At the handing over of the money collected by Motorcycle Madness and Guns n Roses are, from left: Jolanda Meier, Hendrik Ellis, Nicole Thorpe, Leithon Fisher, Charl Botha, Eric Roberts, Wesley Meier, Jinene Steenekamp, Bennie Steenekamp, Chris Brooks, Reneé van Rensburg and Bernadette Schaap.

If the roof is not fixed, the situation will only become worse and eventually also have a negative impact on other parts of the theatre such as the seating.

"We must raise money to repair the roof," said Van Rensburg. The repair cost is estimated to amount to about R100 000.

The society is immensely grateful to Motorcycle Madness and Guns n Roses for a recent donation of R20 000 that they raised at a collaborative event called "Bikers for Theatre". The money will be used for the theatre's building fund. Van Rensburg thanked the organisers, saying it is of great help.

The George Society of Arts is also trying to get South Africa's grande dame of theatre, Sandra Prinsloo, to come and perform in the theatre, in a bid to raise funds. Van Rensburg stressed that is very important to do maintenance on the building.

"If we don't have a building we can't perform. The worst thing that can happen is that we lose the building."

At the handing over of the money collected by Motorcycle Madness and Guns n Roses are, from left: Jinene Steenekamp, Bennie Steenekamp, Reneé van Rensburg and Bernadette Schaap.