GEORGE NEWS - Over the last four years, the Market Community Theatre in George has transformed from a vandalised space into a vibrant hub celebrating diverse South African cultures, thanks to passionate artists and community support.

This safe space for youth to collaborate through drama, music and dance has made a real difference. Previous collaborations involved George High, York High Ballroom dancers and Siyakhona Youth, and this year this was expanded to more schools and groups.

However, with funding depleted and running costs unsustainable through ticket sales alone, the theatre risks closing with the urgent lack of support.

To keep its doors open, the theatre urges the community to attend its upcoming show, Songlines of South Africa, on 18 to 19 and 25 to 26 July. Tickets are R120. The VIP opening night on 18 July at 18:30 offers a four-ticket package (R400) with wine, snacks and a post-show fireside experience, available if purchased before 6 June.

Upcoming performances include Mike van Graan, the Marlize Spanish Dancers and Andrew Buckland's award-winning The Ugly Noo Noo, alongside a fundraising show by local star Emile Minnie, returning from Kazakhstan.

The theatre's dedicated staff, who run morning operations and afternoon drama clubs in Thembalethu and soon Pacaltsdorp, face unpaid work, including last Saturday's Environmental Drama Festival. Despite a George Municipality rent subsidy, unpaid rates and lapsed insurance add financial strain.

Theatre director Heather Stead, Jeffrey van Niekerk and Xolisa Mtshiselwa represented the theatre at the Community Arts Centres Network in Knysna.

Community support through ticket purchases will sustain this vital space, echoing Nelson Mandela's words: "Artists reach areas far beyond the reach of politicians." Help the Market Community Theatre live its motto: "It never seems possible until it's done!"

For more information, contact Heather Stead on 072 369 3304.

‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’