|
The Soweto theatre is a little closer, with construction expected to begin next month. The R110-million development will be completed by April 2010.
Executive Mayor, Amos Masondo said the theatre would be world class
THE sod was turned yesterday in the first step on the journey to Soweto's first professional theatre.
Doing the honours, Executive Mayor Amos Masondo was joined at the Jabulani Amphitheatre on Tuesday, 10 February by Minister of Arts and Culture Dr Pallo Jordan, council Speaker Nkele Ntingane, arts and culture MEC Barbara Creecy, other government officials, ward councillors, police officers and members of the community.
"Today we are crossing another milestone in the history of Soweto; we have all gathered here to witness the soil turning to start a world-class theatre in Soweto," said Masondo.
"This theatre idea was conceptualised in such a way that it takes into account our commitment to use the pressure of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ to ensure that a lasting legacy is left behind for the benefit of the residents of Johannesburg. When the soccer spectacle has come and gone there must be something of value there for all to see and point at."
Construction would begin in March, and the theatre was expected to be completed in April 2010. The theatre would be built at an approximate cost of R110-million.
Cultural heart
The Soweto Theatre would be built in a zone of public space within the high density, mixed-use Jabulani CBD. Known as the "cultural heart", it would include the existing Jabulani Amphitheatre, which would be refurbished; parkland; public art; and other amenities.
"This space will serve as a focus for further development and provide for other cultural and artistic aspiration," said the mayor.
The final design of the theatre was seen at the sod-turning. It comprises:
- A 420-seater main venue with an end stage, fully provided with wings, orchestra pit, fly tower and buttress;
- Two smaller "black box" venues of 180 and 90 seats, respectively;
- An indoor foyer area with circulation to all three venues;
- Multi-level change rooms, storage rooms and "green room"; and
- An outdoor covered plaza, which will serve as an additional informal performing space.
Masondo said this development would also have an effect on unemployment. "This is the first theatre of its kind to be built in Soweto and, with it, we are aiming to bring hope and create employment for individuals.
"Because in the process of this theatre development, hundreds of jobs will be created ... [it] will require a range of contractors and subcontractors. Once it is completed there will be a need to maintain it and manage it, and this need will only be filled by giving people employment. Cast and crew members such as actors, musicians, dancers, directors and singers will be employed on an ongoing basis," Masondo said.
Rise of the south
"The Soweto theatre sod-turning ceremony should be seen as the ‘rise of the south'. It is an important part of transforming Soweto from a mere dormitory into a normalised neighbourhood. We are striving to change Soweto into a sustainable human settlement that is known not just as a place where people come from but where people also go to," he added.
Jordan said the theatre would be used for many different functions. "It is our intention to make this facility a multi-purpose theatre. Apart from using it for theatre productions, music productions, dance or choir, it maybe also be used for festivals, conferences, meetings and community gatherings.
"This is to prove that [it] is for every one and it should be taken a good care of by all members of the community. We also expect all members of the community to be our eyes towards those people who have made it their aim to vandalise community projects," he said.
The mayor also unveiled a billboard featuring information on the theatre. Entertainment was courtesy of the award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir and the African Youth Ensemble, among other Soweto artists.
A number of World Cup legacy projects have been identified in Johannesburg. Among others, these are:
- Planting more than 200 000 trees in the south;
- Rehabilitating the Klipriver and creating open spaces;
- Greening soccer fields in Soweto;
- Implementing the Bus Rapid Transit system;
- The Diepkloof Hostel Transformation Development Project;
- The Soweto theatre; and
- Building an Olympic-size indoor swimming pool.
Related stories:
|
