ENTERTAINMENT

Join the festivities: Celebrating Artscape's 55th birthday

  • Leah Samuels
2 min read
Guests at the Artscape's 55th birthday event.
Guests at the Artscape's 55th birthday event. Picture: Leah Samuels

Guests to The Artscape's 55th birthday celebration on Tuesday, May 19, were greeted with singing and dancing as they walked down the red carpet.

The foyer filled up at 11am when the speeches kicked off. The formalities opened with the national anthem, sung by Charné Hugo.

The CEO of the Artscape theatre, Marlene Le Roux, gave an introduction to the company's stakeholders and partners, followed by a touching recollection of the history of The Artscape Theatre. 

A ballet performance was conducted moments before the speeches began.
A ballet performance was conducted moments before the speeches began.Picture: Leah Samuels

"It is my privilege to welcome you all to a day that would've been impossible in 1971. In 1971, this place was built only for a few people. Oom Nico, as I called him, had a big ego," she joked.

The event aimed to be as accessible as possible, with a sign language interpreter translating Le Roux's words.

A memory mural was unveiled, featuring photographs of performances at the Artscape over the years - some even in black and white.

This monumental moment was then brought to life by a ΙΙ Hui! Gaeb Xoa ΙΙ guisa dï! noagu ceremony.

"Being here today and also being invited to also present the Khoi Khoi community of Hui!Gaeb Xoa. Artscape is the only building in the whole of Cape Town where you have the precolonial name of Cape Town written on it," said !Khōdanab, formally known as Bradley Van Sitters.

Moments after the commemorative wall was unveiled.
Moments after the commemorative wall was unveiled.Picture: Leah Samuels
Members who hosted the ceremony at the unveiling pose with spectators.
Members who hosted the ceremony at the unveiling pose with spectators.Picture: Leah Samuels

During his address, the head of department at Home Affairs, Cultural Affairs and Sport, Guy Redman, urged guests to continue investing in the arts, so that in the next 55 years "we protect more than just The Artscape". 

The speeches were concluded with the crowd singing 'happy birthday' whilst performers brought the energy with drums and a live performance. 

The event ended with performances by various schools in partnership with the Western Cape Education Department, including:

  • Mbekweni Community Music Academy (Desmond Tutu High School)
  • Cedar High School
  • Rhodes High School Vocal Ensemble
  • Alexander Sinton High School

WomanZone with their textile art piece in honour of the celebrations.
WomanZone with their textile art piece in honour of the celebrations. Picture: Leah Samuels