Help restore the Masque theatre's storm-damaged wall

The Masque theatre in Muizenberg is raising funds to repair a badly damaged front wall — and is asking the community to lend a hand.

The road-facing wall of the theatre has suffered significant water damage due to years of heavy rain and poor drainage.

Water has been leaking through old balcony tiles above the front of the building, causing peeling paint, damp, and crumbling plaster.

“It’s been building up slowly over a number of years,” said Christine Kaye, head of community at The Masque. “But the especially intense storms over the last two winters have really accelerated the problem.”

Although the theatre remains open and fully operational, ongoing leaks during storms are a challenge. “We’ve become experts at mopping up water,” she said. “We’re determined to fix the issue before it affects the long-term integrity of the building.”

The damage has also reached the backstage dressing room bathrooms, but so far, performances and rehearsals have continued without interruption.

Ms Kaye said that the theatre remains a safe and busy space for performers and audiences alike.

The repair work includes removing the damaged tiles, waterproofing the balcony area, restoring the front wall, and fixing the internal bathrooms.

Instead of replacing the tiles, the theatre plans to apply a more affordable screed finish. The full project is expected to cost around R150 000.

So far, The Masque has raised just over R81 000 through various fundraising efforts, including a benefit event and a crowdfunding campaign on ThundaFund. Although the campaign is now closed, donations are still welcome.

The theatre is aiming to complete the repairs during its quieter month in January, ahead of next winter’s rains.

“It’s important and time-sensitive. If we leave it much longer, the repairs will become more complex and more costly," Ms Kaye said.

Once the work is complete, a mural by well-known Cape Town artist Claire Homewood (of CareCreative) will be painted on the restored wall.

The mural has already been approved by the City of Cape Town and is expected to make the theatre even more visible and welcoming as part of Muizenberg’s street art culture.

The Masque owns its space, which gives it more freedom but also full responsibility for all upkeep.

“If someone would like to help, it’s as simple as making a donation, sharing the campaign, or spreading the word,” said Ms Kaye. 

To contribute, visit https://pay.yoco.com/masquetheatre or contact operations@themasque.co.za