As part of the redevelopment of Soweto's Central Business District, a new theatre has been built that will become a focus for public arts in the city.
It will be the area's first professional quality theatre and as such has been conceived as a black box to give the greatest possible flexibility in use. It is also designed by
Studio MAS Architects to be a landmark building. It is the first such theatre in any former township in South Africa and so in that sense is a great innovation.
Although this is the first formal theatre building, theatre and performance are well established in Soweto. Traditionally performances would take place outdoors or wherever suitable temporary space could be found. In itself, this informal approach created an expectation of what theatre is and also informed the writing and performances that made made the art and defined the craft. Bringing this tradition into the formal environment was vital if the new theatre was to continue to connect with its local audience, and so this was a central objective of the design.
The approach adopted was to articulate the three auditoria that the brief called for, as familiar forms, visible from the exterior. It was intended that audiences would recognise these as “theatre boxes” where the performances actually took place. This was a deliberate attempt to breakdown what might otherwise have become an imposing barrier to entry for those more used to the informal environment. The other equipment and facilities that make-up the modern theatre were allowed cluster round the outside, presenting something of a mystery for the curious.
It is a great achievement for the city, and let us hope it will be the first of many similar venues across the country.
Gratitude to
e-architect for drawing this to my attention.
