Welcoming theatre goers with its intimate atmosphere and spectacular shows for about 50 years, the quaint Arts Theatre will go under the auctioneer’s hammer on December 4.
While it has been on the market since March, the little theatre located in Arcadia, with its unique red and black checked foyer, has not sold.
However, newly-elected Arts Theatre Board chairperson Kerry Hiles is hopeful that the cabaret-friendly theatre will soon have a new purpose and that the Arts Theatre will live on at another location.
“It’s a very unique building that we’re trying to sell, so it’s been a bit tough. We have a few spaces in mind for the theatre, but nothing concrete yet,” said Hiles, who remains optimistic about the next chapter.
“The plan is to find a space that we can mould to create a platform for more experimental theatre. We’ve been looking at areas like Beacon Bay because there aren’t really any entertainment venues on that side of town.”
Equally excited about the change, Arts Theatre stalwart, George Mountjoy, 78, said although he had many fond memories of the Arts Theatre, he was not too sad to say goodbye. “It’s not sad, to me the theatre is just growing. It’s not stagnating and fading away and that’s what it’s all about,” said Mountjoy who has been on the then Arts Theatre Club board since 1971 and has no intentions of tapping out any time soon. He has been part of more than 120 plays, either as director or actor.
According to Hiles, the main reasons for moving the theatre are the rise of car vandalism in the area and that performers often have to compete with the noise of events at the Jan Smuts Stadium and church choir rehearsals.
“We want our patrons to have an enjoyable experience and feel that their cars are safe, so ideally we’d like a space that has off street parking. It’s also impossible for performers to compete with the noise levels around us and we’ve often had to cancel performances if the stadium is booked for a concert or event on the same day,” she said, referring to the nearby Buffalo City Stadium often used for large music events.
Hiles said the new theatre would act as a creative hub for theatre enthusiasts, offering a versatile space.
“Everyone on the board is really passionate about having day time hours for the theatre.”
The building will be auctioned at the East London Buffalo Club...