The iconic Fugard Theatre is the latest casualty in the entertainment industry after it suddenly closed this week due to financial difficulties brought on by the pandemic.
The theatre is situated in the historical Sacks Futeran building in District Six and opened in 2010.
It was named after playwright Athol Fugard.
Following a year of temporary closures since the pandemic started, theatre management announced the sad news on social media on Tuesday, stating they are closing permanently.
The 320-seater venue was home to various big productions, including David Kramer’s remake of Kat and the Kings, as well as international shows with an African twist.
Founder, benefactor and producer Eric Abraham said: “After a year of Covid closure, it is with great regret and sadness that I have to confirm that The Fugard Theatre will close permanently with immediate effect.
“We are not persuaded that it will be Covid safe or financially viable to reopen as a theatre in the foreseeable future.
“The theatre will be handed back to the owner of the freehold of the building – the board of The District 6 Museum – as a working theatre and we hope that they will be able to use it for the benefit of the Museum and the District 6 community.”
He thanked staff for their hard work and patrons for the support over the past decade.
Stage actors reacted in shock to the news, including Loukmaan Adams, who hosted his production District Six Kanala at the Fugard in 2017.
“It's very sad, I am speechless and torn apart. Fugard had such a vibrant energy. I choreographed the remake of Kat and the Kings there as well where I met the likes of Dean Balie, Carlo Daniels and Bianca Flanders and so many others.”
Dean Balie says: “I met my fiancee there. I've made best friends there.
“I remember talking on the balcony and in the alley for the latest gossip!”
Alexis Samuels, who played in Langarm, adds: “SA has definitely lost a world-class theatre.”