Hidden on Orange Street stands the Little Theatre Complex. Have you ever wondered about the stories it holds? It is home to the University of Cape Town’s drama and fine arts departments. The Little Theatre is more than just a building. It’s a place where creativity comes alive.
The Little Theatre is actually the largest of the three theatres. Ironically it provides seating for 240 people. The Intimate and Arena theatres offer space for about 70 to 80 people. This trio offers a variety of shows. You can find cutting-edge plays and work by emerging performers. Student productions are also common. A poster-plastered bar is popular for pre-show socializing.
Originally a chemistry laboratory, the Little Theatre opened in 1931. It was meant to house drama and opera productions. William Henry Bell, Dean of the College of Music, founded the theatre. He even financed the lighting equipment.
The Little Theatre was inaugurated on August 18, 1931. Anton Chekov’s The Seagull was the first production. W.A Sewell directed it. The first opera was Cimarosa’s Secret Marriage in 1933.
Following the success of Bernard Shaw’s The Apple Cart in 1933 the press wanted a rebuilt auditorium. The refurbished theatre opened with Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro in 1934. The new theatre had continuous rows. This gave spectators an uninterrupted view and could seat 300 people. The theatre was free for any dramatic society in Cape Town.
The Little Theatre became the ‘home’ of the Cape Town Repertory Theatre Society between 1934 and 1948. The theatre moved to the professional era in 1937. André Van Gyseghem produced Bernard Shaw’s Man and Superman.
During the Second World War Noël Coward visited. He gave a performance to servicemen and women. In the 1950s the theatre began to work closer with the University’s Drama Department.
In 1952, the Little Theatre put on Ivor Jones’ The Ball at the Castle. It was an open-air presentation at the Castle in Cape Town. This was during the 300-year celebration of Jan Van Riebeeck’s arrival.
In the 1950s, the theatre hosted actors from the Flemish National Theatre in Antwerp. Fred Engelen led them. He later became a Professor in Drama at Stellenbosch University. The Little Theatre’s workshops once caught fire. Over 21 years of costumes were destroyed. The drama school was reconstructed after this.
For Shakespeare’s 400th Anniversary in 1964 the British Council helped the Little Theatre. They brought Norman Marshall to direct Romeo and Juliet.
Today, the Little Theatre continues to thrive. It serves as an interdisciplinary unit. The Little Theatre provides theatre spaces for departments within the University. It also offers production opportunities for theatre, film and television companies. Community groups also use the space. Many productions are new South African works. They are directed by students, staff, and visiting professionals.
The Little Theatre has partnered with the SA Museum, the SA National Gallery, and professional theatres in the city. Besides student work, the theatres are hired out to professional companies. International theatre companies are invited to perform here too. So, next time you pass by, remember the Little Theatre’s rich history.