Artscape | Press Release

Artscape Opera House to get R29m facelift

THE Artscape Opera House is undergoing its first major upgrade - 38 years since it was officially opened on 19 May 1971.

The refurbishment will spruce up the overall appearance of the facility and the redesigned seating layout, with the latest designs in theatre seating, will boost seating capacity from 1 200 to 1　500.

\\\"This will enable Artscape to continue to attract major productions and can potentially reduce running times, thus facilitating a greater variety of world-class entertainment for our audiences,\\\" says Michael Maas, CEO of Artscape.

The upgrade has been made possible by an allocation of R29 million from the capital works budget of the National Department of Arts and Culture. \\\"This is part of the department\\\'s ongoing maintenance programme to ensure that the infrastructure at the country\\\'s various arts and culture facilities, is kept to the highest possible standards \\\" says Arts and Culture Director-General Themba Wakashe.

\\\"The enlarged auditorium will also enable Artscape to host major events such as big international Jazz acts and musicals, such as the Lion King, which could previously only be staged in Johannesburg,\\\" says Maas.

Construction work started at the end of June and is due for completion by the end of September.

Renovations to the Opera House include revamping of the floors, doors and walls which will contribute to improved acoustics in the facility. The provision of new cable ducting and a sound desk installation will accommodate the needs of modern productions. Safety and convenience will be improved with new LED emergency and ambient lighting and redesigned handrails and balustrades. The ablutions and serveries in the foyer will be upgraded and expanded to comfortably accommodate the greater number of patrons. Special attention is being given to accommodate the needs of the disabled in the new layout.

During the period of this refurbishment, performances will be staged in the Artscape Theatre, ensuring minimum disruption to the performing arts programme.

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