The building that houses Artscape celebrates its 54 years of existence today, 19 May.
It officially opened its doors to the public in spectacular fashion showcasing the ballet Sylvia with Phyllis Spira as the prima ballerina.
The theatre then known as the Nico Malan was programmed and managed by Cape Performing Arts Board (CAPAB) as a production house with four arts companies (orchestra, opera, ballet and drama) with full-time artists, technical and administrative staff. By 1994, the South African government policy changed dramatically and transformed all performing arts boards to playhouses. The centre was renamed to Artscape circa 1999 and replaced CAPAB on 27 March 2001 and opened up all other art genres to performers and patrons from all walks of life as a home for all and the theatre of choice. It currently remains as an agency of the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, while the building itself is the property of the Western Cape Government
Design
The reclaimed waters of Table Bay areas was donated to the Provincial Administration, the Foreshore Board with set conditions – amongst others that no parking could be allowed on, or below the site, and that the area covered by the building should not exceed 30 000m2 – both of which had considerable effect on the architectural solution.
Structural Engineering
The giant reclamation task which was completed in 1947 and which has given the harbour extensions provided Cape Town with 69 hectares of useful building sites. From the engineer’s point of view, however, this reclaimed “Foreshore” presented problems, the sand filling is unable to support heavy structures and, even more serious being only 500 metres from the harbour and extremely previous is subject to water seepage.
Here are some pictures as to its construction for your information.
