Bonang Shuping (Programmes Manager); board members Musa Lembede and Caroline Smart; Thuli Dumakude (Chairperson), Jerry Pooe (former Development Officer), board member Lindiwe Rakharebe and Sanele Mkhabela (Administration Officer)
The Stable Theatre complex in Johannes Nkosi Street is buzzing with excitement as the promised funding from the National Department of Arts & Culture, applied through KZN DAC, has now come through for the proposed upgrade of the centre.
“The Department applied for funding from National DAC for several of our Cultural Institutions, and we are happy that Stable Theatre was one of those that got the approval,” says Head of Department KZN DAC, Stella Khumalo. ”The MEC, WG Thusi, mentioned this in her Budget Speech in March 2011, and she is equally excited that this Institution that holds so much history will finally get a face lift.”
Amounting to R4 million, the upgrade will bring about considerable and welcome changes to Stable Theatre and will focus immediately on the restructuring of the interior of the theatre. This will include standardising of the electrical installation, a revamped seating plan, an improved lighting and sound booth and a repositioned stage.
“On behalf of all KZN artists, I’d like to convey our thanks to the MEC and HOD,” says Stable Theatre Chairperson, Thuli Dumakude. “This is a fantastic way forward for Stable Theatre and we look forward to a relationship where we can begin to produce work of quality which will help reposition Stable Theatre as a viable performance venue.”
Stable Theatre was the first independent black theatre company in South Africa, founded by the late Kessie Govender (1942 – 2002) who was a well-known multi-award winning Durban playwright, director and actor and a pioneering voice in South African protest theatre.
Over the years, Stable Theatre has gone through several challenges. However, it has continued to survive, like the phoenix which is part of the Indian culture that reflects its origins.
The Department of Arts and Culture took the Stable Theatre under its wing in 2007 and set funding in motion to run the venue. Stable Theatre is now a Section 21 company and is run by a pro-active board of directors and administration team.
“We are very proud that the Department is assisting us in order that Stable Theatre becomes a home for artists, a home to archive both old and new productions,” says Stable Theatre’s Centre Manager, Thanduxolo Zulu. “We thank our loyal patrons for their support and look forward to welcoming new audiences in the very near future.”
Planning is underway and a call for building tenders will be sent out shortly. More information from Thanduxolo Zulu on 031 309 2513.
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