The District Six Museum has described the closing of the iconic Fugard Theatre as a sad end to an era.
The performing arts theatre announced its closure with immediate effect due to the effects of the coronavirus.
The theatre says it does not believe it could be COVID-19 safe and financially stable again.
Acting Director of the District Six Museum, which owns the building, Chrischene Julius, says they’re still to decide how to use the facility in the future.
“With us, it’s very sad that the theatre has taken the decision to close down, and obviously done that having thought through the decision. From our side, it’s going to be almost the end of the era in this part of the city, and because Fugard is well established as one of the cultural spots in Cape Town,” says Julius.
The 320-seater playhouse opened its doors and lifted its curtains in March 2010. Over the past decade, it has showcased many of the best plays and musicals from all over the world.
Athol Fugard Theatre hosts the 8th Open Book Festival:
All of Athol Fugard’s recent plays had their premieres in the theatre. International stars such as Sir Ian McKellen and the late Alan Rickman played in the Fugard or visited the preferred venue on special occasions during its lifetime.
