South African State Theatre
The South African State Theatre is one of the primary performing arts venues in the country. Since its doors opened in 1981, the theatre complex has hosted numerous plays, musicals, operas, ballets, dramas, cabarets and children’s theatre performances. Cats, The Phantom of the Opera, The Sound of Music and Sarafina number among the top-billed shows brought to the State Theatre stage.
When the theatre complex was completed in 1981, it was the largest such venue in the southern hemisphere. The complex comprises five theatres, seating between 120 and 1 300 people, various function rooms, rehearsal studios and office space. Its venues are hired for all manner of functions, including lunches, dinners, parties, film festivals, concerts, weddings and fashion shows. The complex’s large central square has also hosted open-air concerts and shows.
However, all has not been smooth sailing for the theatre. It was shut between 2000 and 2001 after being hit by a major investment scam. Since its reopening, the theatre has continued to play a vital role in developing performing arts in the province.
Admission
Tickets are available through Computicket. Ticket prices vary
Directions
From Johannesburg, take the N1 towards Pretoria. When the highway splits, take the Pretoria East (N14) fork. The road will become Potgieter Street. Turn right into Schoeman Street and continue until you reach Nelson Mandela Drive. Turn left into Mandela Drive and then left into Pretorius Street. Continue across Du Toit and Prinsloo Streets. Once have you crossed Prinsloo Street, the State Theatre building will be on your right.