One of the main theatres in Cape Town is the Artscape Theatre Complex (originally known as the "Nico Malan Theatre Center"). During the Apartheid era, only European Art and Culture was exhibited here. Nowadays, you can also view the diverse South African art and culture.
Apart from the "Opera House" for the classical performances, the "Main Theatre" and other small stages are available for modern and experimental performances. The "Artscape" is known for its high-class operas, like the recent showing of "Phantom of the Opera".
To add to the Artscape Theatre, there are numerous small theatres all over Cape Town, which also maintain a high standard. One of these theatres is the "Theatre on the Bay" in Camp Bay.
Classical music by the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra can be enjoyed in the Concert hall of the Arstcape Theatre and sometimes also in the Baxter theatre in Rondebosch.
In addition to this, in the summer months, there are Open-Air Concerts in the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and in the Amphitheatre of Spier and De Oude Libertas in Stellenbosch, which is about 50 km away from Cape Town and in the heart of the Wine region.
A further important part of culture in South Africa is jazz. Cape Town, the jazz capital of South Africa, can thank Abdullah Ibrahim for its reputation. He gives jazz in Cape Town its own unique sound, which is now known all over the world. You can experience this jazz legend live in the Baxter Theatre and the City Hall. Other worthwhile jazz events can be found in the Waterfront in the "Dolphin's Café" and "Manenberg's."
The popular Cape Town City Ballet, which was established from the UCT School of Dance, is performed in various theatres in and around Cape Town. Most of the performances take place in the Artscape and Baxter theatres.
A few of the best-known names in the theatre scene in the Cape are Robert Kirby, Mark Banks and Pieter-Dirk Uys, as well as David Kramer, Taliep Petersen and Marthinus Basson.
You can see great performances regularly at the UCT School of Arts.
Cape Town Antique Shops - Festivals & Concerts - Galleries & Exhibitions - Cape Town Museums - Street Performers - Cape Town Theatre - Back Cape Town Kultur & Art
