The South African State Theatre. (Photo: Jhua-Nine Wyrley-Birch/Maroela Media)
The Federation of Afrikaans Cultural Associations (FAK) and the South African State Theater (SAST) have officially announced a historic collaboration agreement which aims to give Afrikaans theater and performing arts a prominent place once again on the State Theatre’s large and glamorous stages.
The State Theater in Pretoria – one of the largest theater complexes in the Southern Hemisphere – was for decades after its opening in 1981 the hub of glamour, prestige and a theater experience without equal. The unique partnership between the FAK and the SAST is part of a comprehensive strategy to welcome African audiences back to this “grande dame”.
Under the partnership, a dynamic Afrikaans program is being developed that includes established artists, new voices and different art forms. Highlights in the first cycle of the deal include the comic piece My little brother’s sister’s boyfriend; die drama If the rig scrapes; the popular Afri Duet Festival; the solo piece Reunion by Frank Opperman, from the pen of Dana Snyman; the band Klopjag’s 25th anniversary concert; foot-stomping performances by Speogwolf; as well as the Cross of that love from the pen of the award-winning composer Franco Prinsloo.
If the rig scrapes is especially a great highlight because this piece carries special historical significance. This drama by JFW Grosskopf, which is still relevant exactly 100 years after its publication, was one of the first winners of the Hertzog Prize for drama texts. The production, which reflects on timeless themes that have resonated in Afrikaans literature for a century, boasts a strong cast. This includes Lizelle Pike (Ingrid: A flame in the snow; Music for the background; Send greetings to Mannetjies Roux) and Kaz MacFadden (7th Avenue; Domestics; The miracle worker).
The agreement comes after the SAST reached out to the FAK and the Voortrekker Monument to help with the development and marketing of a sustainable Afrikaans offer. Preliminary discussions began after the State Theater took note of the remarkable growth and improvements at the Voortrekker Monument site.
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The staff of the South African State Theater (SAST) were welcomed with coffee and biscuits around a campfire at the Culture Home. (Photo: Niël Langner)
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The staff of the South African State Theater (SAST) were welcomed with coffee and biscuits around a campfire at the Culture Home. (Photo: Niël Langner)
According to the State Theatre’s management, it was not only the infrastructure improvements and comprehensive offer at the Kultuutuiste that was noticeable, but especially the trust that the Afrikaans community has in the FAK as a cultural institution. This trust is the foundation of this new chapter for the African performing arts in the heart of Pretoria.
“The collaboration with the FAK and the Voortrekker Monument is an important step in strengthening partnerships that celebrate, preserve and promote South Africa’s diverse cultural heritage,” says Shane Maja, CEO of the SAST.
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Christo Beer, educational officer at Kultuutuiste, demonstrates to the SAST’s staff how bread is baked in true Voortrekker tradition. (Photo: Niël Langner)
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The cannon shot with cannon Susanna was a big highlight. (Photo: Niël Langner)
“We believe the agreement creates a wonderful opportunity to widen access to the African art and cultural landscape, while we build bridges between institutions that have a shared commitment to storytelling, heritage preservation and nation building. We are very much looking forward to the development of programs that on the one hand honor our shared history and on the other hand inspire future generations with the transformative power of the arts,” says Maja.
The State Theater recently launched an extensive project in collaboration with the South African Reserve Bank and the City of Tshwane to renovate and secure the area around the theatre. “We are already seeing the fruits of this revitalization initiative in more theatergoers in the city centre,” says Maja.
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Kristen Naude, actor at the Kultuutuiste, dramatizes an event from the Great Trek for the SAST guests. (Photo: Niël Langner)
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The historic cooperation agreement to get Afrikaans back on the stage is between Shane Maja, CEO of the State Theatre; Dawid Brand, the Culture Home’s chief operating officer of media and communication; Aubrey Sekhabi, artistic director of the State Theatre; Santa Viljoen, chief financial officer of the State Theater and Sallas de Jager, the FAK’s national head of art, music and language, closed. (Photo: Niël Langner)
Although the perception has taken hold over the past few years that the Pretoria city center is not a popular or safe destination for theatre-goers, the State Theater’s management and its partners are determined to tackle this by creating a safe, professional and world-class experience for visitors.
“The FAK will play a key role in conveying this message to the Afrikaans community. The FAK has a strong and loyal friend base right across the country. This established network of culture lovers will be actively involved in the new theater initiative,” says Sallas de Jager, the FAK’s national head of language, art and music.
“However, the cooperation agreement extends much wider than help with content creation and the marketing of productions. The heartbeat of the project is to revive a culture of theater attendance and ignite it with a new generation. We want people to look forward, as of old, to a smart-dressing evening at the State Theater. We are not just building new audiences – we are building trust, tradition and deepened cultural participation.”
De Jager emphasizes that African audiences are distinctive and diverse. “African audiences differ not only in age, but also in terms of interests and expectations. The challenge is to create an offer that embraces this diversity, while ensuring artistic excellence and economic sustainability. This is a long-term process and a vision that the FAK and the State Theater share,” says De Jager.
“The collaboration does not only focus on the stage either. The FAK and the State Theater will take the entire visitor experience to a brand new level,” says De Jager. “This includes the development of lobby activities, exhibitions, music, refreshments and other elements that transform every visit to the theater into a cultural event.
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The SAST’s staff are treated to braai meat and other Boere food for lunch. (Photo: Niël Langner)
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The SAST’s staff are treated to braai meat and other Boere food for lunch. (Photo: Niël Langner)
“For both organisations, it’s about more than ticket sales. It’s about re-establishing a cultural experience in a special theater space, strengthening community trust, and establishing the State Theater as a destination where Afrikaans art, music, drama and opera once again flourish at a world-class level,” he says.
Maja agrees and adds that the State Theater is committed to reflecting the rich diversity of South Africa’s cultural and linguistic heritage. “The expansion of our Afrikaans offer is part of our broader vision to create an inclusive artistic home where all communities can see their stories, languages and creative expression on our stages.
“African theater plays an indispensable role in the enrichment of our national cultural landscape and the promotion of meaningful dialogue through the arts,” says Maja.
“The FAK has been a torchbearer of language, culture and history for 97 years. Add to this the State Theatre’s commitment to excellence in the performing arts and world-class stages, and you have a partnership with a future-building vision and a unique opportunity to usher in a bright new era for Afrikaans theatre,” says De Jager.