Maynardville Open-Air Theatre is a major cultural icon in the Wynberg Upper neighbourhood. Almost sixty years have passed since the theatre first opened. Since then, it has become one of the area's preferred outdoor entertainment spots, often hosting a wide range of performances and celebrations.
The theatre is situated in Maynardville Park, a scenic forested area that serves as a perfect setting for some theatre. The park is around 500 square metres in size, allowing viewers to relax comfortably before the shows begin. Because of its cosy 700-seat forested setting, this theatre is widely regarded as one of the best open-air theatre.
A little history about the theatre
Since its opening in 1956, the theatre has become integral to the city's cultural landscape. The theatre is well-known for its year-round lineup, featuring everything from musicals to Shakespeare to modern dramas.
Founded in the mid-1950s, the Maynardville Open-Air Theatre was the brainchild of Rene Ahrenson and Cecilia Sonnenberg, two of South Africa's most famous actresses. When they heard about the success of Dulcie Howes' ballet performances in the park, they knew it would be the perfect location for an outdoor show.
Eventually, Cecilia and Rene were successful in lobbying the Cape Town City Council to fund the construction of a permanent stage and raked auditorium for the festival. They also managed to entice legendary stage and screen actor Leslie French to travel to Cape Town for the first play of the festival, "The Taming of the Shrew."
The show played to sold-out crowds for a whole month, and the festival grew from that success. Since then, the Maynardville Open-Air Theatre has been a staple of Cape Town's cultural scene, hosting several performances, concerts, and festivals yearly.
With amazing events, you'll get the best entertainment
One of the most notable events at Maynardville Open-Air Theatre is the annual Shakespeare-in-the-Park festival, a fixture in the Cape Town cultural calendar for over six decades. The festival has attracted an average attendance of 15,000 patrons yearly, with a strong focus on schools in the Western Cape. The Shakespeare-in-the-Park festival has become a major platform for students to engage with the works of William Shakespeare and other classical playwrights.
The festival attracts learners from as far as Heidelberg, who flock to the theatre to experience the magic of Shakespeare's plays in a unique outdoor setting. Up to 8,000 learners in grades 9 to 12 attend each year, making the festival an integral part of education.
Other productions staged at the Maynardville theatre include The Merchant of Venice, A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Tempest, and Romeo and Juliet. Undoubtedly, the theatre plays a vital role in South Africa's cultural landscape. It showcases the country's diverse talents and entertains audiences from all walks of life.
Providing a platform for emerging artists to perform
The theatre not only hosts the annual Shakespeare-in-the-Park festival, but it also regularly features works by both emerging and established artists. The theatre has hosted it all, from comedies to dramas, dancing performances to shows for the little ones.
The Maynardville Open-Air Theatre has been an important venue for budding actors, directors and producers to practise their craft in front of live audiences. The theatre has been a launching pad for the careers of numerous well-known artists and entertainers.
Get your front seat to some fantastic performances
If you are a theatre lover, Maynardville Open-Air Theatre is the place to be. The theatre is in the middle of Maynardville Park, with access via the front gates on the corner of Church and Wolf Street. Wynberg Public Library parking is available on Glaren Road or along public roads around the venue. For the festival's duration, the park's hours are extended until 30 minutes after the show on any given night.
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