User:Sidney callaghan/sandbox

Where?
320 Pretorius St, Pretoria Central, Pretoria,0001

What is the State Theatre?
The State Theatre was known as the Pretoria State Theatre up until 1999 when it changed to The State Theatre. The State Theatre is a place in Pretoria, South Africa, where the art of performance is showcased. Many shows such as opera, ballet, Sofiatown, Cats and many more have been performed in this space with hundreds of viewers walking in and out of the doors for a heart warming experience of talent. The State Theatre performs plays as well as comedy acts within the same walls. The Theatre is a agency of the Department of Arts and Culture and relies fully on public funding. The Theatre is multipurpose and hosts a variety of events and shows. The State Theatre is well known for bring South Africa’s past, present and future to life in a more light hearted manner.

History
The State Theatre started as a concept to bring in funding and support for professional theatre. The State Theatre began as a non-profit government company and grew from there. Rodney Philips was the first director at the State Theatre and put together many amazing works. His first show was Applause directed by Anthony Farmer on the 23rd of May 1981. The Theatre was closed in 2009 due to financial troubles and a corruption investigation. A group formed and the building was still in use and hired out to small production companies. The government gave enough fundings just to maintain the building. In 2001 the Theatre was reopened with a musical evening, a new CEO was appointed and a wide spread of productions were put on display that were relevant to South Africans at the time.

About Aubrey Sekhabi
Aubrey Sekhabis is a artistic director at the State Theatre. Sekhabis work has a way of taking the audience in the presence of South Africa’s history. He studied at the university of Witwatersrand School of Dramatic Arts, he became a chief of arts and culture in the North West and in 2002 he was made Artistic director and Deputy CEO of the state Theatre.

Performed works at the State Theatre

 * Be a Better Dog
 * Voice of Scripture
 * Motion Picture Mania
 * Miss Drag South Africa
 * Thabeng Er’s One Man Show
 * Forex Broker Killer
 * Cats
 * Sofia town
 * Ballet
 * Opera