Capetonians are invited to join Artscape’s 55th Anniversary Celebrations on the 19th of May – from the unveiling of a new memory wall to a historic photograph on the steps of the building and a free concert.
The public programme is from 11.30 for 12.00 on the steps of Artscape.
- The Artscape Theatre Centre is inviting the public to become part of its living history on 19 May 2026, as the iconic theatre complex marks 55 years with a special open celebration under the theme “A Place for All.”
At the heart of the day is the unveiling of a new memory wall titled Becoming Artscape – A Place Reborn – a powerful visual journey tracing the evolution of the building from the former Nico Malan Theatre into the inclusive cultural space it is today.
Members of the public are then invited to gather on the steps of Artscape to be part of a historic commemorative photograph – a moment designed to capture not only the people who have passed through the building over the decades, but the generations who continue to shape its future.
Whether you attended your first ballet there as a child, watched a school production, saw your first opera, jazz concert or musical, or simply have a story connected to the building, Artscape wants the public to come and share in the occasion.
“This building belongs to the people,” says CEO Marlene le Roux. “For 55 years Artscape has held the stories, memories and creative spirit of generations of South Africans. This is an opportunity for the public to stand with us and become part of that continuing story.”
The day’s programme begins from 10h30 with welcoming performances on the piazza and in the foyers, followed by the official mural unveiling, an open press conference, cake cutting and commemorative photograph on the Artscape steps.
The celebrations conclude with a special free lunchtime concert featuring opera performances and youth jazz bands – part of Artscape’s long-running commitment to making the arts more accessible to all.
The public is encouraged to arrive early, explore the building, reconnect with memories, and stay to experience the energy of one of South Africa’s most important cultural spaces firsthand. For more than five decades, Artscape has been more than a theatre. It has been a witness to history – a place where stories have unfolded on stage and in the audience alike.
Now, YOU the public are invited to take their place in that story.
WHAT: Artscape’s 55th Anniversary Celebrations
WHERE: Artscape Theatre Centre, Foreshore, Cape Town 8001
WHEN: Tuesday, 19 May 2026 | Free and open to the public | See Programme below
INFO: VISIT | Facebook – ArtscapeTheatre X (Twitter) – @ArtscapeTheatre YouTube – ArtscapeTheatreCpt Hashtag: #Artscape4All #Atrscaepforall
PROGRAMME FOR 19 MAY Artscape’s 55th Anniversary Celebrations
10:30 – 11:00: Thandi Swartbooi – Welcoming the guests with drums Thandi Swartbooi; Basil Appollis (Curator) – Box Office & Chandelier Foyer
10:30 – 11:00: CPO: Welcoming of guests Corban Beukes (violin); John Minnaar-Msimang (cello) – Opera Bar reception
10:45 – 11:00: Pas de Deux Cape Town City Ballet – Opera Bar reception
11:00 – 11:05: Welcoming & 55th Overview: CEO: Marlene le Roux – Opera Bar
11:00 -11:05: Singing of National Anthem, Charne Hugo – Opera Bar
11:05 – 11:10: A ||Hui !Gaeb Xoa||guisa dï!noagu ceremonial ceremony to be held by
the Chorachouqua Ceremonial Council under the leadership of! Khōdanab Bradley Van Sitters – Opera Bar
11:10 – 11:20: Unveiling of Mural & Plaque: CEO, Dignitaries, Artscape Chair – Opera Bar
11:20 – 11:25: Remarks – Chair: Mr Zak Gordon – Opera Bar
11:25 – 11:35: Remarks Minister Gayton McKenzie – Opera Bar
11:35 – 11:40: Remarks – Premier Alan Winde – Opera Bar
11:40 – 11:45: Remarks MEC Ricardo Mackenzie – Opera Bar
11:45 – 12:00: Press conference – Media – Opera Bar
11:30 – 12:00:Welcoming of guests Jazzart Dance – Piazza
11:30 – 12:00: Audience arrive- NGOs, schools – Piazza
12:00 – 12:30: Official Cutting of Anniversary Cake, Commemorative photo CEO, Dignitaries, All attendees – Piazza Steps
12:30 – 13:30: Lunch hour concert – Opera, Youth Jazz Bands – Chandelier Foyer
In addition to the celebrations on the 19th of May, Artscape will host a series of free Saturday masterclasses (10H00- 12H00) covering a variety of topics relating to the business of the arts aimed at showcasing behind the scenes careers opportunities – please request a full programme from kaz@networxpr.co.za or jeni@networxpr.co.za.
For example:
23 May – Fast track to opening night with Marlene Le Roux and KMH Architects
30 May – The future of arts funding – Artscape and Africa Melane
13 June – Let’s Dance on 55 – A Jubilee Open Class for All – with CT City Ballet (Lauren Pienaar, Nicci Loxton & Tracy Li).
