Outdoor theatre to host various shows

Phase 1 of the of the Theatre in the North #1417 is now complete and the Opening Act ZA has a jam-packed programme that is set to take place at Bloemfontein’s newly built outside theatre.

According to director of Opening Act ZA, Nicky Hasset, the venue is equipped with an 8m x 4m stage, complete with sound, lighting and a camera for recording. “Our welcoming area is complete with braai facilities, picnic benches and a tuck shop. Our backstage area for artists has its own covered patio, with braai facilities and a private bathroom. We currently have seating for 60 people, however, visitors are allowed to bring their own camping chairs and cooler boxes.”

Hasset told Bloemfontein Courant that the programme for September and October has a variety of activities and performances: On 19 September they will be hosting an Open Day, an open stage for anyone to come and enjoy the space; on 24 September Heritage Day Songs featuring Andy T, Mzwakhe, Miss Mellody, Khuthala and itumeleng, will be taking place. On 26 September Mama’s Little Helper, storytelling and activities for mothers and daughter, fathers and sons, will be presented.

In October they will be hosting a series of events that form part of the M.O.S.S.A festival (Mokete OA sesotho se Afrika/ celebration of African Arts). 16 October is Comedy Night, on 22 October it’s Take me Back, featuring a local DJ and a live performer entertaining the audience with songs from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s. Hasset said the Theatre in the North is unique to Bloemfontein, being the first outdoor theatre space that will offer visitors a variety of performances and activities. “It is believed that the venue was blessed from the heavens above, we had bursts of rain and thunder and lightning during the launch but we did not let this disrupt our performances.”

Guests to the launch truly experienced what the outdoor venue has to offer, it is the perfect venue to escape the hustle and bustle of the city while enjoying good entertainment.

Hasset told Bloemfontein Courant that, since the opening of Theatre in the North, they have received an overwhelming response from artists enquiring about the use of the venue and to her, this is indeed heart-warming, knowing that they are now able to provide artists of all genres an opportunity and a platform to showcase their talents.

For more information and for times of the shows, please contact Opening Act on 081 375 3387 or visit their FaceBook Page

By Sazly Hartzenberg and originally appeared in the Bloemfontein Courant