A huge blow for performers and audiences, the 320-seater theatre has gone dark with immediate effect after being shut for a full year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A sign of the times, live theatre across South Africa has suffered immeasurably due to the stringent lockdown measures enforced by the government to contain the spread of the COIVID-19 virus.
The founder of the theatre, Eric Abraham, issued an official statement on the theatre’s webpage saying, “it would not be safe health-wise or financially viable to reopen in the foreseeable future.”
“The theatre will be handed back to the owner of the freehold of the building – the board of The District 6 Museum – as a working theatre and we hope that they will be able to use it for the benefit of the Museum and the District 6 community.” He went on to thank the staff and patrons for their support over the past ten years.
Once the news had broken, social media was ablaze with South Africans expressing their shock and utter dismay at the theatre's closure. Acclaimed actor John Kani said , “Another icon has fallen to Covid-19.”
Sad news. Another icon has fallen to Covid19. The Fugard Theatre in Cape Town has closed its doors for ever. It was in this theatre that my new play Kunene and the King had its South African premier in 2019. The lights are out, the curtain has fallen and no more applause.
— JohnKani (@JohnKani2) March 17, 2021
Singer and actor, Andre Swartz, expressed his disappointment at the handling of the relief funds for those working in the entertainment industry saying,” The closing of the Fugard is such an inditement on the ANC. The theatre relief fund was squandered and mismanaged. During the current stage 1 lockdown, we can only have 100 pax per performance - no one can survive on that or run a theatre.”
Another theatre closes in South Africa. @NathiMthethwaSA @CyrilRamaphosa @PresidencyZA You are forcing this to happen. Why are we only allowed 100 people indoors for shows during this lockdown and not 200 as per previous level 1? Funding - wasted/stolen? RT PLS #killingthearts pic.twitter.com/kOEf9AHaJk
— Andre Schwartz (@Andre_Schwartz) March 17, 2021
Named after one of South Africa’s greatest playwrights, Atholl Fugard, the closing of this superb theatrical space is indeed a sad day for our country.
