Theatre on the precipice

DAPHNE KUHN

It’s our responsibility to adhere to lockdown regulations, but I miss the times with my children and grandchildren; visits to my dear mother in an aged home in Cape Town; and social contact and interaction with my patrons.

In spite of amazing technology to keep us in touch including Zoom calls, webinars, and streamed entertainment, I’m uncomfortable with the “new normal”.

Most of all, I sorely miss not being able to operate my business – the beloved Theatre on the Square on Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton.

This is Sandton’s first and only theatre, acknowledged for the role it has played on the South African theatre scene for more than 25 years, generating endless work opportunities, and an outlet for the country’s creative minds.

It’s inconceivable to think that it’s now closed temporarily, a status that could become permanent due to financial restraints, health restrictions, and various digital choices. All our productions have been cancelled for the moment. While we were expecting to open our doors again at Level 1 in a few months’ time, it was unexpectedly announced last week that theatres may open their doors.

This would come into effect with limited audience numbers, social distancing, and strict sanitising to adhere to the health regulations. With the current spiralling COVID-19 figures, health experts have concurred that it isn’t advisable to open now, and the theatre industry is unanimous that it’s premature, irresponsible, and not viable. So, of course, we will play it safe, and wait for a more appropriate time to re-open.

How will I be able to support the running costs, rent/lease, utilities, and permanent staff salaries for possibly close to a year without income from ticket sales and events?

My naming rights sponsorship has ended, and a significant sponsorship prospect sadly reconsidered, citing unprecedented times. As a privately-owned theatre, financial support is essential, as we don’t receive a government subsidy.

Globally, theatres and their artists are struggling financially and emotionally. They will be the last to re-open because of social distancing and the limits on gatherings. The premise of theatre as an art form is to gather people together in a shared space for a collective experience.

Theatre has a tradition from time immemorial. The ancient theatres of Greece go back 2 500 years, presenting exactly what’s on stage today – stories of our lives, a mirror of society. A study recently undertaken revealed that all patrons’ hearts beat in the same rhythm during a theatrical performance. There is a tangible synchronicity that is exciting and immediate.

We all need a place where we can go to be entertained, uplifted, educated, and challenged, a place to honour our diversity. We need to celebrate our common humanity. This time is a playwright’s dream, stimulating creative juices to pen new ideas, stories, and plays.

I have had to cancel an itinerary meticulously planned a year in advance. These include new plays by leading South African dramatists like Paul Slabolepszy, Mike van Graan, and Daniel Mpilo Richards, in addition to comedy with Loyiso Madinga, and a London drama hit, A German Life.

We have also cancelled a visit by Israeli pianist Amit Yahav, a play with Israeli actor Roy Horowitz, and five fundraising sold-out houses for the latest Nik Rabinowitz comedy. The loss of work is a huge blow to scores of freelance actors, directors, playwrights, musicians, designers, and technicians.

Taking a break from my 24/7 workload, I value this time at home with my husband, but I’m also taking advantage of this period to research our productions and documenting the Theatre on the Square’s legacy for theatrical archives.

Looking back, we have produced more than 2 500 local and international plays, musicals, comedies, weekly classical and jazz concerts, as well as children’s theatre, school play festivals and showcases, industrial theatre, and corporate events. We have nurtured talent and been the launchpad for the work of aspiring playwrights and artists.

We appeal to our patrons and particularly to corporate visionaries to help us to keep the theatre’s lights on. Theatre has an incredible future. It has survived by constantly resurrecting itself. We can’t diminish the cultural tradition that theatre has built in our country, and the relevant new work and voices that form part of our cultural tapestry.

With the profound uncertainty and lack of relief, it’s our fervent hope that an appropriate sponsor will materialise so that we all can look forward to audiences returning to our intimate space and witness their enjoyment.

Finally, our theatre is committed to take all standard precautions to ensure that audiences are safe and ready to experience a plethora of amazing and relevant plays for their entertainment and delight.

• Daphne Kuhn is theatre producer, owner, and artistic director of Sandton’s Theatre on the Square.