Artscape remains eternally grateful to those who have supported the cultural institution throughout the trying times brought about by the global Covid-19 pandemic and its concomitant lockdown regulations.

As the pandemic hit the country last year March 2020,  Artscape needed to assure all stakeholders that we would continuously implement and adhere to the directives from the South African government to ensure the well-being and safety of all our employees, producers and artists who depend on our stages as their main source of income. We needed to constitute a team to research the best ways in which to approach the “new normal” in order to keep the Arts alive - primarily online at first during the difficult first few months.  Throughout this entire period of the past 22 months, we have managed to keep our stage curtains open, surviving all phases of lockdown regulations.

The Artscape Associated Arts Companies housed in the building as well as those who are based externally, were pivotal to this success. They were able to stage productions with the commencement of very limited patron numbers, and, in this way, kept the theatre alive. With the regulations of lockdown levels easing, we saw patrons slowly trickling back to the theatre. We fully understand that without our patrons, we are not able to function.

At Artscape we are acutely aware that many artists, producers and freelance workers in the arts industry suffered tremendous losses during the lockdown. We thus committed to making Artscape and its staff available throughout this period in order for theatre makers to restore. To this end we must thank the Western Cape provincial government, who assisted us with the maintenance of the building; the national Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) who assisted with funds to run the complex; and the City of Cape Town, who funded local artists as well as the Western Cape provincial government department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) who assisted with much-needed funding.

Together all of the above mentioned role-players, including sponsors and most importantly the patrons, offered their respective lifelines to “hold our hands” during these difficult times.

To show our gratitude, Artscape will host a Thanksgiving Concert on Sunday November 28, at 6pm, in acknowledgement to its patrons, partners, sponsors and stakeholders who continued to support the theatre during one of the most difficult periods for the arts industry. The concert is in collaboration with the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra and the Associated Arts Companies at Artscape.

Prior to the commencement of the concert, a plaque to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the building that houses Artscape, will be unveiled in a ceremony officiated by Western Cape Premier Alan Winde, Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC Anroux Marais, the Artscape Council Chairperson Rajesh Jock and Ms le Roux.

Says Artscape CEO, Marlene le Roux: “This concert is just to say ‘thank you” to all. The name of the concert encapsulates our feelings towards especially all our partners and friends. Equally at Artscape, we gratefully have 50 years of being a home for the arts. We remain mindful of all the history and elements of us reaching this milestone. Equally we want to say ‘thank you’ to all those who came before us to all of those who currently ensure our success”.

Visit http://www.artscape.co.za for more information on Artscape Theatre and the participating organisations.

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Media enquiries: Candice Jansen at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 076 958 9593

Issued on behalf of Artscape:
Senior Manager: Communications and Brand Management
Simone Heradien 
073 207 1558

Editor’s notes: 

Order of proceedings for the day:

• 15:30 – arrival and COVID protocol screenings
• 16:30 – unveiling of the plaque ceremony
• 17:10 – unveiling of the plaque ceremony concludes
• 17:15 – collection of tickets and seating
• 18:00 – Thanksgiving Concert commences

Programme for the concert:

Programme:

Praise Singer 

Overture - Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra with Brandon Phillips on the podium

Iswi Lam -  Nomakrestu Xakathugaga (playing the Uhadi ) 4 dancers from Indoni Dance Company

Lied Van My Hart  - Jodie Jantjies (ATKV winner) +  9 deaf children signing + Joelene

Unmute Dance Company 

Ba Na Ba  - (a cappella, no accompaniment) – SA Youth Choir (under the direction of Phil Robinson)

Sogno di Volare -  SA Youth Choir with Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra

Palladium  by Karl Jenkins -  Zip Zap Circus  - straps - Phelelani  Ndakrokra

Meditation from Thaïs -    8  Cape Town City Ballet,  Ballet dancers + Philip Martens (solo violin)

Paradise Road  -  with singers Gloria Bosman & Phoebe Mgxaji and Zimbini Makwetu

Unusual Way -  Earl Gregory

Libertango -  Violin & accordion (Veronika Bell and Monika Stuchlik)

Moving On -   Zimbini Makwetu, Nomakrestu Xakathugaga + SA Youth

Weeping  - Cape Town Opera  Vocal Ensemble under Marvin Kernelle 

O Lawd, I’m on my Way from Porgy and Bess.   Cape Town Opera Vocal Ensemble              

Jerusalema  -  Cape Philharmonic Orchestra with Jazzart

What About Us -  all singers + CHOIR  &  violin, sax, Jazzart,  accordion

Guests are required to wear a mask, sanitise. Social distancing will also be required for safety.