CAPE TOWNβS
ICONIC BAXTER THEATRE At the forefront of the performing arts, both as a popular venue and as a leading award-winning producer, the Baxter Theatre Centre presents ground-breaking, cutting edge works and masterpieces from local and international repertoires. Since its inception, the theatre has stayed true to its promise of always being open to everyone who visits it and to create work of the highest artistic quality.
The objective is to reflect the cultures of all the people of South Africa on its stages and in its foyers and galleries and, thereby, nurturing an interactive and meaningful relationship with its audiences and patrons, while generating a spirit of goodwill and creativity. It is a cultural icon and one of the most accessible and inclusive theatres in the country, garnering local and international awards, accolades and recognition for its inherent and proudly South African productions which speak to the heart of the countryβs social landscape with universal themes. The theatre complex boasts five theatres, two rehearsal spaces, a bar and a restaurant. Well over 500 000 patrons attend over 2 700 performances annually, making it one of the busiest theatres in Southern Africa. The Baxter remains resilient through the devastating impact of COVID-19 on theatre and the arts. Soon after the lockdown and national state 12
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of disaster were first announced in South Africa, in March 2020, the theatre embarked on an innovative financial sustainability campaign, called Baxter Coffee Angels. The ask was simply for patrons, theatre and arts lovers to donate as little as R30 a month (the price of a cup of coffee), or more (where possible), to ensure the iconic theatreβs financial sustainability during this time and into the future. To donate to the Baxter Coffee Angels campaign, visit www.baxter.co.za.
architect Jack Barnett, it came into being as the result of a bequest from the late Dr William Duncan Baxter. In his will he bequeathed R553 866 to the University of Cape Town, for the purpose of establishing a theatre, which would - in his words - develop and cultivate the arts in Cape Town and the adjacent districts for all artistsβ. This bequest was split between building the premises and establishing a permanent endowment fund for The Baxterβs activities.
The Baxter Theatre Centreβs very existence is based, and was founded on, resistance, resilience and pushing boundaries. It is the only remaining, operational theatre in the Western Cape - and one of about two, possibly more, in South Africa whoβs doors have always been open to all who visited it.
Dr Barnett wanted to design a theatre that embodied the South African spirit and culture, at a time when South Africa was much divided. A theatre like The Baxter could not just cater for βwhites onlyβ, it had to embrace all the people of Cape Town, made difficult due to the laws that were enforced. The entertainment Act of 1931 introduced legal censorship and the Publication and Entertainment Act of 1963, segregated black and white audiences unless under special licenses. To build The Baxter in the city centre meant that black people could not access it and that is why the University of Cape Town in Rondebosch, became a strategic location and venue for a theatre for all.
The iconic, multi-award-winning theatre continues that legacy today, through its programming and its commitment to creating and producing new South African work. Social justice content, tackled headon, has earned the theatre much respect, garnering several accolades, locally and internationally. Through his vision, leadership and passion, William Duncan Baxter, along with some like-minded friends, the Baxter Theatre Centre opened to all, on 1 August 1977. Designed by the award-winning
Dr Baxterβs will stipulated, βFor all the people of Cape Town β¦ utilise this bequest for the purpose of developing and cultivating the arts.
