The Baxter Theatre Centre is a familiar cultural hub to UCT students and Cape Town art-lovers. Resting at the foot of the mountain on UCT’s lower campus, the theatre holds important South African stories and history.
The Baxter was built in 1976, a time when South Africa was riddled with violence and racism. The theatre leveraged its relationship with UCT, which was one of the integrated universities, and was approved to showcase multiracial, progressive works. This was radical in a time where most interracial activity in art was banned or censored.
The first ever interracial kiss on a South African stage happened at the Baxter. It was during the theatre’s first production of Mies Julie in 1985. The modern version of Mies Julie is still showing in theatres around the world.
The theatre came to be as a result of William Duncan Baxter, a previous mayor of Cape Town, bequeathing money in his will to UCT for the purpose of establishing a theatre that represented and expanded South African art. Dr Baxter wanted to “develop and cultivate the arts in Cape Town and the adjacent districts.”
So, the Baxter came into existence. Jack Barnett designed the theatre, and it opened on the 1 August 1977. Architecturally, the theatre is unique, as the structure was seen as unusual because of its shape – a floating roof that allows the outside landscape and the building’s inside to interact.
Also read: “The Unlikely Secret Agent” returns for run at Baxter Theatre Centre
The theatre was adamant on making the space one that allowed all South Africans an environment in which to share and enjoy performances. This was uncommon at the time, with most spaces being racially segregated.
The theatre thrived, and continues to do so, as they’ve managed to create a uniquely South African theatre experience through local talent and important history.
The Baxter has provided the space for all kinds of professional entertainment since its opening: music, drama, ballet, opera, and a variety of theatre. The stages have seen everything from major South African works and international pieces to local student shows.
The theatre’s objective is, and always has been, to “reflect the cultures of all the people of South Africa on our stages and in our foyers and galleries.”
As with most local spaces for artists, community funding is always helpful and necessary. See how you can support the Baxter here.
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Picture: Baxter Theatre Centre
