History
The Breytenbach Theatre has a colourful history and has seen many uses – from its humble beginnings as a German Community Hall to a hospital and eventually as a film and artist’s studio.
In 1955 the National Theatre Organisation (NTO) acquired the building and turned it into its current use, a theatre. The first production opened on 17 November 1958.
In 1967 it was renamed The Breytenbach Theatre in honour of Dr PPB Breytenbach (Oom Breytie), then chairman of the NTO. It quickly, and fondly, became known simply as “The Breytie”.
After the NTO was split into the various Performing Arts Councils, the Performing Arts Council of Transvaal (PACT) continued to stage productions in the Breytie until the State Theatre in Pretoria was opened in 1981.
During its illustrious life as a professional theatre its stage was graced by the who’s who of South African theatre and the back stage was the learning ground for many a technician. Who can forget some of the memorable performances by the likes of Marius Weyers, Sandra Prinsloo, Cobus Rossouw and Franz Marx to name but a few of a very long list?
Breytenbach Theatre Today
Technikon Pretoria bought the Breytenbach Theatre in 1984 as a training venue for its Drama, Opera and Theatre Crafts students.
Today the theatre is the primary venue used by the Academic departments of the University, such as the Department of Vocal Art, the Drama Department, the School of Music and the Dance and Musical Theatre Department, to present live shows to the public. This gives students the practical experience they need in their respective fields of study.
The Department of Performing Arts Technology uses the Breytie as a practical training ground for their students and it is a showcase for the services they render to industry. These students provide technical and design services for the student productions in the Breytie, covering all aspects including scenery, props, costumes, make-up, lighting and sound – both design and execution.
The Breytie is a practical and technical training venue for productions that is used to prepare the students for conditions they will face once graduated and working in the industry.
The Breytenbach Theatre is ideal for outside productions and is a very affordable venue and available for hiring.
Productions at the Breytenbach Theatre:
- Vocal Art: Cosi Fan Tutti 18, 20, 22, 24 July Performances 19h30 and 26 July Performance @ 15h30
- Dance: Choreography Exams: 6,7 and 8 August - Performance times to be advised
- Amanda Strydom: 18 and 19 September- Performance times to be advised
- Musical Theatre: Rent October- Performance dates and times to be advised
- School of Music Exams 27-30 October Performance times to be advised
- Moonbox Theatre: Vocal Art: Exams – Dates and Performance times to be advised
Contact:
Tel: 012 440-4834
Fax: 012 341-3517
e-mail: breytie@tut.ac.za