The newly refurbished Jabulani Amphitheatre, which is situated in the Soweto theatre complex, is the epitome of historical richness. It has been renewed to its former glory after an outcry from residents as well as entertainment legends who graced the stage decades ago.
It was built in 1952 to host cultural and other events. According to Soweto Theatre Liaison Mimi Fihla, it was one of the very few structures available for residents of the township and one of the few that has survived the uprisings of the apartheid era. Its original shape and form has not been touched. All the refurbishments and upgrades were done to what was already existing with a few minor changes for a better entertainment experience.
The structure takes a circular formation at a first and far glance. As you walk towards the amphitheatre, it takes a more pentagonal shape and visible to the eye is a large circle of compacted sand circled by green grass right in the centre, which is surrounded by a concrete grand stand seating area all faced towards the stage.
Surrounding the stage from left to right are concrete grand stands seat about 3 000 patrons. The seating area has 33 steps that lead down to the new central area that is made up or dark brown sand granules. Along the stairs are silver almost charcoal-coloured barriers to help patrons’ mobility up and down the stairs.
Fihla says the sanded area was specifically designed for traditional dancers to hit the ground hard. These dances are connected with the traditional rhythms and music, and are an integral part of Africa. The revamped stage has a new surface slab of concrete. On either side of the stage there is also concrete cantilever bridge connecting the two sides of the theatre. This is covered by a large and slender roof constructed of black and charcoal metal poles and parts. Part of the refurbishment included a rigging system on the ceiling of the stage, which allows for outside lighting equipment to be used.
On either side of the stage there is large black doors that open to the stage. Behind the state are two newly installed dressing/holding rooms that each boast a modern bathroom with cylindrical white lights and red tiles that the holds a rectangular mirror in the centre.
“The dressing rooms are brand new. We recently had a legends concert for heritage month and South African music legend PJ Powers asked me if we have space for her to change because decades ago when she performed at the amphitheatre, she had to change in her car,” says Fihla with a giggle.
She adds that the tuckshop and bathroom are all still in the exact same spots, with a few upgrades and maintenance work that has been done.
The stage was once graced by South African stalwarts and freedom fighters. They include the late diplomat and poet Zindzi Mandela, who in 1985 read a letter from her jailed father, Madiba, rejecting the apartheid government’s conditional offer to release him. Others include the memorial service for the slain SACP leader Chris Hani, which took place in 1993. There are also many other political funeral services and cultural activities that have been held on the site.
“Structurally I think the refurbishment has been a great success. The Soweto Theatre is only 10 years old and many community members had been wondering when the amphitheatre would be operational again,” says Fihla.
She says the amphitheatre is a great space for performers who enjoy the outdoors and for patrons who prefer to watch a show in the natural sun or even under the moonlight.
“The upgrades have really made a huge difference and the amphitheatre is now open for anyone to book and use. We are excited that we can now say that the Soweto art precinct and our theatre complex is all complete and operational.”
Written by Sascha-Lee Joseph
12/10/2022