This Heritage Day, the Roodepoort Theatre will mark its 45th anniversary with a glittering black-tie gala, Golden Chronicles, directed by acclaimed theatre-maker James Ngcobo, artistic director of Joburg City Theatres.
The evening will celebrate South Africa’s rich artistic heritage through music, dance, and theatre, paying tribute to the legends who shaped the stage while spotlighting the talent carrying it forward.
Set to illuminate the stage are a host of South Africa's finest artists across music, theatre, and dance. The programme features enthralling works from celebrated creators, including Carla Claasen's poignant piece “Those Who Live in Cages” by Terry-Ann Adams, Andre Odendaal’s evocative “The Last Moustache” by Greg Viljoen, and Kitty Phetla’s mesmerizing solo performance. Attendees can look forward to stirring interpretations of Trevor Lynch’s “District Six” by Richard Rive and Nhlakanipho Manqele's tribute to Maya Angelou, among numerous other notable works.
“Golden Chronicles is more than a celebration of 45 years; it’s a living tribute to the performers who keep our stories alive,” Ngcobo states passionately.
“Directing this event has been about weaving together the threads of music, dance, and theatre to create a tapestry of our shared culture. It is a moment to honour where we have come from, but also to spotlight the brilliance of the artists carrying us forward.”
The musical selection is further enriched by powerful performances from Stéfan Louw with “Nessun Dorma,” Sibongile Mngoma’s rendition of “My Man Is Gone Now” from Porgy and Bess, and Pumeza Matshikiza’s evocative aria. A special collaboration with the Joburg Theatre Ballet will present “Mpho” by Tumelo Lekana, ensuring that the gala is an immersive experience for all guests.
The festivities will be underscored by a five-piece band and four vocalists, bolstered by a bespoke audio-visual design crafted by Botshelo Mondi, promising a multi-sensory experience that will leave a lasting impression. This gala is more than mere entertainment; it is an homage to the illustrious path paved by artistic titans who have defined South Africa's cultural identity across stage, screen, music, and dance.
As part of the celebrations, thirty-three icons and institutions will be immortalised in the theatre’s newly refurbished foyer through the Stars of Roodepoort installation. The names of the honourees remain a closely guarded secret, elevating the anticipation for the evening’s unveil, as guests await the recognition of those who have indelibly influenced the arts in the region.
The event is poised to attract between 200 to 300 guests, including dignitaries, artists, and esteemed cultural leaders. Guests will be welcomed with champagne and treated to live ensembles by B-Sharp Entertainment, alongside various garden activations, ensuring that the gala atmosphere is both intimate and grand in scope.
Since its inception in 1980 as the Pro Musica Theatre, Roodepoort Theatre has flourished into a beacon of cultural excellence, staging over 400 operas and 500 symphonies. As a cornerstone of Joburg City Theatres, it continues to serve as a sanctuary for bold artistry and rich cultural heritage.
In closing, Ngcobo summarises the spirit of the evening: “When performers shine, the theatre lives. This anniversary is both a tribute to the past and a promise of the future. It is a commitment to continue telling stories that unite, challenge, and inspire.”
Saturday Star