Baxter Theatre Centre

Baxter Theatre Centre

Baxter Theatre Centre Location in the Cape Town metropolitan area
Address	Main Road, Rondebosch Cape Town
Coordinates	33°57′26″S18°28′14″E / 33.9572°S 18.4706°E / -33.9572; 18.4706
Owner	University of Cape Town
Construction
Opened	1977
Architect	Jack Barnett
Website
baxter.uct.ac.za

Sign and entrance on Main Road, Rondebosch.

The Baxter Theatre Centre is a performing arts complex in Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa. The Baxter, as it is often referred to, is part of the University of Cape Town (UCT). It is a popular venue for theatre performers and artists in the Western Cape.

History

The theatre was established through a bequest of R553,866 in 1960 by Dr. William Duncan Baxter, who was a former Mayor of Cape Town and UCT council chairman, that was intended for the creation of a theatre to "develop and cultivate the arts in Cape Town and the adjacent districts for all artists". ^[1] The theatre officially opened on 1 August 1977. ^[1]

Architecture

The Baxter was designed by architects Jack Barnett and Leslie Broer. ^[2] The theatre's architectural features includes an expansive foyer and a roof that was considered to be uncommon. The Daily Maverick wrote in 2020: "The structure was unusual at the time; first because of its shape, a floating roof that lets the outside landscape interact with the inside of the building and light soften the edges of the bricks". ^[3] Barnett was awarded The South African Institute of Architects' Award of Merit in 1977 for his design of the theatre centre. ^[3]

Mission and notable performances

The Baxter's mission is to present South African and international works, reflect the cultures of all the people in South Africa and host the best of local performing arts. ^[4] It aims to be an established home for performing artists in the Western Cape. ^[5]

Notable plays produced by the Baxter include Mies Julie, ^[6] Solomon and Marion, ^[7] The Fall, ^[8] Fishers of Hope, ^[9] and Life & Times of Michael K. ^[10]

Community engagement

The Baxter includes programming aimed at historically disadvantaged communities, schools, families and senior citizens. These initiatives include:

• Zabalaza Theatre Festival – a development platform for emerging South African theatre makers. ^[11]
• Morning Melodies – musical shows for senior citizens. ^[12]

Impact

The Baxter Theatre took a stance against apartheid through its productions. Given its ties to UCT, the theatre was able to present progressive and multiracial performances, including Sizwe Banzi is Dead, The Island and Miss Julie that featured South Africa's first interracial kiss on stage between actors Sandra Prinsloo and John Kani. ^{[13] [14]}

The Baxter's Zabalaza Theatre Festival includes a skills development programme and has given rise to more than 500 productions involving 2,500 artists and theatre makers. ^[15]

South African History Online wrote in 2017: "Over the last four decades, the Baxter has continued to provide a platform for young, vibrant and talented UCT students and graduates pursuing the arts that have brought new and inspiring works in drama, dance and music." ^[16]

See also

• List of concert halls
• University of Cape Town

Notes

1. "Another 40 years of theatrical excellence". www.news.uct.ac.za. Retrieved 10 September 2025.
2. "Baxter Theatre · Works of Art Collection · Ibali". ibali.uct.ac.za. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
3. Tyilo, Emilie Gambade & Malibongwe (27 February 2020). "Structure and Culture: A theatre built like a hilltop townsquare". Daily Maverick. Retrieved 10 September 2025.
4. "Baxter Theatre appoints new board". www.news.uct.ac.za. Retrieved 10 September 2025.
5. "Transforming society through theatre". www.news.uct.ac.za. Retrieved 10 September 2025.
6. "Baxter Theatre, Rondebosch- Cape Town | South African History Online". sahistory.org.za. Retrieved 10 September 2025.
7. "Solomon and Marion opens at Baxter ahead of Edinburgh Festival". www.news.uct.ac.za. Retrieved 10 September 2025.
8. "Fall". WeekendSpecial. 9 June 2017. Retrieved 10 September 2025.
9. "Fishers of Hope - LitNet". LitNet - Die boekehuis met baie wonings. Retrieved 10 September 2025.
10. "'Life and Times of Michael K' is back at The Baxter". www.news.uct.ac.za. Retrieved 10 September 2025.
11. Vollmer, Bernelee (24 February 2024). "Celebrating diversity: the Zabalaza Theatre Festival's 15th anniversary line-up". IOL. Retrieved 10 September 2025.
12. "What's On: Morning Melodies | University of Cape Town". Baxter Theatre Centre. Retrieved 10 September 2025.
13. "Baxter Theatre, Rondebosch- Cape Town | South African History Online". sahistory.org.za. Retrieved 19 August 2025.
14. "The history of the Baxter Theatre: where art has always included everyone". Cape Town ETC. 16 October 2022. Retrieved 10 September 2025.
15. "Transforming society through theatre". www.news.uct.ac.za. Retrieved 10 September 2025.
16. "Baxter Theatre, Rondebosch- Cape Town | South African History Online". sahistory.org.za. Retrieved 10 September 2025.

External links

• Baxter Theatre Centre website