LIMPOPO artists are happy they will soon have a place to showcase their talent.
This as a state-of-the-art theatre will be built near the Bakone Malapa Museum outside Polokwane, Limpopo.
The R300 million theatre will consist of a 600-seater main hall, a secondary hall will accommodate 200 people, and facilities such as a restaurant, bar, coffee shop, and a bookshop.
Traditional music artist, Tau Sebata welcomed the theatre. "Limpopo is dominating in terms of artists, so we were always complaining about not having a theatre," he said.
"Now we're happy that things will be easy. We'll be able to showcase our talents and use the theatre," he said.
Film producer, America Ngwepe said the theatre was long overdue.
"Our artists used to go to other provinces to access theatre, but soon that will be a thing of the past. Artists will have a place to showcase their talents in their province. We just hope that it'll be completed in time and doesn't become a white elephant," America said.
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Limpopo Artist Movement chairman, Mphoza Mashabela said they were happy as they have been pushing for the project since 2014.
"The day we've been waiting for has finally arrived. It's like a dream come true. This is victory for me and the movement because artists will benefit," Mphoza said.
"We remain hopeful that finally, Limpopo, like the other eight provinces in the country, will also have its theatre for our artists to showcase their artistic flair. Still, we rise," said Matome Rapetsoa of the Mahuma Institute for the Arts.
Limpopo Premier, Stan Mathabatha led the sod-turning of the provincial theatre on Thursday, 22 February.
Mathabatha said for too long, the creative and cultural industry didn't have a dedicated facility that houses and nurtures artists in all genres.
"The vibrant and diverse talents of our artists spanning across theatre, film, video, craft, poetry, comedy, opera, choral music, and more, have long been calleing for a dedicated and contemporary space to showcase their electrifying performances," Mathabatha said.
Sport, Arts and Culture MEC Nakedi Kekana said they would like to see the project going beyond a cultural hub and advancing Limpopo's cultural and economic stature.
The theatre will be handed over to artists by 31 March 2026.
