A dazzling evening of fun and entertainment at Artscape to invest in the future of The Masque
A night of fun, laughter and entertainment awaits at a historic benefit evening to be held at Artscape, celebrating the legacy of The Masque Theatre while raising funds to invest in its future.
The Masque Theatre Arts Benefit will be presented at Artscape on Wednesday 19 March, starting at 18h30 with drinks, snacks and a chance to mingle with other arts aficionados ahead of the start of the performance at 19h30.
Hosted by the incomparable Siv Ngesi as MC, for one night only, a range of South Africa’s most talented artists perform on stage to honour The Masque’s 65 year legacy while raising funds to secure its future.
Enjoy performances by guests such as renowned South African Jazzart Dance Theatre; popular local musician Ted Faulkner and his band, Pinch of Celt, critically acclaimed producer, writer, poet and performer Siphokazi Jonas and the astounding talent of students from the world-class Waterfront Theatre School, who will perform a selection of dance and musical theatre.
The Masque is an iconic cornerstone of Cape Town’s cultural landscape, celebrating over six decades of fostering creativity, inclusivity and community spirit. Founded by the visionary Bertie Stern, The Masque boldly stood as a beacon of inclusivity, one of only two theatres at the time that welcomed participants of all backgrounds through its doors.
Home to many amateur theatre societies over the years, The Masque is a vibrant and resilient community-driven venue, encouraging voluntary participation in all forms of theatre by all people.
In addition to presenting high-quality amateur productions, its programmes promote skills development and artistic engagement with the community as well as being a sought-after professional venue-for-hire.
Projects hosted by The Masque include a Youth Theatre Club for 8–16-year-olds; a range of theatre workshops; a playreading series and Festival that provide the chance for writers to have their new scripts brought to life and film masterclasses.
Yvonne Finch, Show Director and Trustee says:
“We are grateful to Artscape for their partnership support of The Masque, enabling us to hold this benefit concert to raise essential funds for our future.”
“As custodians of the venue, we need to preserve and revitalise the building, as well as continue with our services to the community, cementing our place as an artistic beacon for generations to come. While The Masque has stood as a resilient cultural institution, surviving a dramatic fire and the Covid-19 pandemic, its future depends on addressing critical needs such as the maintenance of the building. Gather your friends and family to join us for a special evening of celebration and entertainment!”
Daniel Enticott, Chairperson of The Masque says:
“We need to take The Masque into the next exciting 65 years, continuing our commitment to engaging, entertaining, educating and empowering our community. As a social and creative hub, we want to be the destination of choice for community theatre, from front-of-house, behind the scenes or on stage.”
To invest in the future of The Masque, click here to donate.
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Show Information
The Masque Theatre Arts Benefit
Venue:
Artscape Theatre Centre
Date & Time:
Wednesday, 19 March 2025 at 19h30
Ticket Price:
R350 (including VAT)
Tickets include a glass of wine on arrival and snacks during the interval
Bookings:
Bookings can be made via Webtickets
Duration:
3 hours; including a 30min interval
Age Restriction:
No under 3’s
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About The Masque
More than 60 years old, The Masque is an iconic venue in the Cape Town cultural landscape. A unique and historic space, it has been home to many amateur theatre societies over the years and was established by local attorney Bertie Stern with the objective of encouraging voluntary participation in all forms of theatre by all people.
Stern had a vision to provide a platform for both amateur and professional performers regardless of their social or political situation at that time. When The Masque opened, it was one of the only theatres in Cape Town that was open to people of all ethnic backgrounds.
A registered Non-Profit Organisation, The Masque strives to make theatre accessible to all – onstage, backstage and for the audience. Run by volunteers with a focus on community, the theatre showcases all genres of performance and is as widely inclusive as possible. The Masque is wheelchair friendly, has a fully licensed bar and snacks are available before shows and during intervals.
In 1993 Bertie bequeathed The Masque into trust for the benefit and growth of community theatre. The theatre was totally destroyed by fire in 1997 and it took two years to rebuild (thanks largely to the generosity of the late Joan St Leger-Lindbergh). The Theatre is still owned by the Stern Masque Theatre Trust and is managed by a board of volunteers.
At the helm of the operation is a team with professional theatre experience. Continuing its work into the post-Covid-19 era, The Masque seeks to present high-quality amateur theatre productions, providing a service of artistic engagement with the local community, celebrating diversity and building on the Theatre’s reputation as a sought-after professional venue-for-hire.
The Masque Box Office is open from 9am to 2pm every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
Cash bar and simple snacks are available for sale at the Theatre.
