Theatre

We've visted a number of theatre spaces and met staff at both the Port Elizabeth Opera House and The Guild Theatre in East London, both seem to be purely hosting theatres, with visiting companies bringing ballets, opera, extravagant school shows and some theatre and comedy. Neither having the resources to either produce work themselves or have any kind of education work happening. Everyone has been really positive and passionate about their work but so stifled but the lack of funding. It makes me think of our position in the UK and at Live Theatre in avery different way and how lucky we are to have the resources and number of staff and opportunities that we have. The Guild Theatre has two spaces and has 4 full time staff running the entire place, a theatre manger who has at times financially supported the theatre himself to keeep it going and has given 19 years to the place. PE Opera house has started a youth theatre on a Saturday morning and they did their first show last year but have no plans for another at present.. again.. due to lack of resources. 60 young people turn up to one group with one worker every week. Speaking to a guy who had come over to the Uk two years ago said he came back with his head so full of ideas, so inspired and excited about the possibilitiesbut had to come down to earth with a hard reality check when he returned. Dispite the recession we are very lucky.