Guild Theatre has proud history
By Tabisa Mntengwana
01 April 2009
MUSIC, drama and dance is the order of the day at the East London Guild Theatre in Selborne, as it has been for over 40 years.
The theatre was born of an idea of Dr B Bromilow-Downing; it began in a prisoner of war camp during the Second World War, where the young East London soldier past the hours writing a pantomime.
After the war he and another East Londoner, Arthur Markson, formed an association in 1953 with the idea of initiating interest in building a proper theatre. Soon the association comprised of over 1 000 members affiliated with the societies from around the city, including the Afrikaner Club, Association of Arts, Church Drama Club, Technical College Drama Club and East London Music and Variety Club.
In May 1954, the societies began raising the necessary funds to build what was then called the Civic or Little Theatre. The cash was raised through performances in churches and school halls, and “by receiving donations from various sectors”, according to a report from the theatre.
It became a tradition to perform a pantomime each year in the East London City Hall, with proceeds going to the fund. As the money came in, the Theatre Guild challenged the Department of Education, Arts and Science of the time to match its funds, rand for rand.
Until such time, the theatre would be owned and managed by the Theatre Guild.
However, the government responded that it would only supply funds if the East London Municipality provided a loan towards the cost of the theatre and the municipality owned the building.
“The government finally granted the theatre R50 000, the City a loan of R50 000 while the Theatre Guild raised R58 000,” reads the report.
Theatre opens
In October 1962, the doors of the Guild Theatre opened with a production of
School of Scandal, directed by Mary Howe, who imported costumes from London, “especially for the occasion”.
Zane Flanagan, the theatre manager, says: “This was a dream come true for the East Londoners, to have a place to be proud of and a home for amateur and professional theatre, ballet and music concerts.”
At the time, the theatre was managed by the East London Guild Theatre Association, a non-profit organisation, while the dramatic society provided staff to run it on a voluntary basis.
The theatre accommodates 486 people and was opened to all races in 1979.
Today, the Guild Theatre hosts commercial and non-profit productions. Flanagan explains that it is also rented out for various events, including conferences, music concerts and children’s theatre. “We are planning to attract other events, including comedy shows and Russian ballet.”
The non-profit productions include drama, directing and dance workshops held in townships. “The theatre has a responsibility to give back to the community and these workshops are there for that purpose.”
There is also the traditional annual pantomime during the festive season. “Amanda Bothma is our legendary pantomime queen; she’s busy preparing this year’s pantomime,” says Flanagan.
For more information on the Guild Theatre and up coming shows, contact the theatre on 043 743 0704 or email elguild@mweb.co.za.
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