The Masque Theatre in Muizenberg is appealing for public assistance to rebuild one of the exterior walls of the historic building that has become vulnerable to leaks over the past few months.
The theatre is a registered non-profit organisation (NPO) that was established in 1959 by local attorney Bertie Stern.
It is a rehearsal space for amateur enthusiasts and seasoned professionals to practise their craft and sharpen their acting chops.
It was once one of the few theatres in Cape Town that were open to people of all races since its birth, said theatre spokesperson Christine Kaye.
Speaking to People’s Post, she recalled the theatre’s humble beginnings, achievements and current challenges.
The Masque Theatre is in dire straits and needs public help to remain afloat. Photos: supplied Credit: Photos: supplied 
A section of the bathroom ceiling where the leakages occur at the Masque Theatre in Muizenberg 
A cracked ceiling at the Masque Theatre in Muizenberg. 
Stage technician, Mika Meyer (22) from Sun Valley 
The Masque Theatre spokesperson Christine Kaye. 
Plumstead resident and volunteer actress, Roxanne Weir (26).
“We were originally a car garage, which later became a bowling alley, and by the way back in the 1950s. The building had become quite dilapidated until a local lawyer, Stern, bought it and, with his wife, converted it into the theatre we see today.
“Their grandson, Richard, is the only family member who still sits on the board of trustees.”
Much reconstructing and revampinging had to be done in 1999 after a fire destroyed much of the theatre.
Kaye mentioned that the backstage basement walls were the only original parts of the building that remained after the fire.
“We do have plumbing issues and we rely heavily on funding because we are a registered NPO, which is a condition for being an income-receiving a venue with ticket sales for our own productions.”
Kaye said the Masque Theatre trust was also looking at having the theatre declared a heritage site since the building itself long pre-dates the theatre.
“We’ve also got approval from council to install a mural on the front wall of the theatre, which has to be fixed beforehand,” Kaye said.
The theatre’s running also relies heavily on venue hire and at times a stipend from the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport.
“If we are lucky, we get funding for specific project through the City of Cape Town and DCAS,” she said.
The main issues plaguing the building are cracked ceilings and roof leakages in the bathroom.
“We are struggling to keep up with our running costs because the funding we receive doesn’t cover capital expenses such as maintenance,” she said, adding. “The backstage bathrooms have severe plumbing and damp issues and our stage needs to be resprung.”
She said the core team at the Masque needed help raising the funds to repair the wall, which will cost up to R120 000.
There are currently 16 volunteers that consist of production staff and actors at the theatre.
Stage technician Mika Meyer (22) from Sun Valley said her love for theatre began at school, performing and being involved in productions.
She specialises in doing the lighting for the Masque’s productions.
“I’ve always been involved in theatre in one way or another. At high school I spent much of my time volunteering as a lighting and sound technician for various productions and I carried that into my adult life. Theatre is a space where the creative and technical mind collaborate to inspire people, and that’s always been such a wonderful thing to witness and be part of.
“I joined The Masque for a staging of Hamlet and I saw the great passion people here had; it was a great reminder of why theatrical spaces are so inspiring.”
She said she enjoyed the challenge of managing the logistics of a new production and creating new lights quite challenging.
“Since new shows are always coming in and going out, we tend to prepare for something on any given day,” said Kaye.
When they have improv shows they require lights to be designed, and sound equipment set up.
They then break down the stage and reset and it for upcoming productions.
Plumstead resident and volunteer actress Roxanne Weir (26) calls the theatre her second home.
“Apart from being an actress I also love writing fantasy stories. I was about 14 when I officially started to ‘live theatre’.
“My drama teacher at the time was my inspiration, showing me how to inhabit every role I played.
“The skills I’ve learnt include singing, learning costume changes and general backstage crew work. I’m currently preparing for fairy-tale plays that we’re also staging. The challenges usually are navigating and timing of backstage crew, but it comes quickly the more one does it.
“When I first started here three years ago we were seven members. All our members are freelance staff and our core team changes with every production.”
. For more information contact Kaye on 072 464 2500 or email operations@themasque.co.za.
