Playwright, producer and artistic director at the State Theatre Aubrey Sekhabi reveals his favourite hangouts in his home city.
I live here because…
I was born in one of the city’s townships called Mabopane, but I grew up in another one called Soshanguve. Tshwane has so much history, but I see it as a city that offers its citizens and visitors everything they need.
My jazz fix
It’s that time of year when the weather prompts us to enjoy the great outdoors – Moretele Park hosts some memorable jazz outings.
Favourite market
One of my favourites is Market @ The Sheds at 012 Central. It showcases up-and-coming designers, artists, performers and the crafts and happens on the last Saturday of every month. There are also talks and discussions around the arts industry hosted here.
Township hangout
Thanks to its great DJs, Jack Budha in Mamelodi always has a lively vibe. For something similar in Soshanguve, you won’t find better than Van Tuka Lounge – it’s a lounge-cum-bar that caters for a slightly more mature crowd.
Brush up on your history
To learn more about Tshwane’s rich history, start at the Ditsong National Museum of Natural History in central Tshwane. Here you’ll be schooled on archaeology and other historic artefacts. Then, the Pretoria Art Museum is one of the most critical institutions for art lovers.
And, of course, for some theatrical entertainment
The Brooklyn Theatre puts on some amazing productions, as well as the recently launched Sun Arena complex at Time Square. At the supreme State Theatre, we put on shows that are thought provoking and relevant to all South Africans. We play a pivotal role in the local arts scene while also telling stories that the world will digest. This month, we’re hosting the opera Faust and a kids’ show called Honey Bees.
IMAGE CREDITS: Gallo Images/Getty Images; Sanmari Marais
