Artscape will celebrate 55 years of theatre, music and cultural transformation with a star-studded gala concert in Cape Town on Sunday, 8 November 2026.
Taking place at 17:00, the Artscape 55 Gala Concert, themed A Place for All, will celebrate the institution’s journey from its origins as the Nico Malan Theatre to its current role as a cultural hub welcoming artists and audiences from diverse communities.
The programme will bring together established performers and emerging talent for an evening of music, dance, jazz and poetry, featuring artists including Amanda Strydom, Dizu Plaatjies, Thembi Mtshali-Jones, Mandisi Dyantyis, Emo Adams and poet Siphokazi Jonas.
Cape Jazz musicians, choirs and dance groups will also take to the stage, showcasing the diversity of South Africa’s cultural traditions and contemporary creative expression. The concert will be hosted by Sandra Prinsloo, Denise Newman and Thoko Ntshinga, with the Cape Town Philharmonic Youth Orchestra conducted by Brandon Phillips.
Artscape CEO Marlene Le Roux says the anniversary celebrates the theatre’s evolution into a home for South Africa’s diverse artistic voices, reflecting the country’s own journey towards greater inclusion.
The gala will be directed and curated by Basil Appollis and Le Roux, with musical direction by Trevino Isaacs and choreography by Nkosinathi Sangweni.
The 55th anniversary marks not only Artscape’s longevity, but also the role of the performing arts in bringing people together through shared cultural experiences.
The black-tie event will take place at Artscape Theatre Centre in Cape Town. Tickets are available through Webtickets; more information is available at artscape.co.za.
