Alhambra Theatre, Performance theatre in Doornfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa
The Alhambra Theatre is located on Sivewright Street and features Romanesque Revival architecture designed by S.V. Mann in 1921, originally built as a cinema. The venue now includes multiple performance spaces such as the Leonard Rayne Theatre and the Richard Haines Theatre, which were added in later decades.
The building began as a cinema before the Johannesburg Operatic and Dramatic Society acquired it in 1977 and transformed it into a live performance venue. This change marked the start of its role as a centre for theatrical arts in the city.
The theatre has been a gathering place for audiences seeking live performances and dramatic arts for decades. You can experience how Johannesburg's creative community uses this venue to share stories and connect with visitors.
The complex contains multiple theatre spaces, so plan to spend time exploring the different rooms and checking which performances are available. The venue is walkable and clearly laid out, making it easy for visitors to navigate between the performance spaces.
The building underwent restoration in 2017 and now operates as an arts education and training centre while preserving its original architectural features. Visitors can observe how historical elements have been integrated with modern learning spaces.
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