Alhambra Theatre (Cape Town)

The Alhambra Bioscope, also known as the Alhambra Theatre, was a theatre that opened on Riebeek Street, Cape Town, South Africa in 1929.

History

The Alhambra was built in 1928 for Harry Stodel's African Consolidated Theatres. It was called South Africa's best "atmospheric theatre."[1][2] It had a unique Wurlitzer theatre organ that could produce many sound effects.[3] It opened in 1929 and for years was one of Cape Town's greatest theaters.

Plays and musicals were also presented for four decades in the theatre. Among the great entertainers to perform here were Marlene Dietrich,[4] Nellie du Toit,[5] Angelo Gobbato,[6] and Phyllis Spira.[7]

The only Afrikaans language theater company to perform here, according to André Huguenet, was his company with its production of Is Jy ’n Bokryer? in the 1940s.[2] It was also sometimes used by KRUIK (the Cape Performing Arts Council).

The building closed in January 1972 and was sold in 1974.

References
  1. "The Encyclopaedia of South African Theatre, Film, Media and Performance". Retrieved 3 March 2013.
  2. "The Encyclopaedia of South African Theatre, Film, Media and Performance". 3 March 2013.
  3. "Eertydse Alhambra teater se Wurlitzer-orrel aan Nico Malan Opera geskenk". Die Burger. December 2, 1995. Retrieved 3 March 2013.
  4. "Nie Sophia nie". Beeld. October 8, 2010. Retrieved 3 March 2013.
  5. "Nellie du Toit gee klas by Truk". Beeld. January 20, 1995. Retrieved 3 March 2013.
  6. "Cape Town Opera". 3 March 2013.
  7. "Main choreographies by Marina Keet". Grut Books. Retrieved 3 March 2013.

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