12/05/2026
THE BACKSTAGE CHRONICLE PT. 1
Dear East London, KuGompo, Emonti!
A lot of hard work, sweat and tears have gone into our backstage area the last 6 weeks - and we're still not done! But hey, you know what they say - Rome wasn't built in a day.
However it may be, whatever is still coming, we have managed to get a MONUMENTAL amount of work and cleaning done! We are moeg!
- The back corner behind the stage has been cleared and a loft constructed. The loft, called 'Vaughn's Loft', is still to get another section built onto it. This will become a storage area at the top, and a brand new room underneath that can be used as a waiting area, dressing room, or chill area for cast and crew members. Time and resources however caught up to us - and this will be completed as soon as the theatre's schedule allows.
- The area underneath the stage has been completely cleared and cleaned out, and the theatre's vast collection of flats have been moved there for storage.
- We have started painting the backstage area - this is yet to be completed.
- Half of the barn (the actual backstage storage area) has been sorted and rubbish thrown out. There is still another half waiting for us.
- A set of secure stairs has been fitted on top of the ramp leading up to the stage. This ramp has been a safety hazard for quite some time due to its incline and being carpeted, and we are very grateful for the stairs! Now the actresses with their heels can descend the stage quite comfortably!
- The outside area between the theatre and the church has been cleaned up and barbed wire fixed onto the fence and gate to deter vagrants and people with no good intentions from entering the premises.
Soon-soon the backstage area at the Alexander Playhouse is going to be unrecognizable! A lot of progress has been made, and we are thankful for everybody that assisted in whichever way possible, whether by sponsorship, feeding the troops, doing the dirty work, giving their time and energy, lending a helping hand, building, painting, or even just rooting for us.
A massive shout-out to all these superheroes:
- The cleaning and construction superheroes:
Vaughn Sweeney, Struan Barnard, Claire Peters, Russell Wheller, Dorianne Kretzmann and Jo Stemmet; the drama boys from Selborne College; Sonwa Sakuba and his troops from Sonwa Sakuba Productions & Institute for the Performing Arts; Vicky Luff, Janine, Alison and Marianne Hillstead from Trident Productions; Hayden Kraemer; Mzimkhulu; Dugald Barnard; Johan Marais;
- Those who kept us fed:
Vicky Luff, Alison and Marianne Hillstead from Trident Productions; Dorianne Kretzmann; Beacon Bay Country Club, Clodine van Heerden, Lauren and Kim Mathieson and Karan du Plessis;
- Those who helped out with sponsorships:
Fixtrade Cabinetry for the massive discount on the wood; Coastal Hire for sponsoring an industrial vacuum cleaner; All Skips for donating a skip; Veronica Theron for donating paint; financial donations from anonymous supporters.
There is still a long road ahead, but the minds and hearts are ready to do the things necessary to get our beautiful theatre with heart shining up like a new penny!
Watch this space for future projects!
If you, or your business, friends or family are willing and eager to assist in any way, get in touch with us at [email protected] or Whatsapp 061 913 2013. An official letter for sponsorship is available upon request.
