Labia Theatre and Little Theatre

The Labia Theatre. Photo courtesy Joshua

For nearly 30 years, the Labia Theatre has lured discerning moviegoers to enjoy classic films in an old-world ambience. Originally an Italian embassy ballroom, the building was opened by Princess Labia in May 1949 as a live performance theatre. It’s widely recognised as the oldest independent art-repertory cinema in South Africa.

Choice of four
Labia on Orange (68 Orange Street) offers moviegoers a choice of four viewing screens, including M-Net Screen 4, which boasts Dolby stereo sound. For great movie selections at reasonable prices, look no further.

Coffee shop and parking
There’s also a coffee bar selling homemade delicacies and chocolate for those with a sweet tooth. The venue is licensed and there’s patrolled, secure parking across the road.

Labia on Kloof
The new Lifestyles Centre at 50 Kloof Street in Gardens houses Labia’s two more trendy screens.

Little Theatre
Across the road, the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Hiddingh Campus in central Cape Town is home to the Little Theatre, run in conjunction with UCT’s drama department, +27  (0)21 480 7129, +27  (0)21 480 7169, http://www.uct.ac.za/about/arts/littletheatre)

Production companies
Apart from its theatre research and teaching function for UCT, the Little Theatre is also used by production companies and community groups in theatre, film and television.

Programme
From a production perspective, the Little Theatre presents a varied programme of classical, contemporary and experimental student work during the course of each academic year.

International links
Collaborations with the South African Museum, South African National Gallery, local professional theatres, amateur dramatic societies and clubs also feature on the Little Theatre agenda. Links have been forged with international theatre companies to host overseas productions.

Facilities
Little Theatre facilities include a scenery workshop, costume wardrobe, and furniture and properties stores. The Little Theatre also serves as a theatre resource for past students and for the public.