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Stately arts house
The Pretoria State Theatre
Ballet at the State
Did you know?
Designed by architects Hans and Roelf Botha, the State Theatre in Pretoria was once the largest reception venue of performing arts in the southern hemisphere.
Surrounded by high-rises and the capital’s hustle and bustle, South Africa’s State Theatre in Pretoria is not just devoted to the promotion of the performing arts, but is itself a major drawcard for tourists, thanks to its architectural splendour.
Occupying an entire block in the city centre, the State, as it’s commonly known, consists of 5 theatres, a large public square embracing pedestrian patronage, restaurants and a coffee shop.
More importantly, since staging its first show in 1981, the State Theatre in Pretoria has featured a wide range of productions including opera, ballet, musicals, drama, cabaret and children’s theatre.
In 2006, the South African State Theatre affirmed its position as the premier venue for large-scale productions when its production of Swan Lake by the St Petersburg Ballet Theatre drew packed houses. As one of the principal receiving houses for ballet performances on the sub-continent, opening night of Swan Lake at the State played out like a who’s who of people from powerful sectors of sub-Saharan society.
But it’s not the only headline-making show that the State Theatre has catered for. Many curtains have been lifted here on world-class productions including Cats, Phantom of the Opera, The Sound of Music, and South Africa’s own Sarafina!, a musical tour de force by impresario Mbongeni Ngema.
Situated in a city known for its spacious performing arts venues, the State Theatre is unrivalled not only by any other dance theatre in Pretoria or any other city in Africa, but can hold its own against the best that the biggest has to offer, including the Sydney Opera House. Its many spacious theatres, nooks, crannies and maze of connecting corridors offer audiences much more than a night of performing art. A dramatic edifice in itself, going to the State Theatre in Pretoria is an experience that stays with people long after the show’s curtain has come down.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
The South African State Theatre is situated in the heart of Pretoria's CBD, in the block formed by Church, Prinsloo, van der Walt and Pretorius Streets.
320 Pretorius Street.
Computicket
Tel: +27 (0) 11 340 8000
How to get here
From Jo'burg travel along the N1/Ben Schoeman Highway towards Pretoria. Be careful not to take the Pietersburg, Pretoria East slip stream when you reach the outskirts of Pretoria. The N1/Ben Schoeman Highway automatically becomes Potgieter Street when you reach the City. Turn right into Schoeman Street from Potgieter Street. Follow Schoeman St until you reach Nelson Mandela Drive, turn left into Nelson Mandela Drive. At the first traffic light, turn left into Pretorius Street. Continue across Du Toit Street, and then Prinsloo Street ensuring that you are on the right hand side. Once have you crossed Prinsloo Street you will see The State Theatre building on your right hand side. Continue until you see the entrance to the parking on your right hand side.
Around the area
Pretoria is awash with museums, live music venues, restaurants, and even a worldclass zoo. Take your pick.
Get around
Take a cab, try Rose Taxi's in Johannesburg, or ask your hotel or B&B to arrange transport for you.
What will it cost
Check the price with the ticketing agent.
Length of stay
An evening should do it.
What to pack
A shawl, or a jumper to cover your shoulders.
Where to stay
Hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs are plentiful in the major centres.
What to eat
Restaurants and eateries are never more than a stone's throw away.
What's happening
Check with national ticket tout, Computicket. Or check your local newspaper for listings.