Johannesburg Civic Theatre (Joburg Theatre)

A Centre of Performing Arts

The Johannesburg Civic Theatre, now rebranded as Joburg Theatre, is a premier performing arts complex situated atop Braamfontein Hill, Johannesburg. Since its opening in 1962, the venue has evolved into a cultural landmark and remains one of the most technically advanced theatre spaces in the Southern Hemisphere.

Joburg Theatre offers:
A world-class venue for diverse productions—from ballet and musicals to youth and experimental theatre
A cultural icon that has evolved from apartheid roots into an inclusive performing arts hub
Rich experiences via backstage tours, dining, and community arts engagement

History & Transformation

Built in 1962 to celebrate South Africa’s Union Festival; opened on 27 August 1962 with Offenbach’s Tales of Hoffmann
Originally a whites-only venue under apartheid, it gradually desegregated from the late 1970s onward
Rebranded as Joburg Theatre in 2009, and is now operated by a municipal entity (Joburg Theatre SOC Ltd), separate from the city council since 2000

Facilities

Joburg Theatre is home to four distinct performance venues

Theatre Venue Seating Capacity Purpose
Nelson Mandela Theatre ~1,069 seats Main venue for musicals, operas, ballet, global tours
Fringe Theatre ~252 seats Medium-scale dramatic and musical productions
People’s Theatre ~176 seats Children’s theatre and small-scale performances

Additional amenities include:

STAGES Restaurant for pre- and post-show dining
Private event & function rooms, a gift shop, bar, underground parking, and full accessibility features
1 hour guided backstage tours (R10–R20) booked via Justine at the theatre
Home to the Joburg Ballet, staging major performances like Giselle and The Magic Flute

Hosts international and local blockbusters: West Side Story, Chicago, The Color Purple, Lord of the Dance, Le Grand Cirque, Beatlemania

Famous for Janice Honeyman’s annual pantomimes, a festive Johannesburg tradition

In Youth & Community - Youth Development programs encourage careers in theatre, with workshops and entrepreneurship training. Space.com and People’s Theatre offer platforms for emerging artists, children’s performances, and community participation

Contact

Address: 163 Civic Boulevard (formerly Loveday Street), Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Parking: On-site underground parking open evenings and weekends; limited daytime parking
Public Transport: Rea Vaya bus routes C3, T2, F11 stop nearby
Accessibility: Wheelchair spaces and ramps available