The South African State Theatre

The South African State Theatre in Pretoria is the country’s largest performing arts complex and a cultural landmark. Established in 1981, the theatre has been at the heart of South Africa's performing arts scene, hosting world-class productions of drama, dance, opera, and music. It has played a significant role in promoting local talent and preserving the country's diverse cultural heritage.

With its iconic architecture and multiple performance spaces, the State Theatre is a must-visit destination for art lovers, offering an unforgettable experience of South Africa's creative spirit.

Venues are available for booking

Theatre Spaces and Facilities

Opera Theatre – The largest venue, seating over 1,300 people, perfect for grand opera, musicals, and concerts.
Drama Theatre – A 640-seater theatre that hosts plays and smaller musical performances.
Momentum Theatre – A versatile space for experimental performances and contemporary theatre.
Arena Theatre – A smaller, 300-seat theatre that allows for more intimate audience interactions.
Rendezvous Theatre – A cabaret-style venue ideal for jazz performances, poetry evenings, and smaller events.
Studio Theatre – A flexible space used for rehearsals, workshops, and community programs.

Notable Productions and Events

The State Theatre has hosted numerous iconic productions over the years, including:

Sarafina!
King Kong
The Lion and the Lamb
Woza Albert!
Various international ballets, operas, and local dramas.
The theatre also hosts annual festivals, such as the Mzansi Fela Festival, which celebrates African culture through music, dance, and theatre.

Diverse Content: SAST TV offers a wide range of high-quality content, including original theatre productions, dramatic performances, animations, podcasts, music shows, and exclusive live performances. The platform boasts an intuitive, ultra-HD interface with a responsive menu, making it easy for users to browse and discover content across various genres. SAST TV represents a significant advancement in making theatre more accessible, allowing audiences to experience the richness of South African performing arts from the comfort of their homes.

Subscribers can access SAST TV through mobile devices, computers, and smart TVs, allowing for convenient viewing anytime, anywhere.
Subscription Plans: SAST TV offers a variety of subscription plans, including options for students and families, ensuring that quality theatre content is accessible to a broad audience. Visit the official SAST TV platform at SAST TV to explore available content and subscription options.
Mobile App: Download the SAST TV app by scanning the QR code available on their official social media pages.

Community Engagement

The South African State Theatre is deeply committed to community upliftment. Through its Arts Development Program, the theatre offers workshops, training programs, and mentorship opportunities for young and aspiring artists.

The Incubator Program supports emerging performers by providing them with resources, stage time, and guidance to help grow their careers in the performing arts industry.

Nearby attractions

Located in the heart of Pretoria’s city center, the theatre is within walking distance of other notable attractions, including:

Church Square
Union Buildings
Freedom Park
National Cultural History Museum

Operating Hours

Box Office:
Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 16:30 PM
Saturday and Sunday: Open during scheduled performances.

Tickets and booking

Tickets for performances can be purchased:
Online via the theatre’s official website.
At the Box Office on-site.

Contact

Tel: 012 392 4000
Email: admin@statetheatre.co.za
Ticket sales: eugene@statetheatre.co.za
Rental / Hire: andries@statetheatre.co.za
Parking: ellen@statetheatre.co.za
Website
Facebook