Named after the late talented actress, director, teacher of speech and drama and founder of the Johannesburg Repertory Players (JRP) Muriel Alexander, The Alexander Theatre first opened its doors in 1951.
The idea for the Theatre was born in 1929 by the JRP who dreamed of who dreamed of having their own space to unleash and share their creative energies. It took 22 years however before this dream could be realized as R100,000.00 (an excessive amount in those days) was required to build the Theatre. These 22 years were spent raising funds through life memberships, donations and bonds and as a result R35, 000.00 was raised through life memberships and donations from the public; R20,000.00 came from the Johannesburg Municipality; R10, 000.00 from the Department of Education, Arts and Science; and the balance came from a bond.
Once it opened, it played host to a myriad of productions and plays ranging from English to Afrikaans; classics to moderns from the likes of Tennessee Williams to Arthur Miller. And of course it saw a few familiar faces (Patrick Mynhardt) gracing it’s stage. In the years following it’s opening, the Theatre hosted plays, drama’s and musicals such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (which was seen for the first time in Johannesburg), West Side Story, Much Ado About Nothing, Hamlet, Cry the Beloved Country…the list goes on and on…
Unfortunately, the increasing fears about crime and grime saw less and less people commuting to the inner city – which greatly affected the attendance of shows. This proved to be the demise of the Theatre as it became increasingly difficult to operate without a regular strong audience base; and as a result had to shut down in 1997 – the last stage production was Ipi Ntombi (the story of a mine worker told in song and dance).
Thankfully, the area started to change which led to the theatre’s rebirth.
The man with the plan to inject life back into the Alex is property developer Adam Levy. It was he who bought the Alex and
headed up the renovation that has put The Alex back on the map – in a big way. The re-vamping was done in such a way so as to
preserve as much of the original design as possible. This approach unearthed a few unexpected gems; one of which is the now
signature black and white vinyl checkered floor that was literally hidden under the old carpets all these years. The classy and stylish new make-over is certainly one of the reasons for the theatre’s newfound popularity.
Since it’s reopening in July 2007 - with the Tony Award and Pulitzer Price-winning musical RENT - The Alex (as it’s affectionately known by patrons) has received such a tremendous response that patrons attending RENT requested to utilize the Theatre for their private events/functions; and in keeping with being open-minded, it was decided not to limit the kind of entertainment and arts that the Theatre frames and as such the requests were granted.
This has lead to the Theatre becoming more than just a Theatre; it is now a multi-dimensional venue; having hosted an array of events, concerts, TV shows, parties, conferences, award ceremonies and charity events such as SA’s Got Talent, The Fourth
World Summit on Arts and Culture, The Eagle Awards, Just Jinjer, Loyiso Gola Comedy Festival, Prime Circle, Mark Banks (comedian), Desmond and the Tutu’s, Josie Field, So You Think You Can Dance, Virgin Mobile launch, Johnnie Walker Anniversary celebration, The End is Nigh, Dear Reader (formerly Harris Tweed), SAMA Nominees conference, The Dirty Skirts Album Launch, the 25th Anniversary of House with Jesse Saunders (“the Pioneer of House Music”), Starfish “Spirit of the Great Heart” Charity event…the list is endless.
Such success is greatly attributed to its tasteful new facelift which conjures up feelings of nostalgia set in an urban-chic back-drop.
The front of the building has an array of glass doors that open up in to the foyer; which leads to the 536 seater auditorium.
Downstairs from the foyer is a slick, stylish and cozy basement bar. The hospitality room, VIP room and roof-top – all reached via a private staircase off the hob-nobbing area - each emanate their own ambience. The variety of different areas makes for a versatile and adaptable function venue with each room catering for a slightly different crowd.
To another 60 years of setting the benchmark in creating a place that heightens the senses and is a home of inspiration; a place where some of the energy and passion that exists deep inside most people, but that struggles to find an outlet, can find expression in a creative and inspired space.