24/04/2022
It is with great sadness that we announce the closure of Gallery44 & Theatre located on the first floor of 44 Long Street in Cape Town. Restrictions relating to COVID-19, the space itself, and the wider issues our country faces have had a significant impact on the theatre's ability to reach our full potential, and despite incredible efforts from our phenomenal team, our loyal supporters, sponsors and donors, the reality is that we were simply unable to overcome these, as with many other creatives and businesses within the Entertainment Sector.
The COVID-19 limitations and impact on audience numbers have been exacerbated by the restrictions placed on us by the owners of the building in terms of successfully using the space. No daytime rehearsals were possible, meaning rehearsals had to take place when we should have been hosting other events. And in an issue that pre-dates our occupation, the owners of the building have consistently refused to sound-proof the theatre space. It is impossible to keep a mood in a theatre space when rock music bleeds in from downstairs and surrounding street venues.
Producers and creatives sometimes decided to refund their audiences because of the disruptions. In addition, other building occupants would ask us to quiet our events even after hours.
We were creative and innovative about trying to generate alternative income streams to cross-subsidise the creative work in the space – for example a church wanted to use the venue on Sunday mornings – the perfect period as it could not disturb our neighbours in any way, but we were refused permission by the owners of the building.
We realise the knock-on impact this has had not only for us, but also for all the outstanding invoices we have yet to pay to people. We have not stopped thinking about how to honour these debts and will not stop trying to make a plan.
From the bottom of our hearts, we would love to say thank you to everyone who helped us create some beautiful memories, support local artists, create new connections with like-minded individuals and enjoy the fun and frivolity that the space created for so many of us.
To our artists and creatives who we worked so closely with to revitalise a struggling economy, we wish you much strength and success in your future endeavours as your careers and talents continue to evolve.
Who knows what the future may hold for all of us. We may find a new space for Gallery44 filled with the incredible people that made it home. As Jodi Picoult once said - "Home is not a place, but rather the people you love."
Warm Regards,
The Gallery44 & Theatre Family.
