Windybrow was built by one of the early South African mining engineers, Theodore Reunert in 1896 as a family home. It has since served many purposes including being a nurses home.
The Windybrow was declared a national monument in 1996. Its history as an arts centre spans almost 20 years, at first as a traditional theatre complex, reflective of the programming policies and cultural aesthetics of the period. In 1993 the Windybrow took bold steps to transform itself into a cultural centre consistent with the ethos of the new democratic order.
The theater offers a Spoken Word Workshop and this program invites practicing spoken word artists into a series of workshops about thinking through the writing process and staging of their work.
Ten selected spoken word artists from South Africa will, for a period of six months, be guided in writing skills, particularly those that are linked to musical and dramatic performance cultures from Africa and the Diaspora.
The theater also has a children’s theatre initiative that is designed to stimulate kids in the Hillbrow area. This programme will run throughout the year and culminate in a children’s production at the end of the year.
Recently revamped, this theatre seats 250 and is fully equipped with high quality sound and lighting. The theatre is unique in that it has a revolving stage and is now available for hire.
This small Theatre, a 60-seater, is perfect for performances that require the intimacy of a small theatre and for showcases and readings. Basic sound and lighting equipment has been installed.
