Expert recommendations of the top dance, theater, and classical music performances.
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Artscape
“The former apartheid behemoth cultural bunker now showcases anything from amateur dramatics to world class opera.”—Brent Meersman, performing arts critic, Mail & Guardian. Also see comedy revues in its Arena studio space. DF Malan Street, Foreshore; tel. +27 21 410 9800. www.artscape.co.za
Baxter Theatre
“The copper-bottomed home of traditional plays.”—Brent Meersman. Best place to see live dramatic and comedic theater performances by top local talent, including indigenous South African performances. Building is a rare example of interesting Capetonian architecture from the 1970s; seats 665. Part of the Baxter Theatre Centre at the University of Cape Town. Main Road, Rondebosch; tel. +27 21 685 7880. www.baxter.co.za
Evita Se Perron
Travel an hour north of Cape Town to Darling for an audience with the hilarious characters in actor and writer Pieter-Dirk Uys’s satirical cabaret repertoire, including South Africa’s “most famous white woman” Evita Bezuidenhout. Uys’s creations spout his witty lines and often stinging criticism of his beloved country both pre- and post-apartheid. Darling; tel. +27 22 492 2851. www.evita.co.za
Green Dolphin
This upscale joint has been dedicated to the preservation of jazz since it opened in 1990, offering dinner and three live sets a night. Performances might include Latin, jazz, swing, or even goema—a local style with uniquely African rhythms. Victoria & Alfred Arcade, Pierhead, Waterfront; tel. +27 21 421 7471. www.greendolphin.co.za
Labia
“They show something for everyone—mainstream, alternative, and documentaries. And you can have a glass of wine or cup of coffee while watching the movie.”—Lee Harris, Africa Travel Centre. Charming art-house cinema that’s one of the few places in town where you’ll have a chance of seeing locally made movies. 68 Orange Street, Gardens; tel. +27 21 424 5927. www.labia.co.za
