WELCOME
WELCOME
Hello and welcome!
We are thrilled to have you join us and become part of a team that is passionate about creating exceptional theatre experiences.
We are guided by our values of inclusiveness, honesty, accountability, quality and sustainability in a positive and collaborative atmosphere that is conducive to producing excellent, inspiring creative work.
Our journey with Maynardville
In 2023, after the COVID-19 Pandemic, all funding for the Maynardville Festival was withdrawn and a 67 year tradition would end. With the support of a group of very special people, VRT managed to present a successful season of A Midsummer Night’s Dream which went on to win some extraordinary accolades. This year marks the third incarnation of the post-Covid Festival.
With a global perspective and a commitment to nurturing emerging talent, VR Theatrical proudly joins hands with the Open Culture Foundation in finding ways to make the Festival sustainable and to create opportunities for personal development.
OUR VALUES
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Accountability
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Celebrating Diversity
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Collaboration
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Deadline Driven
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Honesty
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Quality
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Sustainability
OUR VISION
To grow empathy in the world through developing and presenting meaningful live theatre productions that impact on individuals, on communities and on the world.
OUR mission
To create quality and thought-provoking live theatre productions that enriches the lives of those who partake, be it onstage, behind the scenes or as an audience member.
About MAYNARDVILLE THEATRE
Captivating Audiences Since 1956
Maynardville Open Air Theatre is a cherished gem nestled within the lush surroundings of Maynardville Park in Wynberg, Cape Town. As one of the most beloved outdoor theatre venues in South Africa, the enchanting wooded park and unique 600-seater theatre setting have captivated audiences for decades. It is a world where nature and art intertwine, creating an unforgettable experience under the open sky.
OUR HERITAGE
In the 1950s, Dulcie Howes, Cecilia Sonnenberg, and Rene Ahrenson, well-known South African performers, envisioned Maynardville Park as an ideal open-air theatre for an annual Shakespeare festival. Through their tenacity and determination, they convinced the city to create a permanent stage and auditorium, laying the foundation for what would become a beloved tradition.
Maynardville’s inaugural production in 1956 of “The Taming of the Shrew” marked the beginning of a legacy. Despite initial cold feet, the arrival of renowned actor and director Leslie French brought warmth and excitement. Packed houses and a month-long run affirmed Maynardville as a premier destination for Shakespeare in the Park.
Where Sophistication Meets Inclusivity
Maynardville Open Air Festival transcends social boundaries, welcoming diverse audiences to embrace the wonders of the arts.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MAYNARDVILLE
To find out more about the history of Maynardville and Book tickets for the upcoming season, visit the Maynardville website.