Mark Kleinschmidt, Ward 60 councillor and former Baxter board member
The Baxter Theatre opened on Tuesday November 3 with a benefit gala and stunning performances by celebrated artists Gregory Maqoma and Freshly Ground’s Xolani Mahola.
All Covid-19 regulations were followed with the audience observing social distancing in the theatre, and novel Baxter face masks were sold.
Theatre-goers were encouraged to pledge R30 monthly in exchange for a cup of coffee, with the aim of soliciting 30 000 patrons. The performance, No Humor by Gregory Maqoma in collaboration with Xolisile Bongwana, set the tone for the auspicious evening, and ignited the first half, with the legendary Zolani Mahola’s, You Need To Say It.
“The One Who Sings” enthralled the animated audience after interval.
Mahola’s melancholic original songs, lamenting gender-based violence, were enjoyed by the audience.
The Baxter’s grand reopening reflects the management’s magnificent resilience and creative spirit during the coronavirus pandemic and must be applauded. Public support is imperative to sustain the Baxter.
Thank you for a stunning world-class reopening, and we look forward to many starstudded shows hosted by our beloved Baxter.
