Port Elizabeth Opera House

As part of our next project (Theatre design) we have investigated the Port Elizabeth Opera House as a precedent.  I thought I share some interesting facts about the Opera House.

The Port Elizabeth Opera House was the first theatre built in Africa and the Southern Hemisphere in 1892 and was proclaimed a National Monument in 1980.  Although the original Victorian building was constructed in 1892, there have been numerous additions including the Main Entrance foyer that was constructed in the 1980's.  The Opera House is currently undergoing renovations and additions.

There are two theatres in the building: The main proscenium stage and an in the round cabaret venue.

The building is constructed over an old gallows where public hangings took place.  Apparently the staff have seen ghosts in the building and no-one wishes to be the last person to leave at night!  There have been two deaths and two murders in the building and ghost tours are done on request at 24h00 with torch light.