SANS SOUCI REVIVAL PROJECT: THE MISSION

Over 125 interviews were conducted during July 2002 on the streets of Kliptown regarding memory and thoughts of the Sans Souci cinema, which operated first as a stable, then a dancehall, and finally as the much loved Biosccope, from 1946 to 1996. The interviews were conducted by visiting researcher, Vinita Srivastava and two Kliptown Our Town fieldworkers, Portia Vankqase and Gandhi Mahlamvu. The fieldworkers were guided by youth leader David Blom, a.k.a “Bolo” [Kliptown Our Town Trustee and Chief Coordinator, Greater Kliptown Our Town Youth and Community Services (GKOTY)], and architect, Lindsay Bremner (formerly of WITS University).

We are currently seeking volunteer partners, inquiries, and funding opportunities in respect to the restoration of the Sans Souci as a cinema and community arts center.

The Sans Souci cinema, operating from 1948-1996 on Lot 44, Kliptown (Soweto, South Africa) has played an important role in education, politics and cultural development in Soweto. Since its demise, community surveys indicate, there are no public outlets for cultural expression or social or political meeting places in Kliptown.

Kliptown residents believe that this type of cultural development is severely needed and can address and educate people on issues of housing, culture and personal empowerment. As well, recent surveys indicate that residents believe that as well as boosting the local economy, rebuilding the Sans Souci will provide the magic and balm of escapist entertainment, soothing worries, calming crime and attracting new visitors to their town.

This theatre should be a multi-use space. It can be used to project both popular and educational films, live theatre, and concerts. Some residents express a desire to encourage and see locally made films and plays. As well, the Sans Souci will be used for school functions, conferences and meetings, allowing Kliptown to participate in the growing conference industry in Johannesburg and adding to total incoming revenue for the Sans Souci, following a similar model to that of the Civic Theatre, Johannesburg.

This project works in tandem with several other developments in Kliptown. It will complement the presence of Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication (formerly Freedom Square), and the addition of housing and other basic service infrastructure.

Other formal and informal business projects should be encouraged and supported.