Mixed reaction over Victory Theatre’s underworld interest
JOUBURG - There are mixed feelings about The Victory Theatre in Houghton which is due to go on auction later this month – and particularly the interest shown in the building by the sex industry.
The theatre, which was built in the early 19th century, was originally known as Grove Kinema. It was later renamed The Victory Theatre in honour of the Allied victory in World War II.
A leading bank has liquidated the theatre and it will go under the hammer later this month. Resident Arnold Levy described the theatre as an asset to the city.
“It was redeveloped and is a treasured theatre, the oldest of its kind in Johannesburg,” he said.
Levy added that it was a disgrace that a “huge financial institution tramples on our national monuments and cultural heritage”.
It has emerged that interest to secure the theatre has come predominantly from the sex industry. “It would be a disaster if this theatre now falls into the hands of the underworld,” said Levy.
Owner of the building, Joe Theron, confirmed the suspicions. “No one has shown interest in the building but the sex industry,” he told North Eastern Tribune. This brings the possibility of a strip club or brothel replacing the theatre.
Theron said they had tried to put up a fight to keep the theatre open. “The saddest part is that the oldest theatre in Johannesburg is closing down,” he said.
However local ward councillor Macelle Ravid said there was no need for community members to panic about the possibility of a strip club or brothel taking over the theatre. “Strip clubs are not against the law in this country, as long as they don’t perform any illegal activities I don’t see a problem. Of course if they break the law, then there is reason for concern,” she said.
Orange Grove residents’ association chairperson Roger Chadwick echoed the sentiments of Ravid, “We’ve had people complain about a sex shop in the area but we have prostitutes already operating who don’t necessarily stand on the streets,” he said. Chadwick said residents should be more concerned about the growing number of illegal liquor outlets in the area.
This is the third time the theatre has gone on auction, and Ravid and Chadwick said residents should wait and see who buys the building before making judgment. “It didn’t sell the last time, so let’s wait and see what happens this time,” said Chadwick.
