Theatre pops up in Parkhurst

PARKHURST – Lovers of the dramatic arts can look forward to hours of entertainment at the Moth Hall.

The hall in 2nd Avenue has, thanks to the talents of Saul Bamberger, become the new home of the Play Station Theatre.

Opening a theatre was the dream of actor-turned-antique dealer Bamberger, who was encouraged to realise it by friend and pianist Tony Bentel.

“While I still ran my antiques shop in Richmond, I bought my piano teacher’s grand piano and placed it in the shop. Bentel said I couldn’t keep it to myself, and suggested I hold concerts in the shop,” said Bamberger.

He took Bentel’s advice to heart and held monthly concerts, which helped him build up a database of regular attendees.

“The concerts were successful, and grew to a point where local and international artists performed. After I sold my shop, the Order of St John asked me to hold concerts at their headquarters, Glenshiel, in Westcliff,” he said.

When Bamberger hosted an Italian duo who were to perform a complex composition, he decided to involve dancers in the show, and contacted the Tshwane Dance Theatre, who were based at the Parkhurst Moth Hall.

It was through the dance theatre’s Esther Nasser that Bamberger found the venue for his dream theatre.

“When the dance theatre left the hall, I took their spot, and now lease the hall from the Moths. The theatre opened in August, and my philosophy is ‘Never say no’. I’m happy to talk about potential shows, and don’t favour one genre over another,” he said.

“We’ve hosted the Radio Kalahari Orkes, Laurie Levine, David Butler, and the Jittery Citizens. On 12 October, James Cairns will appear on stage, and on 20 October, Guy Buttery will perform.”

Bamberger said he was working hard to extend his audience database, so performances were limited to twice a month.

“My audiences have been amazing thus far, and I’m excited to see where we go with this theatre,” he said.

Details: 083-414-0041; saulb@polka.co.za