Knysna Theatre 'to open next month'

KNYSNA NEWS - A public relations and production company specialising in the performing arts has hit culture-loving locals with the welcome news that they are opening a new theatre in Knysna next month.

The company, Copy Dog, recently relocated from Durban to Knysna and its three-man team comprising artistic director Clinton Marius, media director William Charlton-Perkins, and administrative director Riaan Timson, made the following happy announcement on social media last week:

"Situated on Main Road in Melville Centre, one of the town's most iconic heritage buildings, The Knysna Theatre aims to be a home for the performing arts in the area, to nurture and serve as a platform for emerging talent, and to be a regular stop for South Africa's favourite entertainers," they stated.

"While the venue, with its beautiful yellowwood interiors, upper and lower floors, and a charming stage once served as a theatre, the reality is that the performance space is now in need of infrastructure," their press release states.

To this end, the company said it is launching a crowdfunding campaign to appeal for donations. Anyone who would like to support the performing arts in this region, and see the theatre sustain itself until fully established, is requested to contact the team at knysnatheatre@gmail.com.

Eager to engage with theatre practitioners and performers, both amateur and professional, Copy Dog says it wants to fully involve the community. "We plan to bring comedy, drama, dance, music, and children's theatre to the area, embracing both local and visiting productions." The team will offer skills-sharing workshops pertaining to the performing arts, as well as training in arts administration, according to their statement.

Already under way, they say, is the Knysna Theatre Youth Drama Club, which aims to use theatre to nurture talent, confidence, trust, respect and expression, by using education, workshopping, crafting and performance. Interested members can WhatsApp 082 573 3704.

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Full particulars regarding Copy Dog's professional track record can be found at www.copydogonline.com.

The Copy Dog team, from left: Riaan Timson, Clinton Marius and William Charlton-Perkins. Photo: Wendy Nell