Windybrow Theatre

About Windybrow Theatre

Officially called the Windybrow Centre for The Arts, this theatre is one of Johannesburg's many contributors to the local performance art culture of South Africa. It was established in the 1980's and has, since then, seen both struggle and success. Its situated in the suburb of Hillbrow presented some problems, with bad elements all around and little in the way of resources to care for the facilities. However, in 2006, it re-emerged as a respected name in stage performances.

The Windybrow Theatre saw 2016 as a year of renewal; again being revamped, improved and refined to give local and visiting theatre enthusiasts the very best experience. These revamps have been overseen and sponsored by the Department of Arts and Culture. The aim was to make this theatre central to an area that is envisioned to become a hotspot for the dramatic arts of South Africa.

There are three main performance areas, ranging from the main theatre, which can accommodate hundreds of spectators, to the auditorium, for performances to an audience of 20 people or fewer. There is also a venue that can accommodate 60 audience members. There are two separate rehearsal rooms. The building was once a home, and the rooms of the house have been used effectively to create a space for a warm, inviting pub as well as for a coffee shop. Before or after performances, these are fantastic places to meet up with friends, share a hot cuppa or a cold beer, and discuss the show.

The area around the Windybrow Theatre is an important player in the overall art experience, complete with pedestrian walkways and rejuvenated buildings. Being situated in Hillbrow, this is part of an urban upliftment initiative, which will see the entire neighbourhood being given an important facelift that will benefit visitors as well as the residents of Hillbrow and Johannesburg.