THE PEOPLES THEATRE AT JOBURG THEATRE

Peoples Theatre is celebrating over 35 years of providing world class quality, fun-filled and educational theatre to countless families throughout South Africa.Situated in the Joburg Theatre Complex, this purposely created Children's Theatre is South Africa's flagship theatre for young people, staging over 4 productions per year. Children are inspired, enchanted and challenged by the power of theatre, where a story book comes to life on stage through elaborate sets, costumes, good sound and lighting and professional actors. Peoples Theatre believes that all theatre, whether it be for adults or children, has to enjoy the same high levels of production.

SCHOOLS AND PEOPLES THEATRE

Our research has shown that 80% of children who attend our shows on a school outing would never normally be exposed to the theatre. Our relationship with schools is therefore of supreme importance as theatre is an education in itself and our discounted prices make this opportunity accessible to all.
We reach children from all areas, from the affluent private schools to township and farm schools. Our range of productions caters for children from preschool to adults. Peoples Theatre provides an environment where children from diverse backgrounds can come together to discover the enjoyment of communication through drama and self expression.

Our Director

JILL GIRARD

Jill only ever wanted to work in the theatre. As a child, she studied with the legendary Rita Maas and started her professional career as a child actor in a production of Daddy Long Legs with Diane Todd and Bob Courtney. She completed her degree in Drama before going on to Drama School in London.

She performed in several plays in the UK, with highlights including the British Premiers of both Thornton Wilder and Tennessee Williams works, as well as the annual Shaw Festival at Ayot St. Lawrence, the home of Bernard Shaw and Kensington Arts Festivals. Jill has been privileged to have worked with some of the finest theatrical talents in the world, including Robert Henderson, Henzie Raeburn, Miranda Marshal, Peter Lindsay, George Margo and Edourd Greer.

Returning to Cape Town, Jill worked at the Space Theatre, Nico Malan and then met the acclaimed British actor Henry Goodman, who introduced her to the wonderful world of Children's Theatre when he cast her in productions of King Arthur and Beatrix Potter.

She has directed for both television and theatre but has always preferred live theatre, and together with Keith, they direct at least 4 productions per year. Jill was a finalist in 1988 in the Arts and Culture category of Woman of the Year. Production highlights include The Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan, Winnie the Pooh, the centenary production of Peter Rabbit, Cinderella, The Magic of Walt Disney, Gingerbread Man, Babe & Shrek.