Event information
The Opera House Nelson Mandela Bay (previously known as the PE Opera House) is recognised as the longest running theatre in Africa.
Situated in the heart of Port Elizabeth, it holds claim as the place that honed the talents of theatre legends including John Kani, Athol Fugard and the late Nomsa Nkonyeni and Elizabeth Connell.
The theatre was built in 1892, two years before the first railway line. It is said to be built on the site of the gallows where public hangings took place, and stories of ghost sightings are closely associated with the venue. Due to this history, the Opera House also accommodates ghost tours on request.
The theatre has two main buildings: the Main Stage which stages musicals, ballet and opera, and the cabaret style Barn Theatre suitable for smaller presentations of dance, drama and regular jazz shows. It is also home to annual showcases of the Shukuma Provincial Dance Festival and the Iphulo Drama Festival.
