Since the origin of the Klein Libertas Theatre in 1960 it has been established as one of Stellenbosch’s cultural pillars and this role was expanded in the nineties into a strong community-oriented role. Presently it is not only known as an established theatre which produce exceptional quality work, but also as a reliable institution for the producing of educational productions for all ages that tours throughout the province.
The theatre building of this cultural pillar and community theatre of Stellenbosch (South Africa) and surroundings was destroyed by a devastating fire during the early hours of 13 June 2015. The fire was caused by an electrical short circuit. Although the theatre currently has no building out of which it can operate, the community work and educational shows continues as usual. But unfortunately, we cannot create as much work for artists as before.
What's on
Text & Lyrics: Kálene Botha (VRMA)
Music and Sound Production: Lehan Venter (VRMA)
Voice Actors:
Wilma - Kálene Botha
Wouter - Heinrich Wentzel
Fila vink - Leatitia Solomons
Sarie swaeltjie - Carien Punt
Mamma - Marzanne Nagel
Afrikaans Children's story Podcast.
Wilma en Wouter se towerboek avonture na Niemandsland
A magical Afrikaans story for young listeners, brought to life by the Klein Libertas Theater in collaboration with Venture Recording Music Academy (VRMA).
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We would love your or your kids' feedback on the first episode so we can improve in future episodes. Please click on the button below to email us.
Tienertoneelfees
Since 2005, the theatre has presented the Klein Libertas Theatre “Tienertoneelfees” in August. This annual festival offers learners a unique performance opportunity because they do not receive such intensive feedback from professional theatre practitioners at any other festival. The aim of the festival is to improve the quality of participants’ work, to encourage and recognise them and to stimulate Afrikaans writing.
Three professional theatre practitioners judge the productions and give thorough feedback to the groups after each performance. Deserving participants receive certificates and at the end of the festival, trophies are presented to the overall winners in the various categories at the awards ceremony. The best production of the festival receives the theatre’s coveted “wisseltrofee” and also gets the opportunity to perform at the next “Suidoosterfees”. The judges at this year’s (2026) festival were Marion Holm, Leatitia Solomons and Oscar Petersen.
The 2026 winners were Hoërskool Durbanville with their production “Asemrowers”. Amelie Bruwer (“Asemrowers – Hoërskool Durbanville) was named Best Actress, and Lian Winckler (“Die Republiek van môre – Hoër Meisieskool Bloemhof) was named Best Actor. The Best Junior Production was Beaumont Primary’s “Uil”.
interactive theatre
“Oom Shakes leer skoonmaak” was commissioned by the Cape Winelands District Municipality to provide information to learners regarding hygiene, recycling, and safety when serving food. From February to the end of April 2026, a total of 65 performances will be performed at schools in the Stellenbosch, Drakenstein, Langeberg, Breede Valley, and Witzenberg areas.
Depending on the language of the learners, the performances are done in Afrikaans, English, or isiXhosa.
The actors in the 2026 production are (back, left to right): Jurgen McEwan, Dean van der Ventel, Kgahliso Matloga, Lukhona Mkunyana, Aviwe Ngabom, and (front, left) Noxolo Bodlani. Also in the photo is Carien Punt, who has been the project manager and secretary since 2005 and who took the community theatre under her wing.
