With the rapid rise of Covid-19 cases in the Western Cape, The Baxter Theatre has taken the decision to suspend all performances over the festive season from 19 December 2020 to the end of January 2021.

This is part of The Baxter’s commitment, as a responsible theatre, to help fight the spread of the virus.

Productions impacted, and which would have made up the summer programme, are Living Coloured, Lottering in Lockdown and From Koesiestes to Kneidlach – With Kids!.

Yusuf Daniels’ Living Coloured, adapted by Daniel Mphilo Richards and directed by Loukmaan Adams, and Marc Lottering’s Lottering in Lockdown will end on Saturday 19 December.

“I would like nothing more than to stand on The Baxter stage and entertain my fans,” says Lottering, “but right now, it’s more important for all of us to do the right thing and keep each other alive.”

Baxter CEO Lara Foot says this was not an easy decision for the theatre to make.

“As it is, we were closed for seven months of 2020, with a massive loss of income to the theatre and to artists. However, we must do what we can to help mitigate the risk of spreading the virus.”

Foot says looking at the current pattern of increased infections in this established resurgence, the Baxter has no choice but to keep its spaces closed and the public safe.

“We hope to welcome audiences back into our spaces, where they will be able to enjoy these productions later, when it is safer to do so,” she added.

Patrons who have booked for Living Coloured and Lottering on Lockdown beyond 19 December are encouraged to change their tickets for an earlier performance before this date, which can be done directly through Webtickets by requesting a refund and rebooking for a different date. The process is easy to follow.

The Baxter Coffee Angels campaign is ongoing, where one can contribute by simply buying The Baxter a cup of coffee every month. It is simple and cost-effective. Patrons, theatre and arts lovers can donate as little as R30 a month (the price of a cup of coffee), or more (where possible), to ensure the iconic theatre’s financial sustainability during this time and into the future. For more information, people can visit www.baxter.co.za.