Experience a unique blend of culture and cuisine at The Blik, the newly opened theatre where you can enjoy top-notch performances and shop for fresh produce all under one roof.
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According to IOL, the stylish and lively 300-seater theatre is in the bustling Cape Town Market and Epping Paradise Traders Market at 110 Gunners Circle in Epping.
The venue’s launch coincided with the opening night of David Kramer’s Ver In Die Wêreld Kittie production, making for an unforgettable debut.
Igor Boonzaaier co-owns the venue with Warren Jacobs, and they also serve as directors of the Epping Paradise Hawkers Market (EPHM).
‘Cape Town Market (CTM) leases 30 hectares of land from the City of Cape Town (CCT). The EPHM and The Blik were constructed on a portion of this land, in partnership with the CCT and the Epping Paradise Hawkers (EPH), each partner making a contribution of some kind,’ explained Boonzaaier.
‘This land is managed by a company jointly owned by CTM and EPH, and is subsidised by CTM until able to trade profitably. In essence, while it is managed by us, it is a City asset.’
The venue’s unique structure and prime location are key attractions.
Upon arrival, visitors are welcomed by a vibrant fresh fruit and vegetable market, evoking a ‘Bo-Kaap’ ambiance.
As you continue, the journey transforms with the theatre’s more European-inspired architecture, featuring distinct tin textures on the exterior.
CTM operates from 4:30 am to 10pm on weekdays, leaving the trading floor unused at other times.
‘When we built the Traders Market we had the idea to create an environment which would be conducive for the establishment of a morning market, such as in a city like Barcelona, where people can come together over weekends to do their shopping, but also find entertainment. So it made sense to build The Blik adjacent to the Traders Market,’ said Boonzaaier.
The owners see the theatre’s location as a way to provide access to people from the Cape Flats.
Boonzaaier envisions families visiting the Traders Market on weekends to enjoy a show, have a coffee, biryani, and koeksisters, and shop for produce.
The owners aims to produce shows that reflect Cape culture, resonating with the local community.
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Picture: Blik