We are a family of five who once had a dream—a dream so bold it almost felt impossible. When we first laid eyes on the dormant Van Riebeeck Theatre, something stirred in us. The old building, silent for many years, still held echoes of its vibrant past. With countless prayers and what can only be described as a string of miracles, that dream slowly became our reality.

Inside, the theatre's original retro red 535 amphitheater-style seats were beautifully preserved, a treasure waiting to be rediscovered. Behind the vast stage, we uncovered forgotten rooms, untouched for decades. With vision, hard work, and the support of family, we transformed them into luxury guest suites. The original dressing rooms became charming, en-suite guest rooms. We renovated four and added ten more.

At first, we lived in the upstairs projector room with its storerooms while tackling plumbing, restoring neglected systems, and installing a small kitchen. It was a season of sacrifice—but also an unforgettable adventure.

All of the interior design was done in-house, with a clear vision and the practical creativity of my mother, Corlia de Wet—whose hands and heart shaped every detail alongside mine.

We completed construction in 2019, but just as our dream was finding its rhythm, the world changed. COVID arrived, and for five more years, we fought to keep the lights on. Ultimately, financial pressures led us to pass the baton to new hands.

Today, we look back not with regret, but with deep gratitude. The story of TeaterHuis is featured in the April 2025 edition of Michelangelo Magazine , a testament to the passion, perseverance, and purpose that filled every corner of this special place.

Though we are no longer the custodians, we trust the new chapter will honour what came before—and that the legacy of TeaterHuis will continue to inspire.