House on Fire

“House On Fire was founded by brothers Jiggs and Sholto Thorne in 2000. Both possessing a passionate love of art and music, the Thornes decided to create a space to grow and develop the arts in Swaziland. Thus began the initial conceptualisation of House on Fire.

Inspired by unique outsider creation environments, the likes of the Owl House in Neiu Bethesda and the Rock Garden in Chandigarh, India, House On Fire is embellished with symbols and icons from around the world highlighting the ideology of harmony in contrast.

The initial theatre space was designed in collaboration with architect Sarah Calburn. Since then it has evolved into a multi-functional and expanding creative space. Many talented artisans and crafters from across the Kingdom have added their magic and contributed to the continuous evolution that have become House On Fire, Malandela’s and the surrounding gardens and outside areas. Artist of note, Noah Mduli, has been a significant contributor to the soap stone sculptures inside the theatre and beyond into the gardens.

The brothers’ combined business talents have seen the venue evolve and thrive. Visionary art and programme direction combined with outstanding technical and logistical planning has been the key to House On Fire’s running success.”

Swaziland Theatre Club

“Founded in 1963 by Peter Bellenden…  a year later the clubhouse was open. 1968 was the year when the theatre was erected thus becoming the idle place to spend your leisure time and there after , in 1971 the clubhouse workshop was opened. The theatre club still remains the one and only THEATRE (not cinema) in the country and thus making it a valuable treasure to the Kingdom.”

Sources:

• http://www.house-on-fire.com/#
• Swaziland Theatre Club Facebook Page