A popular theatre in the South African city of Cape Town has announced that it has closed permanently a year after being shut because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"We are not persuaded that it will be Covid safe or financially viable to reopen as a theatre in the foreseeable future," Eric Abraham, the founder of The Fugard Theatre, said in a statement on Tuesday.

The theatre was named after South African playwright Athol Fugard, who wrote soul-searing plays with roles for all South Africans over 50 years, 

Renowned South African actor, writer and director John Kani tweeted: "Another icon has falled to Covid-19."

Sad news. Another icon has fallen to Covid19. The Fugard Theatre in Cape Town has closed its doors for ever. It was in this theatre that my new play Kunene and the King had its South African premier in 2019. The lights are out, the curtain has fallen and no more applause.

— JohnKani (@JohnKani2) March 17, 2021

Other people on Twitter expressed their disappointed:

The Fugard Theatre goes dark forever today . My heart breaks for all the people she employed & took care of . A country without art is soulless but keep quiet while one by one the theatres go dark you will see

— Bhut’ Masasa (@MsMasasa) March 17, 2021

It is with great sadness that we bid farewell to The Fugard Theatre. Just now, March 16, the beloved theatre announced its permanent closure. This comes a year after suspending productions due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.https://t.co/1xNDdXZkZn

— Cape {Town} Etc (@CapeTownEtc) March 16, 2021

The Fugard is more than just a theatre, it’s a place that created awareness,supported dialectic dialogue on difficult issues,showcased our homegrown talent,welcomed us professionally and warmly while we witnessed the full emotional spectrum of life. My call... please save her

— dawn (@dawn00495092) March 17, 2021