Farewell to Bruce Mann

THEATRE legend Bruce Mann has died at the age of 82.

Mann, an honorary life member of Shakespeare South Africa, was instrumental in the establishment of the non-racial Mannville Open Air Theatre.

His son, Rocky, said this was one of three achievements his father was most proud of, the others being the refurbishment of the Feather Market Centre, and the building of low-cost housing. "He initiated the task and approached the city council year after year for 20 years before the [Feather Market] venue was revamped successfully.

"[He] was in his element when afforded the opportunity to work with Amakhaya in building low-cost housing more than a decade ago. He perceived this as possibly the highlight of his life, possibly because he came from a poor background and built himself up and then proceeded to help those around him.”

Mann, who died early yesterday, was the chairmanof charitable organisations including the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

He and his late wife, Helen, assisted and educated thousands through theatre, Rocky said.

Mann’s funeral will be held at St Cuthbert’s Anglican Church in Westbourne Road, Central, on Monday at 10am.