The Labia

Loving The Labia - it's not what you think

Source: capetownmagazine.com

Okay, let me start by explaining the title of this post because when I mention to non-Capetonians that I spent the morning at The Labia, I am typically met with looks of confusion or requests to repeat myself. The Labia is an independent movie theatre located on Orange Street in the heart of Cape Town. According to the theatre's website:

"The Labia Theatre, originally an Italian Embassy ballroom, was opened by Princess Labia in May 1949 as a theatre for the staging of live performances. For the past 4 decades it has been operating as a cinema on the alternative circuit appealing mainly to the more discerning viewer who enjoys its quality product and the charm of its old-world ambience."

Here are some reasons The Labia is one of my favourite spots in Cape Town, and the only cinema that I frequent.

Firstly, the tickets are affordable at R45 - or R40 if you present an Exclusive Books Fanatics card. So, unlike many cinemas in Cape Town, you need not sell an organ to afford a ticket and the ridiculously overpriced snacks and drinks that are inevitably sold at these cinemas. What is it about the smell of freshly-made popcorn that makes us fork out the money despite our better judgement?

Speaking of drinks and snacks, The Labia has a full bar available and moviegoers can even enjoy their alcoholic beverages while watching their movie. Refreshing slushies are on offer with the option of adding vodka - what could be better on a hot summer's day than a vodka slushie and a movie? There are also a variety of snacks available, one of my favourites being the variety pack of sweet treats that includes date squares, fudge and an assortment of chocolate treats.

Another reason that I support the cinema is because they screen foreign or art films and documentaries that typically do not make it onto the mainstream circuit. This year I was able to attend the premiere screening of Strike a Pose, the documentary about the lives and struggles of Madonna's back-up dancers from her Blond Ambition Tour. I was fortunate to meet one of the stars of the film, Carlton Wilborn, who participated in a Q & A after the film. As I shook his hand I thought, this hand has touched Madonna, making the experience that more thrilling.

One of the best reasons to visit The Labia is the fact that the audiences are always well-behaved - there are no obnoxious teenagers texting away on their phones, or commenting out loud on everything happening on screen, or displaying a complete lack of consideration for anyone else in the cinema. I recently watched The BFG and when I walked into the cine I was concerned by the number of children that were there, thankfully with parents. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how well-behaved the children were throughout the film. It was great (and reassuring) to see parents doing their jobs and shaping the movie-going audiences of the future in terms of appropriate behaviour.

Depending on the day and time, the theatres can be pretty empty which means you generally always have your choice of seat. In fact, there have been times when I was the only person watching a film, like my own private screening.

The buildings recently got a much-needed makeover. It is amazing what a new coat of paint and some bunting can do to an old building. The outside area has also been neatened up, creating an inviting space where patrons can meet before their film starts. On a warm Sunday afternoon a few weeks ago there was complimentary ginger kombucha available outside (very hipster!). The old-school ticket booth and concession stand also add to the place's charm, as do the pigeons that sometimes sneak inside to grab some stray bits of popcorn that have ended up on the floor. Even the tickets themselves have a retro feel, in that they take the form of a strip of tickets that are torn off computer printed tickets.

The Labia is a Cape Town institution, one that you have to experience, whether you are a local or simply a visitor to the Mother City.

Source: thesouthafrican.com