Next to the craft centre in Windhoek’s inner city lies the old Brewery complex. For the last 15 years the Warehouse Theatre has operated from within this complex. An amazing combination of an industrial feel and a rustically tainted atmosphere has stood the test of time.
The clientele could not be more versatile, be it the affluent business people attending a jazz concert, the Rastafarians commemorating Bob Marley, the youth breaking it down to Kwaito or the heavy metal fans headbanging to screaming guitars – they all have been here and relaxed in one of Windhoek’s oldest hangout spots.
Ernst Herma is the man behind the Warehouse Theatre. Back in 1992 Herma approached the National Theatre of Namibia (NTN) in a bid to revamp what was then a far smaller stage with very limited audience seating into the Warehouse Theatre as we know it. “The Warehouse took off immediately in 1993. At that time there was less competition. It really was the only entertainment place in Windhoek.” Says Herma in an interview.
Long before ever considering the Warehouse Theatre, Herma studied to become a lawyer in Munich. During that time “I was a live music freak. I spent every moment I could listening to live bands. When I came back to Windhoek after my studies, I immediately knew, being a lawyer is not for me.” And so life took its turn and live music it was for Ernst Herma.
Over the past decade and a half many performers have entertained here and in recent years the Warehouse Theatre has become a hotspot for local music acts. “My heart is very much into music. So I promote local music.” Says Herma. Last year he introduced two regular slots into the Warehouse’s programming entitled “Afrodisiac” and “Fu’Jazz”. They alternate on Sunday evenings, Afrodisiac introduces Namibian live musicians in different constellations and Fu’Jazz showcases a Jazz group.
The Warehouse Theatre is well worth a visit.
By Tim Huebschle
