As the first woman of colour to lead Cape Town’s largest theatre, passionate activist Marlene le Roux is no stranger to blazing a trail. She is a talented former performer with a palpable commitment to furthering the visibility and empowerment of marginalised groups. Having contracted polio at just three months old, advocating for rights for the disabled is particularly close to her heart. One of her driving ambitions is to position Cape Town as a benchmark for accessible tourism and as a city that champions inclusion, humanity and diversity, “I want to keep selling Cape Town from a disability point of view,” she says.
Her advocacy has garnered much acclaim, earning her the Fair Saturday Award as an advocate for human rights and a Commonwealth Points of Light Award, honouring her exceptional service promoting disability rights; a prestige signed by Queen Elizabeth II.
Bolstered by her array of academic qualifications including a Masters of Philosophy in Disabilities Studies from UCT and two Honorary Doctorates in Education from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and Stellenbosch University, she is now leveraging her platform at Artscape Theatre to promote inclusivity in the arts and education.
To Marlene, Cape Town is a powerful investment destination defined as much by its people as its potential. “It’s a city where people talk to each other, greet each other and truly engage. That sense of community is rare,” she says. “It’s not just about the views, it’s also about the people. They’re passionate and they take ownership, an energy that translates into opportunity,” she adds. Through her involvement in community projects, she has witnessed the city’s entrepreneurial spirit and drive. “Whether I’m in Athlone buying masala mix or taking visitors to Gugulethu, it’s the human connection that makes Cape Town such a special place to invest in,” she explains.
She believes one of Cape Town’s greatest strengths lies in its relentless pursuit of excellence. This is evident in the way she stewards Artscape Theatre and shapes the city’s creative economy. For her, the theatre is about far more than ticket sales; it’s about job creation, skills development and powering an entire ecosystem. “We’re proud to showcase a world-class theatre complex from top-tier productions to leading technicians. Attending Artscape doesn’t just offer a show, but an authentic Cape Town experience,” she says.
The venue caters for persons with disabilities through comfort rooms, loop systems and trained staff, ensuring every guest feels seen and supported. “We’ve become a hub for fashion, heritage, and inter-faith dialogue. My mission is to keep showcasing Cape Town as a city where everyone belongs. This isn’t just a destination on a brochure; it’s a lived experience,” she explains.
Get in touch with Marlene le Roux