The 60th Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards lit up Cape Town on March 23, celebrating the best in South African theater. The star of the night was the beloved musical My Fair Lady, which took home five awards, including Best Production. Talented performers like Leah Mari and Dean Balie shone brightly, earning top honors for their remarkable roles. The evening also recognized the incredible contributions of established figures like Professor Temple Hauptfleisch and celebrated new talents, ensuring the future of theater remains bright and exciting.

What are the highlights of the 60th Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards?

The 60th Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards celebrated excellence in South African theater, highlighting productions like My Fair Lady and individual performances by artists such as Leah Mari and Dean Balie. Key awards recognized technical skills, emerging talent, and lifetime achievements within the vibrant Cape Town theater scene.

A Celebration of Excellence

On Sunday, 23 March, the 60th Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards dazzled audiences at DHL Stadium, embodying the grandeur and prestige synonymous with Cape Town’s theater scene. Often compared to the ‘Oscars’ of South African theater, this annual event recognizes the paramount achievements of professionals both on and off the stage. Since its inception in 1995, the Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards have been a cornerstone event in South Africa’s performing arts calendar, with 23 diverse categories celebrating excellence in areas such as acting, directing, scriptwriting, composing, and design.

The evening’s highlight was the production of My Fair Lady, a collaborative effort between Pieter Toerien Productions and Cape Town Opera. This adaptation of a classic musical received accolades across five categories, including the prestigious Best Production award. Leah Mari’s exceptional portrayal earned her the Best Performance by a Lead Actress in a Musical, while Graham Hopkins’ nuanced performance won him Best Supporting Actor in a Musical. Greg King’s outstanding set design and the trio of Neil Stuart Harris, Andrew Botha, and Martha Visagie’s costume design also received top honors, cementing the production’s visual and artistic excellence.

Recognizing Individual Brilliance

Cape Town’s theatre community boasts a wealth of talent, as evidenced by several standout performances. Dean Balie’s compelling portrayal in Ver In Die Wêreld Kittie secured him the Best Performance by a Lead Actor in a Musical. Equally impressive was Candice van Litsenborgh’s role in The Addams Family: The Musical, which won her the award for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical. These performances underscore the depth of talent within the community and their ability to bring complex characters to life.

The awards also honored the production Metamorphoses, which triumphed in two categories. The collective talent of the ensemble cast earned them the award for Best Performance by an Ensemble. Moreover, Franky Steyn’s exceptional lighting design received well-deserved recognition. Sylvaine Strike’s directorial expertise was celebrated as she took home the Best Director award for her work on Spring Awakening.

In the realm of straight plays, Emily Child’s portrayal of Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar Named Desire earned her the Best Performance by a Lead Actress in a Play, while Albert Pretorius captivated audiences with his role in Othello, winning the Best Performance by a Lead Actor in a Play. These awards not only highlight individual achievements but also showcase the vibrant and dynamic nature of South African theater.

Lifetime Achievements and Cultural Impact

One of the most poignant moments of the evening was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Professor Temple Hauptfleisch. A towering figure in South African theatre, Professor Hauptfleisch has devoted his illustrious career to the research and documentation of the performing arts. His creation of the online Encyclopaedia of South African Theatre, Film, Media, and Performance (ESAT) stands as a testament to his enduring commitment to the arts.

David Isaacs and Oscar Petersen were honored with the Encore Award for their work on Joe Barber, a cultural phenomenon that has entertained audiences for 25 years. Their contributions have enriched the theatrical landscape and brought joy to countless fans. Additionally, the Innovation in Theatre Award was bestowed upon SoapBoxing, acknowledging their pivotal role in nurturing new talent and fostering a creative, dynamic space for the theater community.

Emerging Talent and Technical Excellence

This year’s awards also shone a spotlight on emerging talent and innovation. Nichola Viviers from Stellenbosch University received the Most Promising Student Award, heralding a bright future for South African theater. Tiisetso Mashifane wa Noni’s recognition for Best New South African Script for Neighbourhood attests to the flourishing creativity in contemporary scriptwriting.

New talent was further acknowledged with Aidan Scott, who received the Best New Director award for The Dumb Waiter, highlighting his fresh vision and storytelling prowess. The Best Theatre Production for Children and Young Adults award went to Pampoenpit se Groen Gevoel, emphasizing the importance of nurturing young audiences and fostering a love for theater from an early age.

In the realm of technical excellence, Franky Steyn once again stood out, winning Best Lighting Design for Metamorphoses. Greg King’s contribution to My Fair Lady earned him Best Set Design, while the collaborative costume design efforts of Neil Stuart Harris, Andrew Botha, and Maritha Visagie were also celebrated.

Neo Muyanga’s original compositions for Manje! Manje (an epic) secured him the award for Best Sound Design, Original Music, Soundscape, or Live Performance. This accolade recognizes the vital role sound and music play in enhancing a theatrical production.

Celebrating Operatic and Supporting Roles

The awards also acknowledged exceptional operatic talents. Thando Zwane’s role as Acmet in Dalinda won him Best Performance in an Opera, Male, while Nontobeko Bhengu’s portrayal of Sister Angelica in Suor Angelica earned her the Best Performance in an Opera, Female award. Their performances exemplify the rich operatic tradition within South African theater.

In the category of supporting roles, Mark Elderkin’s portrayal of the Emperor in Amadeus earned him the award for Best Performance by a Supporting Actor in a Play. Rehane Abrahams’ dual roles of Mercutio and Lady Montague in Romeo and Juliet secured her the award for Best Performance by a Supporting Actress in a Play. Albert Pretorius and Emily Child further cemented their status as leading figures in the South African theater scene with roles in Othello and A Streetcar Named Desire respectively.

The 60th Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards not only highlighted the exceptional talent within South African theatre but also underscored the importance of nurturing and celebrating both emerging and established artists. The event showcased the vibrant creativity and dynamic talent that define Cape Town’s theater scene, ensuring a promising future for the performing arts. These awards serve as a testament to the enduring passion, innovation, and excellence that continue to drive South African theatre forward.

FAQ: 60th Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards

What is the Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards?

The Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards are an annual event celebrating excellence in South African theater. Often likened to the ‘Oscars’ of the local theater scene, these awards have been a cornerstone of South Africa’s performing arts since their inception in 1995.

When and where did the 60th Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards take place?

The 60th Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards took place on March 23, 2023, at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town. This prestigious event brought together the theater community to honor outstanding achievements in various categories.

Which production won the prestigious Best Production award this year?

The beloved musical My Fair Lady won the Best Production award at the 60th Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards. The production, a collaboration between Pieter Toerien Productions and Cape Town Opera, received a total of five awards during the evening.

Who were some of the standout performers recognized at the awards?

Notable performances included Leah Mari, who won Best Performance by a Lead Actress in a Musical for her role in My Fair Lady, and Dean Balie, who secured Best Performance by a Lead Actor in a Musical for his portrayal in Ver In Die Wêreld Kittie. The awards also recognized Emily Child and Albert Pretorius for their performances in A Streetcar Named Desire and Othello, respectively.

What special awards were presented during the ceremony?

The awards recognized not just individual performances but also lifetime achievements. Professor Temple Hauptfleisch received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication to documenting the performing arts, while the Encore Award went to David Isaacs and Oscar Petersen for their long-running show Joe Barber. Additionally, the Innovation in Theatre Award was presented to SoapBoxing for their efforts in nurturing new talent.

How does the Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards support emerging talent?

The awards feature categories specifically for emerging artists and innovative contributions. This year, Nichola Viviers from Stellenbosch University received the Most Promising Student Award, while Aidan Scott was recognized as Best New Director. Such recognitions highlight the importance of fostering new talent and ensuring a vibrant future for South African theater.