As the countdown to the prestigious 60th Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards begins, the excitement in the industry is building up.
Scheduled to take place at the iconic Cape Town Stadium on Sunday, March 23, the ceremony promises to highlight the exceptional talent that has graced theatre stages in Cape Town, with nominees spanning 23 competitive categories that honour the best in performance, sound, directing and design among other categories.
This year, the judging panel, led by Africa Melane, the chairperson and well-known radio personality, has unveiled the recipients of the three special awards: Lifetime Achievement Award, Encore Award and Innovation in Theatre Award.
"South Africa is endowed with an abundance of talent and what a pleasure it is to celebrate and honour these outstanding individuals and entities who have enriched Cape Town and South Africa with their exceptional gifts," Melane stated.
The awards spotlight luminaries in the theatre community whose contributions transcend performances and inspire future generations of artists and audiences alike.
The prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award will go to Professor Temple Hauptfleisch, a stalwart in the South African theatre scene.
His remarkable dedication to researching and documenting theatre has created a wealth of knowledge, particularly through the establishment of the online Encyclopaedia of South African Theatre, Film, Media and Performance (ESAT)
Hauptfleisch's contributions to the documentation and archiving of theatre performances have left an indelible mark on the industry.
Throughout his illustrious career, he has led the National Documentation Centre for the Performance Arts, laid the groundwork for the Centre for South African Theatre Research and co-founded the South African Theatre Journal, which has shaped many aspects of theatre study in South Africa.
Melane said: "His legacy will echo for decades to come and manifest in the creative endeavours of future theatre makers, researchers and academics. The panel salutes this giant for his work in charting the South African theatre and performance landscape."
David Isaacs and Oscar Petersen will receive the Encore Award for their incredible 25-year journey as a creative duo. They will be celebrated for their beloved characters Boeta Gamat and Boeta Joe from the iconic "Joe Barber" production.
Debuting at Cape Town’s Skokiaan Theatre in 1999, these characters have become synonymous with the spirit of the Cape Flats community.
"The panel recognises ‘Joe Barber’ for 25 years of mending spirits and uniting communities through laughter. Isaacs and Petersen have created a theatrical experience that has become a cultural phenomenon with performances that delight generations and have become part of the fabric of Cape Town.
"They continue to break records as the longest-running theatrical comedy in the city," said Melane.
Lastly, the Innovation in Theatre Award will be presented to SoapBoxing, a dynamic platform dedicated to nurturing theatre talent.
This organisation has distinguished itself by providing a creative space where writers can explore new ideas, actors can finesse their performances and directors can emerge with newfound confidence, all amidst the support of an enthusiastic audience.
SoapBoxing's commitment to promoting diverse voices and artistic expressions has not only captivated seasoned theatre lovers but also attracted new audiences eager to experience the vibrancy of live performance.
As a result, the organisation continues to be a beacon of creativity that enhances the cultural fabric of South Africa.
"The Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards have once again allowed us the opportunity to celebrate those who work to archive the past, celebrate the present and nurture the talent of the future," Melane noted.