Awards honour Collison’s career

CAPE TOWN-born entertainer Alvon Collison says life is all about sharing experiences.

The veteran performer received a lifetime achievement award at the Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards at the Baxter Theatre on Sunday, honouring his more than 50 years in showbiz.

Collison first became a household name in 1974 when he was cast as Pharaoh in the 3 000-performance run of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.

Since then he has performed in front of thousands of people on various stages around the world, and has also mentored artists now performing abroad.

“I am 76, and blessed beyond measure. One person believed in me when I was a teenager, and I’ve been privileged to perform all over the world.

“Life is all about sharing with people,” Collison said.

His many career highlights include performing at Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu’s 70th birthday party and singing at Grand Central station in New York.

The Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards are among the most coveted within the South African performing arts fraternity, and have been honouring theatre excellence since 1965.

Winners are chosen after an evaluation of around 90 productions staged at some 20 venues in and around Cape Town.

The judging panel comprises local critics, journalists, writers and drama educators.

The occasion also provides a platform for emerging directors and artists, as well as backstage student designers, to showcase their talent by joining professional entertainers on stage at the ceremony.