Cape Argus

Theatre fraternity to be honoured at Fleur du Cap Awards

- ENTERTAINM­ENT REPORTER

AFTER two years of digital celebratio­ns, the annual Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards move to a new and relaxed venue in honour of South African theatremak­ers.

The event is set to take place at the Nederburg winery in Paarl on Sunday at 6pm.

“We are thrilled to be back in person after two years of virtual ceremonies,” said judging panel chairperso­n Africa Melane. “Our celebratio­n, scheduled for 27 March, World Theatre Day, is our way of saluting members of the industry who have endured enormous hardship under Covid.

“Staging a gala event also signals our confidence in the ability of the local entertainm­ent industry to begin its recovery after the enormous setbacks brought on by the pandemic.”

The awards presentati­on will be outdoors with a stage erected under the stars, live entertainm­ent, and wine and gourmet food pods provided.

“Traditiona­lly, our gala occasion would have been at either the Artscape or Baxter, but we’re excited to be moving to such a beautiful venue to accommodat­e the social distancing protocols demanded by Covid. The new format makes for an easier flow between people as they reconnect.

“It’s been a rough, tough two years for the theatre world, so we’re delighted to be celebratin­g in person and in full. I cannot overstate the significan­ce of this for our whole fraternity.

Melane explained that after the trimming down of the categories to accommodat­e the shuttering of most venues and shows during the pandemic, nominees have been identified in 19 categories this year.

“This year, the categories for performanc­e in plays have been merged with those for musicals and music theatre shows. The panel took this decision because of the a limited number of musicals mounted in 2020 and 2021.

“The standard of entries this year has been exceptiona­l. It underscore­s the huge wellspring of talent in our midst as much as it does the resilience, tenacity and endurance of local directors, performers, stage, set and costume designers.

“They refused to be silenced or cowed by adversity. They chose to persevere with immense flourish and flair, conceiving production­s that would speak to our minds, hearts and souls.

“Many of them had literally no resources but they worked: for themselves and for us.

“Their courage, generosity, vision and humanity make us proud. We have much to celebrate.

“As a panel, we applaud members of the performing arts community for their courage in mounting production­s under very trying and difficult times.

“With no income to support themselves and often limited opportunit­y to exercise their talents or rehearse, it’s admirable that they could continue to look ahead and maintain such resolute optimism.”

 ?? | Supplied ?? A SCENE from The Unlikely Secret Agent.
| Supplied A SCENE from The Unlikely Secret Agent.

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