Young E Cape artists win SATmag awards

A PAIR of young Eastern Cape artists are starting this year on a high note by being named winners in an online theatre magazine’s annual awards for last year.

Vianney Farmer, editor of the online monthly SA Theatre Magazine (SATmag), gives recognition to artists with awards in a number of categories.

Port Elizabeth illusionist Brendon Peel, 24, was named SATmag’s performer of the year and Rhodes University drama master’s student Thembela Madliki, also 24, won best emerging director award for her play Bayephi.

Peel is particularly thrilled as his competition included professional dancers and choreographers and a provocative performance artist.

“In the best performer category I was up against Ignatius Van Heerden, Gavin Krastin, and Mamela Nyamza, all of whom are fantastic and innovative performers and I genuinely did not think I would take the award because they are all so talented,” Peel said.

The award was the cherry on top for the young star, who was nominated for three different awards – two by SATmag and one by the Cape Town Fringe.

Madliki, who comes from King William’s Town, also won a Standard Bank Ovation Award for Bayephi at last year’s National Arts Festival.

“It was very humbling to get this award as I have always wanted to be a theatre director,” Madliki said.

Bayephi is about finding peace after the disappearance of a loved one.

SATmag gave Rhodes University the award of best student production for its presentation of Cult Clit, which explores black female sexuality.