Theatre guru loses battle with cancer
THE Durban theatre community is in mourning over the loss of “old-school theatrical all-rounder” Themi Venturas.
Publicist Illa Thompson – in a heartfelt tribute to the 59-year-old theatre personality – said he had lost his battle with pancreatic cancer this week, leaving his wife Trish, and sons Matthew and Alexander.
Thompson said Venturas had been diagnosed in May and had chosen international experimental treatment in a bid to curtail the illness.
A fundraiser co-ordinated by his theatre friends including John Vlismas, Aaron McIlroy and Jackie Cunniffe, was held at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre in June to raise funds to pay for this.
“First and foremost Themi was a family man – a doting husband and a proud and attentive father, he put his family first and arranged his work schedule around his family routine,” said Thompson.
Born in Mutare, Zimbabwe, Venturas’s work ethic, broad range of skills, and ability to multi-task, she said, would not have been out of place in his beloved Shakespeare’s time.
“His approach to theatre was much like the ring-master in a old travelling circus: he would be the one to personally help pitch the tent; stick up the posters; tame the lion; train the acrobats; hang the lights; placate the clown; make the popcorn; sell the tickets; ensure all the performers were in costume and on cue; and still be the one to walk into his spotlight in the saw-dust ring with top hat, red tails, and faux moustache.”
Venturas, she said, had worked in the industry for 30 years in many capacities: as an award-winning director, writer, performer, musician, producer and theatre manager of multiple venues and theatre companies.
“He directed, and in many cases produced, more than 500 productions ranging from revues, musical theatre, comedy, Shakespeare, opera, to new South African works, ceremonies and corporate events.”
Some of his career milestones include the opening of the Durban ICC, The Africa Peace Awards and the Durban Millennium celebrations.
He also initiated the Young Performers Project – now in its 16th year. Venturas produced the Durban Tattoo and ran the Durban International Blues Festival every year.
He was also president of the Alliance Francai e de Durban. – Mercury Reporter
The full obituary can be found on The Mercury’s website in the Goodlife section.