‘Danger in the Dark’ actors nominated

DAVID Kramer’s musical Danger in the

Dark not only impressed audiences but now also the Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards’ judges.

The musical, which tackles issues that plague communities across the Cape Flats, was nominated in four categories including twice in one category – best performance by a lead actor in a musical, best performance by a lead actress in a musical, best performance by a supporting actor in a musical (twice) and most promising student.

Winners will be announced on March 22 at the Baxter Theatre Centre.

Tashreeq de Villiers, who plays Lucky, was nominated for best performance by a supporting actor in a musical. The Woodstock-born actor was nominated in the same category for his role in Aunty Merle: It’s a Girl! where he plays Glen Davids and Pastor Jansen.

“I feel blessed to be nominated because without God I am nothing.

“The most important thing for an artist is to be recognised, acknowledged and appreciated,” he said.

“It is amazing to see the amount of nominations Danger in the Dark and Aunty Merle: It’s a Girl! received. It shows the level of production we are doing at the Baxter Theatre,” he said.

Eldon van der Merwe, who plays Chicco, was nominated for best performance by a supporting actor in a musical.

“I have been acting for more than a decade and I don’t do it for the awards.

“The bigger picture is the production itself and your role in the production. However, I am grateful for the nomination,” he said.

Chad Baai, who plays Shawn, was nominated for most promising student. The Waterfront Theatre School student said: “I did not know much about the Fleur du Cap (awards) but when I started working on Danger

in the Dark people were speaking about it. They explained to me what it was about and I was like this would be nice to have on my CV,” he laughed.

“I don’t see myself doing anything else besides being on stage. The talent I see every time I get into something new keeps me motivated,” he said.

Head judge on the Fleur du Cap panel, Africa Melane said the ceremony will be a glittering affair where theatre is celebrated in the most spectacular fashion possible.

Danger in the Dark returns to the Baxter from March 9 to 28.

JESSE KRAMER THE cast of musical, from left: Elton Landrew, Eldon van der Merwe, Loukmaan Adams, Alexis Petersen, Rushney Ferguson, Edith Plaatjies, Chad Baai and Tashreeq de Villiers. | Danger in the Dark