Joe Barber (photo: provided)
The panel of judges for the 60th Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards, sponsored by Heineken Beverages, has announced the recipients of the 2025 special awards ahead of the highly anticipated ceremony at Cape Town Stadium on Sunday, 23 March.
“South Africa is endowed with an abundance of talent, and what a pleasure it is to celebrate and honour these outstanding individuals and entities who have enriched Cape Town and South Africa with their exceptional gifts,” says Africa Melane, chair of the judging panel.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Temple Hauptfleisch receives the 60th Fleur du Cap Lifetime Achievement Award (photo: provided)
This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award goes to Temple Hauptfleisch, for dedicating his illustrious career to researching and documenting the magical world of theatre in South Africa, and for establishing the online Encyclopaedia of South African Theatre, Film, Media and Performance (ESAT). His significant contribution to the sector, particularly the archiving of theatre performance, is most treasured.
Professor Hauptfleisch’s influence spans decades: he led the National Documentation Centre for the Performance Arts, later known as the Centre for South African Theatre Research, co-founded and served as editor-in-chief of the South African Theatre Journal, and founded the Centre for Theatre and Performance at Stellenbosch University. He also chaired the university’s Drama Department and directed the Adam Small Theatre (then known as the HB Thom Theatre). His work in archiving theatre performance remains an unparalleled contribution to the field.
A former member of the Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards judging panel, his legacy will echo for decades to come and manifest in the creative endeavours of future theatre makers, researchers and academics. The panel salutes this giant for his work in charting the South African theatre and performance landscape.
Encore Award
The incomparable creative duo of David Isaacs and Oscar Petersen are the recipients of this year’s Encore Award for 25 years of Joe Barber.
The incomparable creative duo of David Isaacs and Oscar Petersen are the recipients of this year’s Encore Award for 25 years of Joe Barber. The characters Boeta Gamat and Boeta Joe who epitomise the generous heart of the Cape Flats began life at Cape Town’s Skokiaan Theatre in 1999. Since then, they have created a sense of community for everyone from Hanover Park to Heathfield, from Rondebosch to Rylands, and beyond.
Isaacs and Petersen have created a theatrical experience that has become a cultural phenomenon with performances that delight generations and have become part of the fabric of Cape Town. They continue to break records as the longest running theatrical comedy in the city.
The panel recognises Joe Barber for 25 years of mending spirits and uniting communities through laughter.
Innovation in Theatre Award
SoapBoxing (photo: provided)
The Innovation in Theatre Award is presented to SoapBoxing, for their role in nurturing theatre talent and fostering a dynamic creative space.
SoapBoxing has become a crucial platform where writers test new ideas, actors refine their craft, and budding directors gain confidence - all within a supportive and engaged audience environment.
The panel applauds SoapBoxing’s diverse and electrifying performances that not only captivate seasoned theatre lovers but also entice new audiences and introduce fresh artistic voices and performance genres to the stage.
Melane concludes: “The Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards have once again allowed us the opportunity to celebrate those who work to archive the past, celebrate the present and nurture the talent of the future.”
Judging panel
Africa Melane (chair), Beverley Brommert, Hadley Tituss, Lwando Scott, Naudé van der Merwe, Nkgopoleng Moloi, Roxy Marosa, Sive Gubangxa, Thabo Makgolo, Tracey Saunders and Wayne Muller.
Social media
Follow the Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards on Facebook (@fdctheatreawards), Instagram (@fdctheatreawards) and X (@FDCTheatreAward). Join the conversation and use the hashtag: #60FDCTheatreAwards
Also see:
Press release: Nominees announced for the 60th Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards
Kommentaar
Congrats to veteran Temple H - long overdue recognition!