The evening was a tapestry of artistic excellence, with My Fair Lady also appreciating the creative minds behind the scenes, bagging awards for Best Set Design, awarded to Greg King, and Best Costume Design shared by Neil Stuart Harris, Andrew Botha, and Martha Visagie. Dean Balie took home the accolade for Best Performance by a Lead Actor in a Musical for his compelling role in Ver In Die Wêreld Kittie, while Candice van Litsenborgh received recognition as Best Performance by a Supporting Actress in a Musical for her work in The Addams Family: The Musical.

Metamorphoses made its mark in two significant categories, with its ensemble cast being awarded Best Performance by an Ensemble, while Franky Steyn won Best Lighting Design. The ceremony also shone a light on the artistry in direction, with Sylvaine Strike recognised as Best Director for her work in Spring Awakening.

No awards ceremony is complete without recognising the trailblazers of the industry. This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed upon Professor Temple Hauptfleisch. His dedication to researching and documenting theatre in South Africa, alongside his establishment of the online Encyclopaedia of South African Theatre, Film, Media, and Performance (ESAT), highlights his invaluable contributions to the sector.

Additionally, David Isaacs and Oscar Petersen received the Encore Award in honour of 25 years of the beloved cultural phenomenon, Joe Barber. In a year that celebrated creativity, the Innovation in Theatre Award went to SoapBoxing, acknowledging their vital role in nurturing local theatre talent and establishing a vibrant creative environment.

Africa Melane, chair of the panel of judges, encapsulated the essence of the evening, stating, “South Africa is endowed with an abundance of talent, and what a pleasure it was to celebrate and honour these outstanding theatre makers who have spoiled Cape Town and this country with their exceptional gifts.”

The winners of the 60th Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards span a diversity of creativity and talent:

Most Promising Student Award: Nichola Viviers | Stellenbosch University
Best New South African Script: Tiisetso Mashifane wa Noni | Neighbourhood
Best New Director: Aidan Scott | The Dumb Waiter
Best Theatre Production for Children and Young Adults: Pampoenpit se Groen Gevoel
Best Performance by an Ensemble: Awethu Hleli, Brent Palmer, Cassiel Eaton-Winnik, Carlo Daniels, Lyle October, Matthew Vey, Nolufefe Ntshuntshe, Tamzin Williams | Metamorphoses
Best Performance in a Revue, Cabaret or One-Person Show: Fiona Ramsay | Blonde Poison
Best Performance by a Supporting Actor in a Musical: Graham Hopkins as Colonel Pickering | My Fair Lady
Best Performance by a Supporting Actress in a Musical: Candice van Litsenborgh as Grandma | The Addams Family: The Musical
Best Performance by a Lead Actor in a Musical: Dean Balie as Koos Heuningbek | Ver in die Wêreld Kittie
Best Performance by a Lead Actress in a Musical: Leah Mari as Eliza Doolittle | My Fair Lady
Best Puppetry Design: Marthinus Basson and Elana Snyman | The Addams Family: The Musical
Best Lighting Design: Franky Steyn | Metamorphoses
Best Set Design: Greg King | My Fair Lady
Best Costume Design: Neil Stuart Harris, Andrew Botha, and Martha Visagie | My Fair Lady
Best Sound Design, Original Music, Soundscape or Live Performance: Neo Muyanga for original music | Manje! Manje (an epic)
Best Performance in an Opera, Male: Thando Zwane as Acmet | Dalinda
Best Performance in an Opera, Female: Nontobeko Bhengu as Sister Angelica | Suor Angelica
Best Performance by a Supporting Actor in a Play: Mark Elderkin as Emperor | Amadeus
Best Performance by a Supporting Actress in a Play: Rehane Abrahams as Mercutio and Lady Montague | Romeo and Juliet
Best Performance by a Lead Actor in a Play: Albert Pretorius as Iago | Othello
Best Performance by a Lead Actress in a Play: Emily Child as Blanche DuBois | A Streetcar Named Desire
Best Director: Sylvaine Strike | Spring Awakening
Best Production: My Fair Lady | Pieter Toerien Productions with Cape Town Opera
Lifetime Achievement Award: Professor Temple Hauptfleisch
Encore Award: Joe Barber
Award for Innovation in Theatre: SoapBoxing

Eligible productions performed in 2024 encompass an exciting array of both classic and contemporary works, affirming the rich tapestry of South African theatre. As the curtain falls on another unforgettable night, the future looks bright for our artists, creators, and audiences.

#performingartsrecognition

60th Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards: a night of artistic triumph in Cape Town