The 60th Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards have come to a close with the winners being crowned at the Cape Town Stadium on 23 March 2025. Of course, this year’s special award recipients were, once again, the stars of the show. The Lifetime Achievement Award, Encore Award and Innovation in Theatre Award went to deserving individuals, duos and groups.
This year’s awards’ judging panel included chair Africa Melane, alongside Dr Beverley Brommert, Hadley Tituss, Dr Lwando Scott, Naudé van der Merwe, Nkgopoleng Moloi, Roxy Marosa, Sive Gubangxa, Thabo Makgolo, Tracey Saunders and Dr Wayne Muller.
Fittingly, Melane said: “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.”
This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award went to Professor Temple Hauptfleisch for his life’s work involving research and documentation of theatre in South Africa. Additionally, it pays homage to his establishment of the online Encyclopedia of South African Theatre, Film, Media and Performance (ESAT).
Furthermore, the ‘lifetime’ element of the award reflects Hauptfleisch’s influence spanning decades. Notable milestones include leading the National Documentation Centre for the Performance Arts, later known as the Centre for South African Theatre Research. He also co-founded and served as Editor-in-Chief of the South African Theatre Journal and he founded the Centre for Theatre and Performance at Stellenbosch University. Additionally, Hauptfleisch chaired the University’s Drama Department and directed the Adam Small Theatre (then known as the HB Thom Theatre). Ultimately, his work in archiving theatre performance remains an unparalleled contribution to the field.
Hauptfleisch was also a former member of the Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards’ judging panel, making this award a full-circle moment for him.
The Encore Award for 2025 went to the creative duo, David Isaacs and Oscar Petersen, for 25 years of Joe Barber. They play the characters of Boeta Gamat and Boeta Joe who epitomise the generous heart and soul of the Cape Flats. This theatre performance initially aired in 1999 at Cape Town’s Skokiaan Theatre.
Hence, for 25 years, Joe Barber has created a sense of community for everyone – from Hanover Park to Heathfield, Rondebosch, Rylands and beyond. The theatre performance also holds the record of the longest running theatrical comedy in the city.
Finally, SoapBoxing received this year’s Innovation in Theatre Award. Essentially, this is to commemorate their role in nurturing theatre talent and fostering a dynamic creative space for fresh artistic voices.
SoapBoxing is a platform where writers test new ideas, actors refine their craft and directors gain confidence. This award therefore recognises the platform for its ability to push the boundaries of South African theatre.
Melane closed the ceremony by saying: “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.”
View the full list of winners here.
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