As the countdown to the prestigious 60th Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards begins, the excitement in the industry is building up.

Scheduled to take place at the iconic Cape Town Stadium on Sunday, March 23, the ceremony promises to highlight the exceptional talent that has graced theatre stages in Cape Town, with nominees spanning 23 competitive categories that honour the best in performance, sound, directing and design among other categories.

This year, the judging panel, led by Africa Melane, the chairperson and well-known radio personality, has unveiled the recipients of the three special awards: Lifetime Achievement Award, Encore Award and Innovation in Theatre Award.

"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," Melane stated.

The awards spotlight luminaries in the theatre community whose contributions transcend performances and inspire future generations of artists and audiences alike.

The prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award will go to Professor Temple Hauptfleisch, a stalwart in the South African theatre scene.

His remarkable dedication to researching and documenting theatre has created a wealth of knowledge, particularly through the establishment of the online Encyclopaedia of South African Theatre, Film, Media and Performance (ESAT)

cultural recognition

Professor Temple Hauptfleisch to receive Lifetime Achievement Award at 60th Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards