Cape Town Fringe 2016 Signs Off with Fringe Fresh Awards
Seventeen days of theatre, dance, illusion, performance and music came to a close on Saturday 8 October, when the Cape Town Fringe named the winners of the inaugural Fringe Fresh Awards.
The Awards were introduced this year to reward the performers and productions that stood out in a programme filled with new and edgy work. Fringe Fresh Awards convenor, Tracey Saunders, worked with a panel of theatre critics and industry leaders to select works that were felt to be worthy of special recognition.
Says Saunders,“There has been a wealth of talent but it's the creative efforts that have been fresh and exciting that have really given the Festival a distinctive characteristic. It is my hope that the Fresh Fringe awards becomes as intertwined with the spirit of Cape Town as the pink duck of the Amsterdam Fringe. The Fabulous Fringe Roll of Honour in particular acknowledges the work that is done on the fringes, not only at the time of the Festival but throughout the year. The Fringe is a place of daring and adventure, an opportunity to take a chance and show your creative wild card. The past 17 days has done exactly that and more"
The 2016 Fringe Fresh Award winners are:
AUDIENCE AWARD
Based on audience feedback, tickets sold and social media mentions:
- International - Police Cops
- Local - Dangled
FRESH CREATIVE
- Gold - Thando Doni - Director - Ubuze Bam
- Silver - Alan Parker - Choreographer - Sacre for One
- Bronze - Jason Jacobs - Director - Stof Rooi
FRESH PRODUCTION/ EXPERIENCE
- Gold - Fabric of the Universe
- Silver - #Ballet Must Fall
- Bronze - You Suck and Other Inescapable Truths
FRESH PERFORMER
- David Viviers - The Finkelsteins are Coming to Dinner
FRESH FABULOUS ROLL OF HONOUR
Recognising producers and production companies putting on exciting and engaging work:
- Theatre in the Backyard
- Theatre Arts Admin Collective
- Makukhanye Arts Room
- Ubuntu Arts Academy
- Zabalaza
FRESH MUSIC
- Gold - Msaki and the Golden Circle
- Silver - Fish Wives
- Bronze – Nombasa
After the winners were announced, Fringe CEO Tony Lankester thanked the panel of volunteer judges for their commitment, saying: “We greatly appreciate the time, passion and energy being a panelist requires. We would like to acknowledge all the judges for their contribution to The Fringe Fresh Awards 2016 and we would like to thank Tracey Saunders in particular for her tireless dedication to theatre and the co-ordination of these awards.”
The panel of judges were:
Tracey Saunders (Journalist and awards convenor)
Motlatji Ditodi (Performer and Director)
Gabriella Pinto (Journalist)
Jonathan Swart (Talent Manager)
Faye Kabali-Kagwa (ASSITEJ Director)
Atiyyah Khan (Journalist and National Arts Festival Artistic Advisory Committee Member)
Paul Griffiths (Producer and Director)
Wendyl Martin (Journalist)
Shihaam Domingo (Publicist and Producer)
Steve Kretzmann (Journalist)
Sarah Roberson (Journalist)
Lankester also congratulated all the winners of Fringe Fresh Awards, “There is some outstanding talent in this country, talent that needs to be recognized. Our hope with the Awards is that these artists will gain widespread acknowledgment and more platforms for their work. We would also like to commend all the artists who participated in the Cape Town Fringe this year, there was a very high standard of professionalism and that has contributed to the success of the 2016 Fringe.” He also noted the contribution that Fringe Guest Artistic Director, Rob Murray, had made to the shaping of the programme. “Rob’s care, attention and nurturing saw many artists come to the Fringe, and flourish on its stages this year. He led the selection panel to the shaping of an amazing programme that struck the right chords with Cape Town – resulting in full houses, an adventurous spirit and many magical moments and surprises for our audiences.”
For the full list of Fringe Fresh Award nominees visit https://capetownfringe.co.za/news/fringe-fresh-awards-daily-nominees-winners/
A gallery of images can be found at https://capetownfringe.prezly.com/media/album/1647
The Cape Town Buskers Festival, a part of the Cape Town Fringe, wraps up on Sunday, 9 October.
ENDS
Follow Cape Town Fringe on Twitter @CTFringe / Facebook www.Facebook.com/capetownfringe and Instagram @ctfringe - hashtag #CTFringe
Follow the Cape Town Buskers Festival on Twitter on @CTbuskersfest / Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ctbuskersfest and Instagram @ctbuskersfest
ABOUT THE CAPE TOWN FRINGE
The Cape Town Fringe is managed by the National Arts Festival. The City of Cape Town is the Host Sponsor of the Cape Town Fringe, while Standard Bank is the Presenting Sponsor of the event.
MEDIA CONTACT
All media queries to:
Rabbit in a Hat Communications
Sascha Polkey
083 414 0552