Crystal-Donna Roberts

We deeply remember our alum, Crystal Donna Roberts, who passed away on 6 March 2025. Roberts began her studies in 2003 and graduated in 2005, leaving an indelible mark on our department. A recipient of the 2016 Kovsie Ambassador Award, she exemplified talent, resilience, and an unwavering passion for the arts.

Her talent was evident from her student years, where she delivered unforgettable performances in productions such as the award-winning Zollie and the title role in Pinocchio. These early achievements foreshadowed the exceptional career that followed, one that inspired many and will be remembered for years to come.

Crystal was an inspiration to our students, a beacon of excellence throughout her career, and a source of immense pride for our department. Her remarkable ability to light up a room with her infectious laugh, generosity of spirit, and boundless creativity touched the lives of many. The outpouring of grief from the film, television, and theatre industries is a testament to her profound impact.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Crystal's family, friends, and all who are privileged to know her. She leaves a rich legacy, countless cherished memories, and a void that cannot be filled. We will miss her—not only as a student and an artist—but as a dear friend.

Athol Fugard

Widely acclaimed South African playwright Athol Fugard passed away on 8 March at the age of 92. He was one of South Africa's most significant playwrights, an icon in the fight for justice and a revolutionary force in the South African arts. He wrote more than 30 plays, bringing attention to the injustices of the apartheid system. His significant contribution to and impact on theatre in South Africa and society as a whole will be remembered for decades to come.

May he rest in peace.

Fabulous Fiësta Victory

Best Directing

Dion van Niekerk

Best Performance in a Supporting Role

Gerben Kamper

Best Translation of a Text

Prof. Naòmi Morgan

Ons wag vir Godot, which was produced by the UFS Department of Drama and Theatre Arts and translated from the Samuel Beckett classic by Naòmi Morgan, was performed at the Vrystaat Arts Festival in 2024, where it also won several prizes, one of which was Best Production at the Festival.

At the Fiësta Awards ceremony on Thursday, 27 February 2025, drama lecturer Dion van Niekerk won the award for Best Directing, Prof. Naòmi Morgan, a retired lecturer from the Department of Afrikaans and Dutch, German and French, won the award for Best Translation of a Text, and Gerben Kamper, retired lecturer and renowned theatre and film actor, won the award for Best Performance in a Supporting Role. Walter Strydom, also a drama lecturer at the department, was the producer.

Van Niekerk said the production made history by being the first translation of Beckett’s Waiting for Godot in Afrikaans. He said that the awards give the University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, the Vrystaat Arts Festival, and the Free State much-deserved recognition for its high-quality theatre work and hopefully will open doors for Free State artists, Bloemfontein artists, and festival artists. He hoped that national theatres and theatre festivals would henceforth consider investing in the Free State drama industry.

Naledi Theatre Awards Nominations

Alum, Boitumelo Mohutsioa, was nominated as part of the cast of Thaba Bosiu The Musical for Best Ensemble in a Musical Production.

Congratulations to Mohutsioa and the rest of the ensemble (Nontsikelelo Ndzume and Dudu Makhoba). Fingers crossed.

Address

Department Drama and Theatre Arts
IB26, Scaena Complex
University of the Free State
PO Box 339
Bloemfontein

Head of Department

Prof Anthea van Jaarsveld
T: +27 51 401 2657
E: vjaarsa@ufs.ac.za

Programme Director

Dr Thys Heydenrych
T: +27 51 401 3390
E: HeydenrychM@ufs.ac.za

FACULTY CONTACT

T: +27 51 401 2240 or humanities@ufs.ac.za

Postgraduate:
Marizanne Cloete: +27 51 401 2592

Undergraduate:
Neliswa Emeni-Tientcheu: +27 51 401 2536
Phyllis Masilo: +27 51 401 9683

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