Sandra Prinsloo wins the 2022 Fleur du Cap Lifetime Achievement Award

On Sunday 27 March, at a prestige gala ceremony at Nederburg in Paarl, the winners of the 57th Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards were announced, including the winner of the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award, Sandra Prinsloo.

Winning this year’s Fleur du Cap Lifetime Achievement Award was not the only triumph for multi-talented theatre doyenne Prinsloo. The much-loved and widely awarded actress of the stage as well as the big and small screen, also took the 2022 award for best performer in a one-person show. This was for her depiction of Elsa Joubert in Spertyd, the stage adaptation of the famous South African writer’s memoir on ageing, loss and acceptance.

Prinsloo (74) had excelled on stage, in local and international film and on TV over many years, said Lizelle Malan of Distell, the sponsors of the annual Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards.

‘During the course of her rich and varied career, Ms Prinsloo has played an extensive array of characters, imbuing them all with individuality, humanity, nuance and depth. She has been a mentor and inspiration to generations of actors and has contributed readily and generously to South African theatre. She has played no small part in the international recognition it enjoys.’

‘Her re-imagining of author Elsa Joubert with such steely grace, humour and courage in Spertyd is just one example of her immense talent. We are proud to be associated with her well-deserved achievement and hope she continues to bring her talents to audiences long into the future,’ said Malan.

Africa Melane, chairperson of the panel of judges said: ‘Sandra Prinsloo delivers in equal measure an exceptional intellect, astounding talent and an impeccable work ethic, performing great female roles in Shakespeare, Chekov, Williams and Strindberg. Her work in plays by PG du Plessis, Bartho Smit, Rachelle Greeff and Nico Scheepers has been equally memorable.’

Prinsloo already holds the Arts and Culture Trust (ACT) Lifetime Achievement Award for Theatre, given in 2013. In 2014, she received the Order of Ikhamanga (silver) from Government. Melane noted that at the time she was lauded not only for her excellent contribution to the performing arts but also for her use of the creative arts to take a stand against racism. She was hailed as ‘the pride of the country’s cultural community.’

In 2018, she won the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Naledi Theatre Awards.

Prinsloo was not the only winner of the evening. For the full list of 2022 Fleur du Cap winners, see below: