Lamees Albertus is the Theatre manager and co-producer of the famous Fugard Theatre, and someone who is very passionate about the arts. G...
Below are excerpts from the conversation.
GJ: How long have you been in the entertainment industry and what inspired you to become part of it?
LA: Ive been in the entertainment industry (in a professional capacity) for the past 11 years.
I continue to be inspired everyday by incredibly talented people. Theatre people in general inspire me also, some of the friendliest people I have met to date.
GJ: Do you remember the first production you ever saw?
LA: The first production I remember seeing, was the Bolshoi Ballets GISELLE. I was completely mesmerized. Flawless, moving, magic a memory I will never forget.
The first piece of amateur theatre I performed in was Athol Fugards ‘Hello and Goodbye’. Had you told me back then that I would go on to work at the Fugard Theatre, I would never have believed you.
GJ: How long have you been at The Fugard? What does your job entail?
LA: I have been at the Fugard for just over 9 years. I am the Theatre Manager and Co-Producer.
The Fugard has a wonderful team that works incredibly hard and meticulously to create world class theatre and an overall experience for all patrons we all do a bit of everything to be honest. It is one big ship that we are all too happy to sail together.
My job covers so many things, from making sure that the building is running as it should, to auditions for a production, to marketing on a production. In short, I manage the theatre as a building and business and co-produce Fugard productions alongside the Managing Director and Producer Daniel Galloway.
GJ: What do you do to relax?
LA: I read, watch series or spend time at the spa. That is usually my go to for a quick switch off.
When I have enough time, I drive out of town for different scenery. That usually resets me for a while.
GJ: Do you have any advice for a young person who would like to pursue a career in theatre?
LA: Get involved in anything and everything. The best theatre makers or performers are those who understand various areas of theatre.
GJ: What is your favourite book?
LA: So many!! Any crime/drama, or mystery novels. At the moment I am obsessed with Gillian Flynn.
GJ: What was the Fugard Theatre building before it was a theatre?
LA: The building has a long history as a textile and soft goods supplier which was frequented by many generations of seamstresses and tailors from District Six-The Sacks Futeran Warehouse. The five interconnected buildings are a combination of nineteenth and early twentieth century warehouses with a portion of an old gothic style church at its centre. This section of the building would become the Fugard, and it still has the old Congregational Church Hall in Caledon Street as its entrance
GJ: The Fugard runs like a finely tuned orchestra, what is the secret?
LA: A passionate team that loves working together to create theatre.
GJ: What inspires you to get up in the morning?
LA: A job that I love. I am incredibly lucky to do what I love, studied and enjoy.
GJ: Where can one find the programme and booking details?
LA: All details of productions and bookings can be found at:
www.thefugard.com
or at our box office on 021 4614554
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