Alfred Rietmann

Alfred Rietmann (1959-2025). Designer, actor, director, writer.

Biography

Born 25 October 1959. Died 5 November 2025.

Training

He graduated from the University of Cape Town, circa 1981.

Career

After university, he acted in musical theatre for CAPAB and started his own children’s theatre company. He wrote, directed, and designed many youth shows. Later, he joined CAPAB as a stage manager and then became a resident assistant director. He worked on operas and musicals like Jesus Christ Superstar, Hair, Evita, and Don Giovanni. He then worked at Ratanga Junction as a Resident Show Director and Entertainment Company Manager. Alfred was also one of the Artistic Directors for the 2003 Cricket World Cup Opening Ceremony. After that, he joined the Artscape New Writing programme as a production manager and set and lighting designer. Alfred was the Technical Training Manager at Artscape Theatre Centre.

Contribution to SA theatre, film, media and/or performance

From the Obituary posted on Artscape's Facebook page:

"Alfred’s story began on the Artscape stage in 1984, where he first performed in Fiddler on the Roof. He went on to shine in The Sound of Music and Hello Dolly! before stepping behind the curtain to shape productions like HAIR, Evita, and Jesus Christ Superstar with technical brilliance and artistic flair. After eight years on stage, Alfred transitioned behind the scenes, becoming a trusted stage manager and Resident Assistant Director for CAPAB Opera and Musicals. His technical mastery and creative vision enriched productions like HAIR, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, and Mame. As a senior sound operator, he brought life to shows like Queen At The Opera and Into The Woods. Alfred’s global footprint included managing Showboat’s international tour and leading Artscape’s New Writing Programme, touring works to Dublin, Singapore, and the USA. He mentored countless young artists through Artscape’s Technical Training Programme and left his mark as a set and lighting designer on productions such as Krismis Van Map Jacobs, AbFab Drag, and Die Fledermaus. As a double amputee, Alfred never let disability define his path. “Being a double amputee disabled person does not imply the end of living your life to its fullest potential or having to compromise your dreams and ambitions,” he said—and he lived that truth. From international tours to mentoring young artists, Alfred’s legacy is one of courage, excellence, and boundless heart. He lives on in every curtain call, every spotlight, and every inspired soul he touched. Artscape will forever remember him as a pillar of passion, excellence, and unwavering commitment to the performing arts."

As actor

Performed in Tom Paine (UCT Drama Department, 1981), Kings of Rok (1986), James and the Giant Peach (1987), Hello, Dolly! (1987), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1989), The Elephant Man (1998).

As director/assistant director

Assisted as director Cabaret (1995).

He directed Krismis van Map Jacobs, Baby, and Vers & Kaberet.

As designer

Sound Dikker as Water (1998).

Designed Careful (2009), The Tent (2009), The Night Doctor (2010), The Lahnee's Pleasure (2010), The Myth of Andrew and Jo (2010), The Beneficiary (lighting, 2011), CA 12-6 (2011), Mary and the Conqueror (2011), Seashells (lighting, 2012), Nothing but the Truth (2012), Other People's Lives (lighting, 2011, 2012), Undone (2014), Peter Voges’s Henrietta, With Love (lighting, 2015), OoMaSisulu (2016), Die Lustige Witwe (2019), Kompoun (2025). Designs for other productions include A Circus Side Show, Romeo & Juliet, Special Thanks To Guests From Afar, Krismis van Map Jacobs, Rookie and Gin My Die Genade. He also designed the set and lighting for Die Fledermaus and Don Pasquale at Artscape.

As stage manager/production manager

Stage managed Cry, The Beloved Country (2003), Jocasta Rising (2004).

Production manager The Birds (2011). As a production manager, he took several shows to international theatre festivals in Dublin, the Netherlands, Singapore, and North Carolina.

As playwight

He wrote Tickey's Fantastic Circus Adventure, Die Cirkus avonture van Nicholas James, a bilingual musical play. (Playscript NELM: [Collection: WILSON, Diane]: 2012. 18. 2. 50), Chiwele and the Giant, a puppet play (copyright 1991, Playscript NELM: [Collection: FARMER, Anthony]: 2007. 18. 1. 2. 4. 21).

He wrote and directed Cabaret Carry On, presented at the Baxter Studio (1986).