Difference between revisions of "Alfred Rietmann"
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| − | [[Alfred Rietmann]] ( | + | [[Alfred Rietmann]] (1959-2025). Designer, actor, director, writer. |
== Biography == | == Biography == | ||
| + | |||
| + | Born 25 October 1959. Died 5 November 2025. | ||
== Training == | == Training == | ||
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Alfred worked on the ICC Cricket World Cup opening ceremony at Newlands, Cape Town, as a cast co-ordinator and artistic director in 2004. | Alfred worked on the ICC Cricket World Cup opening ceremony at Newlands, Cape Town, as a cast co-ordinator and artistic director in 2004. | ||
| − | He | + | He directed many musicals, stage managed Artscape's hugely successful production of ''[[Cry, The Beloved Country]]''. |
==Contribution to SA theatre, film, media and/or performance== | ==Contribution to SA theatre, film, media and/or performance== | ||
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He wrote and directed ''[[Cabaret Carry On]]'', presented at the [[Baxter Studio]] (1986). | He wrote and directed ''[[Cabaret Carry On]]'', presented at the [[Baxter Studio]] (1986). | ||
| + | |||
| + | 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." | ||
== Awards, etc == | == Awards, etc == | ||
| Line 45: | Line 56: | ||
Barrow, Brian & Williams-Short, Yvonne (eds.). 1988. ''Theatre Alive! The Baxter Story 1977-1987''. | Barrow, Brian & Williams-Short, Yvonne (eds.). 1988. ''Theatre Alive! The Baxter Story 1977-1987''. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Obituary on [[Artscape]] Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19rY8wC74s/ | ||
Go to [[ESAT Bibliography]] | Go to [[ESAT Bibliography]] | ||
Revision as of 13:35, 20 November 2025
Alfred Rietmann (1959-2025). Designer, actor, director, writer.
Contents
Biography
Born 25 October 1959. Died 5 November 2025.
Training
He graduated from the University of Cape Town, circa 1981.
Career
He was the Assistant director of CAPAB Opera for many years.
Alfred worked on the ICC Cricket World Cup opening ceremony at Newlands, Cape Town, as a cast co-ordinator and artistic director in 2004.
He directed many musicals, stage managed Artscape's hugely successful production of Cry, The Beloved Country.
Contribution to SA theatre, film, media and/or performance
Performed in Kings of Rok (1986), James and the Giant Peach (1987), Hello, Dolly! (1987), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1989), The Elephant Man (1998).
Assisted as director Cabaret (1995).
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), Seashells (lighting, 2012), Nothing but the Truth 2012 , Peter Voges’s Henrietta, With Love (lighting, 2015).
Stage managed Jocasta Rising (2004),
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).
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."
Awards, etc
He was nominated for a Fleur du Cap in the category best set design for The Tent, award year 2010.
Sources
Saturday Star, 1 March 2003.
Jocasta Rising programme notes in 2004.
Sunday Independent, 8 November 2009.
Cape Times, 9 February 2010 (award nominations).
Cape Times, 30 December 2010.
Sunday Argus, 8 April 2012.
Barrow, Brian & Williams-Short, Yvonne (eds.). 1988. Theatre Alive! The Baxter Story 1977-1987.
Obituary on Artscape Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19rY8wC74s/
Go to ESAT Bibliography
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