Lara Foot Newton
Lara Foot | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1967 (age 57–58) |
| Nationality | South African |
| Other names | Lara Foot |
| Education | University of the Witwatersrand |
| Occupation(s) | Playwright, producer, theatre director, |
| Known for | Artistic Director of Baxter Theatre Centre |
| Awards | Standard Bank Young Artist Award (1995), Fleur du Cap Theatre Award (2017) |
Lara Foot Newton[1] is a South African theatre director, playwright, and producer known for her contributions to contemporary theatre[2] in South Africa and internationally.[3] She has served as the chief executive officer and Artistic Director[4] of the Baxter Theatre Centre in Cape Town since 2010. Foot is widely recognized for her focus on socially conscious themes and the development of new South African plays.[5]
Early life and education
Foot was born and raised in Pretoria, South Africa. She completed a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Drama at the University of the Witwatersrand in 1989.[6] She later earned a Master of Arts in Drama from the University of Cape Town in 2007.[7]
In 2004, Foot was selected as a protégé in the prestigious Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative, where she was mentored by renowned British theatre director Sir Peter Hall.[8] This mentorship significantly influenced her artistic development and approach to theatre-making.
Career
Foot has directed over 50 professional productions[9] and has written or adapted numerous plays, many of which explore trauma, memory, and the legacy of apartheid. Her work is known for its psychological depth and humanist themes.
Some of her most acclaimed works include:
- Tshepang (2003)[10] – A play based on a real-life case of infant rape in South Africa.
- Karoo Moose (2007) – A coming-of-age story addressing rural poverty and gender-based violence.
- The Inconvenience of Wings (2016) – A play that explores mental illness and friendship; it earned Foot the Fleur du Cap Theatre Award for Best Director.
Her plays have been translated into multiple languages and performed internationally.
Leadership and advocacy
As Artistic Director of the Baxter Theatre Centre,[11] Foot has played a key role in nurturing young talent and promoting underrepresented voices in South African theatre. She was named Featured Artist at the 2016 National Arts Festival, where a retrospective of her work was staged.
Awards and recognition
- Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Drama (1996) – Awarded by the National Arts Festival and Standard Bank to recognize exceptional talent in the arts.[12]
- Fleur du Cap Theatre Award for Best Director (2017) – Received for directing The Inconvenience of Wings.[13]
- Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative Fellow (2004–2005) – Selected as a protégé in the prestigious program, mentored by Sir Peter Hall.[14]
Legacy
Foot is widely considered one of the leading voices in South African theatre. Her commitment to socially relevant storytelling and mentorship has left a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of the country.
References
- ^ "Rare chance to see award-winning artists". IOL.
- ^ "Transforming society through theatre". www.news.uct.ac.za.
- ^ "Lara Spencer returns to 'Good Morning America' after double foot surgery: 'All is well'". Los Angeles Times. 13 December 2024.
- ^ Bain, Keith (19 April 2024). "Review: Lara Foot's captivating adaptation of Othello". Daily Maverick.
- ^ Reporter, Staff (26 June 2016). "Lara Foot a leader in the field with hard-hitting plays that tackle social issues".
- ^ Foot Newton new Baxter boss, News24, 20 July 2009. Retrieved 9 May 2025.
- ^ Lara Foot at ESAT (Encyclopaedia of South African Theatre, Film, Media and Performance), Retrieved 9 May 2025.
- ^ Sir Peter Hall and Lara Foot – Video, Rolex.org. Retrieved 9 May 2025.
- ^ "Lara Foot Newton: The mentoring protégé of the Baxter". www.timeslive.co.za.
- ^ Stones, Lesley (21 October 2018). "Tshepang: The Third Testament – raw trauma that evokes our tears". Daily Maverick.
- ^ "Important notice and appeal from The Baxter". www.news.uct.ac.za.
- ^ "Standard Bank Young Artist Awards". Encyclopaedia of South African Theatre, Film, Media and Performance. Retrieved 9 May 2025.
- ^ "The Inconvenience of Wings". WeekendSpecial. 7 March 2017. Retrieved 9 May 2025.
- ^ "Rolex mentoring programme". Rolex.org. Retrieved 9 May 2025.