(Karabo
Maithufi. Pic by Val Adamson)
The dance world is mourning the passing of
Karabo Maithufi who died last weekend.
He died from pneumonia, having fallen ill
two weeks previously. He was admitted into high care because his lungs were
filled with fluids that had to be drained. He got better and was discharged.
Two days later, he started the day off in good spirits but by the afternoon his
condition had worsened and he was taken back to hospital. He passed away that Saturday
evening (October 5) around 18h00.
Maithufi was Johannesburg-based but he was
a founder member of the Playhouse Dance Residency, now KZN Dance Theatre. He
came to Durban to perform in Cinderella in 2011 and then
returned to be part of the Residency. He performed in their first production, worlds
apart, that was presented at the Playhouse Company’s South African
Women’s Arts Festival 2012. He went back to Johannesburg after that season.
(The following is taken from the Mama Mia website):
“Born and raised in the North West Province,
he found his way to dance at the age of ten, after tagging along with his
cousin Tebogo Kgobokoe (national and world acclaimed Ballroom and Latin American
dancer) to her rehearsals.
He trained with English trainers Anne
Lingard, Brian Watson, Karen Hardy and his cousin Tebogo. He became the
undefeated South African Latin American Champion after winning all major titles
in South Africa. He also represented South Africa at major international
championships with good result. He furthered his training in the United States
majoring in Modern, Jazz and Ballet specializing in the Graham and Horton
technique.
Upon his return to South Africa, he joined
the North West Arts Dance Company. Thereafter he performed in Sun City’s
Extravaganza Pulse; Grand West’s Expose and Grease, a stadium spectacular; Pouncival in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS (South Africa and International
3-year tour); Pieter Toerien’s Joseph and
the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat; Real Concert’s Red; Janice Honeyman’s pantomime, Aladdin; Packed House’s original South African musical Soweto Story; Hairspray and Groovy Nights.
Karabo made his theatrical choreographic
debut in 2009 with the musical revue African
Queens paying homage to the singers who through their music changed the
face of South Africa. Karabo received a Naledi Nomination for this
choreography.
Karabo rejoined the cast of Cats, recently playing the role of
Skimbleshanks and is excited to be playing Pepper in Mamma Mia.”
“I cannot believe the terribly sad news of
the passing of Karabo Maithufi,” says choreographer Mark Hawkins. “He was in Unforgettable in the Playhouse Opera
designed by Dicky Longhurst and working with Gina Shmukler. He was a remarkable
being and so giving of his talent always ... over all the years that I have
known him. May his beautiful soul rest peacefully and be an inspiration
wherever he is!”
“I have been thinking about first meeting
Karabo during Unforgettable
rehearsals at The Playhouse and the beautiful times shared,” adds Gina
Shmukler. “Cruel this world of ours. RIP K. May your soul find its place of
resting.”
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