Bitter Winter with Paul Slabolepszy

Loading player...
PAUL SLABOLEPSZY
Born in Bolton, England, Paul emigrated to South Africa at the age of two. He attended the University of Cape Town, earning a BA in Drama. As a founder member of South Africa's first non-racial theatre company, The Space (1972), alongside Athol Fugard, John Kani, and Yvonne Bryceland, Paul played a pivotal role in shaping the country's theatre landscape. He later co-founded the renowned Market Theatre Company in Johannesburg in 1976 with Mannie Manim and Barney Simon.

Paul's accolades include the Standard Bank Young Artist of the Year Award in 1983 and the Naledi Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023, recognizing his profound contribution to South African theatre. With over 100 stage and TV plays, as well as 15 feature films under his belt, Paul has established himself as a versatile actor. Notable roles include Frederick Courtney Selous in "Rhodes" (BBC) and Jan Christiaan Smuts in "The Apprenticeship of a Mahatma." He was nominated for Best Actor in a South African Feature Film for "Mr. Johnson" in 2021.
On stage, Paul has garnered numerous awards for performances in productions such as "Death of a Salesman," "Sweet Bird of Youth," and "The Return of Elvis du Pisaníe," for which he became the first actor in South Africa to win every Best Actor Award nationwide in a single year (1993).

As a playwright, Paul has written over 35 plays, with seven world premieres at the Market Theatre. His notable works include "Saturday Night at the Palace," which performed at London's Old Vic Theatre in 1984, and "Mooi Street Moves," which was invited to festivals in Germany and Denmark. His plays have garnered numerous awards, including several Vita, Fleur du Cap, and Dalro Best Play Awards.
Some notable screenplays include adaptations of his plays "Saturday Night at the Palace" and "Heel Against the Head," as well as original works like "Swansong for Charlie" and "Running Riot."
4 Jun 2025 English South Africa Places & Travel

Other recent episodes

Under The Spotlight 90

Catching up with Toberin from Artscape, we get insight to all the productions and exciting line ups that are taking place. Be sure to book your tickets.
12 Nov 4 min

Grass Roots

Located at 11 Marine Circle, Grass Roots specialize in authentic, fire-cooked soul food. From their signature fire-baked Roosterkoek to their 8-hour slow-cooked Oxtail, everything is cooked with deep respect for tradition. Their rustic interior features a cozy indoor fireplace, perfect for Cape Town winters. Join them for a feast around…
12 Nov 10 min

The Diamond Works

Kevin is the Sales and Marketing Executive at The Diamond Works Institute, a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Cape Town. Specializing in relationship building, Kevin drives partnerships that showcase South Africa's rich diamond and gold heritage to global and local markets alike. Passionate about talent development collaboration, he manages…
6 Nov 18 min

Under The Spotlight 89

A landmark black-tie gala concert marks the extraordinary journey from exclusivity to the ongoing journey of inclusivity through the arts From a theatre shaped by the divisions of its past to a national cultural asset that proudly declares “A Place for All”, Artscape will bring its 55th anniversary celebrations to…
3 Nov 11 min

Nansi Rail

Nansi Rail was established in Feb 2026 by Sisa Ngondo its Founder CEO. This innovative rail tourism company was started after Sisa left his fulltime employment. Sisa is a seasoned tourism development practitioner with expertise in tourism product development, community based tourism and local economic development. Sisa has more than…
30 Oct 21 min