Athol Fugard to be honoured at Tony Awards
7th April 2011
Playwright Athol Fugard is set to receive the lifetime achievement accolade at this year's Tony Awards.
The event, which takes place in New York on June 12th, will see the apartheid critic celebrated for his political strength and contributions to South African - and global - culture.
Fugard, now 78, has written more than 30 plays during his illustrious career, including Valley Song, Tsotsi and The Train Driver.
Organisers of the prestigious Tony Awards praised Fugard for his principles, saying he was 'a playwright whose art has always spoken out against racism'.
'[He] continues to be an active voice for freedom and equality,' they added.
Another notable playwright set for a top Tony Award is Eve Ensler, creator of The Vagina Monologues, a play first performed in New York in 1996 featuring Ensler in the lead role and since staged with a string of famous names.
Ensler will receive the Isabelle Stevenson Award for her commitment to humanitarian issues.
A full list of nominations for the Tony Awards will be officially announced on May 3rd.