Three TUT alumni united in creative excellence – Shared roots lead to remarkable reunion at Sharjah Performing Arts Academy, UAE

In the world of Performing Arts education, serendipity can be as significant as strategy.

Three South African creatives – each shaped by the Tshwane University of Technology’s Faculty of Arts and Design – now work side by side at the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), illustrating how divergent journeys can converge in extraordinary ways.

The Sharjah Performing Arts Academy, established under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, continues to develop world-class performing arts practitioners through its comprehensive programmes in Acting, Musical Theatre and Production Arts. Candeta Bishop, Anré Fourie and Gustav van Rooyen all honed their craft within what was then known as the Department of Entertainment Technology (now the Theatre Arts and Design programme in the Department of Performing Arts). Though their paths through the industry took vastly different trajectories, fate and a shared commitment to excellence have brought them together as colleagues, united in their mission to nurture the next generation of theatre-makers. 

A PIONEER IN SCENIC ARTISTRY 
Candeta Bishop's journey began over two decades ago when she left South Africa for the UAE, embarking on a distinguished career as a freelance scenic artist. Her exceptional talent saw her contribute to major theme park developments across the region, where her meticulous approach to scenic painting earned her recognition among industry peers. Her career subsequently expanded into film, where she took on the role of art director, bringing her distinctive artistic sensibility to the silver screen. 

Today, Bishop serves as the Lead Scenic Painting Lecturer and Associate Programme Leader at SPAA, where her wealth of industry experience directly benefits students. Her impeccable standards and unwavering work ethic have become hallmarks of her teaching practice, inspiring students to pursue excellence in every brushstroke and every detail. 

Flying the TUT flag high in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are (from left) Candeta Bishop, Anré Fourie and Gustav van Rooyen. A CONNECTION FORGED IN ADVERSITY 
Anré Fourie's path to the Emirates followed an entirely different route. The connection between Fourie and Bishop was facilitated by Zuanda Badenhorst, former Head of Department, who suggested they connect during the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite never having met in person during their time at TUT, the two discovered an immediate professional kinship. 

"It was refreshing during the initial stages of our conversations during the Covid period to connect with someone who truly understood scenic art and was schooled in the same principles," Fourie reflects. "We both learned from each other during that time and realised that our projects aligned, even if we were in different countries."

One year ago, Fourie, a former lecturer in the Department of Performing Arts, decided to leave South Africa and join the Academy, now leading the Production Arts programme. "It is truly an honour to be able to lead a group of highly dedicated lecturers and students and have the opportunity to see my leadership in action. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing high-quality productions go from page to stage and witnessing the students flourish during these production assessments." 

INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE MEETS EDUCATIONAL PURPOSE 
Van Rooyen represents the third thread of this remarkable tapestry. Having established himself within the professional lighting industry, Van Rooyen made the significant decision to transition from commercial practice to education, joining SPAA last year as the Lighting Tutor. His choice to channel his expertise and skills back into developing young talent exemplifies the generosity of spirit that characterises true educators. 

UNITED IN PURPOSE 
The convergence of these three professionals – each bringing distinct perspectives shaped by their unique career trajectories – creates a rich educational environment for SPAA students. Their shared foundation in South African technical theatre education, combined with their diverse international experiences, offer students an invaluable breadth of knowledge and approach. 

"We are now working together, three South Africans in one Academy, striving to produce the best shows by following the vision of our ruler, His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi," notes Fourie. 

Their story speaks to the interconnected nature of the global performing arts community and demonstrates how quality education creates ripples that extend far beyond national borders. From lecture theatres in Pretoria to the stages of Sharjah, these three alumni continue to honour their educational heritage whilst shaping the future of performing arts in the Gulf region.

READ MORE AT: https://spaa.ae/