Michael Lovegrove, former CEO of the State Theatre, Pretoria, who sadly passed
away last Wednesday
14 June 2006
It is with deep sadness and regret indeed that we have learnt of the passing
on of Mr Michael Lovegrove, who served as the Chief Executive Officer for the
State Theatre since 2001.
We offer our condolences to the Lovegrove family, relatives and friends and
wish that they be granted spiritual power and strength to see them through this
difficult period.
In his own right, Lovegrove articulated the issues of transformation and
their inherent challenges in a manner unprecedented in the history of our
country especially as epitomised by the State Theatre.
His biggest challenge was the urgent need to adapt an institution that was
largely seen as a relic of the past to the new âAge of Hope.â
In fact, the substance of what he grappled with on a day-to-day basis
identified and highlighted the urgent need for all of us especially the Old
Guard to realise the vision and mission to open the doors of culture to all the
people who live in this country.
It was totally absurd that we have state of the art infrastructure and
facilities in our own cities and yet deny fellow South Africans right of access
simply because of the colour of their skin.
Over the last five years when he was recalled from retirement and asked by
the Department of Arts and Culture to lead the State Theatre, it was because we
believed he had both the skills and profound commitment to make the institution
what it ought to have been over the last 25 years of its existence.
Lovegrove was an African manager and leader whose mature vision helped shape
developments and trends in one of the most conservative sectors of our
society.
It was Lovegrove who introduced the âcultural winds of changeâ not only by
working closely with a young visionary in the person of Artistic Director,
Aubrey Sekgabi, but threw an open invitation to the majority of Pretoria folk
when he screened the World Cup for free in the theatre stages.
None of this creative courage would have emerged had he not embraced the
African dream of using arts and culture to nurture social cohesion and
contribute toward national unity among all our people.
At the time of his death, the State Theatre had made a giant leap into the
future of not only making our theatre allinclusive but had transformed it into
a microcosm of what we want our entire society can become.
Unfortunately, there are not enough men and women of his age who have made
the Rubicon Crossing to play an active role in making theatre reflect the
realities of our country.
Lovegrove did not die in vain, though his journey to the new South Africa
started very late in his life.
Today the State Theatre is not removed from connections and experiences of
the African majority.
This is but one indication of our own efforts through Lovegrove; to be
grounded and inspired by local creative energies of all indigenous artists
irrespective of colour, creed or background.
We hope that his life will remain an example of someone who was a visionary
leader and role model.
We will sadly miss him but are encouraged that during his last years on
earth he managed to pass on the baton to a newer and younger generation
personified by his colleague, Aubrey Sekgabi, who shall continue where he left
off.
May his soul rest in peace!
For further details call:
Sandile Memela
Ministerial Spokesperson
Cell: 082 800 3750
Issued by: Department of Arts and Culture
14 June 2006
