renowned choreographer Robyn Orlin
27 February 2009
Accolades are in order for Robyn Orlin who is being made a Knight of the
French National Order of Merit in recognition of her remarkable creative
contribution to the arts.
Since the early 1980s Orlin has worked in the Market Theatre precinct which
was the hub of artistic life in Johannesburg. It was very much an
anti-apartheid activist place. As an activist, Orlin joined the Federated Union
of Black Artist Academy where she created a contemporary dance section and
choreographed and facilitated works during that period.
In 1990, Orlin was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship in the United States of
America (USA) where she attended The School of Art Institute of Chicago. When
she returned in 1994 she joined the Market Theatre Laboratory teaching
youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Orlin built up a reputation for working on difficult and complex current
issues in South Africa. She has engaged and fought for the condition of women,
social abuse, homelessness, awareness on HIV/AIDS and for tolerance and
inclusivity. She creatively worked through mixed media, making her
presentations quite unique. The apartheid regime banned some of her pieces.
Orlin has become known internationally and has performed in various
countries, becoming popular in many of these. We are proud of Robyn Orlin, a
South African receiving this prestigious award from France. It is a testimony
of the calibre of artists from South Africa that are being recognised
internationally. May Robyn Orlin continue with her creative impulse reaching
further heights.
Issued by: Department of Arts and Culture
27 February 2009
