Biography

Deon Opperman's career as a writer, director and producer of theatre, television and film began in 1984. Since then, he has written, directed and produced theatre productions in both Afrikaans and English in every major theatre and at every major festival in South Africa. He also writes and produces extensively for television.

Mr Opperman is a Fulbright Scholar. His academic qualifications are:

Bachelor of Arts (Rhodes University) B.A. Honours (University of Cape Town) Master of Arts (Northwestern University, Chicago) Master of Business Administration (University of the Witwatersrand)

In 1996 he served as a founding director of AFDA: The South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance, a private tertiary institution for training in Motion Picture and Live Performance, where he served as executive director and head of the live performance department for eight years. AFDA now has four campuses in South Africa and is in its 24th year.

Mr Opperman is the CEO of Deon Opperman Productions (Pty) Ltd and an Executive Director and the Head Writer of Overberg Productions (Pty) Ltd.

During his career Deon Opperman has received the following professional awards:

• South African Academy of Science & Art: Hertzog Prize for Dramatic Literature - 2006 & 2009
• South African Academy of Science & Art: Eugene Marais Award for Literature
• Standard Bank Young Artist of the Year
• ATKV Media Award - Best Television Script: Drama Series (twice)
• ATKV Media Award - Best Television Drama Series: Producer (twice)
• SACPAC Playwright of the Year
• Vita Award for South African Playwright of the Year
• Vita Award for Most Promising New Actor of the Year
• Vita Award for Best Production of a Play in the Free State
• Fleur du Cap Award for Best New South African Play
• Vita Award for Best Director in Natal
• Vita Award for Best Production in Natal
• Vita Award for Best Production of a New South African Play
• E.P.Herald Showtime Award for Best Director
• Vita Award for Best Director in the Free State
• Vita Award for Best Production in Gauteng

Social awards conferred upon Mr Opperman:

• Klein Karoo Arts Festival Honouring for Innovation and Contribution to Afrikaans

Theatre

• Innibos Arts Festival Honouring for Lifelong Contribution to the Afrikaans

Language and Theatre.

• FAK (Federation of Afrikaans Cultural Organisations) - Prestige Person of the Year 2009 for advancement of Afrikaans drama and literature.

- IMDb mini biography by: Deon Opperman