The arts community is mourning the death of Cape Town dancer and choreographer, Kirvan Fortuin. The 28-year-old Fortuin was stabbed to death at a house where he was with friends.
He resided between South Africa and the Netherlands where he also worked for a Dutch dance company.
From humble beginnings, Fortuin danced his way to international stardom. He is a graduate of UCT’s Drama Studies, which saw him through to Codarts University of Drama in the Netherlands.
A career cut short by what is believed to have been an altercation at this house. His father, Steven Claasen, says Fourtuin died in his arms.
“He died in my arms on Friday night. When I came there, it was sad for me to see my son lying there and there was nothing I could do for him. My heart was broken when I took him in my arms. He died in my arms.”
His mother, Charlotte Claasen, says since his return from the Netherlands a few years, Fortuin has been coaching youngsters.
“There was a time he did his work at Macassar High, took children for lessons. It was for me very good to see what my child brings the youngsters together to give them a better life, to keep them from drugs and drinking wine.”
Fortuin was the founder and Artistic Director of the Kirvan Fortuin Foundation. His choreography has been performed at festivals in South Africa and abroad.
In 2019, the Western Cape honoured him with a Ministerial Award for Outstanding Contribution to Preservation and Promotion of an Indigenous Art Form.
Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sports, Annroux Marais, says Fortuin was an inspiration to the community.
“A proud and loved Capetonian, an inspiration to his community and a national and international icon. His passion, creativity and warm personality will be missed, but we will continue to celebrate his legacy through his foundation.”
A 14-year-old girl has been arrested for his murder and is expected to appear at the Somerset West Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
In the video below, the arts community mourns the death of Kirvan Fortuin:
