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Taubie Kushlick (1910–1991) was a South African actress and producer. She became characterized as the self-styled "First Lady of Theatre". Eric Flynn The Independent. 14 March 2002
Her career highlights included producing for Reps (Alexander Theatre), the National Theatre (PACT), the Children's Theatre, universities and CAPAB. She was frequently nominated for South Africa's Woman of the Year prize for her theatre productions. She enjoyed particular success with productions such as Fiddler on the roof, Lion in Winter, Bravo Piaf , The Student Prince and A Little Night Music, directing and starring alongside Eric Flynn. She was a fervent admirer of Jacques Brel and produced several musicals featuring his songs. By 1982, the longest run of any stage production in Johannesburg was Kushlick's Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris. Earlier in 1973 she held a special Jacques Brel performance to raise funds for Israel during the Yom Kippur War.
She was an honorary life member of the South African Association of Theatre Managements and patron of the Theatre Gallery Club. She also became the founder and director Taubie Kushlick Productions (Pty) Ltd. Awards bestowed upon her included the André Huguenet Memorial Medal for pioneering work in theatre, the B'nai B'rith Cultural Trophy, the Italian Cultural Medal and the Adelaide Ristori. She was also nominated as Woman of the Year on several occasions.
In 2024, at the South African Jewish Board of Deputies' 120th anniversary gala dinner, she was honoured among 100 remarkable Jewish South Africans who have contributed to South Africa.(28 November 2024) 100 Jews who have contributed to South Africa SABJD. Retrieved on 1 February 2026. The ceremony included speeches from Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, and Kushlick was honoured with the likes of Nadine Gordimer and Helen Suzman. Story of tenacity: Board honours great South Africans South African Jewish Report. Retrieved on 1 February 2026.
Legacy
In 1999, she was placed at no.88 in the They shaped our century survey, a top 100 list published about which people had the greatest influence on South Africa during the twentieth century.
Categories: 1910 Births, 1991 Deaths, 20th-century South African Actresses, Alumni Of The Royal Academy Of Music, Jewish Actresses, 20th-century South African Jews, South African People Of Lithuanian-jewish Descent, South African Stage Actresses, South African Theatre Directors, South African Women Theatre Directors, Jewish Theatre Directors
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