The Handspring Puppet Company, known for creating cane and metal horses used in the West End play War Horse, has been awarded a special Tony for its South African creators. At the same time, Athol Fugard received a special lifetime achievement award for opposing racism and promoting freedom and equality in his long and distinguished career as a playwright.
Tony Awards Host Neil Patrick Harris on one of the War Horse puppets
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The horses, made for the hit play which is based on Michael Morpurgo's novel, had to be life sized and needed to be able to move ears, trot and walk, and also to carry human actors. They also needed to look realistic.
SA Playwrite Athol Fugard
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At the same ceremony, South African playwright Athol Fugard received a special Lifetime Achievement Award . Fugard is renowned for writing plays where racism is opposed and freedom and equality are elevated. His best known works include Boesman and Lena, Master Harold... and the Boys, and recently The Train Driver.
The Tony's are considered the "Oscars" of the theatre world.
