Kirvan Fortuin

Kirvan Fortuin (10 August 1991 – 13 June 2020) was a Khoikhoi First Nation dancer, choreographer and LGBT activist.

Career Born in Macassar, Fortuin joined the Cape Whalers Field Band in 2002, which prompted their interest in dance. They began formal dance training at the University of Cape Town in 2010, studying classical dance, contemporary dance, African dance and other dance forms. At Framer Framed in Amsterdam, Fortuin gave a performance response to the exhibition Re(as)sisting Narratives (2016). Fortuin created this new choreography inspired by the themes addressed, the exhibition space and the diverse works on show among which the video's Ga Bose Gangwe (2013) and Inzilo (2013) by Mohau Modisakeng. The event was a collaboration with AfroVibes Festival.

In 2017, Fortuin founded House of Le Cap, South Africa's first ballroom house. As an LGBT activist, Fortuin hosted Africa's first Vogue Ball on World AIDS Day to raise awareness and fund for the LGBT community affected by HIV.

Awards and recognition In 2012, Fortuin received the Best International Production (Guest Award) at the International Theatre School Festival in Amsterdam. University of Cape Town recognised them with an award for Meritorious Achievement in the Performing and Creative Arts in 2012.

An Aborted Beginning (a dance film) Loud Silence: In The Memory of Her Mind Kirby K, premiered in September 2014 When They Leave (with Romane Petit), premiered in May 2015 at De Doelen Theatre, Rotterdam Tussen Niks en Nêrens, premiered on 25 November 2015 After 9, premiered on 9 April 2016 Stille Water, premiered on 9 April 2016 at Compagnietheater, Amsterdam Abashante!, premiered on 27 May 2016 at , Rotterdam Nomvula, premiered on 3 September 2016, The Hague Rite: Ndinyindoda siyaya..., premiered on 2 October 2016, Rotterdam Silver & Gold (You&I), premiered on 4 March 2017 at Dance Umbrella Johannesburg, Wits Theatre Complex In Your Hands, premiered on 22 September 2017 at Artscape Theatre Centre, Cape Town Katrina Die Dansende Taal, premiered on 19 September 2018 at Artscape Theatre Centre, Cape Town