Lara Bye’s artistic journey began in childhood, when her mother instilled a love for culture by taking her to film festivals, plays, outdoor jazz concerts, and other artistic events. Those early experiences sparked a lifelong devotion to storytelling and the performing arts.
She holds a BA in Drama, English, and Anthropology from the University of Natal, followed by an Honours and Master’s in Theatre Directing from the University of Cape Town. Lara further refined her craft during a two-year training programme at the L’École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq in Paris.
A prolific and multi-award-winning director, Lara’s work spans languages and genres, from opera and physical comedy to outdoor spectacles and intimate dramas. Passionate about nurturing South African storytelling, she has collaborated with writers to bring numerous new local plays to the stage.
Her acclaimed Afrikaans production Die reuk van appels received national recognition, winning Best Director, Best Production, and Best Actor at the Fiesta Awards. Another standout work, Rainbow Scars, was nominated for Best Production of a Play at the Naledi Awards.
As a permanent Live Performance lecturer at AFDA in Cape Town, Lara shares her wealth of knowledge with emerging theatre practitioners, guiding the next generation of performers and directors.
Lara also recently completed her Advanced Breathwork Practitioner training with Breathwork Africa – bringing this work on nervous system regulation and a very gentle and somatic approach to dealing with stress and anxiety – to the student projects.
Her influence extends beyond the classroom and stage. As a member of the Artistic Committee for the National Arts Festival, she helped shape the Main Theatre Programme to reflect contemporary voices and bold innovations in staging.
Lara is a creative force who bridges grassroots beginnings with international training, academic mentorship with industry practice, and South African stories with global resonance. Her work continues to inspire students and the wider theatre community to dream boldly, collaborate and tell stories that matter.