Esther van Zyl - Actor

Esther van Zyl is a South African–born actor, theatre-maker, and educator based in Colorado. Her work spans theatre, film, and audio, with a particular interest in psychologically rich characters and projects that live at the intersection of performance and music. She trained in acting and directing at Stellenbosch University, where her studies included psychology and emphasized vocal technique, ensemble-devised work, and a “poor theatre” approach rooted in the actor’s instrument.

After further training in New York, Esther worked in independent theatre, television, and film, including co-writing and starring in the award-winning short film Life After Her. After relocating to Colorado, her creative life expanded to include directing and teaching theatre for young people through her program, DraMagic! Theater Group, where she creates original work that integrates storytelling, movement, and music. She is active with local theatre companies and contributes to the arts community in her hometown of Lyons as a teacher, collaborator, and arts advocate.

 She is grateful to be part of The Marriage and this collaborative exploration of Mahler, his music, and the emotional world that shaped it.