Young star theatre director Momo Matsunyane sweeps the statuette cabinet clean at Naledi Theatre Awards
By Staff Reporter
featured image MoMo Matsunyane: Courtesy Sam Susan Supen of SamSays
South African theatre star Momo Matsunyane, and her play KaLebitso La Moya were big winners at this year’s Naledi Theatre Awards.
In celebrating the 20th edition of Annual Naledi Theatre Awards, the winners were announced on June 16 at a red-carpet event held at the South African State Theatre in Pretoria.
A recipient of Standard Bank Young Artist Award (SBYA) in the category of theatre, her play KaLebitso La Moya won four awards. KaLebitso La Moya received the awards for Best Director of a Play (won by Matsunyane), Best Lead Actor in a Play (which went to Josias Moleele), Best Supporting Actress in a Play (awarded to Khutjo Green), and Best Production in a Play.
The show premiered at the National Arts Festival in 2024 and was later staged at the Arena Theatre within the South African State Theatre.
Television, film, and theatre legend Job Kubatsi, known for his role in Emzini Wezinsizwa, won the Best Supporting Actor in a Play for his performance in The Suit. On the same evening, the outgoing CEO of the South African State Theatre, Dr. Sibongiseni Mkhize, and Jane Gosnell received Lifetime Achievement Awards.
The Vuyani Dance Company was presented with the CEO’s Award for Innovation and Contribution to Theatre, while Mark Hawkins was honored with the Lesedi Spirit of Courage Award. Luyanda Sidiya and Thoko Seganye received the Stand Mohlopi Award, and Mark Cheyne was presented with a Special Award for Achievement in Theatre.
Lihan Pretorius, the CEO of the Naledi Theatre Awards said: “During the year in review 2024, we have seen many productions produced, performed and conceptualized by very talented young South Africans.”
“It is hugely satisfying to all of us at the Naledis that we are seeing such young talent, interest and audiences’ growth, ensuring the longevity of theatre for the next generation.”
Chris Avant Smith, board member, said “We are also incredibly thankful to Aubrey Sekhabi and the South African State Theatre for coming on board to host the Naledi Theatre Awards this year. Without all our amazing sponsors and partners, which are Splitbeam, Alan Ford Productions, Easy Equities, Andy Signs, Lift Airline, Stageworx School of Performing Arts, WS Pianos, Galore SA Media, Blue Key Digital Marketing, Mindpool Productions, STAND Foundation, The Buz Hive, YihanBronn Couture and all the wonderful entertainers, presenters and creative team, we would be unable to mount this prestigious event”
The Rest of the Winners
BEST PRODUCTION FOR CHILDREN & YOUNG AUDIENCES – SUPPORTED BY ASSITEJ SA
Aladdin Jr. (Peoples Theatre)
BEST PERFORMANCE IN A PRODUCTION FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES
Raymond Skinner (Aladdin Jr.; Peoples Theatre)
BEST PRODUCTION: FRINGE THEATRE
Taxi Wars (City of Ekurhuleni’s DumisaniMasilela Theatre in partnership with The Joburg Theatre)
BEST PERFORMANCE IN A FRINGE THEATRE PRODUCTION
Alex Sono (Yangthola; The Art Cave in collaboration with The Market Theatre Laboratory)
BEST PRODUCTION: STUDENT THEATRE
Godspell (Oakfields College)
BEST PERFORMANCE BY A STUDENT IN A STUDENT THEATRE PRODUCTION
Neo Kele (Sister Act; Fourways High School)
BEST PRODUCTION: DANCE, PHYSICAL THEATRE AND BALLET
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Joburg Ballet)
BEST CHOREOGRAPHY IN A DANCE, PHYSICAL THEATRE AND BALLET PRODUCTION
Thami Tshabalala & Phume Sikhakhane (No Air; Kmad Dance Company)
BEST PERFORMANCE IN A DANCE, PHYSICAL THEATRE AND BALLET PRODUCTION
Nicole Ferreira-Dill (Sleeping Beauty; Joburg Ballet)
BEST BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE
Jonathan Conrad (Spring Awakening; Anton Luitingh and Duane Alexander (LAMTA))
BEST CHOREOGRAPHY/MOVEMENT DIRECTION IN A PLAY OR MUSICAL THEATRE PRODUCTION
Anna Olivier &NaolineQuinzin (Spring Awakening; Anton Luitingh and Duane Alexander (LAMTA))
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE / ARRANGEMENTS / SOUNDSCAPE
Zolani Shangase and Tshepang Dean (KaLebitso La Moya; Standard Bank, The National Arts Festival, MomoMatsunyane, The South African State Theatre and BononoKreativez)
BEST MUSICAL DIRECTOR
Amy Campbell (Spring Awakening; Anton Luitingh and Duane Alexander (LAMTA))
BEST CABARET, REVUE OR SMALL SCALE MUSICAL PRODUCTION
4 Panado’s en ‘n Chardonnay (The Market Theatre Foundation and Drama Drama)
BEST PERFORMANCE IN A SOLO PRODUCTION
Cara Roberts (The King of Broken Things; Theatresmiths in association with The Market Theatre)
BEST PERFORMANCE IN A SOLO COMEDY PRODUCTION (WITH ELEMENTS OF STAND-UP)
Marianne Thamm (Marianne Thamm’s Round of Applause Reloaded!; Marianne Thamm)
BEST ENSEMBLE IN A MUSICAL THEATRE PRODUCTION
Ben Stannard, Che-Jean Jupp, Gabriella Knight, Gemma Bisseker, Gerard Van Rooyen, Hannah Norcott, Jasmine Minter, Jayden Dickson, Jude Bunyan, Killian Blerk, Nandi Nyivana, NoaDuckitt, Skye Themeda Goss, Tatum Coleman, Tjaart Van Der Walt & Tumelo Mogashoa (Spring Awakening; Anton Luitingh and Duane Alexander (LAMTA))
BEST ENSEMBLE IN A PLAY
Diphapang Mokoena, Tumelo Mokoena, Abongile Matyutyu and Mbovu Malinga (Coal Yard; The Market Theatre in partnership with Ubuxhakaxhaka Theatre Productions)
BEST COSTUME DESIGN
Mariska Meyer (Janice Honeyman’s Beauty and the Beast; Joburg Theatre)
BEST THEATRE SET- AND AV DESIGN
Andrew Timm and Enos Ramoroko (Janice Honeyman’s Beauty and the Beast; Joburg Theatre)
BEST LIGHTING DESIGN
Michael Taylor-Broderick (The King of Broken Things; Theatresmiths in association with The Market Theatre)
BEST SOUND DESIGN
David Classen (Spring Awakening; Anton Luitingh and Duane Alexander (LAMTA))
BEST DIRECTOR OF A MUSICAL THEATRE PRODUCTION
Sylvaine Strike (Spring Awakening; Anton Luitingh and Duane Alexander (LAMTA))
BEST SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE IN A MUSICAL THEATRE PRODUCTION: FEMALE
Natalie Robbie (Spring Awakening; Anton Luitingh and Duane Alexander (LAMTA))
BEST SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE IN A MUSICAL THEATRE PRODUCTION: MALE
Francis Chouler (Spring Awakening; Anton Luitingh and Duane Alexander (LAMTA))
BEST LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A MUSICAL THEATRE PRODUCTION: FEMALE
Carmen Pretorius (Aspoestertjie – Die Pantomime; Oak Entertainment)
BEST LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A MUSICAL THEATRE PRODUCTION: MALE
Dylan Janse van Rensburg (Spring Awakening; Anton Luitingh and Duane Alexander (LAMTA))
BEST LEAD ACTRESS IN A PLAY
Charmaine Weir-Smith (Expelled; How Now Brown Cow in association with The Market Theatre)
BEST NEW SOUTH AFRICAN SCRIPT / ADAPTATION
Rosalind Butler (Expelled; How Now Brown Cow in association with The Market Theatre)
BEST PRODUCTION OF A MUSICAL / OPERA
Spring Awakening (Anton Luitingh and Duane Alexander (LAMTA))