The star-studded 4th Naledi Theatre Awards 2006 took place at the University of Johannesburg Arts Centre on Monday 19 February.
The Naledi Theatre Award ceremony got off to an impressive start with a breathtaking opening sequence of aerial violin and Tango dancers, exciting drumming and spectacular pyrotechnics, conceived by Josh Lindberg and staged by Dawn Lindbergh who also directed the event.
MC’s for the ceremony were consummate professionals, comedian Marc Lottering and bubbly TV personality, Jeannie D. The presenters were well-known stage and television personalities. Steve Hofmeyr, his wife Natasha Sutherland; Isidingo stars Jo da Silva, Kevin Smith and Robert Whitehead; Craig Urbani, Salome Sechele, Tselane Tambo, Freedom Hadebe, Candice Derman, Abigail Kubeka and Mara Louw being just a few of the total of forty presenters that graced the stage.
Highlights from some of the hit shows of 2006 provided top-class entertainment.
Lifetime Achievement awards were presented to industry veterans Salaelo Maredi, David Phetoe, Doris Sehule, Moira Lister and a posthumous award to the State Theatre CEO, Michael Lovegrove
The Naledi Theatre Awards covers all mainstream, professional live theatre productions that took place during 2006. The panel of judges considered some sixty productions in twenty-four categories and over 1000 actors, writer’s designers and technicians were assessed.
With the substantial funding received from the National Department of Arts and Culture, the Gauteng Department of Arts and Culture and sponsors Computicket, Wharfedale-Pro, Vodacom, Gallo Music and the two founding sponsors Percy Tucker and Christopher Seabrook, the winners in all categories and the Lifetime Achievers received generous cheques and Trophies.
And the Winners are:
Best New South African Play Produced: The Suitcase written by Eskia Mphahlele, produced by Market Theatre by arrangement with the Baxter Theatre Centre, directed by James Ngcobo
Best Production of a Straight Play: The Suitcase produced by Market Theatre by arrangement with the Baxter Theatre Centre, directed by James Ngcobo
Best Production of a Musical: Ghoema produced by Stage Productions, directed by David Kramer
Best Production of a Revue: Black Mamba produced by Mamba Productions / Liberty Life Theatre on the Square, directed by Murray McGibbon.
Best Ensemble Production: Coupe produced by Fortune Cookie Productions, directed by Sue Pam Grant.
Best Director of a Play or Musical: James Ngcobo: The Suitcase
Best Performance by an Actress in a Lead Role (Play): Kate Normington: Bombshells.
Best Performance by an Actor in a Lead Role (Play): Siyabonga Twala: The Suitcase
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role: Mncendisi Shabangu: The Suitcase
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role: Judy Page: My Fair Lady
Best Performance in a Musical (Male): Lindani Nkosi: Ain’t Misbehavin’
Best Performance in a Musical (Female): Angela Kilian: My Fair Lady
Best Original Choreography (Musical or Revue): Loukmaan Adams: Ghoema
Best Musical Director / Score / Arrangement: Taliep Petersen: Ghoema
Best Production: Cutting Edge: Coupe
Best Comedy Performance (Male) (Play, Musical or Revue) :Gerard Bester: Coupe
Best Comedy Performance (Female) (Play, Musical or Revue): Sylvaine Strike: Coupe
Best Performance by a Newcomer / Breakthrough (Male): Tshediso Lawrence Mofali: Lord of the Flies
Best Performance by a Newcomer / Breakthrough (Female): Nqobile Sipamla: The Suitcase
Best Costume Design: Sarah Roberts: Fangs
Best Theatre Set Design: Chen Nakar: Coupe
Best Theatre Lighting Design: Declan Randall: Coupe
Best Theatre Sound Design: Mark Malherbe: We Will Rock You
Best Community Theatre: SANCTA Community Theatre: When the Bells Ring, Voice of Wisdom Theatre and the Reflections Community Theatre Festival: Echoes, written and directed by Vice Motshabi
Lifetime Achievers: Salaelo Maredi, David Phetoe, Doris Sehule, Moira Lister and a posthumous award to Michael Lovegrove
The ceremony was broadcast live on Radio Today 1485AM and DStv audio channel 70 and an edited two-hour television Special will be flighted on SABC 3 on Friday 9 March at 8pm.
For media queries and images please contact Di Sparks of Behind the Scenes Communications (for Naledi Theatre Awards 2006) at 011 648 7385 / 073 208 8483 or disparks@artslink.co.za
Visit www.naleditheatreawards.org.za for more information.
