The Naledi Theatre Awards have been rewarding theatre excellence in South Africa for 13 years and has grown into one of the biggest awards events in the country.

This year, the panel of 20 judges deliberated over two days and discussed over 100 productions, in 27 categories, which were staged last year in more than 23 theatres.

“It is indeed a huge commitment and labour of love for the judges whose only reward is two tickets to the shows,” says Dawn Lindberg, executive director of the Naledi’s. “The debates are open and vigorous, but in the end, agreement is reached. Our only criteria is excellence, and it is particularly gratifying to see how much new local work is rising to the top.”

Judges include Renos Spanoudes, Welcome Msomi, Sello Maake ka Ncube, Maishe Maponya, Peter Feldman, Helen Heldenmuth, Gregory Goss, Johan van der Merwe, Annelize Hicks, Jenni Newman, Matthew Counihan, Rudi Sadler, Tiffany Higgo, and Lance Maron.

A special panel for Theatre for Young Audiences partnered with ASSITEJ SA to discuss this year’s nominees. The panel includes Gerard Bester, Allison Green, Kgomotso Christopher, Omphile Molusi, Dorianne Alexander, Lakin Morgan-Baatjies, and Renos Spanoudes.

“The date for the awards event has not been determined as yet, due to lack of funding,” says acting chairman of the Naledi Theatre Awards, Welcome Msomi. “However, we are hoping to hear from NLC and other potential sponsors very soon so that the much-anticipated awards can proceed as planned.”

“It is vitally important to keep Naledi alive as we hold a mirror to what is happening on our stages while encouraging new audiences and practitioners,” says Lindberg. “Theatre reflects our ever-changing society and tells our stories of pain, rage, joy, celebration, and those of the human indomitable spirit.” 

The Nominations Reveal is open to all theatre practitioners, the media, and interested public free of charge. However, seating is limited so booking is essential.

For more information, www.naleditheatreawards.org.za. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook or on Twitter.