The programme promoted and supported young directors to make a career from their talent and move them into the next level of creating more artistic opportunities within the sector. An array of prizes was given to the top 10 finalists that were initially selected at the five regional festivals.

The stage was set alight by unrestricted creativity as the audience from the four corners of Gauteng, together with art enthusiasts, marvelled as The Calabash Runs Dry (from Tshwane, directed by S’phiwe Malusi) won the Best Production Award, The Comrade (Ekurhuleni, directed by Errol Ndotho) claimed the second prize, with Soweto’s Gift From God (directed by Alex Motsweri) scooping the third prize.

One of the most coveted awards of the day was the Audience Choice Award, which was clinched by The Bucket (Soweto), directed by Paul Noko, a production that saw him push the envelope in terms of abstract theatre. Later in the day the GOMACC’s Choice Award for Following a South African Script went to Nothing but the Truth, (written by Dr John Kani) and directed by Rachere Khupane.

But the category everyone was eyeing was the Best Director Award, won by Siphiwe Malusi from Tshwane, who directed The Calabash Runs Dry. This is a tale of an intrusion that occurs in a magical village of Khilimela. The community is stricken by a stranger who came in with the sole aim of robbing the community’s treasure - the Calabash. To the villagers, the calabash is the most valuable object and is believed to be a life giver, nurturer, well of life and the spiritual mother.

The Best Ensemble Award went to the local production, Gift from God. The audience was just as enthralled when the Best Actor accolade was awarded to Andile Innocent Mbatha (The Bucket), and Best Supporting Actress was handed over to Keneilwe Sejake (also from The Bucket). The rest of the awards were distributed to: Nteboheng Molaba (Best Actress from Purdah the Veil – Sedibeng, Heidelburg Ratanda) and Tsepo Mohlala (Best Supporting Actor from Bopha – Ekuruleni, Tembisa).

Guest speaker Andile Kolanisi (Provincial Chief Director Statutory Body, Cultural Affairs) fitted right in by delivering an inspiring keynote address and kept the audience engaged and entertained.

“As GOMACC, we are more than confident that not only Gauteng but South Africa’s theatrical landscape will be positively shaped by these winners,” said GOMACC’s Operations and Festival Manager, Jerry Mabuza.

“It gives me great joy to know that in the not so distant future, these directors will be at the helm of some of the most influential theatre productions to grace our stages. But of course, we have to thank our main sponsor, the National Lottery Board, whose generous contributions made all of this possible,” said Mabuza.