'Spring Awakening' dominates at the 2025 Naledi Theatre Awards
South Africa's biggest night in theatre unfolded on Monday, June 16, at the South African State Theatre, where the prestigious Naledi Theatre Awards honoured the crème de la crème of the performing arts industry.
This year, the spotlight was firmly on the critically acclaimed production, "Spring Awakening", which dominated the awards by clinching an astounding 10 accolades.
Among its many triumphant wins were Best Production of a Musical, Best Ensemble in a Musical, and the coveted Best Director of a Musical, awarded to Sylvaine Strike, who tackled her first musical with this innovative project.
Another standout production of the night, "Ka Lebitso La Moya", walked away with four prestigious awards, including Best Production of a Play and Best Director of a Play.
Actor Josias Dos Moleele, who received the award for Best Male Lead Performance in a Play for his role in "Ka Lebitso La Moya", delivered a heartfelt acceptance speech.
"I didn't even prepare a speech. I just want to thank Momo Matsunyane, the State Theatre for allowing this play here. To be recognised by the industry, judges and the people you love."
He continued to express gratitude towards his family, dedicating the award to his child, who he referred to as a star, and concluded with a touching homage to God, saying, "this is for him".
In addition to the award-winning productions "Spring Awakening" and "Ka Lebitso La Moya", the night also acknowledged the talents behind works like "The King of Broken Things", "Expelled", and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - The Ballet".
Abridged winners list
Best Production of a Musical
"Spring Awakening"
Best Production of a Play
"Ka Lebitso La Moya"
Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr Sibongiseni Mkhize and Jane Gosnell
Best New South African Script
Rosalind Butler - "Expelled"
Best Male Lead Performance in a Play
Josias Dos Moleele - "Ka Lebitso La Moya"
Best Female Lead Performance in a Play
Charmaine Weir-Smith - "Expelled"
Best Male Lead Performance in a Musical
Dylan Janse van Rensburg - "Spring Awakening"
Best Female Lead Performance in a Musical
Carmen Pretorius - "Aspoestertjie"
Best Supporting Male Performance in a Musical
Francis Chouler - "Spring Awakening"
Best Supporting Female Performance in a Musical
Natalie Robbie - "Spring Awakening"
Best Director of a Musical
Sylvaine Strike - "Spring Awakening"
Best Director of a Play
Momo Matsunyane - "Ka Lebitso La Moya"
CEOS Award for Innovation/Contribution to Theatre
Vuyani Dance Theatre
Special Award - Achievement Theatre
Mark Cheyne - "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - The Ballet"
Best Sound Design
David Glassen - "Spring Awakening"
Best Lightening Design
Michael Taylor-Broderick - "The King of Broken Things"
Best Theatre Set and Design
Andrew Timm and Enos Ramoroko - "Janice Honeyman's Beauty and the Beast"
Best Costume Design
Mariska Meyer - "Janice Honeyman's Beauty and the Beast"
Best Ensemble in a Play
Diphapang Mokoena, Tumelo Mokoena, Abongile Matyutyu and Mbovu Malinga - "Coal Yard"
Best Ensemble in a Musical
Ben Stannard, Che-Jean Jupp, Grabriella Knight, Gemma Bisseker, Gerard van Rooyen, Hannah Norcott, Jasmine Minter, Jayden Dickson, Jude Bunyan, Killian Berk, Nandi Nyivana, Noa Duckitt, Skye Themeda Goss, Tatum Coleman, Tjaart van Der Walt and Tumela Mogashoa - "Spring Awakening".
Best Cabaret
"4 Panado's en 'n Chardonnay"
Best Performance in a Solo Production
Cara Roberts - "The King of Broken Things"
Best Performance in a Solo Comedy Production
Marianne Thamm - "Marianne Thamm's Round of Applause Reoaded!"
Lesedi Spirit of Courage Award
Mark Hawkins
Best Musical Director
Amy Campbell - "Spring Awakening"
Best Choreography in a Play or Musical Production
Anna Olivier and Naoline Quinzin - "Spring Awakening"
Best Breakthrough Performance
Jonatha Conrad - "Spring Awakening"
Best Supporting Female Performance in a Play
Khutjo Green - "Ka Lebitso La Moya"
Best Supporting Male Performance in a Play
Job Kubatsi - "The Suit".
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