Latest news with #StateTheatre
The Citizen
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Abigail Kubheka's 68 years in the industry to be honoured in concert
Abigail Kubheka's career started in 1957 when, at the age of 16, Miriam Makeba invited her to join her Skylarks ensemble. Singer and actor Abigail Kubheka will be honoured in concert in July. Picture: @joburgtheatre/X The South African government is often criticised for not honouring artists from Mzansi; it only bestows recognition on them after they are no longer with us. However, legendary singer and actor Abigail Kubheka will be honoured for 68 years in the entertainment industry. 'Mama Abigail Kubheka is more than a performer — she is a living archive of our nation's cultural history,' said Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe in a statement. A concert in Kubheka's honour will be hosted at the State Theatre in Pretoria in the first weekend of July, where Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Sipho 'Hotstix' Mabuse and Khanyo Maphumulo, among others, 25 are expected to perform on the day. The performing artists are said to have volunteered their time and talent to celebrate Khubeka, whose 'voice, presence, and resilience have helped shape South Africa's cultural identity'. ALSO READ: Beaded tribute: Artist gifts Thabo Mbeki a 77 558-bead portrait for his birthday Khubeka's near seven decades in the industry Kubeka was born in 1941 in Orlando East, Soweto's first formal township. She spent her teenage years in Sophiatown, a bustling cultural hub at the time. However, her career started in 1957 when, at the age of 16, Miriam Makeba invited her to join her Skylarks ensemble, which at that time also comprised the legendary Letta Mbulu and Mary Rabotaba. The following decades saw Khubeka performing on various stages around the world, while also venturing into acting later in her illustrious career. We are honouring Mama Abigail Kubheka: Date: 5 July 2025 Venue: State Theatre Tshwane Time: 18:00 May 27, 2025 'For nearly seven decades, her voice has carried the spirit of resistance, love, and healing. In her music and her presence, generations have found hope,' said Mabe. ALSO READ: WATCH: Tyla's big Nickelodeon night — hosting, slime, and a major win The Van Toeka Af Living Legends Recognition Series The concert for Khubeka will happen under the Van Toeka Af Living Legends Recognition Series, a government initiative launched in 2023 to honour individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to South Africa's arts and cultural heritage. The series not only acknowledges their legacy but also provides tangible support through platforms such as the Living Legends Legacy Fraternity Trust (LLLFT). 'Honouring her through the Van Toeka Af series is both a duty and a privilege, and a reminder that South Africa's greatest treasure,' said Mabe. Musician Khaya Mahlangu will direct the one-night-only concert. NOW READ: Trombonist Siyasanga 'Siya' Charles excited to come back home for the National Arts Festival
The Citizen
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Germiston theatre bags award for a play
The City of Ekurhuleni's Dumisani Masilela Theatre won a Naledi Award for best fringe production for their show Taxi Wars at the Naledi Theatre Awards. The ceremony was held at the State Theatre in Pretoria on June 16. Naledi Awards are annual South African national theatre awards to recognise and honour productions, performers and creatives. Taxi Wars was also nominated in a second category, for best performance in a fringe theatre production, for an outstanding performance by Refilwe Setati, one of the leading cast members of the show. ALSO READ: Smart Theatre in Germiston brings excitement among creatives 'The Taxi Wars theatre production is the culmination of a five-year artist development programme offered by the city to budding artists. 'It began as a mini drama festival involving 16 community groups, narrowed down to four through an adjudicated selection,' said city spokesperson Zweli Dlamini. 'These groups were then mentored and trained in acting, voice, dance, and storytelling, as well as theatre production disciplines such as lighting, sound, and stage management. ALSO READ: New Smart Theatre in Germiston gets huge welcome 'The training and development sessions were hosted at various arts centres across the city, facilitated by creative industry mentors such as Dr. Tu Nokwe, Baby Cele, Masoja Msiza, and Ihhashi Elimhlophe, among others. This prestigious win is a proud milestone for the city in the development and work-readiness programme for local talent,' said Dlamini. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
‘Spring Awakening' musical wins big at 20th Naledi Theatre Awards
'Spring Awakening', a Lamta production, enjoyed a successful run in both Johannesburg and Cape Town in 2024. Some of the cast members of Spring Awakening, which won big at the Naledi Theatre Awards. Picture: lamtacademy/Instagram There was probably no better way to celebrate young people's vibrancy at the 20th edition of the Naledi Theatre Awards than having a youth-driven musical, Spring Awakening, being the night's biggest winner. Spring Awakening, which had a successful run in 2024, won 10 awards at the Naledi Theatre Awards, hosted at the State Theatre in Pretoria on Monday, which coincided with Youth Day. '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,' said CEO of the awards, Lihan Pretorius. ALSO READ: Caleb Swanepoel's courage steals the show at Naledi Awards Spring Awakening's night Spring Awakening is a Luitingh Alexander Musical Theatre Academy (Lamta) production that had a successful run in Johannesburg and Cape Town in 2024. The musical delves into the lives of a group of adolescent students discovering their sexual identities and desires as they rebel against the prevailing burdensome and restrictive societal norms. This reimagined production expertly brings the gripping and emotional story to life, exploring complex themes such as self-discovery, repression, and the power of rebellion. Guest artists re-joining the Lamta company will include the brilliant Francis Chouler and Natalie Robbie in multiple roles. Sylvaine Strike directs the musical. It received awards for Best Production for a Musical or Opera and Best Choreography/Movement Direction in a Play or Musical Theatre Production, and cast member Jonathan Conrad received the Breakthrough Performance Award. 'This award is for everyone who has ever felt out of place,' said an emotional Conrad in his acceptance speech. Before the production's return to the stage last year, Lamta co-founder Anton Luitingh urged young people to see the musical because it speaks to them. '…because of the way that Spring Awakening resonates with its profound relevance to young individuals and their parents and guardians today, highlighting the symbiosis between the two generations.' Other winners of the night included Gregory Maqoma's Vuyani Dance Company, which won the CEO's Award for its innovative contributions to theatre, and Aladdin Jr. (People's Theatre), which won the award for Best Production for children and young audiences. NOW READ: 'A new chapter': Siphokazi celebrates independence after 16 years with former label
IOL News
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
'Spring Awakening' dominates at the 2025 Naledi Theatre Awards
The event, a celebration of exceptional talent, recognised performers, designers, production teams and staging crews across various categories, covering everything from children's productions to fringe theatre, as well as dance and student theatre. 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".
Time Out
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Sydney Film Festival breaks records as defiant Iranian director Jafar Panahi takes top prize
Following 12 days of packed cinemas, more than 150 sold-out sessions and record-breaking box office revenue, the 72nd Sydney Film Festival wrapped overnight with a moving awards ceremony at the State Theatre. The prestigious Sydney Film Prize this year went to acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi for his reimagined thriller, It Was Just an Accident. The announcement was made ahead of the Australian Premiere screening of Michael Angelo Covino's comedy Splitsville, capping off the highest selling festival in Sydney Film Festival's history. The Sydney Film Prize is a $60,000 cash prize for an 'audacious, cutting-edge and courageous' film, selected by a prestigious international jury headed by acclaimed Australian director, writer and producer Justin Kurzel. In a rare and significant appearance, Panahi was in Sydney to accept the award in person. Panahi was announced at SFF's opening night, fresh from winning the Palme d'Or, the major prize at the Cannes Film Festival. One of the most celebrated figures in contemporary world cinema, Panahi has spent the past three decades creating boundary-pushing films about the lived realities of people in Iran, made in defiance of restrictions and censorship by the Iranian government. As well as screening It Was Just an Accident in competition, the 72nd Sydney Film Festival also featured a retrospective of all 10 of Panahi's feature films. Since he has been in Sydney, Panahi has stepped back from attending screenings to stay in touch with family and friends during the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. On awarding the Sydney Film Prize, the Jury said in a joint statement: 'In these times of great conflict and uncertainty it is more important than ever that filmmakers are given the freedom to express what they see around them. The films we watched led with empathy, compassion and kindness. The directors trusted that their stories would make us feel first, connect to a personal point of view, they were political but human first.' 'The winner of the Sydney Film Festival for 2025 embodied all these qualities, a courageous film with a deep soul and a powerful sense of forgiveness. It has outstanding performances and an understated authority which is brimming with truth.' Other SFF winners this year include Australian filmmaker Shalom Almond, who was awarded the $20,000 Documentary Australia Award cash prize for Songs Inside, a moving portrait of women prisoners who find healing through a unique music program. The 2025 recipient of the $40,000 Sustainable Future Award, the largest environmental film prize in the world, is Australian filmmaker Jordan Giusti for Floodland, a deeply resonant portrait of a flood-affected community in Lismore, Australia's most disaster-prone postcode. The recipient of the largest cash prize for First Nations filmmaking, the $35,000 First Nations Award proudly supported by Truant Pictures, is Canadian filmmaker Lisa Jackson for Wilfred Buck, which explores the life and teachings of charismatic Cree educator and 'star man' Wilfred Buck. Five short film prizes were awarded for The Dendy Awards for Australian Short Films. The $7,000 Dendy Live Action Short Award was awarded to Faceless, directed by Fraser Pemberton and William Jaka; the $7,000 Yoram Gross Animation Award was awarded to The Fling, directed by Jemma Cotter; and the $7,000 Rouben Mamoulian Award for Best Director was presented to Rory Pearson, director of Mates. The AFTRS Craft Award for Best Practitioner (a $7,000 cash prize) went to Josh Peters, music and sound designer of Faceless. The Event Cinemas Rising Talent Award for Screenwriting (another cash prize of $7,000) was awarded to Rory Pearson and Marcus Aldred-Traynor, the co-writers of Mates. The $10,000 Sydney-UNESCO City of Film Award, bestowed by Screen NSW to a trail-blazing NSW-based screen practitioner, went to the Big Bang Sound Design team Wayne Pashley and Libby Villa. Sydney Film Festival CEO Frances Wallace said: 'This year has been extraordinary. The 2025 Sydney Film Festival is the highest-selling festival in the festival's history, welcoming over 150,000 attendees – an 11 per cent increase on last year. Across 12 days, we screened 242 films, hosted 448 screenings and events, and saw over 150 sessions sell out. We're so grateful to the audiences, filmmakers, patrons, partners and supporters who made this year such a success.'
