'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.

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.

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".