Spring Awakening shines at the Naledi Theatre Awards
Pictured, right, is Dylan Janse van Rensburg, winner of best lead performance in a musical theatre production, at this year's Naledi Awards. With him is co-star Scarlett Pay in a scene from Spring Awakening. The play scooped several top honours at the 20th annual Naledi Awards held in Pretoria on Monday, June 16.
Image: Supplied
Spring Awakening's production team from Camps Bay celebrated multiple accolades at the 20th annual Naledi Theatre Awards, which took place in the South African State Theatre in Pretoria, on Monday June 16.
The Luitingh Alexander Musical Theatre Academy (LAMTA) team that presented Spring Awakening were recognised for their performance, direction and choreography.
Set in late 19th-century Germany, Spring Awakening explores the inner and outer tumult of adolescent sexuality.
Last year, the academy presented the coming-of-age rock musical, with music by Duncan Sheik and lyrics by Steven Sater, which is based on the 1891 German play by Frank Wedekind.
In the musical theatre production category, Sylvaine Strike won best director and Dylan Janse van Rensburg was awarded best lead performance. Mr Van Rensburg also starred in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Theatre on the Bay.
LAMTA director Anton Luitingh, producer of Spring Awakening, told the Atlantic Sun that they were 'absolutely thrilled' that the academy made such a 'powerful impression at this year’s Naledi Awards.
"It’s a testament to the incredible impact young performers can have when they connect with their authentic storytelling abilities. It also reflects the exceptional standard of training at LAMTA - we couldn’t be more proud," he said.
Mr Luitingh attributed the production's success to "the remarkable vision of the creative team, whose artistry brought this production to life, and an extraordinarily talented young cast who poured their hearts and souls into every moment"
"At its core is a universal story that resonates deeply with today’s youth, capturing the complex relationship between young people and their parents. Add to that the powerful score by the writers of Spring Awakening, and it feels like the show was the perfect storm," he said.
Mr Luitingh advised aspiring Naledi awardees: "Stay true to your craft, know your worth, and always perform with honesty and heart. Most importantly, be unapologetically yourself — there’s no one else in the world quite like you."
Several LAMTA graduates were also recognised for their outstanding work too, including Jonathan Conrad who won best breakthrough performance, while Anna Olivier and Naoline Quinzin received the award for best choreography.
Amy Campbell won best musical director. She is serving as the musical director on Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Freelance actors Natalie Robbie won best supporting actress and Francis Chouler best supporting actor.
The entire Spring Awakening cast received the accolade for best ensemble in a musical theatre production.
David Classen took home the award for best sound design. He is also part of the Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat team.
Many of the award-winners are performing in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which has been playing to sold-out houses at Theatre on the Bay since its opening last month, where it runs until Saturday, July 12.
The production, presented by Pieter Toerien and LAMTA, moves to Pieter Toerien’s Theatre at Montecasino next month, opening on Saturday, July 19.
Tickets are available through Webtickets and advance booking is highly recommended.