The National Children’s Theatre scoops prestigious Naledi Awards
JOBURG – NCT strives to bring live professional theatre to rural children as part of the Department of Education advocating the value of theatre in education.
The National Children’s Theatre (NCT) was recently awarded the prestigious 2016 Naledi Award for Khokho’s Treasure and best production for children (supported by Assitej SA) at the Naledi Theatre Awards ceremony.
Francois Theron, artistic director of the Children’s Theatre said he was grateful and excited about the recognition. “It was a very special honour for us to win the Naledi Award,” he said.
In his speech, he also mentioned that it all started four years ago when the resident set designer, Stan Knight, donated a baobab tree. Theron said when Moira Katz, CEO of the company, saw the tree she asked him to develop a proudly South African musical around the tree.
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Katz said they appreciate the creative team. Musical direction was done by Dale Scheepers, choreography by Nicol Sheraton and restaged by Phillida le Roux, set design by Stan Knight and Jane Gosnell was responsible for the lighting.
Katz also thanked the team who put this show together. “Congratulations to Francois for his hard work and commitment in putting together an outstanding and talented cast including Suzaan Helberg, Keaton Broderick Ditchfield, Nomonde Matiwane, Sandi Dlangalala, Thokozani Nzima and Nichole Makoba. Thanks to all the NCT’s incredible staff who all helped in making this production a success.”
For its opening, the show was hosted at The South African State Theatre before embarking on a national primary school tour to Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, Eastern Cape and Gauteng.
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Recently, the cast had the honour of being invited to perform at the Baxter Theatre as a main stage participant in the Assitej Cradle of Creativity International Theatre Festival for Children and Young People in Cape Town.
The National Children’s Theatre strives to bring live, professional theatre to children in rural areas. This is part of the Department of Education’s mission to add to the value of theatre in education, build theatre audiences of the future and open minds to possible careers in the theatre.
This production was made possible by the support of the Department of Arts and Culture and the National Lotteries Commission.
