(Charon Williams-Ros
& Jonathan Roxmouth will perform a spoof from KicktArt’s “Sweeney Todd)
The 12th annual Naledi Theatre Awards will see a star-studded
selection of performers and presenters entertain and honour stalwarts and
spectacular newcomers of the South African stage.
Taking place on April 19 at the Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef
City in Johannesburg, the Naledi Theatre Awards promise to be bigger and better
this year. “Our entertainment line-up is very special,” says Executive
Director, Dawn Lindberg. Special indeed, as Grammy Award winners Wouter
Kellerman and Ladysmith Black Mambazo are set to delight the audience.
“I’m very much looking forward and feel very privileged to
share my music with the theatre community,” says flautist and composer,
Kellerman. “I feel that in music, there is an underlying sense of theatre - and
this is a great opportunity to share common themes like storytelling, passion and
emotive expression.”
However, these world-famous artists won’t be the only ones
taking a bow on the night. “For the first time we have the full Johannesburg
Youth Orchestra Company, conducted by Eddie Clayton,” says Lindberg. “All music
has been specially arranged for the event and singers will perform to live
music.”
Other all-star entertainers include Candida Mosoma from Sister Act; Sharon Spiegel Wagner from I’m Playing Your Song; Somizi Mhlongo of
Idols fame; Jonathan Roxmouth and
Charon Williams-Ros, who will perform a spoof from KickstArt’s Sweeney Todd together; and Timothy Moloi
who will perform The Impossible Dream.
Critically acclaimed and SAMA-nominated recording artist,
Timothy Moloi says he is honoured to be performing at the 2016 Awards. “The Naledi
Awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise excellence in the theatre
industry and showcase the amazing work that has taken place over the past
year,” he says. “It is also one of the highlights of the local social calendar,
when people involved in all aspects of the performing arts get a chance to come
together to celebrate the successes of the year gone by.”
An esteemed cast of presenters will also join the
Award-winners beneath the spotlight. Comedian, Mark Banks will emcee the event
with radio and TV star Bridget Masinga, while over 30 Awards will be presented
by local celebrities like Nataniël, Tobie Cronje, Maps Maponyane, Tema
Sebopedi, Motlatsi Mafatshe, Atandwa Kani, Naledi’s Chairman Dali Tambo and
other luminaries from the stage and screen.
First-time presenter, Maps Maponyane says he eagerly awaits
the night. “It’s always great to be a part of the celebration of people who
work so hard at their craft,” the television presenter, actor, fashion designer
and business entrepreneur says. “I’m really looking forward to the actual show,
to see who wins and of course to watch the performances, which I’m sure will be
great.”
Denise Goldin, presenter of the Best Newcomer Award, and
mother of the late Brett Goldin says this year’s Awards hold special importance
for her. “This is the 10th year anniversary of Brett’s untimely and unnecessary
death, and so it has great significance for me,” she says. “He was taken from
us in 2006, on 16 April, just three days before this year’s Naledi's.”
“Each year I am overwhelmed with gratitude that not only is
he being remembered, but that a young actor is being recognised for his or her
talent, as my son surely would have been,” says Goldin. She offers huge praise
and gratitude to Executive Directors Dawn and Des Lindberg, for the enormous
effort they put in each year to make the Awards a reality. “Dawn and Des are to
be applauded for their perseverance in keeping the Naledi's alive, their
contribution to this is enormous, both personally and financially. There is no
other event that gives reward, recognition and acknowledgement to our actors.
This is the highlight of the performers’ year and gives them something to
strive for, to look forward to and hopefully to participate in,” Goldin
concludes.
But Lindberg says the long nights and endless phone calls
are all worth it. “We are truly proud that the Naledi’s holds a shining mirror
to excellence in SA theatre and that the nominations for productions staged in
2015 reflect the diversity of our industry and showcase the sort of productions
that attract our burgeoning audiences who buy tickets, come to the theatre and
applaud the work,” says Lindberg.
Tickets for the glittering event are available on Computicket
at R350. Tickets include cocktails, entertainment and the chance to rub
shoulders with the country’s top celebrities and performers.
For more information, visit www.naleditheatreawards.org.za
or connect with them on Facebook
or on Twitter
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