Latest news with #SouthAfricanStateTheatre
eNCA
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- eNCA
Living legend series celebrates Abigail Kubeka
JOHANNESBURG - Mama Abigail Kubeka has had an extraordinary career in South Africa's music, arts and cultural landscape as a singer, songwriter and actress. And the Department of Sport Arts and Culture will host a tribute concert in her honour as part of its Van Toeka Af Living Legends Recognition Series. It will be held this Saturday at 6 oc lock at the South African State Theatre in Pretoria, uniting more than 25 legendary performers including Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Faith Kekana and Mandisa Dlanga.
The Citizen
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Soshanguve creative artist to star in Rwandan theatre festival
After a successful run in local theatre showbiz, a 28-year-old is now preparing for a stint to represent South Africa at a Rwandan theatre festival in July. Born and bred in Soshanguve, Block L, the multitalented Phetho Motshabi's creative spark was lit during his teenage years. At the age of 16, Motshabi (better known as PJ designer) discovered his love for art was more than just a phase but a calling. After completing his N6 in fashion at Tshwane North College (TNC), he had his first major breakthrough when he showcased his first runway collection at the prestigious South African State Theatre. 'I have always drawn passion from theatre, and watching theatre shows more often made me pursue performing arts,' said Motshabi. He said he is the first person in his family to take part in the world of art. His passion for dramatic arts became a major turning point in his life, leading him to greener pastures where he landed a role as Michael in the show titled 'Don't Shoot', an international award-winning production written and directed by Busisiwe Mazibuko. Motshabi recalls the challenges he faced in terms of playing the character. The role challenged him emotionally and mentally. 'It was challenging to explore this character as I had to conduct thorough research to find proper details to master this character.' He said that over time, he managed to overcome the challenges and began to understand different methods within the acting world. Motshabi emphasised that his passion to keep going stems from the support he receives from his family, his fans and the community of Soshanguve, as they encourage him with positive remarks. 'Most of the time, people from my community like to say they perceive my emotions when it comes to performing arts. They are saying that watching me performing on the stage makes them tap into my world of emotions.' With his eyes now set on TV and film, Motshabi is currently working on joining an agency and growing his performance career. As both a fashion designer and actor, he has brought dynamic energy to the production team. His contribution to the show has been instrumental on set and behind the scenes, helping to propel the production to award-winning recognition. The production won a Kenyan award and a provincial award for SA theatres. 'Winning the award motivated me to keep on pushing. I believe if you want to achieve something, it is possible. I will not give up because of this wonderful achievement,' he said. He acknowledged his performance at the State Theatre as one of the dear moments he will cherish for the whole of his lifetime. 'For me to have this big experience, it was through hard work and dedication. I was excited to perform in Kenya, Nairobi, as it was my first time travelling to another country.' After a successful run at the theatre, Motshabi is preparing to represent South Africa at a Rwandan theatre festival this July. He encouraged young people who want to follow in his footsteps to focus on what they believe to understand their strength and be passionate about their craft. Motshabi also described his aspirations to do better in his performing arts career. 'I see myself doing wonderful work on TV and films. I see myself receiving many awards, travelling more often to different countries and portraying big characters on international and local TV shows.' Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
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".
SowetanLIVE
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- SowetanLIVE
Next-gen leading lady: Shalate Sekhabi
Shalate Sekhabi is textbook entertainment royalty with well-established showbiz parents, although she is discreet about her multi-generational showbiz legacy. The 24-year-old starlet is the daughter of Aubrey Sekhabi — playwright, director, and artistic director of the South African State Theatre. Her mother, former actress Nontutuzelo Sekhabi, works for the department of arts & culture. In the past five years she has become a household name playing Shoki in the daily drama House of Zwide. This year, her career took an exciting trajectory when she starred as Nthabi in the Netflix young-adult series Go! opposite Thandolwethu Zondi, Wonder Ndlovu, and Ntobeko Sishi. Shalate was born to be in front of the camera and she is only warming up as the hottest next-generation leading lady. How would you describe the past five years? Incredible. My start has given me a wonderful foundation and a huge platform that helped me to do many amazing things. I have grown a lot and have learnt how to work with others and understand people. But, above all, I've been growing in my craft and expanding my interests. What has been a highlight? Graduating in April 2023 from Wits [University of the Witwatersrand] while acting full-time. The course was four years long. I was studying film and television and I got my honours two years ago. It was difficult to juggle both and stay consistent. There were times I wanted to give up and I'm glad I didn't. In terms of the work that I have done, Go!, which came out on Netflix this year, is my biggest highlight. How did you juggle all of it? The production helped me a lot and worked with my schedule as well. I just did it, I don't know how. If I had to be in class I would be there and if I was needed on set I would show up. If somehow the schedules weren't aligning my agent helped in coordinating things for me. You need a lot of support. What was it like to shoot Go!? Go! was amazing. Shooting it in Hillbrow was different and tricky because in House of Zwide I was used to a studio set-up. Go! came with its challenges, but it was so nice to be in the world in my character. It was a nice growing moment.
The Star
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
A final standing ovation for Presley Chweneyagaye: Farewell to a cultural giant
They came in their thousands — artists, politicians, friends, fans, and fellow dreamers — to say goodbye to a man who never stopped dreaming out loud. Presley Chweneyagaye, the beloved actor, writer, cultural architect and icon of South African stage and screen, was honoured with a stirring memorial service on June 5th at the South African State Theatre, in a sendoff befitting a legend. The theatre — a place Presley knew as home — overflowed with people from all walks of life. Traffic swelled around the venue, parking lots brimming, queues snaking along the pavement as the faithful waited to get in. Inside, every corner pulsed with his presence. Screens were set up in overflow stations across the building, and still, hundreds stood outside, clinging to the hope of catching a glimpse or a note of the tribute inside. At precisely 11:50 a.m. — fifty minutes later than scheduled due to the immense turnout — the memorial began with the soaring voices of the Tshwane Gospel Choir. Their opening hymn lifted the ceiling and spirits alike, setting a tone of joy in remembrance. Dr Sibongiseni Mkhize, CEO of the South African State Theatre, welcomed the crowd with a heartfelt address. As he spoke, the big screen on stage flickered to life, replaying iconic moments from Presley's career. From Silent Voice, his lines echoed through the hall: 'There is a time to be born, and a time to die... to everything there is a season.' His voice — familiar, powerful, intimate — moved many to tears. A specially designed burner stood on stage bearing his image, while throughout the theatre, every screen played highlights of his remarkable life and work. From his earliest performances to his Oscar-winning moments, including the unforgettable image of him holding his award beside Nelson Mandela, the visuals reminded all present of the depth of his artistry and the breadth of his impact. Among the many dignitaries in attendance was Gauteng Executive Director Mr Shane Maja, seated alongside the MEC and other public figures. Their presence, together with celebrities, artists, and community members, reflected the breadth of Presley's impact, not just in the entertainment industry but across the country's cultural and social landscape. Among the speakers were stars and colleagues who shared personal anecdotes — stories that painted Presley as not just an actor, but a cultural alchemist. Sdumo Mtshali recalled working with Presley on Number Number, calling him 'a quiet fire, always burning, always shaping the story.' Theri Pheto recounted a moment with a foreign journalist who questioned Presley's name. With characteristic wit, Presley had replied: 'If Hollywood can say Schwarzenegger, they can say Chweneyagaye.' Music filled the theatre, not as background, but as celebration. GP MaOrange brought the house down with Thuma Mina, turning the memorial into a soulful stage show. NTLAKS's rendition of Golokile Golokile had the crowd on their feet, dancing through their tears. Phatha Phatha blessed the gathering with uplifting rhythms, while Modleko's drums gave a heartbeat to the crowd's claps and chants. Presley wasn't only a performer. He was a creator, a visionary. He co-wrote the acclaimed Relativity with Paul Grootboom, directed original works, and even forged a unique linguistic world that bled from his scripts into South African slang — words like bevs, chawist, slipist, and playful renamings like Makabaza for Kabelo. To his friends, he was Tobetsa — a nod to the Setswana meaning of press — a perfect play on his nickname Pres. People captured every second. Phones held high, tears streaming, voices raised. Laughter echoed. So did mourning. But above all, love. It was the last curtain call for a man whose life was a standing ovation in itself. Presley Chweneyagaye took his final bow surrounded by the art, the people, and the spirit that defined his journey. And oh, what a show it was. Presley, your stage was the world. And the world clapped. Ngomane PhD Candidate | University of the WitwatersrandTheatre Practitioner | Researcher | Dramaturge
