Applause for Ovation Awards ‘extravaganza’
Nkonzo among those honoured at the ceremony
IN A vibrant display of transformation, the National Arts Festival did away with its dour Sunday morning awards breakfast and let rip with a Saturday Standard Bank Ovation Award party extravaganza.
There were screams of joy and much fist-pumping, and bear hugs when the winners were announced in the packed Fountain Court auditorium at the Monument at midnight.
Among the winners was Mdantsane’s comedian Tats Nkonzo whose producer, Siv Ngesi, could not help but rush out of the audience, embracing Nkonzo to cheers.
One winning performer suffered a minor wardrobe malfunction as she leapt up off her seat and ran onto the stage, but new National Arts Festival executive producer Ashraf Johaardien did not miss a beat as he discreetly held her award certificate over the underdressed bit during the onstage photoshoot.
The awards came after 11 days of massive talent display.
With more than 200 productions premiering on the Fringe, the panel of judges for the Ovation Awards had a hard time choosing works which stood out.
Convenor of the 2017 panel Tracey Saunders said the range of work on offer was diverse – from delicate, solo work to large, chaotic ensembles and several permutations in between. “A willingness to take risks was evident in many productions and in several instances it paid off. Exciting work came from unexpected places and if the Fringe reflects the state of the performing arts in the country, it is bold, vibrant and angry.” The 17 panel members were Jade Bowers, Lara Bye, Motlatji Ditodi, Mhlanguli George, Caryn Green, Mwenya Kabwe, Lliane Loots, Zanele Madiba, Alby Michaels, Jayne Morgan, Nobesuthu Rayi, Sarah Roberson, Warona Seane, Mareli Stolp, Hugo Theart, Simon Tibbs and Lee-Ann van Rooi. The gold winners were theatre productions Hani: The Legacy by Market Theatre Laboratory and Tau by One Man and His Dog and The Market Theatre. The silver winners were: Bayephi by Thembela Madliki (theatre), Human Pieces II by The South African Theatre Village (theatre), In(s)kin by Artscape (theatre), Silent Scars by Calvin Ratladi Foundation/ Zabalaza Theatre Festival (theatre) and Tats Nkonzo is Privileged by ExploSIV Productions (comedy). Saunders said the gold-winning Hani: The Legacy was a heart-wrenching and soul-searching portrayal of Hani’s life and the failed responsibility we bear in not honouring it.
“The hip-hop, rap musical was flawless in its delivery and careful attention to detail ensured this production received resounding standing ovations.”
Comedy: 180 punchlines by Alan Committie, Au Revoir by FollowSpot Productions and State Fracture by ExploSiv Productions.
Music: Acoustic Me by LoveChild, Celebration: Music of American Composers by Althea Waites, the Ekurhuleni Jazz Ensemble, Guy Buttery and Samthing Soweto.
Theatre: Agony by Thistle Productions, Cattle Drive by Theatre for Africa, Dear Mr Government, Please May I Have a Meeting with You Even Though I am Only Six Years Old? by U J Arts and Culture, Dikapapa by Generation of Stars, Fire House by Hijinks Theatre, Flamebook by Jo Kinda–Mdali, Molora by Tshwane University of Technology, Nijinsky’s War by Leftfoot Productions, Syria? by Artscape, The Devil and Billy Markham by Contagious, The Kaffirs by the Gauteng department of sport, recreation, arts and culture and Welcome to the Zoo by Zikkazimba and Hijinks Theatre.
Tony Lankester was awarded a special Standing Ovation Award to mark 10 years as the festival’s CEO.
The Rhodes University drama department production, Cult Clit, directed by Mmatumisang Motsisi, received a Student Theatre Award for best original work. For a list of all the winners, go to