Thespians honoured at entertaining awards show
It was an occasion to remember for The Little Theatre’s stellar cast of thespians at the weekend when they were celebrated at the Port Elizabeth Musical and Dramatic Society’s (Pemads) 12th Night Awards in Central.
An array of fine performances, impromptu skits and loud cheers for the proud winners brought the acclaimed theatre alive at the first Pemads awards ceremony in four years.
Performers of all ages were recognised across five dazzling theatre productions.
At the end of the Saturday afternoon affair, 21 prizes had found their way into new hands, marking the brimming talent abundant at the legendary playhouse.
Pemads’ 2022 and 2023 stage plays, for which the more than 25 class acts earned distinction, included the widely acclaimed William Shakespeare comedy The Taming of the Shrew.
Cast members received recognition for portraying the magic and mystery of Aladdin the Pantomime, with applause for Boeing-Boeing performers after they impressed in English playwright and screenwriter Beverley Cross’s adapted version of the farce by French playwright Marc Camoletti.
Their outstanding portrayals in another spellbinding Shakespearean offering, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, ensured further celebrations for cast members.
The fifth production,
Goldilocks and the Three Bears, which had enthused performers and theatre lovers alike, did not just receive the loudest cheers but came close to sweeping the board.
Head judge Niqui CloeteBarrass lauded the standard of the performances throughout despite Gqeberha boasting under-resourced facilities compared with other parts of the country.
“We do not have the facilities found in places such as Johannesburg and Cape Town,” Cloete-Barrass said.
“But if you look at the level of talent ... we can hold our heads high.
“I think, in Gqeberha, it’ sa case of quality over quantity.”
Little Theatre patron and drama teacher Robin Williams said renowned performers from around the world, hailing from the city, had graced the Central venue’s stage.
“I remember watching some of them grow up in this venue,” Williams said.
“As a parent, I find it’s a safe place for my children ... they’re not out there doing drugs.”
The theatre luminaries, both boasting an extensive stage production portfolio, said it was imperative to celebrate and acknowledge fledgling and established talent.
“We thrive on applause,” they agreed.
“It’s not the only reason we do what we do, but appreciation is important.
“It’s an opportunity for a community to honour its own.
“It’s also important for the youngsters to have a goal — a benchmark to follow.”
Westering High School grade 10 pupil Rebecca Wilson, 15, was one such goal-orientated performer.
After thrilling the crowd with her rendition of Goo Goo Muck by The Cramps, mimicking a dance scene in the Netflix series Wednesday, Rebecca reiterated her passion for the arts.
“I want to be an actress in movies one day,” she said.
“Theatre has taught me so many lessons about the different types of people you’re going to meet in the various facets of life.
“When I go into the workplace one day, I’ll know how to tackle certain personalities and situations.”
Pemads chair Bennie Gerber lauded the cast, crew members and patrons for their efforts and support, and said the society planned to produce and diversify more shows this year.
“We have been criticised [in the past] for being ‘too white’,” Gerber said.
“The Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Port Elizabeth gets it right, and so can we.
“This year, we are holding open auditions to the public [before] doing a [first] SA play in September.”
Gerber said theatre lovers could also look out for a moneymaker pantomime show in Wonderland later in the year, for which Pemads will again hold open auditions.