Sanlam-prys vir Afrikaanse Teater

The Sanlam-prys vir Afrikaanse Teater ("Sanlam Prize for Afrikaans Theatre", 2003-2009) is a playwriting competition launched in 2003 by the insurance giant Sanlam[1].

Also written Sanlam Prys vir Afrikaanse Teater and often referred to by its acronym, SPAT.

History

The idea for the prize came from of Nico Luwes of the University of the Free State Drama Department and was inspired by the earlier success of the ATKV Kampustoneel initiative (1983 tot 1997), which had ceased to exist by 1998.

The aim of the new prize was to continue to promote and develop the writing of new Afrikaans plays, particularly larger works, with no limitations on size of cast. This would be possible by providing drama departments at tertiary institutions with production costs to enable them to produce by and showing the works at the national Afrikaans festivals. Unlike Kampustoneel, this had a competitive base (the work being judged by a panel of professional theatre-makers and critics) and the winning play was expected to play at two other Afrikaans festivals in the same year. This, it was hoped, would offer new young talent a chance to appear on a national stage while the competition itself would stimulate creative work in Afrikaans and improve its standard.

The first general winner was Vergenoeg by George Weideman (performed by the University of Stellenbosch, 2004), followed by Zollie by Nico Luwes (Universiteit van die Vrystaat, 2005), Slaghuis by Willem Anker (University of Stellenbosch, 2006), Lewensreg by Jan van Tonder (2007), Die Begrafnis by Phil Janse (pseudonym of Rudie van Rensburg, 2008), Die Bannelinge by Bauke Snyman (2009).

Other texts shortlisted over the years and given performance awards have included Skimmespel by Wim Vorster, Erwe by Adriaan Meyer and Aasvoëls by Chris Vorster, .

From 2006 onwards the winning texts were also published by Genugtig! publishers. The first two years the competition took place at the Volksbladfees in Bloemfontein, then in 2006 moved to Aardklop in Potchefstroom, and then moved to Oudtshoorn as part of the KKNK (2007-2009). It was discontinued in 2010, and the money redirected to the KKNK management for the promotion of new Afrikaans work.

Sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanlam

Kobus Burger. 2003. Afrikaanse teater kry groot borg. In: Beeld.

See also Awards

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