Student Theatre Festival

The Student Theatre Festival is a showcase at the National Arts Festival for young talent from tertiary institutions across South Africa. It is the only Student Theatre Festival of its kind in South Africa, and each university showcases one play which is eligible for various award categories.

Previous winners

2012

Sponsored by the South African Post Office

• South African Post Office Cape Triangular Award for the best director and writer: Kline Smith from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (Pietermaritzburg)

• Best Overall Production: Homeless Orchestra by University of Cape Town (their award included a larger production for the 2013 Student Festival)

• Best Ensemble: Fence by the Market Theatre Laboratory

• Merit Award: Reclaiming Body – Reclaiming Self by University of the Western Cape

• Up and Coming Director: Joanna Evans from University of Cape Town

• Best Poster Design: University of Johannesburg for SA Shorts and University of Stellenbosch for Animals

2013

Sponsored by the South African Post Office

2014

• Best Student Theatre Production: Solo by Rhodes University

2015

• Best Student Production: Void by Rhodes University

• Special Merit Certificates for design: Frankie van Straten from Rhodes University

2016

• Best Production: Nomination - Figs by (University Of Cape Town); Winner - Nyanga by Rhodes University

• Most Promising Playwright of the Year: Nominations - Thembela Madliki from Rhodes University and the cast of Pharmakon from University of the Free State for a devised script; Winner - Figs by Namisa Mdlaloze and Pueng Stewart from University Of Cape Town

• Most Promising Director: Nominations - Sarah Nansubuga from Wits University for The Village and Dara Beth of University Of Cape Town for Figs; Winner - Thembela Madliki from Rhodes University

Awards for the best works by students at the National Arts Festival were decided by a panel, convened by Jacqueline Dommisse, that included Lee-Ann van Rooi and Bertina Johnson.

2017

• Best Original Work: Cult Clit by Rhodes University

• Best Stage Manager: Manoko Tlhako from Rhodes University

Student Theatre Award for Best Production: MOLORA from Tshwane University of Technology’s Drama & Film Department, Directed by Kopano Maema

Student Theatre Award for Best Original Work: CULT CLIT from Rhodes University Drama Department, Directed by Mmatumisang Motsisi

Student Theatre Merit Award for Original Work: POP ICHERI from The Market Theatre Laboratory, Written by Ncumisa Ndimeni & Nosipho Buthelezi

Award for Best Stage Manager: Manoko Tlhako from Rhodes University Drama Department

Best Marketing & Publicity for a Student Theatre Production: Not awarded in 2017

Sources

LitNet, 10 July 2012

BIZCOMMUNITY, 3 July 2013

Rhodes University Latest News Archive, 2018 https://www.ru.ac.za/latestnews/archives/2018/award-winningstudentdirectortacklesanotherboldplayatstudenttheatrefest.html

https://nationalartsfestival.prezly.com/national-arts-festival-awards-arts-community-as-festival-closes

https://creativefeel.co.za/2017/07/2017-award-winners-honoured-at-national-arts-festival/

See also Festival and Grahamstown Foundation

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