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.

History

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: Nyanga by Rhodes University

Most Promising Playwright of the Year: Nomination - Thembela Madliki from Rhodes University

Most Promising Director: Thembela Madliki from Rhodes University

STUDENT THEATRE AWARDS

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.

Nominated for the Most Promising Playwright of the Year Award

Thembela Madliki of Rhodes University for Nyanga The cast of Pharmakon by University of the Free State for a devised script

Winner of the Most Promising Playwright of the Year Award:

Namisa Mdlaloze & Pueng Stewart for University Of Cape Town’s Figs

Nominated for the Most Promising Director Award:

Sarah Nansubuga Wits University for The Village Dara Beth of University Of Cape Town for Figs

Winner of the Most Promising Director Award

Thembela Madliki of Rhodes University for Nyanga

Nominated for Best Production Award:

University Of Cape Town for Figs

Winner of Best Production Award:

Rhodes University for Nyanga