By Sitha Maliwa:
Naledi Theatre Awards 2026 Nominations Ignite South Africa’s Stage
The curtain has risen on one of the most anticipated moments in South Africa’s performing arts calendar as the Naledi Theatre Awards unveiled the nominations for productions staged during 2025. With an extraordinary range of performances spanning children’s theatre, fringe productions, musicals, dance and powerful stage dramas, the nominations reflect a theatre industry bursting with creativity, courage and world-class talent.
More than 100 productions were watched and evaluated before judges finally reached their decisions — a process described as both exhilarating and gruelling. The result is a dazzling list of nominees that captures the full spectrum of South African theatre: from imaginative productions for young audiences to bold, cutting-edge works redefining the stage.
The winners will be announced at the 21st Annual Naledi Theatre Awards ceremony on 23 March 2026 at the South African State Theatre in Pretoria, where the country’s most celebrated theatre artists will gather for a night that promises drama, glamour and emotional triumph. 🎭
Young audiences take centre stage
The magic of theatre for younger audiences shines brightly in this year’s nominations. Competing for Best Production for Children & Young Audiences are beloved stage adaptations such as Diary of a Wimpy Kid, the energetic High School Musical Jr., and the colourful adventure Madagascar Jr..
Also in the running are the enchanting The Little Mermaid, the nostalgic classic The Railway Children, and the Afrikaans production Woordedief.
Meanwhile, the Best Performance in a Production for Young Audiences category highlights standout talents, including André Smit and Ruth Weiss for The Little Mermaid, Erich Jordaan for Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Ntokozo Manyoni for Cinderella, Jaden Coetzee for Teen Beach, and Winnie Sue Maboea for The Wonderful World of Beatrix Potter.
Fringe theatre lushes boundaries
The fearless spirit of independent theatre dominates the Fringe Theatre categories. Productions like Dark Magic, Faces, Ngivelelwa Yini, Sentebale, uX=Onga=Solveki, and Wills of the Dead showcase storytelling that challenges audiences and explores new artistic territory.
Performers nominated for Best Performance in a Fringe Theatre Production include Khonaye Mamanzi, Masai Sepuru, Nolwazi Qwabe, Rutanang Rygaardt, Thobeka Ziyanda Manana, and Vuyelwa Maluleke — artists who are helping redefine the raw power of stage performance.
Rising stars in student theatre
Student theatre continues to prove that the future of South African drama is in talented hands. Nominations for Best Student Production include Canvas of Life, Flesh in the Garden, Little Shop of Horrors, Macbeth, Moenie Vir My Wag Nie, Noises Off, and Peter Pan.
Young performers competing for Best Performance by a Student include Amber-Rose Naidoo, Emma-Jean Galliard, Gcobolwethu Dlova, Jessica Nanguia, Julie Hodgkinson, Keila Becker, and Ulrich Slabbert.
Dance, ballet and physical theatre dazzle
Movement and visual storytelling dominate the Dance, Physical Theatre and Ballet categories. Productions such as Art Effect, Baobab, Carmina Burana, Musical Chairs, The Nutcracker, and What Have You Done With the Garden? reflect the depth and elegance of South Africa’s dance landscape.
Choreographers including Bailey Snyman and Nicola Haskins, Genesis Shirindza, Holly and Lex Gruver, Maina Gielgud, Melody Putu, and Sylvia Glasser are recognised for their visionary choreography.
Powerhouse plays and musicals
Some of the country’s most celebrated productions dominate the major categories.
For Best Production of a Play, contenders include the powerful Bitter Winter, the internationally acclaimed Life and Times of Michael K, the Afrikaans hit Op die Hoek van Styx en River is Nora per Abuis met die Dood Oorgeslaan, the gripping drama Sarajevo, Stinkhout, and The Last Country.
Meanwhile, the Best Production of a Musical category features spectacular productions such as Chicago, Dear Evan Hansen, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, My Fair Lady, Semi-Soet: Die Musiekblyspel, and The Fatherland.
Performances that stole the spotlight
This year’s nominations celebrate extraordinary acting talent across the board.
Among those competing for Best Lead Performance in a Play are Aimée Mica Komorowsky, Bianca Amato, Gontse Ntshegang, Mpume Mthombeni, Sandra Prinsloo, and Sue Diepeveen.
The Best Lead Performance in a Musical categories include celebrated performers such as Brittany Smith, Kiruna-Lind Devar, Leah Mari, Samantha Peo, Craig Urbani, Daniel Conradie, Jonathan Roxmouth, and Terrence Ngwila.
Theatre that pushes the edge
One of the most exciting categories, Best Cutting-Edge Production, celebrates bold experimental theatre. Nominees include Afropocalypse, Beauty in the Broken, Gabo Legwala, Prooi/Prey, The Black Circus of the Republic of Bantu, and Trans/Vaal – productions that challenge audiences and redefine what theatre can be.
A Night of theatre glory awaits
As the countdown begins to the Naledi Theatre Awards ceremony, anticipation is building across South Africa’s performing arts community. For the actors, directors, designers and producers nominated, the awards are more than trophies – they are recognition of the passion, sacrifice and brilliance that bring theatre to life.
When the lights dim at the South African State Theatre on 23 March, the stage will once again belong to the storytellers who keep South Africa’s cultural heartbeat alive. And for theatre lovers across the country, the message is clear: South African theatre is thriving – bold, brilliant and unstoppable. – @NewsSA_Online
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