The University of Johannesburg (UJ) arts and culture and Madevu Entertainment won eight Naledi Theatre Awards for Hlakanyana – The Musical across various catergories at the Joburg Theatre on Monday.
The production, which won among others the Best Production Of A Musical, Best Ensemble and Best Leading Actor, is an original and innovative Afrofuturistic retelling of a traditional Zulu folktale.
Hlakanyana – The Musical, commissioned for the faculty of arts, design and architecture interdisciplinary theatre programme, was conceived, workshopped, written, and scored online during the extended Covid-19 lockdowns by Madevu Entertainment.
It was headed by the talented duo Zolani Shangase and Michael William Wallace and UJ arts and culture, with MoMo Matsunyane as head writer and Janice Honeyman as the director.
“We are so proud of the cast and crew of Hlakanyana – The Musical. This is a truly groundbreaking production, and we are honoured to have been a part of it,” said Shangase, co-founder and creative director of Madevu Entertainment.
Wallace, another co-founder and creative director of Madevu Entertainment, said: “This is the second year the faculty of arts, design and architecture (Fada) interdisciplinary theatre programme production has been nominated and won various awards.
“Now in its fifth year, the Fada programme challenges the over 300 second-year students from across the faculty to conceptualize and design various aspects of a production produced by UJ Arts & Culture.
“The collaboration of students and disciplines often results in productions that are eye-catching, with a flair for the unique.”
Acting executive dean of Fada, professor Desiree Smal, said the production was birthed during Covid-19 when theatres were closed, rehearsals halted, yet this is when it got its footing.
“To see it come to fruition and to be rewarded at the Naledi’s is an all-encompassing moment, not only for us to see through Covid-19, but also despite Covid-19 being able to produce such important work,” said Smal.
“This year’s iteration is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, faculty, and Madevu Entertainment, and highlights the importance of collaboration both in the faculty and with creatives in the industry.”
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