Latest news with #BreakthroughPerformanceAward
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
‘Spring Awakening' musical wins big at 20th Naledi Theatre Awards
'Spring Awakening', a Lamta production, enjoyed a successful run in both Johannesburg and Cape Town in 2024. Some of the cast members of Spring Awakening, which won big at the Naledi Theatre Awards. Picture: lamtacademy/Instagram There was probably no better way to celebrate young people's vibrancy at the 20th edition of the Naledi Theatre Awards than having a youth-driven musical, Spring Awakening, being the night's biggest winner. Spring Awakening, which had a successful run in 2024, won 10 awards at the Naledi Theatre Awards, hosted at the State Theatre in Pretoria on Monday, which coincided with Youth Day. 'It is hugely satisfying to all of us at the Naledis that we are seeing such young talent, interest and audiences' growth, ensuring the longevity of theatre for the next generation,' said CEO of the awards, Lihan Pretorius. ALSO READ: Caleb Swanepoel's courage steals the show at Naledi Awards Spring Awakening's night Spring Awakening is a Luitingh Alexander Musical Theatre Academy (Lamta) production that had a successful run in Johannesburg and Cape Town in 2024. The musical delves into the lives of a group of adolescent students discovering their sexual identities and desires as they rebel against the prevailing burdensome and restrictive societal norms. This reimagined production expertly brings the gripping and emotional story to life, exploring complex themes such as self-discovery, repression, and the power of rebellion. Guest artists re-joining the Lamta company will include the brilliant Francis Chouler and Natalie Robbie in multiple roles. Sylvaine Strike directs the musical. It received awards for Best Production for a Musical or Opera and Best Choreography/Movement Direction in a Play or Musical Theatre Production, and cast member Jonathan Conrad received the Breakthrough Performance Award. 'This award is for everyone who has ever felt out of place,' said an emotional Conrad in his acceptance speech. Before the production's return to the stage last year, Lamta co-founder Anton Luitingh urged young people to see the musical because it speaks to them. '…because of the way that Spring Awakening resonates with its profound relevance to young individuals and their parents and guardians today, highlighting the symbiosis between the two generations.' Other winners of the night included Gregory Maqoma's Vuyani Dance Company, which won the CEO's Award for its innovative contributions to theatre, and Aladdin Jr. (People's Theatre), which won the award for Best Production for children and young audiences. NOW READ: 'A new chapter': Siphokazi celebrates independence after 16 years with former label
Daily Record
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Yellowstone 1923 actress tearfully pays tribute to late co-star as she scoops major award
Aminah Nieves stars in the hit Paramount prequel series as Teonna Rainwater Aminah Nieves, star of 1923, delivered an emotional acceptance speech after being awarded the Breakthrough Performance Award at the 2025 IndieWire Honors in Hollywood. The popular Yellowstone prequel delves into the backstory of Paramount's renowned ranching family a century prior to the events depicted in the epic modern Western. In the series, Nieves portrays Teonna Rainwater, a young Apsáalooke woman subjected to an abusive American Indian boarding school operated by the Catholic Church. Viewers have been captivated by Teonna's narrative, which sees her violently break free from the school and go on the run, only to be apprehended for murder in the second season. After the dramatic series finale in April, Nieves graciously accepted her IndieWire award, becoming visibly emotional during her impactful speech, reports the Mirror US. "I am extremely humbled and honoured to be recognised for my work at these early stages of my career," she expressed amidst enthusiastic applause from the audience. "None of this would be possible without the love and support from the very people in this room." She proceeded to express gratitude towards her parents for "nourishing her wild heart" and her "bandmates" for their "unwavering love, dedication and support". Nieves then confessed that she was "nobody" until her manager, Jonathan Yue, discovered her and "took a chance". The rising star concluded by expressing her appreciation to the cast and crew of the Yellowstone franchise, including its creator, Taylor Sheridan and Mo Brings Plenty. After making a heartfelt appeal to "amplify stories like Teonna's" Nieves' speech turned more poignant as she commemorated her late co-star, Cole Brings Plenty. The burgeoning actor and nephew of Mo Brings Plenty, aged 27, was tragically found dead in Kansas last April after his family had reported him missing. She began: "To Coco, my brother, Cole Brings Plenty," followed by an exuberant "woo!" upon realising the emotional weight of her words was bringing tears. Nieves continued, her voice heavy with emotion: "The very essence of you reverberated off the waters and the trees every single day on set," struggling to maintain composure. "You carried us home the only way you knew how to, fully in love, in deep belly laughs." She concluded with a wish: "Until I see you again, let Coco's story be a reminder to all of the continued injustices throughout Indian country and across the globe." Following her acclaimed performance in the popular Yellowstone prequel, Nieves has since secured a role in a forthcoming thriller directed by none other than Kathryn Bigelow. Expected to be released later this year, a synopsis reads: "Centered on White House staffers grappling with an impending missile strike on America, this gripping drama unfolds in real-time as tensions escalate."
