Annie+Helen earns 10 KANNA nominations and a national tour
05 May 2025A standout stage production developed through Curro Create’s Advanced Mentorship Programme (AMP) has earned the most KANNA nominations of any production at the 2025 Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (KKNK). Annie+Helen, a powerful, learner-led work that reimagines the early life of Helen Keller, is now gaining national attention following sold-out performances and wide critical acclaim.
At the centre of the production is Grade 7 learner and Head Girl of Curro Durbanville Primary, Judi Hattingh, who delivers a compelling performance as Helen Keller in her professional debut. Judi’s journey began in Curro Create’s national CAS programme, where she was awarded several Kryptonite awards. Her selection for the AMP – the highest achievement within Curro Create – followed, and soon she was mentored directly by Curro Create Head, Hennie van Greunen. Her rigorous process and ability to engage deeply with the material led to her casting. From there, the vision grew into a broader, mentor-supported, learner-driven production.
10 KANNA nominations
Annie+Helen has been nominated for ten KANNA awards – the most of any production on the festival:
- Best Newcomer – Judi Hattingh
- Best Female Lead – Judi Hattingh
- Best Female Lead – Cintaine Schutte (Curro Create mentor)
- Best Supporting Actor – Stian Bam (Project Lead, Curro Create Classroom)
- Best Supporting Actress – Bianca Flanders (Curro Create mentor)
- Best Set Design – Rocco Pool
- Best Director – Hennie van Greunen (Head of Curro Create)
- Exceptional Literary Contribution (New Script) – Hennie van Greunen
- Best Production
- Best Debut Production
The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony in two weeks.
From AMP to national audiences
The production began as a high-level mentorship project within the AMP – Curro Create’s elite platform for top young creatives. Judi’s performance in CAS and subsequent AMP selection led to her involvement, with mentors and professional actors invited to support the evolving project.
Following a successful and moving debut at the KKNK, Annie+Helen played to sold-out audiences at the Suidoosterfees at the Artscape Theatre in Cape Town. It is confirmed for the Vrystaat Kunstefees in July, with additional engagements planned throughout the year.
The play draws from The Miracle Worker by William Gibson, The Story of My Life by Helen Keller, and Beyond the Miracle Worker by Kim Nielsen. It explores the early relationship between Annie Sullivan and Helen Keller, using a multi-generational cast to highlight themes of trust, growth, and transformation.
‘KKNK was a massive success – everything we hoped for came to life on that stage,’ says Hennie. ‘Watching a circle of professional actors support and uplift Judi was moving beyond words. They didn’t just act with her – they held her as she blossomed.’
For updates and more about this and other creative projects, visit the Curro Create page.
