Curro learners shine at 2025 Theatre Week finals
14 July 2025The Curro National Youth Theatre Festival returned in 2025 with five powerful learner-led productions taking centre stage in Johannesburg. These finalists were selected from a national pool of 36 entries, and their performances explored satire, physical theatre, memory plays, poetry, and drama.
Finalist productions take the spotlight
Each production received professional mentorship, technical support, and participated in a week of rehearsals, workshops, and ensemble-building activities. The five shows that reached the finals were:
- From Sophia with Love! – Curro Heuwelkruin, directed by Muzi Nkala
- Onthou – Curro Durbanville, directed by Cecilia Wesson
- Curtain Call – Curro Klerksdorp, directed by Collette Stander
- A Fracture is Not a Break – Curro Aurora, directed by Grace Barnes
- Return of the Ancestors – Northern Academy, directed by Sussie Mjwara
Top honours for Curro Klerksdorp and Curro Aurora
Curtain Call earned the Best Production trophy, while director Collette Stander received Best Director and a special award for consistently reaching the finals over four years. Neo Kgomari, who played Bruce, was named Most Promising Actor and received a Best Actor nomination. Bat-El Gebrehiwot and n’Khensani Sibutsi were nominated for Best Actress, and the production was also shortlisted for Best Ensemble.
Curro Aurora’s A Fracture is Not a Break earned multiple awards. Khayalethu Dladla won Best Actor, and Karla Lotz was named Most Promising Actress. The cast received both the Best Ensemble trophy and the Adjudicator’s Award for their grounded, empathic storytelling.
Bat-El Gebrehiwot (Curtain Call) was awarded Best Actress for her portrayal of Alexis. William Inggs (Curro Durbanville) received the Technical Award for excellence across lighting, sound, and stage management. Technical nominations also went to Adrian Troskie (Curro Aurora) and Karabo Gaboutloeloe (Curro Klerksdorp).
Theatre Wings recipients celebrated
Each production nominated standout creatives for the 2025 Theatre Wings. These learners demonstrated professionalism and presence both on and off stage:
- Curro Heuwelkruin: Joy Ntjie, Lesego Mokobane, Libonge Matole, Lethabo Puka, Mukundi Matibe, Nicole Potgieter, Nkosazana Makhubela, Ofentse Mathosa
- Curro Durbanville: Mia Stroebel, Mia-Cecilia Kriel, Risa Burger, William Inggs
- Curro Klerksdorp: Bat-El Gebrehiwot, Botshelo Motsisi, Ethan Kungu, Jared Meyer, Karabo Gaboutloeloe, Marcus Mpofu, Neo Kgomari, n’Khensani Sibutsi
- Curro Aurora: Adrian Troskie, Ewan Lietchi, Jenna Barends, Karla Lotz, Khayalethu Dladla, Kopano Kutama, Sivatho Koyana, Yisrael Harber
- Northern Academy: Busisiwe Mutayi, Mathabatha Shadung, Mmamoloko Ngoetjana, Naledi Tshangwane, Rixongile Shibambo
School and family support a strong presence
Executive heads, teachers, parents, and even grandparents travelled from as far as Hermanus to support the performers. The community presence added a meaningful layer to an already powerful week.
Reflecting on the experience, the festival leadership shared a message with all learners: ‘Build your life around beauty and art, and imagination.’
