STANDARD BANK OVATION AWARDS

The National Art Festival’s Fringe programme sees seasoned pros and feisty newcomers united in the spirit of innovation and expression. The Fringe is independently produced and funded, an uncurated space that is the soil for new work to grow and new collaborations to be born. 

Throughout the Festival, Standard Bank Ovation Awards are given to productions on the Fringe programme that are noticeable for being a cut above, well received by audiences – and that leave a lasting impression. 

Standard Bank Ovation Awards are awarded by a panel of anonymous reviewers who see every show on the Fringe and meet daily to discuss the awarding of winners. 

Looking for the best of the Fringe? Scout the Standard Bank Ovation Award badge on the show page or visit our social media feeds for the daily announcements. 

On the last Saturday night of the Festival, and after all the evenings shows, all the winners gather for a late night ceremony to hear who will receive the Gold, Silver and Bronze Ovation Awards.

Standard Bank Ovation Awards have helped many productions travel the national and international theatre and festival circuit. Look out for them after the Festival at a theatre near you.

here are the winners from 2022

GOLD OVATION AWARDS

ÎLE
Spark in the Dark

Nakanjani
Gauteng DSRAC

Malifezeke
Iphupho L’ka Biko

Emsini
Thapelo Tshite Arts Development

SILVER OVATION AWARDS

Impossible
Brendon Peel Entertainment

The Gukurahundi Genocide
Uloyiko Theatre and Projects

The Vocal Explosion (Amazing Grace)
Asanda Mqiki

Whistleblowers
AFDA – Johannesburg

Asinamali
North West Development Agency

My Weight and Why I Carry It
Fishnet Features

Matchbox
Rhodes University Drama Department

May I Have This Dance
The Outline

Moodship
Gary Thomas

NSFW – NOT SAFE FOR WOKE
KG Mokgadi

BRONZE OVATION AWARDS

Fragments
Stacey van Schalkwyk

Nombasa
Nombasa M Productions

Intlombe
Andy Ndlazilwana

Piano Classics
Best of Both Concerts

Kgetho
Emfuleni Arts Creatives

SwaRingana
Sikhuthali Oliver Bonga & Walter Strydom

We’re Back With Goosebump A Cappella
NWU Arts

I.N.C.O.K.O
Ezinyaweni Zam

Afrika Sings
Sonwa Sakuba Institute for the Performing Arts

Nomapondo
Amandla Danca Teatro ZA

Vincent
Wela Kapela Productions

OVATION AWARDS

Classical Dreams
Kwantu Designs

The Cracked Vase
Connecting Streams

Mamlambo
Walter Sisulu University Drama Society

Undead Generation
Five Sided Records

BasicCity Band
BasicCity

The Children’s Monologues
OY!Theatre, a project of Theatre Arts

Can’t-centrate
Yaaseen Barnes

Hiding in the Dark
Mannini Nkata

Ghetto the Musical
The Eastern Cape Theatre Ensemble

The Story of Eva Cassidy
Wela Kapela Productions

Stay At Home Comedian
Dalin Oliver