The Kanna Awards for this year’s KKNK, sponsored by Absa, were announced on Thursday 15 May. The Kannas took the form of a glamorous ceremony at NASDAK in Cape Town. Lee-Ann van Rooi, one of the KKNK’s honourees in 2025 (Kunste Onbeperk Kruispunt Prize), was the host.
‘KUNS’, from the pen of celebrated French writer Yasmina Reza, received five Kannas. This debut comedy was awarded as Best Debut Production, Best Theatre Production, and Best Ensemble. Naòmi Morgan’s translation of the script from French to Afrikaans received the Kanna for Exceptional Literary Contribution and Wilhelm van die Walt was awarded with the Kanna for Best Male Performer in a Leading Role for his performance in both ‘KUNS’ and the drama Stinkhout.
Isidlamlilo/The Fire Eater received three Kannas: Neil Coppen as Best Director, Mpume Mthombeni as Best Female Performer in a Leading Role, and Tina le Roux for Best Design and/or Technical Contribution for her lighting design of this drama.
Annie+Helen received two Kannas. Bianca Flanders was awarded as Best Female Performer in a Supporting Role and Judi Hattingh as Best Emerging Artist or Newcomer for her performance in this drama about Helen Keller.
Henk Serfontein, the KKNK’s Festival Artist for 2025, also received two Kannas. His exhibition, Die stomme aarde, received the Kanna for Best Visual Arts Exhibition, whilst Aardmoeder: ’n Uitvoerende tekening in collaboration with dancer Hannah Loewenthal, received the Herrie Prize for Innovation.
For more information, visit https://www.kknk.co.za
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