bea awards 2024

  Ovation Awards Shine a Spotlight on Excellence at the 2026 National Arts Festival By BCRMAG | National Arts Festival 2026 Coverage The spirit of innovation, courage and artistic excellence took centre stage as the 2026 Ovation Awards celebrated some of the most outstanding productions presented on the Fringe Programme at the National Arts Festival in Makhanda. Recognising performances that pushed creative boundaries and captivated audiences, this year's Ovation Awards highlighted the remarkable depth of talent emerging from South Africa's independent arts sector. Throughout the Festival, productions were acknowledged with Ovation Award stickers before the prestigious Bronze, Silver and Gold Ovation Awards were presented during the Festival's closing celebrations. A distinguished panel of sixteen adjudicators—including academics, reviewers, educators, theatre practitioners

Director Peabo Embrose Athenkosi Returns to the National Arts Festival with GQWIRHA Director Peabo Embrose Athenkosi Returns to the National Arts Festival with GQWIRHA By BCRMAG Following the remarkable success of Passage – A Boy's Journey to Manhood at last year's National Arts Festival, acclaimed director Peabo Embrose Athenkosi returns to the same stage with an exciting new production, GQWIRHA. Presented by Sisonke Performing Arts in collaboration with Northern Cape Theatre, GQWIRHA has already made a strong impression on festival audiences and is set to conclude its National Arts Festival run with a final performance tomorrow at 16:00 at the Centenary Hall. For audiences who witnessed the emotional impact of Passage in 2025, Athenkosi's return represents another chapter in his

BCRMAG | NAF26 Feature: The Quiet Breaks the Silence "Trauma and depression thrive in silence, but they lose power when they are finally seen and spoken." At the National Arts Festival 2026, audiences will have the opportunity to experience The Quiet—a compelling one-woman production that fearlessly explores the emotional realities of trauma, depression, and the silent struggles many women carry every day. Ahead of its NAF26 performances, BCRMAG spoke with the production's director about what audiences can expect and the powerful message at the heart of the work. BCRMAG: What can audiences and the public expect from The Quiet? Director: Audiences can expect a raw, intense, and deeply unsettling one-woman theatrical experience that dives straight into the heart of trauma

KAGISO, GAUTENG – Compassion took centre stage this past Friday as Mrs Universe Africa Runner-Up Ntibi Papa, founder of GINUTV, spent a heartfelt afternoon with elderly residents in Kagiso Extension 12, sharing meals, tea, conversation, and words of encouragement. The community outreach initiative created a warm and uplifting atmosphere, bringing smiles to the faces of senior citizens who were treated to a delicious meal and refreshments while enjoying meaningful interaction with one of South Africa's inspiring women leaders. Beyond sharing food, Ntibi Papa took time to motivate and encourage the elderly, reminding them that they remain valued members of society whose wisdom, resilience, and life experiences continue to inspire younger generations. Speaking during the gathering, Ntibi emphasised the importance of

ROODEPOORT, GAUTENG – In a powerful demonstration of community collaboration, Mercy and Grace Organisation, in partnership with Dora's Ark and SANCA, hosted a substance abuse awareness and screening programme aimed at educating community members about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse while promoting healthier lifestyles. The programme brought together participants from the local community for an informative and supportive engagement focused on prevention, early intervention, and access to rehabilitation services for those in need. As part of the initiative, participants voluntarily underwent drug screening. The results were encouraging, with those tested receiving negative results, highlighting the positive impact that awareness, education, and responsible choices can have within the community. The organisers also used the opportunity to educate attendees about