At the glittering Naledi Theatre Awards, hosted recently at the Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City in Johannesburg, DWR Distribution was delighted to sponsor the Best Lighting Design Category, which was presented to Daniel Galloway from The Fugard Theatre for his innovative lighting of the hit production of “The Rocky Horror Show’. Forming part of the prize, Daniel Galloway in turn, will nominate a new up-and coming technician who will receive free mentorship and training from DWR.

Now in its 11th year, the Naledi Theatre Awards has grown into the biggest and most prestigious Event in South Africa to recognise and honour excellence in Professional Theatre. This year’s striking set was designed and built by Dream Sets. The awards have honoured over 60 Lifetime Achievers who have dedicated their lives to SA Theatre. This year, the Award was presented to Shaleen Surtie Richards. Naledi also pays tribute to people in the Arts who have taken their final bows during the year under review, and for the first time, Des and Dawn Lindberg presented the “World Impact’ Award to the international hit production of WarHorse.

Des and Dawn meticulously orchestrate the event, to ensure that it was slick, fast moving, exciting and of world class quality.

“To achieve this level of excellence, we work with the top people in our Industry, which includes DWR and Dream Sets as well as excellent techies from the Lyric Theatre who we have worked with for 4 years,’ said Executive Director, Dawn Lindberg. “The entire event was shot for television by Clive Morris Productions, who have also been a privilege and pleasure to work with.’

Said Duncan Riley from DWR, “It was an honour for us to be part of the Naledis this year.We get so involved with the day to day running of a company and sometimes you have to be reminded that it’s a privilege to be part of this industry. It’s important to acknowledge those who have talent and who give so much of themselves. Congratulations to the deserving Daniel Galloway.’

Dave Whitehouse from DWR agrees. “I think this event is really important as it highlights the world class excellence in the theatre and performing arts in SA. It gives people the recognition they don’t normally have and helps to raise the profile of Theatre in general. DWR is also passionate about nurturing new upcoming talent in the lighting industry, which itself has grown exponentially to become highly technical and skilled.’

As part of the actual award, DWR will sponsor a new up- and coming operator or technician (nominated by this year’s winner, Daniel Galloway) who will receive training from DWR Distribution.