Clevenard to Honour Aubrey W. Sekhabi at the Clevenard Open Project 2026 – 5th Edition and Clevenard Global Awards – 3rd Edition in Alicante, Spain

South African State Theatre Artistic Director Aubrey W. Sekhabi to Receive Prestigious Clevenard Honorary Award in Spain

Alicante, Spain — Clevenard SL is proud to announce that internationally acclaimed South African theatre icon Mr. Aubrey W. Sekhabi, Artistic Director of the South African State Theatre, will receive a Prestigious Clevenard Honorary Award at the Clevenard Open Project 2026 – 5th Edition, taking place from 27–30 August 2026 at the Palacio de Congresos Alicante, Spain.

The distinguished honour will be presented on Sunday, 30 August 2026, during the Clevenard Global Awards – 3rd Edition, the flagship awards ceremony of the Clevenard Open Project, held alongside the internationally celebrated International Fashion Runway.

The award recognises visionary leaders whose work has transformed industries, empowered communities, preserved cultural heritage, and inspired future generations through exceptional leadership, creativity, innovation, and service.

This year's recognition celebrates not only Mr. Sekhabi's extraordinary contribution to African theatre and cultural leadership spanning more than four decades, but also his pioneering commitment to educational innovation through the arts. As Artistic Director of the South African State Theatre, Mr. Sekhabi and the South African State Theatre became the first theatre institution in South Africa to recognise and support the STEAM FESTIVAL Revision Game Show—an innovative educational initiative developed by Edbook Media that combines theatre, music, dance, science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) with Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) skills to transform classroom learning into a live theatrical and educational experience.

By opening the doors of the South African State Theatre to this groundbreaking concept, Mr. Sekhabi demonstrated how theatre can serve as a catalyst for education, youth empowerment, innovation, and creative entrepreneurship. His early support helped validate a vision that continues to inspire learners to become champions from the classroom to the stage.

In addition to receiving this prestigious distinction, Mr. Sekhabi will deliver a highly anticipated keynote address during the Global Tourism & International Film Celebration on Saturday, 29 August 2026.

Keynote Address

"The Creative Economy as a Catalyst for Nation Building: Theatre, Film, Culture and the Future of Africa."

Drawing on more than forty years of experience in theatre, arts administration, education, and cultural diplomacy, Mr. Sekhabi will share insights into how the creative industries can drive economic development, preserve African heritage, and empower future generations.

Aubrey W. Sekhabi

Award-Winning Playwright | Director | Artistic Director | Servant Leader

Aubrey W. Sekhabi stands among South Africa's most influential theatre practitioners and cultural visionaries. As Artistic Director of the South African State Theatre, he has dedicated his career to advancing African storytelling, nurturing emerging talent, promoting arts education, and positioning theatre as a powerful instrument for social transformation and nation-building.

Holding a Master of Arts (Cum Laude) in Dramatic Arts from the University of the Witwatersrand, he has become one of Africa's most respected creative leaders with an enduring legacy that continues to influence generations of artists across the continent.

A Distinguished Career of Excellence

Sekhabi began his writing career with Back to School (1985), followed by Save the People (1986). In 1992, he founded GBR Productions, producing acclaimed works including Silent Voice and Roadhouse.

At only 24 years old, he became Resident Director of the Bophuthatswana Arts Council before being appointed Artistic Director of the North-West Arts Drama Company, where he spent eight years producing acclaimed theatre while mentoring performers who would later become leading figures in television, film, and stage.

Transforming the South African State Theatre

Since assuming leadership of the South African State Theatre in 2002, Sekhabi has guided one of Africa's premier cultural institutions through remarkable growth and innovation.

His visionary initiatives include:

• Establishment of the EYCT Department
• Creation of the 52 Seasons Mentor-Protégé Programme
• Founder of the Basha Festival (now Youth Expressions Festival)
• Founder of the Mzansi Fela Festival
• Founder of the Kucheza Afrika Festival
• Founder of the Vavasati International Festival

Expansion of youth and community theatre development across South Africa

Under his leadership, the South African State Theatre has achieved extraordinary milestones:

• 1,652 productions staged
• 13,169 employment opportunities created
• 333 artists supported
• 153 community theatre groups developed
• More than 3 million audience members reached

He also spearheaded the launch of SAST TV, extending the reach of South African theatre to audiences across Africa and around the world.

An Extraordinary Body of Creative Work

His acclaimed productions include:

Back to School (1985), Save the People (1986), Strong Hold (1990), Silent Voice (1992), Roadhouse (1992), Mika (1993–1994), Scomearound (1993), Nkonyeni High (1995), On My Birthday (1995), Homegirls (1996), Not With My Gun (1997), The Stick (1999), Interracial (2007), Mantolo: The 10th Step (2008–2009), Kalushi – The Story of Solomon Mahlangu (2010), Rivonia Trial (2010), Rhetorical (2012), Hungry (2014), Marikana – The Musical (2014), Freedom – The Musical (2018), Kwanele (2019), and Mother of Freedom (2021).

His television achievements include serving as co-writer of Orlando, writer on Mponeng, and creator, writer, and Executive Producer of Hillside.

Recognition and Lasting Legacy

Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Sekhabi has received more than 60 award nominations, including recognition through the FNB Vita Awards, Standard Bank Young Artist Awards, and multiple Naledi Theatre Awards.

The Clevenard Honorary Award celebrates not only his extraordinary artistic achievements but also his visionary leadership in using theatre as a platform for education, youth empowerment, cultural preservation, innovation, and international collaboration. His early recognition and support of the STEAM FESTIVAL Revision Game Show exemplify his enduring belief that the arts can transform lives, strengthen education, and create opportunities for future generations.

About the Clevenard Open Project 2026 – 5th Edition

Held under the theme:

"A Global Celebration of Business, Culture, Creativity & Human Connection."

The Clevenard Open Project is Clevenard's flagship international forum, bringing together policymakers, diplomats, business leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, academics, tourism professionals, creatives, and cultural ambassadors from Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, and beyond to foster strategic partnerships, innovation, cultural exchange, and sustainable development.

Event Highlights

• Day 1 – Thursday, 27 August 2026

Global Authors' Recognition

Education Summit

• Day 2 – Friday, 28 August 2026

Global Economy & Trade Summit

Solid Minerals Forum

Agriculture & Investment Summit

• Day 3 – Saturday, 29 August 2026

Global Tourism Summit

International Film Celebration

Keynote Address by Mr. Aubrey W. Sekhabi

• Day 4 – Sunday, 30 August 2026

Clevenard Global Awards – 3rd Edition

International Fashion Runway

Presentation of the Prestigious Clevenard Honorary Award

Event Details

• Dates: 27–30 August 2026
• Venue: Palacio de Congresos Alicante, Avinguda de Dénia 47–49, 03013 Alicante, Spain

Media & General Enquiries

• Clevenard SL
• Telephone: +34 631 279 811 | +34 672 931 216
• Website: www.clevenard.com
• Organiser: Clevenard SL
• NIF: B75809574

About Clevenard

Clevenard is a global platform connecting people, cultures, businesses, and opportunities across continents. Through media, technology, international events, and strategic partnerships, Clevenard creates meaningful connections that drive cultural exchange, economic empowerment, innovation, and sustainable development worldwide.

Mission: To connect the world, amplify voices, and create opportunities that transform lives.

Categoria:

Comunicado de imprensa 

Escrito por:

Tolu Osindero