The pair travelled to Milan to receive the honour on 5 November 2026, marking another milestone for independent South African theatre on the international stage.
The jury recognised Lady Aoi for “faithfully portraying a great classic while enrich it with contemporary colours”, highlighting the production’s interpretation of a classic theatrical work for contemporary audiences.
The international jury included prominent theatre figures such as Lev Dodin, Muriel Mayette-Holtz, Fadhel Jaïbi, Oskaras Koršunovas, Stathis Livathinos, Lluís Pasqual, Tadashi Suzuki, Gábor Tompa, Toni Servillo, Lim Soon Heng and Livia Pomodoro.
The Milan recognition adds to Lady Aoi’s existing accolades. At the 2022 Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards, the production won two awards for Best Set Design and Best Costume Design.
It also received five nominations, including Best Production, Best Actor for Marcel Meyer, Best Director for Fred Abrahamse, Best Lighting Design for Faheem Bardien and Best Original Score for Charl-Johan Lingenfelder.
The production has been recognised for its visual aesthetic, atmospheric staging and theatrical interpretation, reflecting the creative collaboration behind the work.
Earlier in 2026, Lady Aoi was selected for the international programme of the XVII International “Il Teatro Nudo” Awards, which celebrates theatre productions from around the world for their artistic innovation, social engagement and exploration of the human experience.
For Abrahamse & Meyer Productions, the award represents recognition beyond the company itself, highlighting the contribution of the wider creative team behind the production.
“International recognition is never the achievement of one or two people,” said the company.
“A production develops through the contribution of performers, designers, composers, technicians, photographers, theatres, festivals and supporters who believe in the work. We are enormously proud that Lady Aoi and South African theatre are being recognised in Milan, and deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of its journey.”
The XVII International “Il Teatro Nudo” Awards celebrate the legacy of Italian theatre-maker Teresa Pomodoro, recognising productions that cross geographical, linguistic and cultural boundaries.
The awards focus on theatre that engages with the human condition, champions artistic expression and creates opportunities for dialogue, dignity and connection through performance.
For the Cape Town-based company, the Jury Special Mention is an opportunity to bring further attention to South African theatre within an international performing arts landscape.
