STREETWISE TWO FOR COURTYARD THEATRE

Streetwise Two: A Comedy of Curiosity, Chaos, and Chicken

A mysterious box. Two curious friends. Endless chaos over chicken and chips.

The brand-new stage comedy Streetwise Two is set to bring laughter and energy to audiences on November 4, 2025, at 15h30 at the Courtyard Theatre.

Written by Simamkele Sodladla and directed by Thamsanqa Simphiwe Khumalo, this hilarious production asks a simple question: What would you do if you found an abandoned box on the street?

In Streetwise Two, curiosity spirals into wild fantasies, suspicion, and side-splitting chaos when two women imagine riches and danger hiding inside a cardboard box. But when the truth is revealed, the comedy only gets bigger — proving that sometimes the smallest things can spark the biggest drama.

Cast: Nomcebo Mathaba and Venesa Masina

Stage Manager: Thobeka Magutshwa

Streetwise Two blends sharp dialogue, relatable humour, and a uniquely South African flavour to deliver a story that is as funny as it is thought-provoking.

Alongside this production, audiences can also enjoy two more exciting shows on the day:

Umgcagco: The Musical

Siyavivinywa: The Musical by Mmjalindlovu and Mlekeleli Biyela, respectively

 

Thanks to the support of From Nothing Production, this special theatre showcase brings fresh voices, powerful stories, and unforgettable performances to the stage.

Tickets: R50

The full programme takes place in the Courtyard Theatre at the Durban University of Technology on November 4, 2025.

The Courtyard Theatre is situated at the Durban University of Technology, 1 Steve Biko Road, Musgrave, Durban.

 

 

 

MANDISI DYANTYIS - INTLAMBULULO

 

(Left: Mandisi Dyantyis. Pic supplied)

Join the Playhouse Company for an intimate evening with Mandisi Dyantyis and his incredible seven-piece band as they celebrate the launch of his long-awaited new album, Intlambululo, on October 31, 2025, at 20h00 in the Opera Theatre.

 This multi-award-winning artist will unveil a fresh repertoire of songs most of which have never been performed live before. ‘Intlambululo’ marks a powerful new chapter in the ever-evolving Mandisi Dyantyis Songbook, blending soulful storytelling with breathtaking musicianship.

An unforgettable musical experience not to be missed.

Tickets R395 - R535 | Webtickets

CANDLELIGHT CONCERTS

 

Experience the magic of live music like never before as Candlelight Concerts transform The Playhouse Opera Theatre into a breathtaking haven of sound and light. A talented string quartet will deliver unforgettable tributes in a venue bathed in the warm glow of thousands of candles.

On October 25, audiences can enjoy a moving Tribute to Adele at 18h00, followed by the electrifying Tribute to Queen at 20h30.

Each 60-minute concert creates a multi-sensory atmosphere where music truly comes to life. Don’t miss these enchanting evenings that have made Candlelight one of the world’s most celebrated live music experiences.

Tickets available now via Fever. For queries, contact Lindinkosi Sibanda at lindie.sibanda@feveroriginals.com

Age restriction: 8 years and older

GIBSON KENTE’S “TOO LATE” FOR DUT

The Durban University of Technology’s Department of Drama and Production Studies presents Gibson Kente’s Too Late at the Courtyard Theatre on October 15, 16 and 17 at 18h00.

The Durban University of Technology revives and reimagines Kente’s Too Late as part of its curriculum, presented as a second-year performance techniques production. This staging not only honours Kente’s golden-era contribution to South African theatre but ensures that emerging theatre practitioners engage critically with its historical, political, and cultural significance.

Directed by Sikhuthali Oliver Bonga, choreographed by Mduduzi Mtshali and Mandisa Mngoma and musically directed by Zenneth Cibane, this reimagined DUT staging of Too Late bridging historical township theatre with contemporary creative practice.

Tickets: Available through secretary Bawinile at 031 373 2194, email: BawinileM1@dut.ac.za or at the door

Trigger Warning: Contains strong language and scenes of violence

 

 

NDLOVU YOUTH CHOIR RETURNS TO DURBAN

 

After their sold-out performances at The Playhouse in 2024, the world-renowned Ndlovu Youth Choir returns to Durban for three unforgettable shows on October 18 and 19, 2025.

If you haven’t seen them live yet, now’s your chance to experience one of the most energetic, uplifting and inspiring performances you’ll ever witness. Expect soaring vocals, vibrant rhythms and an explosion of joy that will have you on your feet.

Tickets R265 - R595 – book through Webtickets.

PIANO RECITAL BY NINUCA TKESHALASVILI

 (Left: Ninuca Tkeshalasvili)

Friends of Music and Sahil Singh proudly present a piano recital by Georgian Virtuosso pianist Ninuca Tkeshalasvili

The recital takes place on October 19 at 14h30 at the Durban Jewish Centre, North Beach.

Georgian pianist Nino Tkeshelashvili is one of the most promising talents in her home country Georgia, where she was able to win numerous prizes and awards at an early age and gave concerts with various orchestras. 

She began her pianistic studies in Tbilisi, at the Central Music School at the age of six. 

Her orchestral debut was at the age of seven and she went on to win numerous prizes at international competitions in the years that followed.

Since 2021, Nino has been continuing her education (Bachelor) at the Münster University of Music. She will perform a programme of Robert Schumann & Franz Liszt.

Tickets: R150 (Available at the door

For more information contact millark.millar@gmail.com or phone Keith on 0715051021

BABALWA MENTJIES FOR CENTRE FOR JAZZ

 (Right: Babalwa Mentjies)

The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music proudly presents: Intsholo Yamanina: Honoring the Melodies of Women in Song led by Babalwa Mentjies on October 15, 2025, at 17h30.

Babalwa Mentjies is a versatile jazz vocalist and accomplished songwriter from Makhanda, Eastern Cape, now based in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. 

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Performance from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and a postgraduate qualification in Marketing Management. Beyond her thriving performance career, Babalwa is a passionate vocal coach and music educator.

She currently serves as Project Manager at the Institute for Music and Indigenous Arts Development (IMAD) and is a co-founder of the Amathunzi Arts & Development Centre, an organization dedicated to using the arts to address social challenges. In 2024, Babalwa was honoured as an Influential Woman of the Year.

Babalwa Mentjies captivates audiences both locally and internationally, performing alongside South Africa’s leading jazz artists with her soulful voice and commanding stage presence.

The performance features an all-female band:

Babalwa Mentjies – Vocals

Thembi Dunjana – Piano

Tiana Amari Rwanqana – Bass

Chanté Phillips – Drums

Danél Dippenaar – Alto Saxophone

Hope Hadebe – Trombone

 

Tickets available for cash purchase at the door. R120 (R90 pensioners & R60 students).

The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music is located in Dennis Shepstone Building, Level 2, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College Campus. Use gate 3 or gate 8 off Rick Turner Road.

 

 

 

DUIGAN AT COFFEEBERRY AVENUES

Join Christopher Duigan for an exciting evening at Coffeeberry-Avenues in Hilton on Thursday October 23, 2025!!

Duigan says: “I will be travelling with my concert grand piano, and there will be a raised stage with a camera view of the keyboard on big screens.

“Programme features highlights from my recent selection Tales from My Piano!

“The acoustics are impressive, creating an immersive concert experience! The full Coffeeberry menu is available for dinner.”

Tickets R200. All bookings email info@coffeeberry.co.za only!

 

COMMUNITY ARTS FESTIVAL SHOWCASE

 

The Playhouse Company proudly presents the Community Arts Festival showcase, taking place from October 30 to November 1, 2025.

This year’s programme features an exciting mix of drama, music, and dance, showcasing the richness of community talent. In preparation for the festival, Bhekani Shabalala and Musawenkosi Shabalala will workshop all productions from October 6, with renowned theatre mentor Aubrey Sekhabi leading workshops during the final week.

Join the Playhouse for three days of creativity, culture and unforgettable performances. To attend, email marketingcoordinator@playhousecompany.com

Entry is Free

TWO SA THEATRE CLASSICS COMING TO DUT

 

(Above: Mpilo “Straw” Nzimande & Cara Roberts in ”Tin Bucket Drum”)

DUT Higher Certificate Performing Arts Technology Industry Interface present two South African theatre classics coming to DUT:

Andrew Buckland's The Ugly Noo Noo

Neil Coppen's Tin Bucket Drum

Actor’s Studio, DUT: October 15, 16 & 17

 

Two iconic South African theatre works will be staged at the Actor’s Studio, adjacent to the Courtyard Theatre at DUT: Andrew Buckland’s The Ugly Noo Noo and Neil Coppen’s Tin Bucket Drum. Each production will run for two daytime performances.

The Ugly Noo Noo, directed by Peter Mitchell and featuring Mpilo “Straw” Nzimande, is Buckland’s legendary comic physical theatre piece. First premiered in 1988, this explosive satire transformed South African theatre for generations of practitioners and audiences. The play follows a man’s surreal encounter with the infamous Parktown Prawn, using sharp wit and physical storytelling to explore the compost heaps and dark underbelly of suburban Johannesburg.

Tin Bucket Drum, directed by Bryan Hiles and featuring Mpilo “Straw” Nzimande alongside Naledi Award-winner Cara Roberts, blends magical realism, shadow puppetry, Kabuki theatre, and live percussion. Coppen’s lyrical script reimagines African storytelling traditions in an allegorical tale of oppression and liberation. Through evocative lighting and sound, a single narrator conjures a multitude of characters, offering timeless lessons for diverse audiences.

These productions form part of the practical project-based learning component for students enrolled in DUT’s year-long Higher Certificate in Performing Arts Technology. Students will provide support across design, lighting, sound, set construction, front of house, crew and stage management, gaining hands-on experience in a simulated professional festival setting.

“We want our students to gain real-world experience in a festival-like environment,” explains course leader Clare Craighead. “By staging these culturally significant plays, which offer rich technical and design challenges appropriate to Higher Certificate-level learning, we’re giving students the opportunity to work alongside professional actors and directors while opening our theatre doors to the public.”

The project features industry collaboration and mentorship with Lisa Goldstone (lighting), Bryan Hiles (director and carpentry), and Nel van der Merwe (set design and carpentry). Students will assist across technical, set, and front-of-house elements, aligning with DUT’s strategic vision of integrating industry into teaching and learning spaces.

 

The Ugly Noo Noo

Wed 15 Oct @ 10h00

Thurs 16 Oct @ 13h00

 

Tin Bucket Drum

Thurs 16 Oct @ 17h00

Fri 17 Oct @ 15h00

 

Tickets: R50 (R20 students, scholars & pensioners)

Seating is limited – only 50 seats per performance. Booking is essential: Email Clarec1@dut.ac.za

FOLLOW THE BEAT

The Hayley Howie Dance Studio proudly presents Follow the Beat, a dazzling production showcasing an exciting mix of ballet and modern dance. 

From graceful movements to high-energy rhythms, this show will have you clapping along and tapping your feet as you follow the beat on October 25, 2025, at 14h00 and 17h00 in the Playhouse Opera Theatre.

Tickets R190 available now via Webtickets.

SUPPORT THE DUNG BEETLE

 

Amaciko KwaZulu Art Project Takes "The Dung Beetle" to Eswatini

The Amaciko KwaZulu Art Project is proud to announce that its critically-acclaimed theatre production, The Dung Beetle, has been officially invited to perform at the prestigious Eswatini Theatre Club in October 2025.

This marks a significant milestone for the project and for South African theatre, as The Dung Beetle prepares to cross borders for its first international stage appearance.

The Dung Beetle is more than a play. It is a story of resilience, transformation, and survival told through compelling performance, powerful music, and heartfelt direction. Like the dung beetle that rolls its ball against all odds, the play represents the strength of individuals and communities who continue moving forward no matter the weight they carry.

 

The Touring Team (Cast & Crew):

Actor: Buyani Dlamini

Guitarist/Musician: Mthokozisi Ndlovu

Stage Manager: Nasiphi Chala

Writer: Sbahle Magwaza

Director: Thamsanqa Simphiwe Khumalo

This dedicated team will proudly carry The Dung Beetle beyond KwaZulu-Natal, representing South African theatre with passion and excellence.

 

Support Needed

To make this international tour possible, the Amaciko KwaZulu Art Project has launched a fundraising campaign on BackaBuddy. The goal is to raise R40,000, which will cover:

-Transport & Driver Costs (KwaZulu-Natal – Eswatini – KwaZulu-Natal)

-Stipends for the cast, crew, and driver

-Meals & Essentials during the tour

 

A Call to Community and Supporters

“We believe that storytelling has the power to heal, inspire, and connect people across borders. Taking The Dung Beetle to Eswatini is not just a performance opportunity — it is a moment to showcase South African talent internationally and to represent KwaZulu-Natal with pride,” says founder and director, Thamsanqa Simphiwe Khumalo.

The Amaciko KwaZulu Art Project sincerely appeals to the public, arts lovers, funders, and community members to support this journey. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings the team closer to the stage in Eswatini and ensures that South African stories continue to travel and inspire.

Donate here: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/the-dung-beetle-tour-to-eswatini