BLARNEY & SON PARTY TIME

(Above: David Fisher & Tony Fisher)

Blarney & Son is a refreshed version of the Blarney Brothers, South Africa’s No.1 party band for the last 47 years. They will perform at Rhumbelow Theatre in Durban from June 18 to 20, 2021.

Tony Fisher still has a lot to give and has aligned with his son David Fisher to bring back the Irish Ballads and Party Music this country has loved for so long.

Both Tony & David are multitalented musicians who love to get the party started. Their repertoire will have you dancing on tables, singing along or maybe a tear here and there.

In a short space of time the duo has made a huge impact on the Durban music circuit and continue to be the top Irish Party Band.

Shows take place on Friday and Saturday at 19h30 and on Sunday at 14h00. (Venue opens 90 minutes before show for snacks/drinks). Bring food picnic baskets or buy at the venue. A full bar is available (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises). There is limited secure parking.

“Whilst we are not changing our 2020 pricing for shows, we would ask that if you are able to please assist us and the performers by donating a higher ticket price,” says Roland Stansell, who runs the Rhumbelow Theatre circuit.

Minimum R160 a ticket (No discounts for this show).

All seating will be at separate tables and the venue will obviously be seating co-habiting couples and/or family members together..

Booking is essential as, with the current Covid levels, the venue is limited to a capacity of 50% maximum. Bookings on email: roland@stansell.co.za or Computicket

For more information contact 082 499 8636 or visit http://events.durbantheatre.com/

All Covid protocols will be strictly observed.

Rhumbelow Theatre is situated at 42 Cunningham Road off Bartle Road, Durban

The show will also have one performance at Tina’s Hotel in Kloof on June 27, 2021, at 14h00.

GROWING OLD DISGRACEFULLY

(Tonya Koenderman)

Join international cabaret artist, Tonya Koenderman in her hilarious comedy cabaret, Growing Old Disgracefully – a light-hearted look at the funny side of ageing. There will be one performance only at Rhumbelow Theatre in Durban on June 16, 2021, at 14h00.

Do you put your car keys in the fridge? Do you walk into a room and forget why you went there in the first place? Are your arms starting to resemble bat wings? You are not alone! Come enjoy a glass of wine or six with this pint-sized dynamo and enjoy a show filled with laughter and just a few tears.

All your favourite songs will be featured, with a wicked twist. The evergreen but, perhaps, dated These Are A Few Of My Favourite Things has been rebooted to embrace more age-appropriate themes. All about That Base is now an ode to make-up and other anti-aging tools, while the classic Memories, from the musical Cats, is now about … can’t remember. All in all, you can look forward to a side-splitting night of entertainment and fun filled frivolity. “Sorry, in advance, for the new laugh lines,” quips Koenderman.

Koenderman has been hailed by critics as “one of the hottest properties on the cabaret circuit”. She started her career fresh out of drama school with Kevin Feather’s cabaret, The Dooh Wah Girls in 1990, which toured the country for four years.

Other cabarets under her belt are Dooh Wah Girls, We 3, Juke is King, Jive to the Juke, and Wurlitzer, All of Woman and Shake Your Bootie, all of which have performed to packed houses throughout South Africa.

Her solo cabarets include the hits, Tonya unwrapped, Makin’ Whoopee, Age of Aquarius, A Night In Paris, When Jazz Was King, Born To Diva and Liza with a T which has just completed a successful run at Rhumbelow. Impersonating her favourite artist, Liza Minnelli, Liza with a T ran for two seasons at the Carousel .

In 2007, Koenderman co-directed and starred in Convent Girls with fellow performer and friend, Lisa Bobbert, which was nominated for three Durban Mercury awards: Best Production, Best Direction, and Best lead Actress (for which both Lisa and Tonya were nominated).

Growing Old Disgracefully has one show only on June 16, at 14h00. (Venue opens 90 minutes before show for snacks/drinks). Bring food picnic baskets or buy at the venue. A full bar is available (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises). There is limited secure parking.

Tickets a minimum of R160 (donations will be welcome). Bookings on e-mail: roland@stansell.co.za or Computicket. Booking is essential as capacity is limited to 50%. All Covid protocols will be observed.

Rhumbelow Theatre is situated at 42 Cunningham Road off Bartle Road, Durban. For more information contact Roland on 082 499 8636 or visit http://events.durbantheatre.com/

LIZA WITH A “T”: REVIEW

Tonya Koenderman gives her characteristically energised performance in a powerful tribute to Liza Minnelli. (Review by Caroline Smart & Keith Millar)

“Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale her infinite variety”. This quote from Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra perfectly sums up musical theatre star Tonya Koenderman, who seems to defy any kind of ageing process.

She gives her characteristically energised and zestful performance in a powerful tribute to Liza Minnelli in her show Liza with a “T which has one more performance this afternoon (June 13, 2021) at Rhumbelow Theatre with another coming up at the Northlands Bowling Club.

The show tells the story of Liza’s life – her close relationship with her father, Vincent Minnelli; her struggle to conquer drug and alcohol abuse; her many relationships, and of the influence her mother, Judy Garland, had over her. The production pays tribute to the songs Liza made famous such as Cabaret, Maybe this Time, New York, New York, All That Jazz and many more.

With a minimum of costume changes – including a towelling dressing gown and a shower cap! - she explains how Liza tried to establish herself in her own right and not to be a carbon copy of her mother

While most of the songs are powerful and passionate, Koenderman also proves her sensitivity and gentleness in numbers such as Charles Aznavour's achingly beautiful Quiet Love.

Highlights for me were her dramatic If You Hadn’t but you Did; the delightful All That Jazz and the inspiring New York, New York. The main focus is on songs by Kander and Ebb from Cabaret – the movie that made Minnelli an Oscar-winning icon and would forever define her. At one stage, Koenderman mounts a chair in a breathtaking few moments, balancing on one leg and leaving us all awestruck.

Keith Millar reviewed her show at Rhumbelow in 2015, and I simply can’t improve on his comments which summed up the performance perfectly:

“She ticked every box in her outstanding impersonation of the great star. She displays the same waif-like vulnerability, the wicked sense of humour, and the sultry sexiness which made Minnelli such an appealing personality. She has also perfected all the quirky moves and mannerisms Minnelli employed on stage.

Then there is the voice. Koenderman is a slightly-built person – as is Liza Minnelli herself – yet she has a fabulously powerful singing voice. Her diction is remarkable and her intonation perfect. At times she sounds so much like Minnelli that it is enough to send shivers down your spine.” – Keith Millar

Liza with a “T” has one more show at Rhumbelow Durban this afternoon at 14h00. There will be a further performance at Northlands Bowling Club in Durban North on June 19.

Tickets R160. Bring food picnic baskets or buy from the venue. A full bar is available (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises). Limited secure parking available.

All seating will be at separate tables and the venues will obviously be seating co-habiting couples and/or family members together.

With the current Covid levels, capacity is limited to 50 people max. Booking is essential on email: roland@stansell.co.za or through Computicket.

The show at the Northlands Bowling Club in Durban North on June 19 starts at 19h30. The same booking details apply. – Caroline Smart

 

Tonya Koenderman will present another show – “Growing Old Disgracefully” – at Rhumbelow Theatre on June 16, 2021, at 14h00. Same booking details apply

TONY COX – THE WORLD WENT QUIET: REVIEW

The music is visceral, moving and very atmospheric. (Review by Keith Millar)

Tony Cox, the virtuoso South African finger-styled acoustic guitarist, has just released his 23rd album. He was, in fact, born in Zimbabwe and has recently relocated to the UK – but I think we can still claim him as our own.

The album entitled The World Went Quiet, was influenced by the very different world we have found ourselves in since to start of the Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting lockdowns. It features Cox at his inspired best. With everything that has happened, life can be rather emotive but if we had to put a soundtrack to it all, I believe that this collection could be it.

The music is visceral, moving and very atmospheric.

(Right: Tony Cox)

Cox engineered and recorded this album at home. He also played all the instruments heard on the album. He started it while he was still in South Africa last year and completed it recently at his new home in the UK.

Three of the items have lyrics. All the others are instrumentals. One of the songs, One and Only, is a duo, with Cox’s daughter Thuli joining him. Her beautiful, sweet voice intensifies the impact of this song which is about gender based violence.

The title song, The World Went Quiet, as well as Empty Dance Hall perfectly illustrate the eerie, haunting inertness which seemed to permeate our world during the lockdown, while in Never Forgotten, Cox pays homage to the many who have lost their lives as a result of the pandemic.

On the lighter side, there is the bluesy fingerpicker Elephant Stomp, TauBoy my CowBoy, inspired by Cox’s son, and Sho Left which for me is reminiscent of a wandering minstrel playing on his oil tin guitar.

It may be obvious from my comments that I am a big Tony Cox fan. However, with this album one does not only get to experience his brilliance as a musician and composer, but also to reflect on the difficult times we have all experienced in the recent past.

The World Went Quiet as well as a selection of Tony Cox’s previous work is available as follows:

Hardcopy CD and Flashdrive (flashdrive comes encased in Elm wood with full artwork, extra TC albums plus vintage video)  www.tonycox.co.za

Download (comes with full artwork) www.yonycox.bandcamp.com/album/the-world-went-quiet.

Direct from Tony: Order from tonycoxacoustic@gmail.com

Review by Keith Millar

HOME STRETCH: REVIEW

“Home Stretch” is an easy read, and if at moments the long arm of coincidence seems overly intrusive and some of the surprises aren’t all that surprising, what is the most interesting thing about the novel is the way in which Norton shows how societal norms have changed over 30 years. (Review by Margaret von Klemperer, courtesy of The Witness)

Graham Norton is best known as the lively and urbane host of his TV show, but he is also a writer. Home Stretch is his third novel, set between 1987 and the present – or at least the pre-virus present.

The action starts in small town Ireland, when six youngsters, two of them a couple on the eve of their wedding, have a horrific accident that leaves three dead, one in a coma and two, including the driver of the car, unhurt, at least physically.

Survivor’s guilt and the grief of the community is more than young Connor can bear, and he leaves, first for England and later for America – the old escape route for the Irish. Connor and his sister Ellen, who stays behind, are the main characters, but the novel does not just deal with grief and guilt in various forms. Connor is also struggling with his sexuality, and with the attitudes of a very conservative Irish society.

So he cuts himself adrift, and eventually forges a new life, preferring not to think too much about what is happening back in Mullinmore or the family he has left behind. Meanwhile, Ellen is trapped in an increasingly miserable marriage, but eventually, both siblings will be forced to confront some uncomfortable truths about the past and how its long fingers have reached into their present – seen at various points over the 30 years that follow 1987.

Home Stretch is an easy read, and if at moments the long arm of coincidence seems overly intrusive and some of the surprises aren’t all that surprising, what is the most interesting thing about the novel is the way in which Norton shows how societal norms have changed over 30 years. He does it elegantly and with a light hand, allowing the characters to grow believably from a hidebound conservatism to a much more modern acceptance of people and their differences. It gives the novel a warmth and charm. - Margaret von Klemperer

Home Stretch by Graham Norton is published by Coronet UK. ISBN: 978-1-4736-6516-3

FOM CONCERT: DURBAN CITY ORCHESTRA: REVIEW

Temmingh’s enthusiastic body language did much to infuse a sense of joy and passion into the orchestra’s playing. (Review by Dr Martin Goldstein)

The most recent Friends of Music Concert, which took place on June 6, 2021, featured the Durban City Orchestra.

This is one of the longest-running orchestras in South Africa and performs at community events in and around KwaZulu-Natal. Its members, who number about 30, comprise active and retired music teachers, university music students and part-time musicians from a range of other professions who play for the love of music.

The Resident Conductor, Lykele Temmingh, is a professional musician and has done much to cultivate a spirit of enthusiasm in the orchestra’s members. The orchestra performed Entry of the Gladiators: March of Triumph by Julius Fučík; Gold and Silver by Franz Lehar; Gabriel’s Oboe by Ennio Morricone; Emperor Waltz by Johann Straus; Hungarian Dance No. 1 by Johannes Brahms; March of the Two Left Feet by Leroy Anderson; Piano Concerto No. 21 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart; Wine, Women and Song by Johann Strauss; Blue Tango by Leroy Anderson and Hungarian Dance No. 6 by Johannes Brahms.

Before the orchestra’s performance of each work, Temmingh provided an entertaining and informative introduction. He also acknowledged the significant role played by the Durban Jewish Centre as a concert venue over several decades and its significant contribution to the furthering of orchestral music. He noted that what makes an amateur musician special is the fact that he is playing for the love of music and thus his playing is imbued with a unique passion.

In Entry of the Gladiators: March of Triumph, there was a positive tempo, a full sound and nice full bows in the upper strings. The brass displayed much agility. 

In Gold and Silver, there was good articulation in the upper strings and a light touch. The woodwinds produced an appropriately chirpy sound. The upper strings displayed agility in the scale passages and the lower strings were unobtrusive. There was feeling and care in the playing. The middle section of the piece had panache and the brass played with much merriment. There was an effective ensemble of the instruments. Overall, there was notable pride and enjoyment in the orchestra’s playing and a good volume was achieved at the end.

In Gabriel’s Oboe, Temmingh mentioned in his introduction how the music comes from the film The Mission. The oboe soloist was Nina Alborough. She had good intonation and an unaffected tempo. She produced a true sound and was in sync with the orchestra. She was comfortable but not ostentatious. This sentiment was carried by the strings.

In Emperor Waltz, there was a catchy tempo and the orchestra was happily engrossed in the music. There was a lovely solo by the Principal Cello. The brass contributed much and provided a solid melody.

In Hungarian Dance No 1, there was much gusto and passion. The flutes were in their element and the clarinets were in sync. There was good intonation in the upper strings who played with full bows.

In March of the Two Left Feet, there was a solid start in the brass, which provided a strong melody. This manifested in the woodwinds too. The off-beat meter conjured up the feeling of “two left feet”. The flautists displayed technical facility in their arpeggios.

In Piano Concerto No. 21, the oboe held the sound together with a mature intonation. The strings and the flute provided a clear melody. The Piano Soloist, Dylan Arslanian, had a sound left hand and a sensitive right hand. He produced an effective legato and his trills were sound. He is a true musician with a sympathetic approach to accompanying. The interplay between the oboe and the flute was beautiful. The brass played a supportive role.

In Wine, Women and Song, the strings came to the fore in this work. The brass also contributed much, bringing out the melody. The flute was lovely.

In Blue Tango, a pair of dancers, suitably attired in period costume, danced the tango, which was a lovely surprise. The rhythm in this number was on the mark with the drums providing a calm and steady beat. 

In Hungarian Dance No 6, there was a good, full sound and a compelling rhythm. The brass stood out and there was great enthusiasm in the lower strings. Also, there was good double-stopping in the upper strings along with a sound bow technique. The strings displayed a degree of grace in their playing. The meter was idiomatically appropriate and the ensemble came together well.

For their encore, the orchestra performed Hungarian Dance No 5. Temmingh’s enthusiastic body language did much to infuse a sense of joy and passion into the orchestra’s playing and one sensed that he had established a good rapport with the orchestra. The gusto of the orchestra’s performance was a fitting close to a passionate concert. – Dr Martin Goldstein

For more information on Friends of Music contact Keith Millar on 071 505 1021 or visit http://www.friendsofmusic.co.za

 

WESTVILLE THEATRE CLUB AUDITIONS

Westville Theatre Club is looking to stage Natural Causes, a murder mystery dark comedy, during September 2021.

WC is an amateur group in the sense that performers do not get paid for their work. Those interested in auditioning, should phone Jill Sysum on 083 782 1054.

Further details will be given and then if confirmed, an audition/read-through will be held at the club on June 20 from 14h00 to 16h00.

The play revolves around the employment of Vincent from the company Exodus, who enables clients who wish to, to depart the world with comfort and ease.

Celia, a hypochondriac of note, wants to go but she also wants to take her unwilling husband, Walter with her. When finding out that her hen-pecked husband is having an affair with his secretary, she is quite happy to help Angie (the secretary) and Walter on their way without their knowledge.

Angie, who is in the plot with Walter, just wants to see Celia depart so that she and Walter can leave for the West Indies with Celia’s money to have a great life together.

Vincent, who takes his work very seriously, has a few near shaves with the wrong people, but finally is on the right path to “assisting” Celia on her way – but there are twists and turns in the plot with people nearly being given the “dose”, actually given the “dose” and reviving, and then finally given the “dose”.

Withers is on a mission to “save” Walter.  He is a dedicated Samaritan but is not a very strong character and worries about everything.

Walter and Vincent are the main leads, Celia also has a lead role and Angie and Withers are supporting roles.

Although the ages of the main leads suggested for the play are 40 – 50 years, Jill has not stipulated ages as the one depends on the other, so let’s see who we get!

 

Cast:

Walter Bryce - The husband who is having an affair with his secretary and is quite happy to help and encourage his wife to depart from the world anytime soon. He is a weak character and has been nagged and harried by his wife for years, but doesn’t have the strength to stand up to her.

 

Vincent - The man from Exodus, a company who assists people who are ready to depart from this world. He is very serious about his job, has an inferiority complex regarding his education, but is very matter of fact, and prosaic and comfortable about the whole procedure, which he has done many times.

Celia Bryce - Pale and languid.  She is a hypochondriac of note and is quite ready to depart this world. She thinks she would also like to take her husband with her and on discovering his affair, she is quite willing to bump of the mistress with no regrets.

Angie – The mistress/secretary. She is in her late 20s, attractive, with an independent, strong-willed tilt to her chin. She is in on the plot to let Celia depart the world so that she and Walter can get on with their lives with Celia’s money and depart for the West Indies.

Withers – The Samaritan who has been called in by Walter to dissuade Celia (or anybody) from taking this final step.  Walter really wants Withers to stop him from being forced to take a step he does not want to take. Withers is an intense looking man. His age is pretty flexible, but not too young. He is a dedicated Samaritan, but worries about everything, and can be easily led up the garden path.

 

For more information, phone Jill Sysum on 083 782 1054

 

I LOVE A SHOW TUNE!: REVIEW

(Above: Jaques Heyns & Judith Hawthorn in Liza Doolittle costume. Pic by Roland Perold)

If you love the songs from the musicals – as I do, having performed in some of them such as My Fair Lady and The Sound of Music - then watch out for Judith Hawthorn’s next presentation of her show I Love a Show Tune. Even if you are unfamiliar with the songs, you can’t fail to enjoy her engaging personality. (Review by Caroline Smart)

Getting to Tina’s Hotel in Kloof during a load-shedding period is quite an eerie journey but successfully achieved, thanks to GPS and an excellent driver! As with many planned events, loadshedding really turns everything upside down, especially when it is announced at short notice.

Therefore hats off to the Rhumbelow Theatre crew at Tina’s for holding off the performance of Judith Hawthorn’s I Love A Show Tune! for a further half hour until the lights came back on and then sensibly waiting for another 15 minutes to make sure they stayed on!

This kind of situation also puts pressure on performers as suddenly their normal preparation warm-up time goes awry.

However, Judith Hawthorn came onto the stage confidently, all-smiles and engaging immediately with her audience. She has an excellent accompanist in Jaques Heyns, who gave us a pleasant quarter of an hour after the lights came back on, just in case they went off again! This meant the unplanned intro moved smoothly into the show itself.

I Love a Show Tune!, which is directed by Paul Spence, echoes Hawthorn’s own musical preferences and so we had an enjoyable programme of well-known numbers from musicals such as Beauty and the Beast, My Fair Lady, Annie Get Your Gun, Sweet Charity, Gigi and Sound of Music.

(Left: Judith Hawthorn & Allie Kietzmann. Pic by Roland Perold)

She takes us through her early life, saying she can sing and play the piano, which she then does, accompanying her chat with gentle background music. With the occasional change of props like hats and scarves, her easy presentation includes interesting information about the original performers of the numbers or the musical itself.

Hawthorn teaches music and is a generous performer, inviting those whose talents she respects to join her on stage. These included Allie Kietzmann who is a close friend from her schooldays. Also showing their talents were Lara Wessels and Curro Hillcrest students Megan O’Riley and Calleigh O’Riley who joined Hawthorn in numbers from Sound of Music. The proud expression on their tutor’s face said it all!

(Right: Judith Hawthorn, Megan O’Riley, Lara Wessels, Calleigh O’Riley & Allie Kietzmann. Pic by Roland Perold)

The second half of the show takes a completely different turn – with Hawthorn now dressed in a glamorous ball gown and performing more dramatic pieces such as taking off her Sunday School teacher who is explaining to her youngsters all about Noahhhh (with huge gasping emphasis on the “h”) and what he got up to.

Some Things Are Meant To Be from Little Women is handled with sensitivity as the character tries to encourage her much-loved sister to continue living, although she knows there is no hope for her recovery.

Alongside a highly amusing rendition of Supercalifragilistic, she dons a long black wig representing an eccentric European maestro infected with the Victor Borge genius. I was a great fan of Borge who had an individual way of smoothly turning a classic piece into a contemporary one.

If you love the songs from the musicals – as I do, having performed in some of them such as My Fair Lady and The Sound of Music - then watch out for Judith Hawthorn’s next presentation of her show I Love a Show Tune. Even if you are unfamiliar with the songs, you can’t fail to enjoy her engaging personality.

The production is available for corporate bookings. Contact Paul Spence on 084 341 1742 – Caroline Smart

ENTRIES OPEN FOR ANNUAL SASOL NEW SIGNATURES

Collection dates: September 7 and 8, 2021, from 10h00 to 16h00. Durban drop-off point for artists work: Durban:  KZNSA Gallery

Entries are now officially open for the annual Sasol New Signatures Art Competition 2021.

Being the longest-running competition of its kind in South Africa, Sasol New Signatures has become a platform for unknown artists to break into the mainstream art stage. Sasol has sponsored this important art competition for over 30 years and has launched the careers of many household names in art currently working in South Africa and globally.

With the advent of Covid-19, there is a greater need for innovators and creators who will shape the world anew and inspire change. Taking on this challenge, the 2021 Sasol New Signatures Art Competition has created a space for eligible emerging artists to imagine, transgress, transcend, disrupt, and innovate through their creativity.

Chairperson Sasol New Signatures, Pfunzo Sidogi said: “The Sasol New Signatures Art Competition is not just another art competition – it is an enabler for emerging artists to not only expand the possibilities of art but also to inspire innovation and change.

“As we march into a new world, visual artists are best equipped to make sense of our dynamic, interconnected, and challenging environments. By promoting art that is ingrained with the spirit of possibility and potentiality, the Sasol New Signatures Art Competition is not just another art competition – it is an enabler for emerging artists to not only expand the possibilities of art, but to also inspire innovation and change.”

This annual competition is open to all South African artists who are 18+ years and have not yet held a solo exhibition.

Artists who have held a solo exhibition for academic purposes, i.e. a Master’s degree exhibition, are allowed to enter.

Artists are able to submit artworks in all artistic mediums including photography, performance art, video and installations.

Activate innovation and change through your creativity by entering the 2021 Sasol New Signatures Art Competition at one of several collection points across the country on September 7 and 8, 2021, from 10h00 to 16h00.

The ongoing sponsorship of this competition demonstrates Sasol’s commitment to discovering new artistic talent and promoting them to the art-loving public, said Nozipho Mbatha, Senior Manager: Group Brand and Sponsorships at Sasol.

“The art of innovation is one of Sasol’s hallmarks, and the foundation upon which the business was built. It is who we are and have committed to being. For this reason, Sasol is proud to be a key sponsor, together with Association of Arts Pretoria, of this important initiative that seeks to encourage South Africa’s creativity and contribute to our national heritage,” said Mbatha.

The winner of the Sasol New Signatures Art Competition will be announced on November 10, 2021. The winner will receive R100,000 and a solo exhibition at next year’s exhibition. The winning works will also be displayed at the Pretoria Art Museum from November 11, 2021, to January 9, 2022. The runner up will receive R25,000 and the five merit award winners will each walk away with R10,000.  

The 2019 Sasol New Signatures winner, Patrick Rulore, will hold his first solo exhibition within the official Sasol New Signatures 2021 exhibition.  The exhibition is titled “Life in Darkness”.  Rulore said of his work: “I am fascinated by the human figure, and in my paintings, I attempt to capture some of the complexity of the body and the enigmatic power which human beings possess.  This series explores human connection against the backdrop of an ephemeral world of light and shadow. Working on a large scale is crucial to my creative process”.

The KZN drop off point for artists work is the KZNSA Gallery, 166 Bulwer Road, Glenwood, Durban.

For more information visit https://www.sasolsignatures.co.za/

 

 

M-NET CHANNELS HIGHLIGHTS

M-Net (channel 101) and M-Net City (channel 115) highlights for June 2021. For more information visit their website www.mnet.tv

NB:  This line-up is subject to change

 

M-NET (CHANNEL 101)

 SUNDAY NIGHT BLOCKBUSTERS

The Way Back

June 6, 2021, at 20h05 (Drama, Sport)

Ben Affleck gives a powerful performance as a man struggling with his demons. An alcoholic ex-basketball player has a chance at redemption when he is hired to coach a team.

 

Greenland

June 13, 2021, at 20h05 (Action, Drama)

Gerard Butler and Morena Baccarin drive this chaos-filled film. As comet fragments hit the earth, a family scrambles to safety while the world around them turns into chaos. 

 

The War With Grandpa

June 20, 2021, at 20h05 (Comedy, Drama)

Robert De Niro might have met his match in this comedy. Upset that he has to share the room he loves with his grandpa, Peter decides to declare war in an attempt to get it back.

 

Underwater

June 27, 2021, at 21h05. (Horror, Action)

Kristen Stewart fights for her life in this sci-fi horror. An aquatic research crew scramble to safety after an earthquake destroys their deep-sea lab. But more horrors await them.

  

BRAND NEW SHOWS

Masterchef Australia 13

Series starts June 1, 2021, at 18h00

Jock Zonfrillo, Melissa Leong and Andy Allen return as judges for this simmering season of Australia's popular reality cooking competition.

 

Call Me Kat 01 0001 "Plus One (Pilot)

Series starts June 4, 2021, at 19h00

Mayim Bialik (The Big Bang Theory) leads this wacky comedy about a struggling, single, 39-year-old woman who opens a cat-themed café using her parents' money they saved for her wedding.

 

The Voice: The Blind Auditions Season Premier

Series starts on June 4, 2021 at 19h30.

This popular, Emmy-winning reality singing competition searches for the best talent in America – mentored and coached by Blake Shelton, Kelly Clarkson and John Legend and Nick Jonas.

 

Why Women Kill S2

June 7, 2021, at 21h30.

The second season of this dark comedy-drama, which features a new ensemble cast and storylines set in 1949.

 

Scenes From A Marriage S1

June 7, 2021, at 2230

Adapted from Ingmar Bergman’s 1973 Swedish classic about a marriage falling apart. It stars Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain.

 

Chicago Fire 09 0001 "Rattle Second City"

Series starts June 8, 2021, at 19h30

In the season 9 premiere, Firehouse 51 welcomes a new member to the team, whose presence could provide some complications. Brett’s leadership shines during a scary call.

 

Chicago Med 06 0001 "When Did We Begin To Change"

Series starts June 8, 2021, at 20h30

In the thrilling season six premiere, the entire staff at Chicago Med adjusts to the new normal of the pandemic. Dr Choi, Dr Lanik and April fight on the front lines.

 

Chicago P.D. 08 0001 "Fighting Ghosts”

Series starts June 8, 2021, at 21h30

A gripping season premiere. The team responds to the shooting of a five-year-old girl and they must work the case while facing new obstacles that come from the heightened attention on police reform.

 

Rise of The Murdoch Dynasty, The 0001 "Kingmaker"

Series starts June 9, 2021, at 22h30

A dramatic three-part series tells the incredible story of Rupert Murdoch's Empire, interweaving his behind-the-scenes influence with the battle for power at the heart of his own family.

 

The Split

Series starts on June 10, 2021, at 22h30

The popular legal drama about a family of lawyers and their professional and personal lives returns for a second season.

 

Riverdale 05 0001 "Chapter Seventy-Seven: "Climax" 

Series starts June 12, 2021, at 21h30

A thrilling season five premiere. Betty and Jughead's investigation into the auteur leads them to the discovery of a secret underground for red-band screenings.

 

The New Amsterdam: New Normal

Series starts on June 14, 2021, at 20h30

The season three premiere of this medical drama begins with a bang. New Amsterdam is still reeling from the pandemic as a plane crash lands in the East River.

 

9-1-1 04 0001 "The New Abnormal"

Series starts June 16, 2021, at 19h30

An action-packed season four premiere. When the Hollywood Reservoir dam breaks, Bobby and the 118 race into action to save passengers on a city bus.

 

9-1-1: Lone Star 02 0001 "Back In The Saddle" 

Series starts June 16, 2021, at 20h30

An exciting season two premiere. The 126 crew responds to a military tank on the loose in downtown Austin and a human pile-up at the roller derby.

 

Minutes To Murder 01 0001

Series starts on June 27, 2021, at 20h00

A true crime documentary series looking at murder and how it got to that point.

 

Shameless 11 0001 "This Is Chicago!"

Series starts on June 29, 2021, at 22h30.

In the eventful 11th season premiere, The Gallaghers adjust to life in the pandemic: Frank fears the loss of the Southside to gentrification.

 

Shameless Hall Of Shame 01 0001 "Ian & Mickey: Daddy Issues

Series starts on June 30, 2021, at 22h30.

The first episode features Ian Gallagher and Mickey Milkovich, showcasing their unique relationship and its evolution from a teen fling into a loving, complicated marriage.

 

SERIES RETURNS

Walker 01 0008 "Fine Is A Four Letter Word"

Series returns on June 21, 2021, at 19h30

A tornado touches down in Austin; Walker, Micki and Trey rush to the school where Stella, August and Ruby are at a school dance; Liam and Bret get trapped in an elevator.

 

DOUBLE BILL

Station 19 04 0016

Double Bill on June 7, 2021, at 19h30

Shonda Rhimes executive produces this fast-paced, critically acclaimed spin-off of Grey's Anatomy. Follow the lives of the men and women of firehouse station 19 in Seattle, Washington.

 

Bull 05 0011 "Truth And Reconciliation" 

Double bill for two weeks starting on June 17, 2021, at 20h35

Inspired by the early career of Dr Phil, this crime drama follows the brilliant, brash, and charming founder of a trial consulting firm, who use unique techniques to develop defence strategies.

 

Riverdale 05 0002 "Chapter Seventy-Eight: "The Preppy Murders" 

Double bill on June 19, 2021, at 20h30

Betty and Jughead's investigation into the auteur takes a twisted turn after receiving a call from Bret. Meanwhile, Archie is forced to make an impossible decision.

  

M-NET CITY (CHANNEL 115)

 

M-NET CITY MOVIES

Edge Of Tomorrow

June 4, 2021, at 21h00 (Action, Sci-fi)

Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt fight to save the world, in this action sci-fi film. A military officer finds himself reliving his last days, while fighting an alien invasion.

Robin Hood

June 11, 2021, at 21h00 (Action, Adventure)

Taron Egerton and Jamie Foxx turn the age-old tale on its head in this movie. A war-hardened Crusader and his Moorish commander lead a revolt against the corrupt English crown.

 

Snow White And The Huntsman

June 18, 2021, at 21h00 (Adventure, Drama)

The battle between good and evil rages between Kristen Stewart and Charlize Theron in this adventure film. An evil queen wants the life of a princess to keep her immortal.

 

Huntsman, The: Winter's War

June 25 2021, at 21h00 (Action, Fantasy)

Evil returns in this visually stunning sequel to the edgy adaptation of Snow White. Chris Hemsworth battles two sinister sisters: Charlize Theron and Emily Blunt.

 

FIRST TO M-NET CITY

 

DC's Legends of Tomorrow 06 0001

Series starts June 4, 2021, at 19h55

The sixth season of the series based on DC Comics characters.

 

Doom Patrol 02 0001

Series starts on June 5, 2021, at 21h50

The executive producer of Supernatural backs this dark DC universe fantasy, about a group of troubled, alienated misfits who are brought together by a rogue scientist to save the world.

 

NEW TO M-NET CITY

 

The Sinner

Double Bill series starts on June 19, 2021, at 20h00

Bill Pullman drives this acclaimed and riveting crime anthology series. Detective Harry Ambrose investigates why ordinary people commit heinous crimes.

 

LIZA WITH A “T”

(Above: Tonya Koenderman)

The irrepressible Tonya Koenderman is back in Durban with her one woman hit show, Liza with a “T”. It is a tribute to the great Liza Minnelli, and has been performed to sell-out houses and critical acclaim throughout South Africa and will run at Rhumbelow Theatre in Durban from June 11 to 13 with a further performance at Northlands Bowling Club in Durban North on June 19, 2021.

The show tells the story of Liza’s life – her close relationship with her father, her struggle to conquer drug and alcohol abuse, her many relationships, and of the influence her mother Judy Garland had over her. But mainly the show pays tribute to the songs Liza made famous: Cabaret, Maybe this Time, New York, New York, All That Jazz and many more.

Hours of careful study of Liza Minnelli’s moves and music resulted in a show that has brought great success for Koenderman. Her impersonation has been so impressive that she was invited to star in the look-alike, sound-alike show, Stars in Your Eyes in 1996. This led to her being the only local artist to perform in the international show, Beyond Belief which ran for 18 months at the Sun City Extravaganza.

Performances in Durban run from June 11 to 13, with shows on Friday and Saturday at 19h30 and on Sunday at 14h00. (Venue opens 90 minutes before show for snacks/drinks)

“Whilst we are not changing our 2020 pricing, we would ask that if you are able to please assist us and the performers by donating a higher ticket price,” says Roland Stansell who runs the Rhumbelow circuit.

Tickets minimum R160 (no discounts for this show). Bring food picnic baskets or buy from the venue. A full bar is available (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises).

All seating will be at separate tables and the venue will obviously be seating co-habiting couples and/or family members together.

Limited secure parking available.

With the current Covid levels capacity is limited to 50 people max. Booking is essential on email: roland@stansell.co.za or through Computicket.

For more information contact Roland Stansell on 082 499 8636 or visit http://events.durbantheatre.com/

STRICT COVID PROTOCOLS WILL BE OBSERVED.

Rhumbelow Theatre is situated at 42 Cunningham Road off Bartle Road, Durban.

The show at Northlands Bowling Club in Durban North on June 19 starts at 19h30 and the same booking details apply.

FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY “PARK DANCES #2”

(Above: Manesh Maharaj with Sifiso Khumalo of Flatfoot Dance Company. Pic by Val Adamson)

Flatfoot Dance Company, in association with the Durban Botanic Gardens Trust, will present Park Dances #2 with special guest Manesh Maharaj in the winter wonderland lush surroundings of Durban’s iconic Botanic Gardens from June 11 to 13 and again from June 18 to 20.

Following a highly enjoyable and sold-out season in the Botanic Gardens earlier this year, Flatfoot’s production allows audiences to safely watch this unique dance company in an outdoor sundowner dance experience.

After the Park Dances#1 saw local audiences loving being back in a “theatre” environment, Park Dances #2 sees Flatfoot collaborate with Durban’s Kathak maestro Manesh Maharaj in a dancing encounter with the haunting poetry of Jalaluddin Rumi, as they celebrate the seamless confluence of ancient and contemporary African and Indian rhythms.

(Left: Flatfoot Dance Company: L to R: Sbonga Ndlovu, Siseko Duba, Ndumiso Dube and Mtoko Mkhwanazi in the first “Park Dances” at the Botanic Gardens earlier this year. Pic by Val Adamson)

The hour-long explosion of dance has been collaboratively created by the full company: Sifiso Khumalo, Jabu Siphika, Lliane Loots, Zinhle Nzama, Mthoko Mkhwanazi, Sbonga Ndlovu, Siseko Duba, Ndumiso Dube, and special guest Manesh Maharaj.

“We are beyond delighted to continue with our Park Dances in collaboration with the Durban Botanic Gardens Trust and to have this opportunity to once again share this incredibly beautiful living space with audiences,” says Artistic Director Lliane Loots. “#2 is going to be a delight of the senses as we collaborate with the incredible Manesh Maharaj and his own virtuosity as one of South Africa’s most skilled Kathak dancers”.

(Right: Flatfoot Dance Company: L to R: Ndumiso Dube lifting Siseko Duba and Mtoko Mkhwanazi lifting Sbonga Ndlovu in the first “Park Dances” at the Botanic Gardens earlier this year. Pic by Val Adamson)

Performances take place at 16h30 from June 11 to 13 and again from 18 to 20, 2021.

This is a family-friendly performance and audiences may bring picnics and blankets to sit on. Entrance opens at 16h00 for patrons to settle in, enjoy a picnic or a stroll around the gardens before the show begins at 16h30.

There is ample safe parking at the main Botanic Gardens Visitors Complex entrance.

All COVID-19 safety protocols are in place, and masks must be worn.

There is a maximum audience of 100 per show with demarcated areas to sit. Tickets R100 must be booked and paid for in advance – there are no door sales.

To book, contact Clare on flatfootdancecompany@gmail.com