KZNPO WORLD SYMPHONY SERIES 2024 EARLY SPRING SEASON

 

Bongani Tembe, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra sends the latest information on the next Season.

“Greetings, my dear friends!

It’s my delight to welcome you back into the fold for our World Symphony Series 2024 Early Spring Season.

With August being South Africa’s National Women’s Month, the KZN Philharmonic joins the country in saluting the many notable women who make such a positive impact on our world.

 

It is our privilege to welcome to our podium this season two immensely gifted young maestri, the renowned Polish-British conductor Ewa Strusińska, and the internationally acclaimed Panamanian-American maestra Kalena Bovell. Each of these women have already left indelible footprints in international classical music circles, winning accolades not only for themselves, but for the orchestras with whom they collaborate.

Our Early Spring Season sees each conductor sharing her spotlight with a sorority of distinguished young international soloists. The widely praised Australian violinist Emily Sun takes centre stage performing Samuel Barber in our opening concert; and the much-admired Indian-American piano virtuoso Pallavi Mahidhara, a popular figure with SA audiences, is set to show her paces the following Thursday evening to dazzling effect in Camille Saint-Saëns’ bravura Piano Concerto No. 2, a show-stopper if ever there was.

We encourage you to secure your Season Ticket bookings by contacting info@kznphil.org.za or 031 369 9438. Subscriptions will close on Monday August 12 2024.

Tickets are available for purchase through Quicket  https://www.quicket.co.za/events/265380-kzn-philharmonic-orchestra-2024-early-spring-symphony-season-concert-1#/

  

August 22, 2024, 19h00. Playhouse Opera Theatre

Ewa Strusinska, conductor

Emily Sun, violin

Programme:

Schumann: Carnaval, Op. 9

Barber: Violin Concerto, Op. 14

Beethoven: Symphony No. 7, Op. 92

 

August 29, 2024, 19h00. Playhouse Opera Theatre

Kalena Bovell, conductor

Pallavi Mahidhara, piano

Programme

Holst: St. Paul’s Suite, Op. 29

Saint-Saëns: Piano Concerto No. 2, Op. 22

Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 5, Op. 107

WIND QUINTET FOR HILTON

 

Forming part of the Hilton Festival programme will be the Category 5 Wind Quintet on August 3 at 14h00 in the Hilton Chapel.

This wind quintet ensemble offers the audience a unique chance to appreciate the diverse sounds and possibilities of the instruments that often hide within the texture of a full orchestra.

Featuring Sabine Baird (flute), Matteo Murdocco (oboe), Eric Begley (clarinet), Stefania Serri (bassoon) and Marian Becker (French horn), these members of the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra bring a diverse programme of arrangements that highlight the characteristics of each instrument. Whether it be Rossini, My Fair Lady or Gershwin, there is bound to be a pleasant surprise for everyone in this lively ensemble concert.

Tickets R130 (R100 pensioners, R80 under 12s) available from Webtickets

 

SIBUSISO MASH MASHILOANE BRINGS IZIBONGO IN DURBAN

 

(Above: Sibusiso Mash Mashiloane. Pic supplied)

 

A Celebration of Gratitude and Musical Roots

Celebrated South African pianist and composer Sibusiso Mash Mashiloane embarks on a journey to his musical roots with a special IZIBONGO concert in Durban. This performance, taking place Wednesday July 31 at the Centre for Jazz at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, reunites Mashiloane with the very band that brought his critically acclaimed album, IZIBONGO, to life.

Following the global success of IZIBONGO, which translates to “praises” in Zulu, Mashiloane is eager to share his music with the Durban community who have nurtured him throughout his career. “Durban has always been a source of immense support,” says Mashiloane. “This concert is a chance to express my deepest gratitude and share the music of IZIBONGO with the people who have inspired me.”

IZIBONGO is a powerful exploration that seamlessly blends traditional South African instruments with piano, saxophone, double bass, percussion, and drums. Drawing on his cultural roots and the wisdom of his ancestors, Mashiloane creates a tapestry of sound that celebrates African musical traditions. The album's title is derived from the instructive Bantu verb “bonga,” which signifies giving thanks.

Concertgoers can expect an enthralling performance that delves into the heart of African music. Mashiloane and his band, featuring Sisonke Xonti on tenor saxophone, Kagiso Ramela on alto saxophone, Dalisu Ndlazi on double bass, Tlale Makhene on percussion, and Siphelelo Mazibuko on drums, will deliver a virtuosic yet spiritual performance. The music promises a journey of gratitude and cultural connection, marked by technical precision and a deep emotional connection.

Mashiloane has released an album a year since 2016, garnering numerous awards and nominations. His collaborations with top South African musicians span a decade, and his performances have captivated audiences worldwide, including getting the recent honour to compose a suite titled “ISIGQI” for Carnegie Hall's National Youth Orchestra and his upcoming performance at the prestigious Joy of Jazz festival in September 2024.

The concert takes place on July 31 at 17h00 at the Centre for Jazz & Popular Music at the University of KwaZulu-Natal

Tickets: R120 (R90 (pensioners, R60 students)

Available on Webtickets: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/Event.aspx?itemid=1550752312

KMSDT CELEBRATES ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY

 

KMSDT, a pioneering dance organization, marks a major milestone as it celebrates its 20th anniversary with amazing performances at the Dance Movement Festival, taking place at the Durban Playhouse Opera Theatre on July 26-27.

This momentous occasion not only highlights KMSDT's two decades of dedication to the arts of dance but also its enduring friendship with Wentworth Arts Organizations, forged 11 years ago.

Since then, KMSDT has been an integral part of this festival, consistently delivering breath-taking performances that showcase the company's passion and creativity.

The upcoming festival promises to be an unforgettable experience, featuring a diverse programme that showcases the best of local and regional dance talent. KMSDT's performance will be a proof to the company's growth, innovation, and commitment to excellence. This milestone event is a celebration of the power of dance to unite, inspire, and transform communities in Durban.

The Durban Movement Festival has established itself as a premier event in the KZN dance calendar, showcasing the best of local talent. KMSDT Organization has been an integral part of this journey, and grateful for the ongoing support of our partners and audience.

Vusi Makanya, Founder and Artistic Director of KMSDT, said: "Our 20th anniversary performances at the Dance Movement Festival are a tribute to the dedication and hard work of our dancers, choreographers, and team members who have contributed to our journey."

Join KMSDT at the Durban Playhouse Opera Theatre on July 26 @ 7 pm and July 27 @3pm and 7 pm to experience the beauty, energy, and emotion of dance. Tickets are now available @webtickets follow the link below and all are invited to be part of this historic moment.

Let's come together to celebrate the joy of dance and the growth of dance in Durban.

https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/Event.aspx?itemid=1550499892

ANTIGONE RETOLD: REVIEW

 

Changing history into HER-Story. The show is an amazing success blending music, song, dance poetry and acting together … This thought-provoking adaptation allows for a modern audience to find relevant references from our own pop culture and social media memes.  (Review by Verne Rowin Munsamy)

 

Collab company Producers Lauren Noble in partnership with Sashin Kandhai present Antigone Retold at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre. Title Woza Habibi from Dubai to Durban, this international collaboration brings together actors, dancers, directors and theatre practitioners from across the globe.

The Greek tragedies are said the be the birthplace of Western Theatre. Antigone is one such tragedy that tells the story of a woman who defied the laws of an unjust patriarch and showed humanity that the just actions of a woman would be deemed unruly.

Antigone Retold, directed by Lauren Noble and choreographed by Sashin Kandhai, offers a modern twist to this ancient mythological fable. Showing that history has taught us the ways of an unfair patriarchy which still repeats itself today. This feminist stance boldly navigates historic tales to shed light on the unequal practices between the sexes and offers a fresh take on Her-story.

This rewrite by Noble fuses several poignant female characters from Greek mythology and includes Pandora, Medusa, Caliope, Athena, Hera, Aphrodite and Megara. These interwoven stories from mythology assist in punching the feminist slant that the show strives to emulate. This thought-provoking adaptation allows for a modern audience to find relevant references from our own pop culture and social media memes.

The choreography is delightfully diverse as Kandhai explores myriad styles ranging from Classical Bharata Natyam to Pop, Hip Hop, and contemporary dance to create an aesthetic that is pleasing to the eye. He adds, Antigone Retold - The Woza Habibi tour has and always will be very dear to me because above all else, it is a shared dream between two friends which has come true. From a dance perspective, Antigone Retold has allowed me to explore my range and versatility as choreographer. The dance numbers are an extension of the character and the narrative but also of me as a Greek Mythology lover. I am always grateful for a platform that allows me to mentor creatives (of all ages) and share everything I have learned in the many international creative spaces I have worked in over the last eight years".

The vast cast of roughly 35 members are both local and international artists. Some novice, still in school performers fused with experienced professional actors and dancers.

Angelique, from Durban is a student at UKZN. She says that: "I’m very honoured to be part of this production and to be playing the role of Antigone. It's been an incredible learning experience and I'm so excited for everyone to see the work put in come to life on stage!". She confirms that the show is, "important to me because this is the first out of campus production I've ever done and I'm so excited to be performing at the Sneddon!"

One of the youngest cast members is Yaashay Singh. " I am a Dionysian in Antigone Retold. My experience in Antigone Retold has been one of the most fantastic things that has ever happened to me. I have learned so much about the various dance forms and I have really enjoyed it. Definitely an experience I'll never forget. #collabcompany #colabcreations #fromdubaitodurban".

Kaylen Lee Naicker is from Durban, South Africa. “My role in Antigone Retold is a Dionysian, also known as Athena's attendant. I have been trained in the Indian classical style of Bharatha Natyam and became the first male graduate of Kumari Shiksha’s Dance Institute in 2017. I have really enjoyed the experience of being a part of this cast as it took me out of my element, had me learn new dance styles, and I got to meet a lot of talented individuals that I could learn from and teach as well. Being in this cast really sparked a passion in me for theatre, and it makes me want to experience more of it.”

Sohail Thirlokinath, also from Durban adds: "I am Aphrodite's Attendant and the Dance Captain. I am a Durbanite at my roots. My dance background has always been Bollywood and Antigone Retold gave me the opportunity to really step out of my box and explore my versatility in dance. And along the journey of that, I learnt much more about the arts - from set designs to costumes to acting. It’s been the most exhilarating and rewarding project I have ever been apart and I’m so excited to be a part of it!"

Bronwyn Štulić from Durban, plays the role of a Dionysian in Antigone Retold. She adds: "This isn’t just a production, it’s a theatre experience and everyone should have an opportunity to immerse themselves into the world that is Antigone Retold. I feel that everyone can find a moment, a song, a quote, a character that they can relate to in this very special piece of work".

The aesthetic is pleasing to the eye. Kirin Hilliar, director of the installation, says that: "Whilst we’ve been cross-continentally working on Antigone Retold: The Woza Habibi Tour since March, the chance to be in Durban for a whole month, immersing myself not just in production preparations, but in South Africa itself, has been truly wonderful. I’ve been able to meet, mentor and work with a diverse team of local talents, whilst also living with cast and crew. As the Immersive Director, I’ve had great fun extending the audience’s experience with pre- and post-show immersive installations that introduce the characters, provide a space for critical reflection of the production, and celebrate the themes of the show further with over 10 brief performances of dance, song, acting and poetry".

Other cast members include the Thomas More Choir, Northland Girls students and staff and students from AFDA and UKZN.

The set is the design concept of Craig Noble and is detailed to resemble the architecture of a Greek City. The costumes are strikingly beautiful and add to the aesthetic value of the show.

The sound scape is aptly fitting for the show. The choir is assisted by Anisa Bharmal. She is from London and has been with the show since its inception in Dubai. She holds the collaborative nature of the show very dear to her heart. She plays Hera and is the musical director.

Speaking with Lauren, she states that this was an opportunity to bring many Durban artists, with whom she had learned her craft, together to explore work in the theatre where most of the collaborators had begun their theatre journeys. The show is an amazing success blending music, song, dance poetry and acting together. The pre and post-show performances, the Agora, is something that local audience would not have experienced before and it something the audiences will relish.

Shows run at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from July 19-21 and July 26-28, 2024. - Verne Rowin Munsamy

 

Tickets available online at  https://computicket.com/event/antigone_retold/7292725 or at Checkers Stores (Money Market Counters), or via the Computicket Call Centre (011 340 800).

DURBAN FILMMART INSTITUTE AWARD WINNERS FOR 2024 PROJECTS

 

The 15th edition of the Durban FilmMart (DFM) has wrapped up, concluding with the presentation of the 2024 DFM Awards on Monday July 22.

The premier film industry event in Africa, DFM 2024, took place from July 19 to 22 in Durban, under the theme African Visions Unleashed: From Disruption to Accountability. The event successfully brought together 1460 film professionals and filmmakers from 58 countries across the continent and beyond.

Magdalene Reddy, Director of the Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI), says: "We are delighted to have hosted such a dynamic array of filmmakers from across the African continent. They entrusted us with their projects and ideas, and generously shared their time, expertise, and passion through enriching conversations, creating a truly African event.

“The talent showcased in this year's programme and film projects presented exemplify the strength of African cinema. The memories made, networks expanded, and partnerships forged have significantly contributed to DFM’s enduring legacy and impact. We extend our gratitude to our partners for their support in celebrating and elevating African storytellers, producers, and content creators."

The DFM 2024 Programme is available on the DFMI website for one month.

For further inquiries, contact: info@durbanfilmmart.com (mailto:info@durbanfilmmart.com)

 

Awards:

 

Known Inner Circle Award

$10,000 - Acts of Man (South Africa)

Producer: Sean Drummond and Director: Sheetal Magan

 

Red Sea Film Fund Award - Fiction

$5,000 - Londoner (Nigeria)

Producers: Pamela Drameh and Sarudzayi Marufu and Director: Babatunde Apalowo

 

Red Sea Film Fund Award - Documentary

$5,000 - Africa AI (South Africa)

Producer: Amílcar Patel and Directors: Amílcar Patel and Chris Kets

 

Game Changer Films Award

$5,000 - The Moon Can’t Run (South Africa, Zambia)

Producer: Shveta Naidoo and Director: Naishe Nyamubaya and Coproducer: Niza Lou Waldburger

 

CANAL+ Development Grant

5,000 € euros with a development contract

Children of Honey (Tanzania, United Kingdom)

Producer: Natalie Humphreys and Director: Jigar Ganatra

 

TRT Award

$5,000 - Dear Tarkovsky (Tunisia)

Producer: Asma Chiboub and Director: Firas Khoury

 

MTN Group Digital Award

$5,000 - The Moon Can’t Run (South Africa, Zambia)

Producer: Shveta Naidoo and Director: Naishe Nyamubaya and Coproducer: Niza Lou Waldburger

 

IDA Supported Artist Award

$5,000 grant, 1 x Getting Real Fellowship, one-year complimentary Doc Maker Membership to IDA

Children of Honey (Tanzania, United Kingdom)

Producer: Natalie Humphreys and Director: Jigar Ganatra

 

Sisters in Cinema Sustainability Award

$2,500 - The Conservationist (Zimbabwe)

Producer and Director: Rumbi Katedza and Producer: Siza Mukwedini

 

Best Fiction Grant - National Film and Video Foundation

R100,000 - I’m Coming For You (Cameroon)

Producers: Alice Abah and Jean-Marie Gigon and Director: Cyrielle Raingou

 

Best Non-Fiction Grant - National Film and Video Foundation

R100,000 - We Had The Moon!

 

Best Animation Grant - National Film and Video Foundation

Monster Nanny (South Africa/Zimbabwe)

Producers: Kaya Kuhn and Kate Marsay

Director: Tafadzwa Hove

 

Hot Docs-Blue Ice Docs Award

$1,500 CAD - My Father Killed Bourguiba (Tunisia)

Producer: Sarra Ben Hassan and Director: Fatma Riahi

 

The Whickers Bursary Award

£3,000 - We Had The Moon!

 

Rotterdam Lab Award

Participation in the Rotterdam Lab

Jua Kali (Kenya)

Producer: Joash Omondi and Director: Yasmin Hassan

 

The DOK.fest München Award

With support from IEFTA

Participation in DOK.forum Marketplace

A Girl and a Gun (South Africa)

Producer: Antoinette Engel and Director: Arya Lallo

 

The DOK Leipzig Award

With support from IEFTA

Participation in the DOK Leipzig

Africa AI (South Africa)

Producer: Amílcar Patel and Directors: Amílcar Patel and Chris Kets

 

Sørfond Award

Participation in the Sørfond Pitch

Benimana (Ivory Coast)

Producer: Samantha Biffot and Director: Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo

 

Miradas Doc Award

Participation in the MiradasDoc Market

A Girl and a Gun (South Africa)

Producer: Antoinette Engel and Director: Arya Lalloo

 

Special GZDOC Invitation

Participation in the GZ Doc Market Pitch

Bitter Seed (Algeria, France)

Producer: Antoine Goldet and Director: Camelia Gadhgadhi

 

The FIDADOC Award

Participation in the FIDADOC Pan African Writing residency

How Many Nights, How Many Days? (Egypt)

Producer: Kesmat Elsayed and Director: Alaa Dajani

 

Movies that Matter Award

With support from IEFTA

Participation at Movies that Matter

We Had The Moon!

 

Visions du Reel Award

With support from IEFTA

Participate in the Visions du Reel Industry Days

We Had The Moon!

 

Fak'ugesi Residency Award

Participation in the Residency Programme

Oarona (South Africa)

Producers: AJ Pitre and Thandiwe Mlauli and Director: Thandiwe Mlauli and Coproducer: Simangaliso Sibaya

 

The Hidden Hand Studios presents: The Hidden Talents Award

A trailer production of a story by the awardee by The Hidden Hand Studios

The Legend of Hyena Man (Tanzania)

Producer: Mathew Valerian and Directors: Elshadye Berhanu and Joshua Faber

 

OIF-ACP-EU Award

12 - 18 month mentorship

Londoner (Nigeria)

Producers: Pamela Drameh and Sarudzayi Marufu and Director: Babatunde Apalowo

 

TFL Next Award supported by IEFTA

Participation in the Torina Lab

Numalali (My Voice, My Void) (Guatemala)

Producers: Alberto Rodríguez Collía and Kurt Orderson and Director: Kimeshree Munsamy

 

Clermont-Ferrand ISFF Award

Participation in the Talents Connexion Programme, Short Film Market at Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival

Nebula (Egypt)

Director: Michel Doss

 

IEFTA Connect Award

Mentorship by IEFTA

Baptism of Silence (South Africa)

Director: Kanya Viljoen

 

DFM Talents Durban Award

Participation in DFM 2025 programme

The Space Maasai (Tanzania)

Director: Priscilla Marealle

 

Magdalene Reddy, Director of the Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI), says: “DFM thanks all attendees for their support and dedication to African cinema, travelling from near and far to be part of this event. We now eagerly anticipate the 16th edition of the Durban FilmMart and look forward to welcoming you back next year.”

https://durbanfilmmart.co.za/

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The Durban FilmMart Institute, which organises DFM 2024, receives its primary funding from the Durban Film Office and the eThekwini Municipality. The success of the event is made possible through the generous support of various organisations and entities. These include the Ford Foundation, Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, NEFTi, KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority, National Film and Video Foundation, Netflix, CNC, French Institute in South Africa, Industrial Development Corporation, KZN Convention Bureau, International Emerging Film Talent Association, Eastern Cape Development Corporation, Gauteng Film Commission, Film and Publications Board, Namibia Film Commission, Palestine Film Institute, Panavision, Panalux, Pure n Black Entertainment, Sunshine Cinema, Wesgro, The Wits School of Arts Film and Television, Dante Languages.

Additionally, the event benefits from partnerships with esteemed organisations and festivals. These programme partners include the Durban International Film Festival, African Real Collective, Animation SA, Berlinale Talents, Cinemart, Digital Lab Africa, Doc Society, Documentary Filmmakers Association, Encounters South African International Documentary Film Festival, European Audiovisual Entrepreneurs, FIPRESCI, Hot Docs-Blue Ice Docs Fund, Independent Black Filmmakers Collective, Independent Producers Organisation, Locations Africa, Produire au Sud, South African Guild of Actors, SWIFT, and Writers Guild of South Africa.

 

BULLSH!T: 50 FIBS THAT MADE SOUTH AFRICA: REVIEW

 

Inevitably in a compilation of this kind, it ends up being a bit of a mixed bag – some of the lies are funnier or more horrific than others, but Ancer seldom misses his mark. (Review by Margaret von Klemperer, courtesy of The Witness)

 

Journalist Jonathan Ancer starts off Bullsh!t: 50 Fibs that made South Africa, his collection of 50 of the great lies that have been perpetuated in South Africa’s history with the 1994 election. Was it really the wonderful, liberating, free and fair event that we have all been led to believe? Well, probably not, according to Ancer.

And he goes on from there. We revisit the infamous Pretoria News vanishing decuplets; the myth of the empty land before the colonisers arrived; Schabir Shaik’s terminal illness; Jacob Zuma’s firepool; P.W. Botha’s crossing of the Rubicon and Janie Allan and Eugene Terreblanche’s underpants. It’s all there, and much more.

Some of it is of course hilarious, but a lot is sobering, or destined to make the reader angry. Ancer looks at South Africa’s constitution – is it a lie as some politicians claim? So he went and asked lawyer Geoff Budlender, who said that the lie is on the part of those in the government who say they are going to comply with the constitution, and then don’t. The problem is not the constitution, but the failure to give it effect.

Ancer also takes aim at advocate Dali Mpofu – some might feel an easy target if you are looking for windbags rather than straight fibbers. And then goes on to tackle the Information scandal or Infogate to make the point that lies and corruption are not a post-apartheid phenomenon.

He ends with a list of the country’s ten biggest fibbers – a real rogues’ gallery of South Africans whose closets are full of skeletons. Among them are politicians Bathabile Dlamini and Carl Niehaus; sportspeople Hansie Cronje and Oscar Pistorius; writer Laurens van der Post and, topping the list, media mogul and self-proclaimed doctor to Nelson Mandela Survé.

It is a book to dip into rather than read from cover to cover. Inevitably in a compilation of this kind, it ends up being a bit of a mixed bag – some of the lies are funnier or more horrific than others, but Ancer seldom misses his mark. No doubt there will be those among his targets who will feel aggrieved, but somehow I doubt if even the most dedicated litigants are going to sue him. - Margaret von Klemperer

Jonathan Ancer’s Bullsh!t: 50 Fibs that made South Africa is published by Jonathan Ball: ISBN 978-1-77619-311-0

 

 

DR MADALA KUNENE & GUY BUTTERY LIVE CONCERT

 

(Above: Madala Kunene & Guy Buttery, pic courtesy of Webtickets)

Dr Madala Kunene returns to the stage with award winning virtuoso Guy Buttery. They have unearthed new musical landscapes taking cyclical Zulu guitar patterns to the East and back again in a psychedelic layering of textures, deeply rooted in their home of KwaZulu-Natal.

Don't miss this extraordinary duo live in concert!

Dr Kunene is recovering from recent surgery, and the proceeds of this concert will go towards his medical expenses.

The concert will take place on August 1, 2024, at 19h00 at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, UKZN Howard College Campus, Mazisi Kunene Road, Durban

Booking at Webtickets or visit https://guybuttery.co.za/concerts/

 

SIKI JO-AN FOR CENTRE FOR JAZZ

 

The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music proudly presents Siki Jo-An- An Intimate Concert with the African Queen. Siki Jo-an features for the opening Twosday concert in the second semester at UKZN Centre for Jazz and Popular Music, on Tuesday July 30, 2024, at 17h30.

The Inaugural Intimate Concert with The African Queen is a series of concerts where Siki Jo-An travels in small venues across South Africa, and Brazil from July to October 2024.

Sikelelwa Jo-An Qwazi, also known as Siki Jo-An, is a multi-talented artist hailing from Kwa-Zakhele, South Africa and now based in Johannesburg. Siki Jo-An is a versatile singer who plays the guitar and piano. She has been part of various productions, such as, The Voice South Africa, The Remix SA, broadcast on SABC 1, and the Mzansi Insider, where she sang a Tribute song for Winnie Mandela.

Siki Jo-An will perform live at University of KwaZulu-Natal on July 30, 2024, where she will transport audiences to an imaginable world of beauty as she treats tthem with Xhosa songs and music from her album Chapter 30 which is a window into Siki Jo-An’s soul, some popular English Jazz standards, and a touch of Bossa-nova and Samba Portuguese music that she was introduced to during her previous tour in Brazil.

This is a musical experience you do not want to miss.

The concert takes place on July 30, 2024, at the UKZN Centre for Jazz and Popular Music. Doors open at 17h00, Music starts at 17h30.

Tickets: R110 (R80 for pensioners, R50 for students). Book at Webtickets:

webtickets https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/Event.aspx?itemid=1549011847

 

The Centre for Jazz is situated at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College Campus, Dennis Shepstone Building, Level 2 in Durban.

For more information, contact zamat1@ukzn.ac.za

KZNSA EXHIBITIONS TO JULY 28, 2024

(Right: “Uncloaking The Umgeni Estuary” by Ingrid Adams'. Pic supplied)

KZNSA Galleries has new exhibitions running until Sunday July 28, 2024.

The Main Gallery is hosting Ingrid Adams', Uncloaking The Umgeni Estuary.

In the Park and Mezzanine galleries is Dear Mr President, Hear our voices, an exhibition curated by Bren Brophy and Harry Lock.

 

Uncloaking The Umgeni Estuary

The focus of this exhibition is on the community of plants in the Umgeni Beachwood Mangroves Estuary. It emerges from Ingrid Adams' doctoral study in Fine Arts following a Practice-Led research approach. As a resident artist of the area surrounding the estuary, she felt compelled to explore and respond to the current ecological realities of this estuary.

She explains: “The global context of environmental degradation and climate change exacerbate my concerns over pollution, rising sea levels, the influx of alien vegetation, floods. In addition, approved building developments will further compound the vulnerability of this estuary.”

 

Dear Mr. President - Hear our voices

Dear Mr President - Hear our voices focuses on the development and power of young South African voices prior to and post elections. Youth are mobilizing to build their skills and agency to promote democracy, human rights, and civic education – as well as drive a more ‘hopeful’ and ‘active’ youth agenda within the political arena.

The creative content for this exhibition was developed within an extensive series of participatory workshops with Grade 12 youth in Secondary Schools, at TVET, (Technical, Vocational, Educational Training) Colleges and with youth not in education, employment or training in the townships surrounding Durban. These workshops focused on civic education, democracy, and voter education prior to the recent elections.

 

The KZNSA Gallery is situated at 166 Bulwer Road, Glenwood, in Durban. More information on 031 277 1705 or cell 082 220 0368 or visit www.kznsagallery.co.za

11 DURBAN DANCE MOVEMENT FESTIVAL

 

(Above: Durban Dance Movement Festival performers. Pic supplied)

The Durban Dance Movement Festival returns with its 11-instalment of its annual production brining the very best of KZN dance talents showcasing choreographic works in Hip hop, ballet, African contemporary, Bollywood, break dancing, krumping, jazz and other styles that celebrates the diverse cultures in KZN. 

Supported by the National Arts Council, Sports Arts & Culture Department and in association with the Playhouse, the festival will be staged at the Opera theatre on July 26 & 27, 2024.

Reaching a milestone of 30 years of democracy in South Africa this year, the performances showcase narratives out of successful stories through our journey to freedom as nation.

Opening night will feature work from Rudra Dance Company, Dance Movement, KZN Dance Academy, JHB based choreographer Sufyaan Moosa, Tshediso Kabulu and an inclusive performance from the special needs disabled dance company from Dance Movement collaborating with special guest dancers Siseko & Digga from Flatfoot Dance Company.

Artistic Director, Jarryd Watson said: “This year’s festival promises to be bigger and better and the 18 dance companies showcasing their work really promote youth, women and people living with disabilities to shine and be empowered on our celebration of 30 years of democracy, is a true testament of how essential the arts contribution to the impact & growth of South Africa.”

(Right: Durban Dance Movement Festival performers. Pic supplied)

Other performances will also feature over 200 dancers from around KZN studios, youth groups and crews performing on Saturday two showcases: 15h00 and 19h00.

All dancers will have an opportunity to take dance workshops on July 28 at Reddam House Umhlanga from 10h00 with the choreographers for the Festival in a Day of Dance Workshop.  Tickets are through Webtickets: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/Event.aspx?itemid=1550499892 or any Pick n Pay Outlet

For more information to participate in the workshops for the Day of dance contact 082 683 9665

ADDN JOMBA! ABILITY DANCE FESTIVAL 2024

 

(Above: FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY WHeelchair programme - Julia Pitt and Jabu Siphika (FLATFOOT COMPANY)  in “the infinite space between us”. Pic supplied)

DANCE, DISABILITY and ACCESS - the African Dance Disability Network partners with the Centre for Creative Arts and JOMBA! 2024

The African Dance Disability Network partners with the Centre for Creative Arts and JOMBA! 2024 to present the ADDN JOMBA! ABILITY DANCE FESTIVAL 2024 at the Stable Theatre in Durban from August 22 to 25, 2024.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience has a long history of including diverse and integrated dance work in its programming.

In 2023, JOMBA’s curator Dr Lliane Loots teamed up with Prof Yvette Hutchison from the University of Warwick in the UK to work on the UKRI-funded project Encountering disability through contemporary dance in Africa, which explores widening citizenship through dance.

Part of the outcome of this partnership is an uplifting four-day pre-JOMBA! festival and colloquium - the ADDN JOMBA! ABILITY DANCE FESTIVAL 2024 - that sees some of the world’s most inventive and beautiful dance-makers engage with disability and integrated dance practices.

This four-day festival, which takes place before the main JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience (August 27 to September 8,,2024), sees dancers and guest participants from South Africa, Kenya, USA, UK, Finland and China. The daily programme offers workshops, panel discussions, and open public evening performances.

The performance programme includes works from FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY and their FLATFOOT Wheelchair programme, as well as work from their now eight-year-old FLATFOOT Downie Dance Company.

(Above: Listen to my hands - Andile Vellem & Nadine Mckenzie. Pic supplied)

Cape Town’s ground-breaking Unmute Dance Theatre presents Andile Vellem’s signature work Listen to your hands – which uses South African sign language as the core choreographic impulse to dance, move and speak. Johannesburg’s Thapelo Kotlolo connects queer culture to disability struggles in his beautiful and provocative Bells and Sirens 2.

East African Kenyan, Ondiege Matthew and his company DANCE INTO SPACE, defiantly dive into cultural myths, disability and gender politics in his work Nyanam, while South Durban’s Jarryd Watson and DANCE MOVEMENT, celebrate three women coming together in solidarity celebrating the beauty, strength, and resilience of each other – despite, and in spite of, differences.

Further afield, Chicago (USA) based Sydney Erlikh and Unfolding Disability Futures (UDF) present (amongst other works) And Yet We Are Here, a powerful zeitgeist response to the destruction of war in acknowledgement of war’s physical and emotional impact. War not only leaves death and disability in its wake, but people with disabilities are more often unable to flee violence. Erlikh, talking about this work says, “This dance considers and expands on the themes of war and rebuilding while embodying the disability community's collective care and access, even in the face of bullets, bombs, and brutality”.

With a number of artists’ panels that engage ideas of disability as gain, of particular interest is a session by Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Lee Fischer and Tom Rogers, as they talk about and share the work of Free Fall Dance Company – a company of dancers living with intellectual disabilities. Freefall Dance Company is part of Birmingham Royal Ballet’s LEAP (Learning Education and Participation) programme and inclusivity work. It was established to challenge stereotypical views of people with disabilities and dance - through the creation of a high-quality training that showcases the creative talents of people with learning disabilities. The company is particularly proud of its award-winning screen dance films and most recently, its ground-breaking work using virtual reality – both of which Durban will have a chance to watch and engage.

The festival will host one digital online workshop by disability culture activist, wheelchair dancer, and community performance artist, Petra Kuppers. Kuppers, the Anita Gonzalez Collegiate Professor of Performance Studies and Disability Culture at the University of Michigan (USA), offers free of charge, her Starship Somatic Workshop on Sunday August 25 from 16h15 to 17h00. To sign up contact, marcia.mzindle13@gmail.com

For the full programme visit: https://jomba.ukzn.ac.za/ability-festival/

The workshops and panels are offered free of charge but places are limited, if those wishing to join and participate, should contact Marcia on marcia.mzindle13@gmail.com. Bookings must be done a full 24 hours before the event.

Tickets for the evening shows are R50 each and booking is via COMPUTICKET: https://computicket.com/event/addn_jomba_2024/7294522