Josette Eales and Libby Allen excel in pithy two-hander. (Review by Caroline Smart)
Fett Diva Productions has now become a theatre company to be reckoned with. Following their excellent double bill of ’Night, Mother and The Lover in August, they are back at the Square Space Theatre on the UKZN Howard College campus with two more productions.
This time, it’s Sybille Pearson’s Sally and Marsha and John Pielmeier’s Agnes of God - two productions that complement each other in this all-too-short season: the first being a pithy and extremely funny two-hander comedy, the second offering a thought-provoking drama that focuses on faith and miracles.
Sally and Marsha are New York housewives living in the same apartment block – Sally in a cramped space occupied by herself, her detergent salesman husband, two children and the occasional cockroach, while Marsha rattles around in an eight-room flat across the hallway with her husband and two foster children, dreading the occasional visits from her detested mother.
Sally is all apple-pie and radiant motherhood, priding herself in her ability to produce a perfectly folded sheet while Marsha (whose middle name is, ironically, Joy) is neurotic and untidy – and not averse to eating peanut butter off her fingers straight out of the jar. Sally is pregnant and tries to instil her philosophies of life – not to mention, conjugal sex - into Marsha. Blessed with some gloriously funny lines, Marsha trashes Sally’s way of life along with her appalling taste in reading material! She tells Sally that the only time she likes nature is when it’s in a book by Robert Hardy.
Inevitable, the roles are reversed and as bookish Marsha begins to discover her potential, Sally becomes introverted as she faces up to some hard truths about her marriage. There are some strange anomalies in the script but Josette Eales and Libby Allen ride over them with strong and believable performances.
As Sally, Josette shines with sincerity, subtly hinting at the inner loneliness of the character whose cries of “I’m fine!” belie her frustrations. With the lion’s share of the laugh lines, Libby Allen (nice to see her back on the Durban stage again) is a delight as the forthright, impatient Marsha.
Well directed by Tamar Meskin, the play charts the development – and near derailment – of their friendship. There are some delightful scenes, particularly one where Sally tells Marsha a “deep dark story” and Marsha’s quick grasp of a whacky card game that sees her on a winning streak. Their arguments erupt into a blazing row, splendid to behold!
As in ’Night, Mother and The Lover, set designer Stephen Woodroffe impressed with his optimum use of this informal venue which is played “in the round” (well, actually ”in the three-quarters”!)
Sally and Marsha runs in tandem with Agnes of God on alternating nights at the Square Space theatre on the UKZN campus until November 9. Bookings or more information on 082 331 9284. – Caroline Smart
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
THE MUSIC OF QUEEN
Joseph Clark to present acclaimed Queen show in Pietermaritzburg for the first time.
For the first time, Joseph Clark and his band will travel to Pietermaritzburg to perform their acclaimed The Music of Queen. This is an event not to be missed and is an ideal show for either a year end function or for a group of friends to attend.
The sound and lighting is spectacular, the music memorable and the performance phenomenal. You 'll join in and be enthralled by what have become the world renown Queen anthems, hits such as Don't Stop Me Now, We will Rock You, We are The Champions, Stone Cold Crazy, Bohemian Rhapsody, Another One Bites The Dust, Who wants to Live Forever, as well as many more Favourites.
The performance takes place on November 21 at 20h30 at the The Olympic Hall (Royal Show Grounds) in Pietermaritzburg. Tickets range from R175 to R130 and include a free disco at the end of the Show.
A full cash bar will be available prior to the show, at interval and afterwards. For those who want to make a night of it, CHC Caterers offer a three-course meal for only R120 which will be served before the show.
Seating is limited so booking is essential. Contact Pearl on 033 342 4512.
For the first time, Joseph Clark and his band will travel to Pietermaritzburg to perform their acclaimed The Music of Queen. This is an event not to be missed and is an ideal show for either a year end function or for a group of friends to attend.
The sound and lighting is spectacular, the music memorable and the performance phenomenal. You 'll join in and be enthralled by what have become the world renown Queen anthems, hits such as Don't Stop Me Now, We will Rock You, We are The Champions, Stone Cold Crazy, Bohemian Rhapsody, Another One Bites The Dust, Who wants to Live Forever, as well as many more Favourites.
The performance takes place on November 21 at 20h30 at the The Olympic Hall (Royal Show Grounds) in Pietermaritzburg. Tickets range from R175 to R130 and include a free disco at the end of the Show.
A full cash bar will be available prior to the show, at interval and afterwards. For those who want to make a night of it, CHC Caterers offer a three-course meal for only R120 which will be served before the show.
Seating is limited so booking is essential. Contact Pearl on 033 342 4512.
VIVID CONTRASTS
Joanne Rosario returns to Durban to perform in KZNPO Concert
Vivid Contrasts, the next concert by the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic, takes place on October 30 and marks vibrant clarinettist Joanne Rosario’s return to Durban to perform under the baton of the KZNPO’s skilful resident conductor Naum Rousine.
Smetana’s The Moldau, with its picturesque images of the ever-changing course of the river, begins this evening’s concert on a vivid note. In contrast, Weber’s Clarinet Concerto No. 1 is a profoundly serious and strikingly expressive work. With his melodic gift and pioneering flair for dramatic orchestration, Weber has crafted a work with a deep understanding of the capabilities of the instrument.
One of the most innovative of composers, Scriabin was driven by a poetic, philosophical and aesthetic vision that bordered on the mystical. His Second Symphony is buoyed by its rhythms and bursts of songs.
The concert takes place on October 30 at 19h30 in the Durban City Hall and will be preceded by a pre-concert lecture by the Friends of Music in the Royal Hotel at 18h00. Booking is at Computicket. For more information, click on the KZNPO banner advert which links direct to the orchestra’s website.
Vivid Contrasts, the next concert by the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic, takes place on October 30 and marks vibrant clarinettist Joanne Rosario’s return to Durban to perform under the baton of the KZNPO’s skilful resident conductor Naum Rousine.
Smetana’s The Moldau, with its picturesque images of the ever-changing course of the river, begins this evening’s concert on a vivid note. In contrast, Weber’s Clarinet Concerto No. 1 is a profoundly serious and strikingly expressive work. With his melodic gift and pioneering flair for dramatic orchestration, Weber has crafted a work with a deep understanding of the capabilities of the instrument.
One of the most innovative of composers, Scriabin was driven by a poetic, philosophical and aesthetic vision that bordered on the mystical. His Second Symphony is buoyed by its rhythms and bursts of songs.
The concert takes place on October 30 at 19h30 in the Durban City Hall and will be preceded by a pre-concert lecture by the Friends of Music in the Royal Hotel at 18h00. Booking is at Computicket. For more information, click on the KZNPO banner advert which links direct to the orchestra’s website.
SO YOU THINK YOU CAN SING WINNERS
Zachary Hill wins singing contract at The Dockyard Theatre.
The winner of the inaugural So You Think You Can Sing? presented by The Dockyard Theatre and vocal coach Rosa de Castro, was chosen recently.
He is 18 year-old Clifton College Matric student, Zachary Hill who was amongst the top 12 who performed two songs each with The Dockyard Showband. The audience got to vote for their three favourite singers, this together with the judges’ scores, came out with the overall winner.
Hill receives a singing contract at the Dockyard Theatre, a state-of-the-art microphone, recording time and hair-styling for a year from Headboyz. Taking second and third place were Ruan Geldenhuys (Durban North) and Kim van Elden (Highway). Durban certainly does have talent and this event is set for bigger and better things next year in the quest to unearth talent in KZN.
MUSIC CRAFTERS FORUM
Inaugural meeting for all involved or interested in the creation and production of music/songwriting.
Anyone involved - or interested - in the creation and production of music and/or songwriting should attend the inaugural meeting of the Music Crafters Forum on November 6. The casual and informal social evening offers networking opportunities the sharing of ideas and guest speakers as well as open discussion around related topics.
Keith Austin will head the meeting and share his very interesting vision on the concepts of this forum and future exciting ideas.
The meeting will take place on November 6 at 18h30 for 19h00 at the Assegay Country Guest House, 4, Assegay Crescent, Assegay. Entrance is free and a cast bar will be available. More information from Keith Austin on 072 425 5736 or Keith Gee on 082 923 2571.
Anyone involved - or interested - in the creation and production of music and/or songwriting should attend the inaugural meeting of the Music Crafters Forum on November 6. The casual and informal social evening offers networking opportunities the sharing of ideas and guest speakers as well as open discussion around related topics.
Keith Austin will head the meeting and share his very interesting vision on the concepts of this forum and future exciting ideas.
The meeting will take place on November 6 at 18h30 for 19h00 at the Assegay Country Guest House, 4, Assegay Crescent, Assegay. Entrance is free and a cast bar will be available. More information from Keith Austin on 072 425 5736 or Keith Gee on 082 923 2571.
UNFORGETTABLE
Standby to experience the wow factor of live theatre in large doses this Festive Season!
Standby to experience the wow factor of live theatre in large doses this Festive Season, when The Playhouse Company presents its latest big-stage production, Unforgettable, in the Playhouse Opera from November 20 to December 19.
A powerhouse creative team, including big-league theatre practitioners Mark Hawkins (director), Dicky Longhurst (sets and costumes) and Desiré Davids (choreography), have pulled out the stops to delight Durban audiences with this spectacular new showcase of song and dance.
The show features a dazzling line-up of South Africa’s finest singers and dancers, headed by hot-property artists of the calibre of Gina Schmukler (Chess), Renee Kruger (High 5), Durban’s own Pume Zondi, and the legendary Sam Marais.
Musical show-stoppers featured include: Unforgettable, Can’t Help Falling in Love, Maybe This Time, Ordinary People, Sooner or Later, Love The One You’re With, Roxanne, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Winter Light, Silent Night, Hit Me With A Hot Note, Diamonds Are Forever, Heatwave, Special Star, Weekend Special, Doo Bee Doo, Weeping, I Gotcha, Stand By Your Man, Kiss, Sisters Are Doing It for Themselves, Simply Irresistible, It’s Raining Men, Sweet Dreams, Hot Stuff, Moving On Up, Freeway of Love, It’s A Sin, We Are Family and Shout.
Performed to live backing by the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra, Unforgettable brings together a wealth of all-time favourites from Broadway shows and popular standards that will stay with patrons long after the curtain comes down on this theatrical winner, a must-see this Festive Season.
Tickets for Unforgettable range from R80 to R100 (pre-bookings) and R100 to R120 (door sales). Early booking advised through Computicket on 083 915 8000, or call Playhouse Box Office on 031 369 9540 (office hours).
Standby to experience the wow factor of live theatre in large doses this Festive Season, when The Playhouse Company presents its latest big-stage production, Unforgettable, in the Playhouse Opera from November 20 to December 19.
A powerhouse creative team, including big-league theatre practitioners Mark Hawkins (director), Dicky Longhurst (sets and costumes) and Desiré Davids (choreography), have pulled out the stops to delight Durban audiences with this spectacular new showcase of song and dance.
The show features a dazzling line-up of South Africa’s finest singers and dancers, headed by hot-property artists of the calibre of Gina Schmukler (Chess), Renee Kruger (High 5), Durban’s own Pume Zondi, and the legendary Sam Marais.
Musical show-stoppers featured include: Unforgettable, Can’t Help Falling in Love, Maybe This Time, Ordinary People, Sooner or Later, Love The One You’re With, Roxanne, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Winter Light, Silent Night, Hit Me With A Hot Note, Diamonds Are Forever, Heatwave, Special Star, Weekend Special, Doo Bee Doo, Weeping, I Gotcha, Stand By Your Man, Kiss, Sisters Are Doing It for Themselves, Simply Irresistible, It’s Raining Men, Sweet Dreams, Hot Stuff, Moving On Up, Freeway of Love, It’s A Sin, We Are Family and Shout.
Performed to live backing by the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra, Unforgettable brings together a wealth of all-time favourites from Broadway shows and popular standards that will stay with patrons long after the curtain comes down on this theatrical winner, a must-see this Festive Season.
Tickets for Unforgettable range from R80 to R100 (pre-bookings) and R100 to R120 (door sales). Early booking advised through Computicket on 083 915 8000, or call Playhouse Box Office on 031 369 9540 (office hours).
MUSIC IN HIMEVILLE
Christopher Duigan plays a recital programme of classical master-pieces.
Well-known pianist Christopher Duigan will play a recital programme of classical masterpieces by Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Debussy and Liszt on October 31. One of South Africa foremost concert pianists and resident of KZN, Duigan includes Beethoven's Waldstein Sonata and a selection of short pieces including waltzes and nocturnes by Chopin. The concert features a magnificent new 7 ft grand piano sponsored by the KAWAI Piano Studios, KZN.
The concert takes place at 19h30 on October 31 at St. Michael & All Angels Church in Himeville. Refreshments will be served from 18h30. Tickets R85 available from Rosanne on 033 702 1013 (mornings) or 082 359 6736 (a/h)
Well-known pianist Christopher Duigan will play a recital programme of classical masterpieces by Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Debussy and Liszt on October 31. One of South Africa foremost concert pianists and resident of KZN, Duigan includes Beethoven's Waldstein Sonata and a selection of short pieces including waltzes and nocturnes by Chopin. The concert features a magnificent new 7 ft grand piano sponsored by the KAWAI Piano Studios, KZN.
The concert takes place at 19h30 on October 31 at St. Michael & All Angels Church in Himeville. Refreshments will be served from 18h30. Tickets R85 available from Rosanne on 033 702 1013 (mornings) or 082 359 6736 (a/h)
MORITZBURG FESTIVAL TRIO
Friends of Music to host outstanding award-winning musicians.
Friends of Music will present a concert by the outstanding award-winning Moritzburg Festival Trio which includes the first South African UNISA winner, pianist Ben Schoeman. He performs with internationally acclaimed artists from Germany: Kai Vogler (violin) and Peter Bruns (cello).
The programme includes Beethoven Trio in D Major. Op.70 No.1 Ghost; The Mendelssohn Trio No. 1 in D Minor, Op 49, and The Brahms Trio in B Major, Op 8 (1891)
Prelude Performer for the evening will be Jacqueline Wedderburn-Maxwell (15), overall winner of four grand awards at the October 2008 Artscape national youth music competition. She also studied at the Yehudi Menuhin School of Music in England.
The concert takes place on November 4 at 19h45 at the Durban Jewish Centre. Booking is at Computicket.
Make a diary note for the final concert in the Friends of Music 2008 Concert series, KZN Rising Stars on December 2 when FOM in collaboration with the South African Society of Music Teachers, feature young local talent at its best.
Friends of Music acknowledge the support of the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund.
Friends of Music will present a concert by the outstanding award-winning Moritzburg Festival Trio which includes the first South African UNISA winner, pianist Ben Schoeman. He performs with internationally acclaimed artists from Germany: Kai Vogler (violin) and Peter Bruns (cello).
The programme includes Beethoven Trio in D Major. Op.70 No.1 Ghost; The Mendelssohn Trio No. 1 in D Minor, Op 49, and The Brahms Trio in B Major, Op 8 (1891)
Prelude Performer for the evening will be Jacqueline Wedderburn-Maxwell (15), overall winner of four grand awards at the October 2008 Artscape national youth music competition. She also studied at the Yehudi Menuhin School of Music in England.
The concert takes place on November 4 at 19h45 at the Durban Jewish Centre. Booking is at Computicket.
Make a diary note for the final concert in the Friends of Music 2008 Concert series, KZN Rising Stars on December 2 when FOM in collaboration with the South African Society of Music Teachers, feature young local talent at its best.
Friends of Music acknowledge the support of the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund.
CHATSWORTH VERNACULAR INSTITUTE
Institute’s 70th anniversary remembers Chatsworth pioneers.
From almost a century ago, Indian market gardeners eked a humble but honest living from the soil in Chatsworth by cultivating bananas, vegetables and fruit.
However, they wished for their children to pursue less arduous but better-paying jobs. Hence they placed high emphasis on a sound education. Sadly, there were insufficient schooling facilities for their children to attend in Chatsworth.
The Chatsworth Vernacular Institute was formed in 1938 for classes in Tamil, Hindi, Urdu and Telugu. Later the Bayview Government-Aided School was established for English education.
Initially the school comprised a single block and, as demand for schooling increased, more classrooms were added on. The school became a cradle for academic achievements and produced many men and women who became leaders in various fields. Today successful lawyers, doctors, teachers, business leaders and other professionals are amongst those who passed the portals of this school.
In the early 1960s, when the banana farms and market gardens began making way for the Chatsworth municipal housing scheme, the school roll began dropping as pupils began attending the many new schools that were built in neighbouring areas. When the school closed its doors, it was initially used for various cultural activities.
Today the Chatsworth Vernacular Institute has leased its property to the Sathya Sai School Chatsworth, catering for primary and secondary education as well as the imparting of moral values.
However, in order to rekindle the memory of all those pioneers who sacrificed their meagre incomes to build the school and ensure their children had a sound education, the Chatsworth Vernacular Institute recently hosted an annual get-together.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Chatsworth Vernacular Institute and the annual reunion of the pioneer residents and descendants of Chatsworth took place on October 12, 2008, at the Bayview School (now Sai School), 98 Powerline Street, Westcliff, Chatsworth.
More information from P I Devan, Chairman, Chatsworth Vernacular Institute, on 031 403 2159.
From almost a century ago, Indian market gardeners eked a humble but honest living from the soil in Chatsworth by cultivating bananas, vegetables and fruit.
However, they wished for their children to pursue less arduous but better-paying jobs. Hence they placed high emphasis on a sound education. Sadly, there were insufficient schooling facilities for their children to attend in Chatsworth.
The Chatsworth Vernacular Institute was formed in 1938 for classes in Tamil, Hindi, Urdu and Telugu. Later the Bayview Government-Aided School was established for English education.
Initially the school comprised a single block and, as demand for schooling increased, more classrooms were added on. The school became a cradle for academic achievements and produced many men and women who became leaders in various fields. Today successful lawyers, doctors, teachers, business leaders and other professionals are amongst those who passed the portals of this school.
In the early 1960s, when the banana farms and market gardens began making way for the Chatsworth municipal housing scheme, the school roll began dropping as pupils began attending the many new schools that were built in neighbouring areas. When the school closed its doors, it was initially used for various cultural activities.
Today the Chatsworth Vernacular Institute has leased its property to the Sathya Sai School Chatsworth, catering for primary and secondary education as well as the imparting of moral values.
However, in order to rekindle the memory of all those pioneers who sacrificed their meagre incomes to build the school and ensure their children had a sound education, the Chatsworth Vernacular Institute recently hosted an annual get-together.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Chatsworth Vernacular Institute and the annual reunion of the pioneer residents and descendants of Chatsworth took place on October 12, 2008, at the Bayview School (now Sai School), 98 Powerline Street, Westcliff, Chatsworth.
More information from P I Devan, Chairman, Chatsworth Vernacular Institute, on 031 403 2159.
MY VIDEO AWARD
You become the video star with the My Video Award Contest at the MTV Africa Music Awards
Budding music video creators and music fans across the continent are being given their own opportunity to shine at the first ever MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain (MAMAs), with the My Video award.
In an award category dedicated to the ‘MeTV’ digital generation, MTV’s My Video award salutes music videos created for and by MTV viewers. Rewarding the host of music fans who love nothing more than to create their own video masterpieces in the privacy of their own bedrooms, the My Video award gives ‘armchair’ directors the chance to share the limelight with the giants of the African music industry at the MAMAs award ceremony in Abuja, Nigeria on November 22.
To take part in the My Video award, send in your very own 1-minute music video clip to MTV. The clips can be anything you like as long as they contain music and video, including your own original composition, a spoof of your favourite music video (chosen from a shortlist provided by MTV), or anything in between. Funny, deadly serious, outrageous or just pure audiovisual magic – YOU are the director and YOU decide what you submit, and MTV fans across Africa and the world will decide the ultimate winner by voting for their favourite clip online and on mobile.
Submit your My Video award entries online at mama.mtvbase.com in one of the following formats: FLV, MPG, WMV, AVI, MPEG 4, 3GP and SWF. Alternatively can post your video to your local MTV office. Or you can drop off your video at one of the MAMA collection points in: South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania, Angola, DRC and Mozambique (see MAMAs website for details of drop-off dates and points).
All eligible video clips will be posted on the MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain website (mama.mtvbase.com) between September 22 and November 7, so that you can check them out, forward them to your friends and ultimately vote for your favourites. The winner of the My Video award will earn a VIP trip to Abuja, Nigeria with a friend to collect their award and attend the biggest party the continent has ever seen!
All entries must be received by MTV base no later than November 7. Entrants must be over 18 and currently a citizen of an African country. Entries must comply with MTV standards of taste and decency and Ofcom broadcasting regulations. For a complete list of rules and eligibility requirements please go to Terms & Conditions on mama.mtvbase.com
Budding music video creators and music fans across the continent are being given their own opportunity to shine at the first ever MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain (MAMAs), with the My Video award.
In an award category dedicated to the ‘MeTV’ digital generation, MTV’s My Video award salutes music videos created for and by MTV viewers. Rewarding the host of music fans who love nothing more than to create their own video masterpieces in the privacy of their own bedrooms, the My Video award gives ‘armchair’ directors the chance to share the limelight with the giants of the African music industry at the MAMAs award ceremony in Abuja, Nigeria on November 22.
To take part in the My Video award, send in your very own 1-minute music video clip to MTV. The clips can be anything you like as long as they contain music and video, including your own original composition, a spoof of your favourite music video (chosen from a shortlist provided by MTV), or anything in between. Funny, deadly serious, outrageous or just pure audiovisual magic – YOU are the director and YOU decide what you submit, and MTV fans across Africa and the world will decide the ultimate winner by voting for their favourite clip online and on mobile.
Submit your My Video award entries online at mama.mtvbase.com in one of the following formats: FLV, MPG, WMV, AVI, MPEG 4, 3GP and SWF. Alternatively can post your video to your local MTV office. Or you can drop off your video at one of the MAMA collection points in: South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania, Angola, DRC and Mozambique (see MAMAs website for details of drop-off dates and points).
All eligible video clips will be posted on the MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain website (mama.mtvbase.com) between September 22 and November 7, so that you can check them out, forward them to your friends and ultimately vote for your favourites. The winner of the My Video award will earn a VIP trip to Abuja, Nigeria with a friend to collect their award and attend the biggest party the continent has ever seen!
All entries must be received by MTV base no later than November 7. Entrants must be over 18 and currently a citizen of an African country. Entries must comply with MTV standards of taste and decency and Ofcom broadcasting regulations. For a complete list of rules and eligibility requirements please go to Terms & Conditions on mama.mtvbase.com
MUSHO INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
Fourth festival of One and Two Person Theatre at Catalina Theatre and BAT Centre in January 2009
The Performing Arts Network of South Africa (PANSA) in KZN will host the fourth Musho International Theatre Festival of One and Two Person Theatre, at the Catalina Theatres and, for the first time, at the BAT Centre theatre in Durban from January 8 to 18, 2009.
Musho – Zulu for an enthusiastic praise response, something similar to “Bravo!” - embraces all true and accepted forms of theatre: from mime to physical theatre, drama to comedy-theatre. It pays tribute to the smaller works featuring one and two performers.
“The first three festivals held in January 2006, 2007 and 2008 were astonishingly inspiring and successful with some fabulous productions, interesting dialogue, master-classes and amazing support,” says Musho Festival Director, Emma Durden.
Productions from abroad, throughout South Africa and around Durban, will have two performances each – either at the BAT Centre or the Catalina Theatre. There are three international productions including ones from Holland and Israel.
From outside Durban, there’s Mary Steward’s hilarious take on the journey from girl to grown-up in Womanhood as well as Aldo Brincat’s memories or growing up in a household of magicians in My Father's Hat from Botswana; Presley Chweneyegae (of Tsotsi fame)'s recently written script Cell 4; the dark and fabulously physical Afrikaans piece called Wraak Engel from Cape-Town's Floyed De Waal, and the big bang farce Gods, fate and a librarian from Cape Town from Erica Glyn Jones and Haidee Crowe. This production marked the opening performance of the Harare International Festival of the Arts and is a satirical comedy of religion, belief, politics and assassination and how they are all part of the same big plan. It's not Me is a story of thwarted love and the tyranny of culture from a group in Port Elizabeth, mentored by Winston Ntshona. Also to be performed is Between Cup and Lip, the moving story of the relationship between two women: a maid and her madam written by Kemble Elliott.
Productions from in and around Durban include: Gisele Turner and Mpume Mthobeni's fascinating San story Rain; local actress Janna Ramos Violante in Biography of a Blue Monkey; Conversations with your Ex by local theatre luminary Gail Snyman, and the tale of Sepia Seamstress - young women coming to terms with traditional Indian cultural values by Mayuri Naidoo and Kajal Maharaj written by Clinton Marius, comedy finalist in last year’s NLDTF PANSA New Writing Festival, and directed by himself and Caroline Smart.
The festival will once again showcase the most innovative, interesting, articulate, sophisticated and cutting edge theatre available currently and will be a real feast of contemporary and acclaimed fresh new works sourced from throughout South Africa and abroad. Musho! is presented by PANSA with support from the NAC and Africalia.
For more info contact Catalina Theatre on 031 305 6889 or PANSA office on kzn@pansa.org.za Full schedules can be emailed / faxed on request.
To book tickets to performances at either venue, call Thandeka at the Catalina on 031 305 6889. The full programme is available at www.mushofestival.co.za Tickets can be purchased online at www.strictlytickets.com or at www.goingplacessa.co.za / www.goingplacessa.com.
The Musho Festival runs from January 8 to 18 at the BAT Centre and the Catalina Theatre at Wilson’s wharf. For more details see www.mushofestival.co.za
Shortly after the close of each show, reviews will appear on Musho website.
The Performing Arts Network of South Africa (PANSA) in KZN will host the fourth Musho International Theatre Festival of One and Two Person Theatre, at the Catalina Theatres and, for the first time, at the BAT Centre theatre in Durban from January 8 to 18, 2009.
Musho – Zulu for an enthusiastic praise response, something similar to “Bravo!” - embraces all true and accepted forms of theatre: from mime to physical theatre, drama to comedy-theatre. It pays tribute to the smaller works featuring one and two performers.
“The first three festivals held in January 2006, 2007 and 2008 were astonishingly inspiring and successful with some fabulous productions, interesting dialogue, master-classes and amazing support,” says Musho Festival Director, Emma Durden.
Productions from abroad, throughout South Africa and around Durban, will have two performances each – either at the BAT Centre or the Catalina Theatre. There are three international productions including ones from Holland and Israel.
From outside Durban, there’s Mary Steward’s hilarious take on the journey from girl to grown-up in Womanhood as well as Aldo Brincat’s memories or growing up in a household of magicians in My Father's Hat from Botswana; Presley Chweneyegae (of Tsotsi fame)'s recently written script Cell 4; the dark and fabulously physical Afrikaans piece called Wraak Engel from Cape-Town's Floyed De Waal, and the big bang farce Gods, fate and a librarian from Cape Town from Erica Glyn Jones and Haidee Crowe. This production marked the opening performance of the Harare International Festival of the Arts and is a satirical comedy of religion, belief, politics and assassination and how they are all part of the same big plan. It's not Me is a story of thwarted love and the tyranny of culture from a group in Port Elizabeth, mentored by Winston Ntshona. Also to be performed is Between Cup and Lip, the moving story of the relationship between two women: a maid and her madam written by Kemble Elliott.
Productions from in and around Durban include: Gisele Turner and Mpume Mthobeni's fascinating San story Rain; local actress Janna Ramos Violante in Biography of a Blue Monkey; Conversations with your Ex by local theatre luminary Gail Snyman, and the tale of Sepia Seamstress - young women coming to terms with traditional Indian cultural values by Mayuri Naidoo and Kajal Maharaj written by Clinton Marius, comedy finalist in last year’s NLDTF PANSA New Writing Festival, and directed by himself and Caroline Smart.
The festival will once again showcase the most innovative, interesting, articulate, sophisticated and cutting edge theatre available currently and will be a real feast of contemporary and acclaimed fresh new works sourced from throughout South Africa and abroad. Musho! is presented by PANSA with support from the NAC and Africalia.
For more info contact Catalina Theatre on 031 305 6889 or PANSA office on kzn@pansa.org.za Full schedules can be emailed / faxed on request.
To book tickets to performances at either venue, call Thandeka at the Catalina on 031 305 6889. The full programme is available at www.mushofestival.co.za Tickets can be purchased online at www.strictlytickets.com or at www.goingplacessa.co.za / www.goingplacessa.com.
The Musho Festival runs from January 8 to 18 at the BAT Centre and the Catalina Theatre at Wilson’s wharf. For more details see www.mushofestival.co.za
Shortly after the close of each show, reviews will appear on Musho website.
THE WORKSHOP OPEN MICS
November 5 sees the revolution mainly in the lower tier of Durban’s local artists at The Workshop shopping complex.
“November 5 sees the revolution mainly in the lower tier of our local artists,” says Monwabisi Grootboom, eThekwini Municipality’s Manager of Arts and Culture. “Every Wednesday from 13h00 to 16h00, eThekwini Municipality will host free performances for various genres in music, poetry, comedy, stage acting etc. who don’t normally receive performance opportunities to showcase their talents at The Workshop.”
The Workshop Open Mics programme forms part of the Municipality’s arts development strategy and is aimed at developing local performing artists whilst providing them with ongoing performance platforms in their various art-forms.
“The programme provides opportunities for the recorded yet unmarketed artists to market and sell their recorded work to the captive audience at their disposal,” continues Grootboom. “Not only will these stages serve as launching-pad for the undiscovered artists, but will also serve as marketing platforms for the well-known artists to showcase their newly released material.”
Performing artists - including developing artists or their representatives in the above-mentioned art-forms - must contact Xolani Dlamini on 031 311 4558 or email: shezivu@durban.gov.za at Arts and Culture at least a week before to register in order to allow for proper planning. Artists who don’t register beforehand will not be considered on the day of performances.
“November 5 sees the revolution mainly in the lower tier of our local artists,” says Monwabisi Grootboom, eThekwini Municipality’s Manager of Arts and Culture. “Every Wednesday from 13h00 to 16h00, eThekwini Municipality will host free performances for various genres in music, poetry, comedy, stage acting etc. who don’t normally receive performance opportunities to showcase their talents at The Workshop.”
The Workshop Open Mics programme forms part of the Municipality’s arts development strategy and is aimed at developing local performing artists whilst providing them with ongoing performance platforms in their various art-forms.
“The programme provides opportunities for the recorded yet unmarketed artists to market and sell their recorded work to the captive audience at their disposal,” continues Grootboom. “Not only will these stages serve as launching-pad for the undiscovered artists, but will also serve as marketing platforms for the well-known artists to showcase their newly released material.”
Performing artists - including developing artists or their representatives in the above-mentioned art-forms - must contact Xolani Dlamini on 031 311 4558 or email: shezivu@durban.gov.za at Arts and Culture at least a week before to register in order to allow for proper planning. Artists who don’t register beforehand will not be considered on the day of performances.
OUR HERITAGE! OUR PRIDE
South African legend Gcina Mhlophe marked her 50th birthday with a unique celebration.
Gcina Mhlophe has always lived the most singular life path – and the multitalented storyteller celebrated her 50th birthday in the most expansive way possible! On October 24, Durban’s ICC came alive with a dazzling programme of events that put the things this extraordinary woman is most passionate about centrestage.
Titled Our Heritage! Our Pride, the day-long event paid tribute to the vehicle that has most established Mhlophe as one of Africa’s leading creative talents: her passion for story telling and writing.
Says Mhlophe, “What better day to share with as many people as possible my belief in the power of literature than the day I turn 50?”
The programme included a music and dance performance by Zulu Pride from Kwa Mashu before poetry took the spotlight with readings by Sne Mkhize, Nozipho Mdletshe , Basadzi, Zintombi Zengcuce, Limakatso Hlalele, Moonchild, and the Zanendaba Storytellers. There was also a tribute to veteran authors and plenty of music and dance, including an iSicathimiya performance by the Mpumalanga White Birds.
Mhlophe herself contributed a story, with world renowned storyteller from the US, Valerie Tutson, with additional storytelling by Khosi Mazibuko with Zanendaba Storytellers. Highly respected musicians like Bheki Khoza and Madala Kunene were there to share their amazing talents.
Some 20 schools received book boxes as gifts on this day – thanks to book donations sourced by Mhlophe and BIBLIONEF.
For Mhlophe the power of words came to her when she was a teenager – and has not diminished more than 30 years on. As she told a journalist, “At 17, I had as a school set book Wrath of the Ancestors by AC Jordan, father of Pallo – it was sumptuous, a feast of language. That same year, I saw a fantastic dramatic praise poet at a traditional meeting. I was off!“ Now a published author of more than 16 books (including plays, poetry, traditional African stories and her own work), Mhlophe’s creative life is also made up of acting on stage and screen (Darryl Roodt’s Place Of Weeping), narrating TV documentaries, directing (she was a resident director at Johannesburg’s Market Theatre, and a visiting director at companies like the Chicago Theatre Co.) and much more. This year has seen her receive two Honorary Doctorates from Pretoria and Fort Hare Universities for her work.
Recently Mhlophe has been giving motivational talks for big companies and workshops, and working on literacy projects, among them her own initiative NOZINCWADI Mother of Books which has been running for the past eight years. She’s been involved with READ Educational trust, SA Book Forum and with the Zanendaba Institute of Storytelling in Africa.
The latter was founded by Mhlophe in 1992, and today Khosi Mazibuko is the director. They help train teams of professional storytellers, who then use their skills anywhere from pre-primary schools to teacher training colleges and community groups.
“Fifty is a landmark year for anyone and I am hoping that I can use my birthday to really turn the spotlight on what it means to live and breathe and preserve the heritage of our spoken and written word in Africa,” says Mhlophe.
Gcina Mhlophe has always lived the most singular life path – and the multitalented storyteller celebrated her 50th birthday in the most expansive way possible! On October 24, Durban’s ICC came alive with a dazzling programme of events that put the things this extraordinary woman is most passionate about centrestage.
Titled Our Heritage! Our Pride, the day-long event paid tribute to the vehicle that has most established Mhlophe as one of Africa’s leading creative talents: her passion for story telling and writing.
Says Mhlophe, “What better day to share with as many people as possible my belief in the power of literature than the day I turn 50?”
The programme included a music and dance performance by Zulu Pride from Kwa Mashu before poetry took the spotlight with readings by Sne Mkhize, Nozipho Mdletshe , Basadzi, Zintombi Zengcuce, Limakatso Hlalele, Moonchild, and the Zanendaba Storytellers. There was also a tribute to veteran authors and plenty of music and dance, including an iSicathimiya performance by the Mpumalanga White Birds.
Mhlophe herself contributed a story, with world renowned storyteller from the US, Valerie Tutson, with additional storytelling by Khosi Mazibuko with Zanendaba Storytellers. Highly respected musicians like Bheki Khoza and Madala Kunene were there to share their amazing talents.
Some 20 schools received book boxes as gifts on this day – thanks to book donations sourced by Mhlophe and BIBLIONEF.
For Mhlophe the power of words came to her when she was a teenager – and has not diminished more than 30 years on. As she told a journalist, “At 17, I had as a school set book Wrath of the Ancestors by AC Jordan, father of Pallo – it was sumptuous, a feast of language. That same year, I saw a fantastic dramatic praise poet at a traditional meeting. I was off!“ Now a published author of more than 16 books (including plays, poetry, traditional African stories and her own work), Mhlophe’s creative life is also made up of acting on stage and screen (Darryl Roodt’s Place Of Weeping), narrating TV documentaries, directing (she was a resident director at Johannesburg’s Market Theatre, and a visiting director at companies like the Chicago Theatre Co.) and much more. This year has seen her receive two Honorary Doctorates from Pretoria and Fort Hare Universities for her work.
Recently Mhlophe has been giving motivational talks for big companies and workshops, and working on literacy projects, among them her own initiative NOZINCWADI Mother of Books which has been running for the past eight years. She’s been involved with READ Educational trust, SA Book Forum and with the Zanendaba Institute of Storytelling in Africa.
The latter was founded by Mhlophe in 1992, and today Khosi Mazibuko is the director. They help train teams of professional storytellers, who then use their skills anywhere from pre-primary schools to teacher training colleges and community groups.
“Fifty is a landmark year for anyone and I am hoping that I can use my birthday to really turn the spotlight on what it means to live and breathe and preserve the heritage of our spoken and written word in Africa,” says Mhlophe.
WEST END STORY
WEST END STORY
(Apologies – this story was delayed in the changeover!)
The London theatre scene seems as lively and brilliant as ever, reports The Mercury Arts Editor Billy Suter, who caught three varied musicals on a recent visit to the British capital
Overseas travel costs an arm and a leg and, in these days of a sad rand, even a shoulder and a hip – making a spree in London’s West End theatres a pricey pleasure. We’re talking nearly R45 at some venues for a small bottle of water at interval, some R90 for a glossy programme (albeit a fine souvenir) and ticket prices ranging from R225 (top balcony-behind-the-pillars stuff) to R1,120 or more for the best seats. But if you can wangle a way to see through the financial nightmare, a feast of stellar theatrical fare is in store to wipe away the blues for an hour or three.
Everyone, of course, has a favourite recommendation, but if you’re a fan of the musical there honestly can be no better choice than the truly wondrous, massively spectacular Wicked, deserved winner of 15 major awards, which is in its second year at the grand old Apollo Victoria, one of Britain’s largest theatres.
Stephen Schwartz, who gave the world Godspell and Pippin, and who co-wrote the delightful songs in Disney’s recent Enchanted, created Wicked in 1996. He based it on Gregory Maguire's novel of the same name, which tells of the friendship between the good and wicked witches from Frank Baum’s story and the subsequent classic musical, The Wizard of Oz. Wicked offers a very, very clever plot, a “prequel” to The Wizard of Oz, and examines the relationship between Glinda the Good and wicked witch Elphaba before Dorothy and Toto from Kansas shook up Oz by arriving in a tornado. Wicked’s Grammy-winning songs are superb – one reviewer has even likened them to being close to Stephen Sondheim – and performances are magnificent. Kerry Ellis - whom I saw as green-skinned Elphaba, having now flown off to reprise this role in the Broadway production - created the role of Meat in the original London cast of We Will Rock You, the Queen musical still running at London’s Dominion Theatre. Filling the role as Glinda in the production I saw was Dianne Pilkington, who was Belle in the UK touring production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.
Both women were magnificent in a show that is impeccably mounted, with special effects that include airborne performers and a dragon peering down from the proscenium arch. The production is one you simply have to beg, steal, borrow or kill to see sometime in your life!
Also rich in spectacle is the musical version of The Lord of the Rings, to be seen at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane until July 19, when it will have had 492 performances and played to more than 700,000 people. Due to the popularity of the London production among international visitors, discussions are underway for the production to re-open in Germany in November 2009 with a German-speaking cast. According to a show spokesman, The Lord of the Rings' creative team is also developing a touring version to launch in New Zealand next year, before being presented in cities across Australia and the Far East. I was bowled over by the sheer spectacle of the production – sensational lighting, imaginative staging and inspired use of a large cast, including bungee jumpers and stilt-walkers, and effects including a dragon, giant spider and a menacing black horseman that virtually fills the stage (all stilts and rod-puppet work).
The look is amazing and the tightly gnarled Middle Earth thicket that dominates the set is extended to creep from the stage, above and to both the sides of the proscenium arch, and then over the first balcony areas overlooking the stalls. Truly breathtaking! The Lord of the Rings is also of note for a magical performance from Canadian Michael Therriault as the gruesome Gollum, who appears in the second half climbing, Spider-Man-like, down the proscenium arch. Sadly, however, good performances and many great surprises notwithstanding, the music varies from dull and samey to forgettable and, with so much plot to wade through, and a three-hour running time, one starts to yearn for a fast-forward button. Still well worth seeing, though. Tickets for The Lord of the Rings start at £15 (about R225) and are available online at www.lotr.com
And now for something completely different . . . the delightful Avenue Q, which opened on June 1 2006 at the Noel Coward Theatre (formerly Albery Theatre) has had its run extended again until April next year. This is the relatively small show which started off-Broadway then, beat Wicked to win three of the top 2004 Tony Awards – for best musical, best original score of a musical and best book of a musical. The show, described as Sesame Street for adults, is still one of Broadway's hottest tickets and most original shows in recent memory – and a huge hit in London. Brassy, vulgar at times, constantly hilarious and always novel and enormous fun, the show focuses on a group of colourful folk – humans and puppet creatures - that live in a small block on the New York avenue of the title.
They come together after Princeton, a bright-eyed college graduate, moves to the neighbourhood to follow his dreams and discover his ever-elusive purpose in life. A tiny bank balance, the distraction of a busty blonde and a variety of weird and wonderful friends and neighbours lead Princeton on a hilarious story of self-discovery. Life may suck on Avenue Q but being jobless, homeless or politically incorrect and having sex (whether hetero, homo or porno . . . and that’s just the puppets) are just some of the topics featured in the terrific songs of this show. The cast includes Jon Robyns (runner up in the TV series Any Dream Will Do, which sought a lead for the West End production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) as Princeton. Other standouts are Simon Lipkin as Nicky and ‘Trekkie Monster, Julie Atherton as Kate Monster and Lucy The Slut, and an amusing Naoko Mori as a character called Christmas Eve. More info from www.avenueqthemusical.co.uk
Also packing them in, since October 2006, in fact, is Dirty Dancing at the Aldwych Theatre, which has had only lukewarm reviews but remains an audience favourite. Featuring some great choreography, it remains true to the Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Rey movie which, set in the summer of 1963, has 17-year old-Frances “Baby” Houseman learning some major lessons in life as well as a thing or two about dancing. Containing hit songs such as (I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life, Hungry Eyes, Hey Baby and Do You Love Me?, the two-and-a-half-hour show is directed by James Powell and stars Josef Brown as Johnny Castle, Georgina Rich as “Baby”, David Rintoul as Dr Jake Houseman, Issy van Randwyck as Majorie and Isabella Calthorpe as Lisa.
LONDON THEATRE LATEST: Rowan (Mr Bean) Atkinson has been confirmed to play pickpocket master Fagin in Cameron Mackintosh’s West End revival of Lionel Bart’s Oliver! The show previews from December 12, and officially opens on January 14, at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, where it will be based on Sam Mendes’ 1994 staging at the London Palladium and will be directed by Rupert Goold. Oliver and Nancy will be played by newcomers chosen in the reality TV series, I’d Do Anything –Atkinson last appeared on stage more than 20 years ago with his one-man show Rowan Atkinson In Revue.
Topol, Israeli star of stage and screen versions of Fiddler on the Roof, will join Lisa O'Hare and Millicent Martin in the Open Air revival of Gigi, to run at London’s Regent's Park from August 6 to September 13, according to whatsonstage.com The production will be directed by Timothy Sheader, with choreography by Olivier Award winner Stephen Mear. The 2008 Open Air season began on June 2 with productions of Romeo and Juliet and Twelfth Night playing in repertory. They’ll be followed by A Midsummer Night's Dream, previewing from July 8.
Versatile British TV comic, Catherine Tate, is to be directed by Anna Mackmin in a revival of David Eldridge’s Under the Blue Sky, set to run from July 10 to September 20 at London’s Duke of York’s Theatre. Described as a darkly comic yet tender play, Under the Blue Sky examines three relationships, six lives and the nature of love and friendship, both true and unrequited. Although she’s probably best known for her award-winning comedy sketch series The Catherine Tate Show, Tate has also appeared on screen in Bleak House, Starter for Ten, Scenes of a Sexual Nature, Wild West and Men Behaving Badly.
The musical All the Fun of the Fair has now become a reality, with a three-month tour scheduled to commence at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley, on September 12, 2008. Set against the backdrop of a travelling funfair and packed with dazzling stunt sequences and hilarious crafty cons, the show features many of Essex’ hits such as Winter’s Tale, Hold Me Close, Gonna Make You a Star, Me and My Girl Nightclubbing, Silver Dream Machine and Rock On. All the Fun of the Fair is co-written by Essex and Jon Conway (Boogie Nights) and sees Essex as funfair owner Levi Lee, a man not only coming to terms with the loss of his wife but also struggling to deal with his rebellious teenage son. And if that isn’t enough, there are the attentions of a newly-divorced woman… Following Bromley, the tour will continue to Darlington, Stoke, Brighton, Southend, Wolverhampton, Manchester, Glasgow, Bradford, Woking, Dartford and Cardiff. Although further dates are expected for 2009, there’s no news of a West End transfer.
PREVIOUSLY POSTED: According to reports in the Daily Express newspaper, David Essex is writing a new musical, All the Fun of the Fair which will feature many of his hit songs. The article goes on to say that his aim is to take the production on tour prior to a West End transfer in 2008, and that he intends to play one of the show’s characters – an ageing Jack the Lad involved with a touring fun fair. Essex has enjoyed a remarkable career; one that has combined records, theatre, composing, film and television – all with amazing success. Yet it was on stage that he shot to fame – playing Jesus in the original London production of the musical Godspell. He subsequently starred as Che in Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s original cast of Evita.
Other notable roles include Tony Lumpkin in Sir Peter Hall’s 1993 production of She Stoops to Conquer (opposite Miriam Margolyes and Donald Sinden) both on tour and for seven months at the Queen’s Theatre; and Fletcher Christian in his own musical Mutiny! (co-written with Richard Crane) which played at the Piccadilly Theatre for 16 months. His film credits include That’ll Be the Day with Ringo Starr, the sequel Stardust with Larry Hagman and Adam Faith, and Silver Dream Racer alongside Beau Bridges. Essex has regularly been courted by Hollywood but has always returned to the UK where he has undertaken numerous nationwide sell-out solo tours. He is currently touring with fellow pop veterans David Cassidy, The Osmonds and Showaddywaddy in the Once in a Lifetime UK tour, in which he actually sings All the Fun of the Fair.
He was last seen in the West End last summer playing the Reverend Shaw Moore in the hit musical Footloose; and from August 2007, will star in a touring production of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Aspects of Love. A stint as Peter Pan‘s Captain Hook in Northampton over the 2007/08 Christmas season is also planned. In 1999, Essex was awarded an OBE in recognition of his services to charity, especially to VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas).
(Apologies – this story was delayed in the changeover!)
The London theatre scene seems as lively and brilliant as ever, reports The Mercury Arts Editor Billy Suter, who caught three varied musicals on a recent visit to the British capital
Overseas travel costs an arm and a leg and, in these days of a sad rand, even a shoulder and a hip – making a spree in London’s West End theatres a pricey pleasure. We’re talking nearly R45 at some venues for a small bottle of water at interval, some R90 for a glossy programme (albeit a fine souvenir) and ticket prices ranging from R225 (top balcony-behind-the-pillars stuff) to R1,120 or more for the best seats. But if you can wangle a way to see through the financial nightmare, a feast of stellar theatrical fare is in store to wipe away the blues for an hour or three.
Everyone, of course, has a favourite recommendation, but if you’re a fan of the musical there honestly can be no better choice than the truly wondrous, massively spectacular Wicked, deserved winner of 15 major awards, which is in its second year at the grand old Apollo Victoria, one of Britain’s largest theatres.
Stephen Schwartz, who gave the world Godspell and Pippin, and who co-wrote the delightful songs in Disney’s recent Enchanted, created Wicked in 1996. He based it on Gregory Maguire's novel of the same name, which tells of the friendship between the good and wicked witches from Frank Baum’s story and the subsequent classic musical, The Wizard of Oz. Wicked offers a very, very clever plot, a “prequel” to The Wizard of Oz, and examines the relationship between Glinda the Good and wicked witch Elphaba before Dorothy and Toto from Kansas shook up Oz by arriving in a tornado. Wicked’s Grammy-winning songs are superb – one reviewer has even likened them to being close to Stephen Sondheim – and performances are magnificent. Kerry Ellis - whom I saw as green-skinned Elphaba, having now flown off to reprise this role in the Broadway production - created the role of Meat in the original London cast of We Will Rock You, the Queen musical still running at London’s Dominion Theatre. Filling the role as Glinda in the production I saw was Dianne Pilkington, who was Belle in the UK touring production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.
Both women were magnificent in a show that is impeccably mounted, with special effects that include airborne performers and a dragon peering down from the proscenium arch. The production is one you simply have to beg, steal, borrow or kill to see sometime in your life!
Also rich in spectacle is the musical version of The Lord of the Rings, to be seen at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane until July 19, when it will have had 492 performances and played to more than 700,000 people. Due to the popularity of the London production among international visitors, discussions are underway for the production to re-open in Germany in November 2009 with a German-speaking cast. According to a show spokesman, The Lord of the Rings' creative team is also developing a touring version to launch in New Zealand next year, before being presented in cities across Australia and the Far East. I was bowled over by the sheer spectacle of the production – sensational lighting, imaginative staging and inspired use of a large cast, including bungee jumpers and stilt-walkers, and effects including a dragon, giant spider and a menacing black horseman that virtually fills the stage (all stilts and rod-puppet work).
The look is amazing and the tightly gnarled Middle Earth thicket that dominates the set is extended to creep from the stage, above and to both the sides of the proscenium arch, and then over the first balcony areas overlooking the stalls. Truly breathtaking! The Lord of the Rings is also of note for a magical performance from Canadian Michael Therriault as the gruesome Gollum, who appears in the second half climbing, Spider-Man-like, down the proscenium arch. Sadly, however, good performances and many great surprises notwithstanding, the music varies from dull and samey to forgettable and, with so much plot to wade through, and a three-hour running time, one starts to yearn for a fast-forward button. Still well worth seeing, though. Tickets for The Lord of the Rings start at £15 (about R225) and are available online at www.lotr.com
And now for something completely different . . . the delightful Avenue Q, which opened on June 1 2006 at the Noel Coward Theatre (formerly Albery Theatre) has had its run extended again until April next year. This is the relatively small show which started off-Broadway then, beat Wicked to win three of the top 2004 Tony Awards – for best musical, best original score of a musical and best book of a musical. The show, described as Sesame Street for adults, is still one of Broadway's hottest tickets and most original shows in recent memory – and a huge hit in London. Brassy, vulgar at times, constantly hilarious and always novel and enormous fun, the show focuses on a group of colourful folk – humans and puppet creatures - that live in a small block on the New York avenue of the title.
They come together after Princeton, a bright-eyed college graduate, moves to the neighbourhood to follow his dreams and discover his ever-elusive purpose in life. A tiny bank balance, the distraction of a busty blonde and a variety of weird and wonderful friends and neighbours lead Princeton on a hilarious story of self-discovery. Life may suck on Avenue Q but being jobless, homeless or politically incorrect and having sex (whether hetero, homo or porno . . . and that’s just the puppets) are just some of the topics featured in the terrific songs of this show. The cast includes Jon Robyns (runner up in the TV series Any Dream Will Do, which sought a lead for the West End production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) as Princeton. Other standouts are Simon Lipkin as Nicky and ‘Trekkie Monster, Julie Atherton as Kate Monster and Lucy The Slut, and an amusing Naoko Mori as a character called Christmas Eve. More info from www.avenueqthemusical.co.uk
Also packing them in, since October 2006, in fact, is Dirty Dancing at the Aldwych Theatre, which has had only lukewarm reviews but remains an audience favourite. Featuring some great choreography, it remains true to the Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Rey movie which, set in the summer of 1963, has 17-year old-Frances “Baby” Houseman learning some major lessons in life as well as a thing or two about dancing. Containing hit songs such as (I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life, Hungry Eyes, Hey Baby and Do You Love Me?, the two-and-a-half-hour show is directed by James Powell and stars Josef Brown as Johnny Castle, Georgina Rich as “Baby”, David Rintoul as Dr Jake Houseman, Issy van Randwyck as Majorie and Isabella Calthorpe as Lisa.
LONDON THEATRE LATEST: Rowan (Mr Bean) Atkinson has been confirmed to play pickpocket master Fagin in Cameron Mackintosh’s West End revival of Lionel Bart’s Oliver! The show previews from December 12, and officially opens on January 14, at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, where it will be based on Sam Mendes’ 1994 staging at the London Palladium and will be directed by Rupert Goold. Oliver and Nancy will be played by newcomers chosen in the reality TV series, I’d Do Anything –Atkinson last appeared on stage more than 20 years ago with his one-man show Rowan Atkinson In Revue.
Topol, Israeli star of stage and screen versions of Fiddler on the Roof, will join Lisa O'Hare and Millicent Martin in the Open Air revival of Gigi, to run at London’s Regent's Park from August 6 to September 13, according to whatsonstage.com The production will be directed by Timothy Sheader, with choreography by Olivier Award winner Stephen Mear. The 2008 Open Air season began on June 2 with productions of Romeo and Juliet and Twelfth Night playing in repertory. They’ll be followed by A Midsummer Night's Dream, previewing from July 8.
Versatile British TV comic, Catherine Tate, is to be directed by Anna Mackmin in a revival of David Eldridge’s Under the Blue Sky, set to run from July 10 to September 20 at London’s Duke of York’s Theatre. Described as a darkly comic yet tender play, Under the Blue Sky examines three relationships, six lives and the nature of love and friendship, both true and unrequited. Although she’s probably best known for her award-winning comedy sketch series The Catherine Tate Show, Tate has also appeared on screen in Bleak House, Starter for Ten, Scenes of a Sexual Nature, Wild West and Men Behaving Badly.
The musical All the Fun of the Fair has now become a reality, with a three-month tour scheduled to commence at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley, on September 12, 2008. Set against the backdrop of a travelling funfair and packed with dazzling stunt sequences and hilarious crafty cons, the show features many of Essex’ hits such as Winter’s Tale, Hold Me Close, Gonna Make You a Star, Me and My Girl Nightclubbing, Silver Dream Machine and Rock On. All the Fun of the Fair is co-written by Essex and Jon Conway (Boogie Nights) and sees Essex as funfair owner Levi Lee, a man not only coming to terms with the loss of his wife but also struggling to deal with his rebellious teenage son. And if that isn’t enough, there are the attentions of a newly-divorced woman… Following Bromley, the tour will continue to Darlington, Stoke, Brighton, Southend, Wolverhampton, Manchester, Glasgow, Bradford, Woking, Dartford and Cardiff. Although further dates are expected for 2009, there’s no news of a West End transfer.
PREVIOUSLY POSTED: According to reports in the Daily Express newspaper, David Essex is writing a new musical, All the Fun of the Fair which will feature many of his hit songs. The article goes on to say that his aim is to take the production on tour prior to a West End transfer in 2008, and that he intends to play one of the show’s characters – an ageing Jack the Lad involved with a touring fun fair. Essex has enjoyed a remarkable career; one that has combined records, theatre, composing, film and television – all with amazing success. Yet it was on stage that he shot to fame – playing Jesus in the original London production of the musical Godspell. He subsequently starred as Che in Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s original cast of Evita.
Other notable roles include Tony Lumpkin in Sir Peter Hall’s 1993 production of She Stoops to Conquer (opposite Miriam Margolyes and Donald Sinden) both on tour and for seven months at the Queen’s Theatre; and Fletcher Christian in his own musical Mutiny! (co-written with Richard Crane) which played at the Piccadilly Theatre for 16 months. His film credits include That’ll Be the Day with Ringo Starr, the sequel Stardust with Larry Hagman and Adam Faith, and Silver Dream Racer alongside Beau Bridges. Essex has regularly been courted by Hollywood but has always returned to the UK where he has undertaken numerous nationwide sell-out solo tours. He is currently touring with fellow pop veterans David Cassidy, The Osmonds and Showaddywaddy in the Once in a Lifetime UK tour, in which he actually sings All the Fun of the Fair.
He was last seen in the West End last summer playing the Reverend Shaw Moore in the hit musical Footloose; and from August 2007, will star in a touring production of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Aspects of Love. A stint as Peter Pan‘s Captain Hook in Northampton over the 2007/08 Christmas season is also planned. In 1999, Essex was awarded an OBE in recognition of his services to charity, especially to VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas).
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
AUDITION NOTICE --SEARCHING FOR TREE BOY
Think Theatre is searching for an exceptionally talented young male actor.
Think Theatre Productions is searching for an exceptionally talented young male actor to take the lead role in Neil Coppen's (award- winning writer of Tin Bucket Drum) enchanting new two-hander Tree Boy, which he is co-directing with Libby Allen as part of the Playhouse New Stages programme in March 2009.
Tree Boy follows the estranged relationship between a father and son in 1960's South Africa. After the death of his mother, eleven year-old Benjamin and his father Arthur (a postman) are forced to relocate from their rustic property in the mountains to the boarding houses of a burgeoning mining town on the East Rand. As Arthur, crippled with grief, consoles himself with drinking, Ben seeks solace in an overgrown forest on the fringes of the industrial wasteland, which conceals an enigmatic and wise old man, Pappus Drupe.
Rehearsals will be throughout the month of February and early March 2009 with performances taking place in mid- March.
The producers are searching far and wide for a young white male actor (between the ages of ten to fifteen) to take the role of Benjamin Sprout — the play's eleven year old protagonist.
Actors wishing to audition must look between the age of 10 and 14 and be no taller than 1.55 m. All actors wishing to audition must be confident and focused young performers, with a captivating stage presence and the ability to learn a large quantity of lines.
"We are looking for a young actor who is mature beyond his years and who will be able to handle some challenging emotional scenes" says Coppen "A sensitive, natural young performer who will bring authenticity and life to the play's titular character."
About the character: Benjamin has grown up an only child in an isolated mountain town in 1960's South Africa. He is imaginative, sensitive and mature beyond his years with a love for reading and the natural world around him. His salvation is his imagination, a place which he frequently retreats to deal with the changing world around him.
The first round of auditions will take place on November 1 in Studio 5 in the UKZN Drama Department starting at 10h00. Actors must prepare a short monologue or poem of their choice and will be required to partake in improvisational activities. Applicants are also asked to please bring with them a head and shoulders photograph.
To book an audition slot call Margie Coppen on 083 251 9412. Drama teachers from schools are kindly asked to submit their top drama students who they think may best suit the role.
Think Theatre Productions is searching for an exceptionally talented young male actor to take the lead role in Neil Coppen's (award- winning writer of Tin Bucket Drum) enchanting new two-hander Tree Boy, which he is co-directing with Libby Allen as part of the Playhouse New Stages programme in March 2009.
Tree Boy follows the estranged relationship between a father and son in 1960's South Africa. After the death of his mother, eleven year-old Benjamin and his father Arthur (a postman) are forced to relocate from their rustic property in the mountains to the boarding houses of a burgeoning mining town on the East Rand. As Arthur, crippled with grief, consoles himself with drinking, Ben seeks solace in an overgrown forest on the fringes of the industrial wasteland, which conceals an enigmatic and wise old man, Pappus Drupe.
Rehearsals will be throughout the month of February and early March 2009 with performances taking place in mid- March.
The producers are searching far and wide for a young white male actor (between the ages of ten to fifteen) to take the role of Benjamin Sprout — the play's eleven year old protagonist.
Actors wishing to audition must look between the age of 10 and 14 and be no taller than 1.55 m. All actors wishing to audition must be confident and focused young performers, with a captivating stage presence and the ability to learn a large quantity of lines.
"We are looking for a young actor who is mature beyond his years and who will be able to handle some challenging emotional scenes" says Coppen "A sensitive, natural young performer who will bring authenticity and life to the play's titular character."
About the character: Benjamin has grown up an only child in an isolated mountain town in 1960's South Africa. He is imaginative, sensitive and mature beyond his years with a love for reading and the natural world around him. His salvation is his imagination, a place which he frequently retreats to deal with the changing world around him.
The first round of auditions will take place on November 1 in Studio 5 in the UKZN Drama Department starting at 10h00. Actors must prepare a short monologue or poem of their choice and will be required to partake in improvisational activities. Applicants are also asked to please bring with them a head and shoulders photograph.
To book an audition slot call Margie Coppen on 083 251 9412. Drama teachers from schools are kindly asked to submit their top drama students who they think may best suit the role.
PHOTOGRAPHIC EXPRESSIONS
South African-focused exhibition of digital images for Artisan.
Photographic Expressions is the title of a South African-focused exhibition of digital images opening at Artisan Contemporary Gallery on October 29.
“The images as seen through the lenses of Dr Willem Oets, Jane Bedford, Benine du Toit and several other Durban photographers have been selected from more than 250 submissions for this exhibition”, said Artisan curator, Sue Greenberg. On display are landscapes, portraits and abstracts.
Photographic Expressions opens at 18h00 on October 29 and runs until November 19 at Artisan contemporary Gallery which is situated at 344 Florida Road, Durban. More information on 031 312 4364.
Photographic Expressions is the title of a South African-focused exhibition of digital images opening at Artisan Contemporary Gallery on October 29.
“The images as seen through the lenses of Dr Willem Oets, Jane Bedford, Benine du Toit and several other Durban photographers have been selected from more than 250 submissions for this exhibition”, said Artisan curator, Sue Greenberg. On display are landscapes, portraits and abstracts.
Photographic Expressions opens at 18h00 on October 29 and runs until November 19 at Artisan contemporary Gallery which is situated at 344 Florida Road, Durban. More information on 031 312 4364.
USHAKA SEARCH FOR THE STARS
Are you the next super star? Auditions to be held in November.
Following in the glossy footsteps of the hit TV reality show The X Factor, the search is on for Durban’s top talent.
The uShaka Search for the Stars competition gets underway on November 2 at uShaka Marine World.
The beauty of this talent search, which is held in conjunction with the Department of Arts and Culture, is that it’s not limited to singing or dancing only – you can juggle, busk, mime, act or show off any other amazing skills you might have. The competition is open to amateurs and professionals and individuals and group performers.
The main criteria are that entrants do have to have special talents. So - no chancers, please!
And the prize? The selected performers will be provided with employment at the internationally-renowned water theme park of the festive season where they will be part of the entertainment team under the directorship of the “Simon Cowell” of uShaka, Wayne Scott.
Audition days are November 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 and 30. Registration is at 09h00 at Arena 1 in Village Walk uShaka Marine World.
For more information contact uShaka Marine World on 031 328 8000.
Following in the glossy footsteps of the hit TV reality show The X Factor, the search is on for Durban’s top talent.
The uShaka Search for the Stars competition gets underway on November 2 at uShaka Marine World.
The beauty of this talent search, which is held in conjunction with the Department of Arts and Culture, is that it’s not limited to singing or dancing only – you can juggle, busk, mime, act or show off any other amazing skills you might have. The competition is open to amateurs and professionals and individuals and group performers.
The main criteria are that entrants do have to have special talents. So - no chancers, please!
And the prize? The selected performers will be provided with employment at the internationally-renowned water theme park of the festive season where they will be part of the entertainment team under the directorship of the “Simon Cowell” of uShaka, Wayne Scott.
Audition days are November 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 and 30. Registration is at 09h00 at Arena 1 in Village Walk uShaka Marine World.
For more information contact uShaka Marine World on 031 328 8000.
Monday, October 27, 2008
STUDIO
(Pic: Cameron Platter work in progress!)
Cameron Platter exhibits at the KZNSA Gallery.
The KZNSA gallery is currently hosting Studio, a solo exhibition by Cameron Platter, composed for the Main, Mezzanine, and Electric Galleries.
The main gallery is recreated as a working sculpture studio, in which the public is invited and encouraged to participate. In this space, Platter and a team of sculptors work on, assemble, chop up and customize a large sculptural installation of carved wooden objects, collectively entitled Sculptures for New Living.
Ranging from a car (a mélange of a Ferrari, 4 x 4, and cash-in-transit van) to a jetski/ coffin/ cooler box, and a minibar/ ATM/ soundsystem, as well as other post-apocalyptic madmaxian objets de survival (pots, dustbins, sticks, gasoline cans, helmets…), the sculptures are works-in-progress of a work-in-progress. The installation will be supplemented, pared and retooled to suit its next venue.
In the Mezzanine and Electric Galleries, Platter shows new experimental drawing, video, ceramic and print works.
Over the last few years, he has focused on the basics, concentrating on handcrafting drawing, video, and sculptural works with meticulous attention, and above all, humour. Also on balancing artistic rigour with a return to childlike simplicity.
In this body of work Platter decodes stranger-than-fiction realities drawn from contemporary living. His off-the-wall, delinquent take on the world is the departure lounge for his fantastical works. Sex, politics, irony, satire, mortality, adulthood, economics and French champagne are noted in his new investigations.
Interaction between artists and viewers during the making process is a core element of this show. Instead of the usual opening night, the real action will take place at a finissage celebration on November 7, where some of the sculptural pieces will be put to work. (The ATM/ mini-bar to be DJ-ed by a friend; the Jetski/ coolerbox stocked with drinks; hors d’oeuvres served from ceramic works.)
Cameron Platter lives in Shaka’s Rock, KwaZulu-Natal and works from a studio in a sub-tropical forest. He has recently presented work at Art 39 Basel, and two solo shows in Vienna and Milan.
Studio runs until November 9, with the finissage celebration taking place on November 7 from 18h00 until late. More information on 031 277 1703, fax 031 201-8051 or email: curator@kznsagallery.co.za or visit www.kznsagallery.co.za
SKIN THEME FOR COLABORVENT
ColaborVent offers the biggest arts happening on the lower South Coast.
The next ColaborVent to take place in Ramsgate offers the theme, Skin. This will be a multi-disciplined explosion of arts activities happening simultaneously on November 8.
The event will be choreographed and directed by artists Gavin Risi and Marke Meyer and will take avant-garde art on the coast to a whole new level. Ideas from all genres of the arts will be included in a rollercoaster hour long 'event' with, of course, a pre and post party!
Collaboration between artists, dancers, poets, musicians, dramatists, photographers, multi-media artists, singers, songwriters and the technologically & practically minded individuals is the essence of this event.
ColaborVent takes place at the Old Sock Factory in Ramsgate on November 8, with the doors to the old and disused sock factory opening at 18h00. Entry fee is R20. Snacks are free and will be presented in a not-so-ordinary manner. There will be a cash bar. More details from Marke on 082 818 4552.
The next ColaborVent to take place in Ramsgate offers the theme, Skin. This will be a multi-disciplined explosion of arts activities happening simultaneously on November 8.
The event will be choreographed and directed by artists Gavin Risi and Marke Meyer and will take avant-garde art on the coast to a whole new level. Ideas from all genres of the arts will be included in a rollercoaster hour long 'event' with, of course, a pre and post party!
Collaboration between artists, dancers, poets, musicians, dramatists, photographers, multi-media artists, singers, songwriters and the technologically & practically minded individuals is the essence of this event.
ColaborVent takes place at the Old Sock Factory in Ramsgate on November 8, with the doors to the old and disused sock factory opening at 18h00. Entry fee is R20. Snacks are free and will be presented in a not-so-ordinary manner. There will be a cash bar. More details from Marke on 082 818 4552.
NIBS FOR MUSIC REVIVAL
Guitar legend Nibs van de Spuy to perform in Pietermaritzburg on November 7.
Guitar legend Nibs van der Spuy performs at the KAWAI Piano Studio at the home of Music Revival’s Christopher Duigan on November 7. Offering his unique brand of original music in variety of styles, this versatile musician will enthral in this popular intimate setting.
The performance takes place at 35 Montgomery Drive in Pietermaritzburg on November 7 at 19h30. Tickets R80 includes a glass of wine and coffee. Patrons are welcome to bring their own additional wine. Seating at tables of four or more and light meals are available at an additional cost of R40.
Booking is essential through Music Revival on 033 342 3051 or email: booking@musicrevival.co.za More information at www.musicrevival.co.za
Guitar legend Nibs van der Spuy performs at the KAWAI Piano Studio at the home of Music Revival’s Christopher Duigan on November 7. Offering his unique brand of original music in variety of styles, this versatile musician will enthral in this popular intimate setting.
The performance takes place at 35 Montgomery Drive in Pietermaritzburg on November 7 at 19h30. Tickets R80 includes a glass of wine and coffee. Patrons are welcome to bring their own additional wine. Seating at tables of four or more and light meals are available at an additional cost of R40.
Booking is essential through Music Revival on 033 342 3051 or email: booking@musicrevival.co.za More information at www.musicrevival.co.za
SUNDAY AFTERNOON CLASSICAL PIANO
Christopher Duigan plays another appealing selection of classical piano music.
In Classical Piano on a Sunday Afternoon, Christopher Duigan plays another appealing selection of classical piano music for a Sunday afternoon recital at the Kawai Piano Studio at his home in Pietermaritzburg. The programme includes works by Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin and Debussy.
The performance takes place at 35 Montgomery Drive in Pietermaritzburg on November 2 at 15h30. Tickets R80 include a glass of wine and coffee. Booking is essential through Music Revival on 033 342 3051 or email: booking@musicrevival.co.za
More information at www.musicrevival.co.za
In Classical Piano on a Sunday Afternoon, Christopher Duigan plays another appealing selection of classical piano music for a Sunday afternoon recital at the Kawai Piano Studio at his home in Pietermaritzburg. The programme includes works by Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin and Debussy.
The performance takes place at 35 Montgomery Drive in Pietermaritzburg on November 2 at 15h30. Tickets R80 include a glass of wine and coffee. Booking is essential through Music Revival on 033 342 3051 or email: booking@musicrevival.co.za
More information at www.musicrevival.co.za
UNREHEARSED
Close-knit circle of musicians appear in a free jam in Hillcrest.
Organiser Clyde Lawrence shares his love of live music with a close-knit circle of musicians, who are both family and friends from all over the world. Now in its sixth year, the get-together is called Unrehearsed and is put together by some very accomplished session musicians. One cannot call the evening a show, as it is unrehearsed. The musos play what people want to hear, from the heart and for the love of music.
Following the success of last year’s Unrehearsed, Hillcrest KwikSpar have come on board as a sponsor, following their successful collaboration with Andrew Young, HeartStrings and Drakensberg Boys’ Choir concerts, all in the upper-Highway area.
The evening once again promises to be of top quality in terms of popular 60’s and 70’s music, some original material as well as up to date covers. Top muso Mike de Jager is being flown out from the UK for the gig. He hails from Durban and has played with the likes of Dennis Stratton of Iron Maiden, Al Atkins of Judas Priest, Joe Satriani and such.
The performance takes place on October 31 at the Hillcrest Rugby Club. The seating arrangements are similar to the Barnyard with tables and chairs, where patrons bring their own food and drinks. Gold Circle tickets are R140 and Outer Ring tickets are R80.
Booking is essential. Tickets available at Hillcrest KwikSpar or from Clyde on 082 897 2511 or Len on 083 368 1063.
Organiser Clyde Lawrence shares his love of live music with a close-knit circle of musicians, who are both family and friends from all over the world. Now in its sixth year, the get-together is called Unrehearsed and is put together by some very accomplished session musicians. One cannot call the evening a show, as it is unrehearsed. The musos play what people want to hear, from the heart and for the love of music.
Following the success of last year’s Unrehearsed, Hillcrest KwikSpar have come on board as a sponsor, following their successful collaboration with Andrew Young, HeartStrings and Drakensberg Boys’ Choir concerts, all in the upper-Highway area.
The evening once again promises to be of top quality in terms of popular 60’s and 70’s music, some original material as well as up to date covers. Top muso Mike de Jager is being flown out from the UK for the gig. He hails from Durban and has played with the likes of Dennis Stratton of Iron Maiden, Al Atkins of Judas Priest, Joe Satriani and such.
The performance takes place on October 31 at the Hillcrest Rugby Club. The seating arrangements are similar to the Barnyard with tables and chairs, where patrons bring their own food and drinks. Gold Circle tickets are R140 and Outer Ring tickets are R80.
Booking is essential. Tickets available at Hillcrest KwikSpar or from Clyde on 082 897 2511 or Len on 083 368 1063.
GREAT DAMES
Broadway musical theatre star Christine Pedi begins her world tour in Durban.
The Broadway musical theatre star Christine Pedi, has begun her world tour with her hilarious musical Great Dames. This will run for a two week season in Durban from November 4 at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre.
Currently the toast of New York, after adding another two top Musical awards to her trophy cabinet, Pedi walked off with a 2008 Nightlife Award in the category ‘Outstanding Cabaret Comedy or Characterization’ in January. The annual Nightlife Awards celebrate the best in New York cabaret, comedy and jazz.
In addition, it was recently announced that Pedi has won a 2008 Back Stage Bistro Award for best musical comedy performer, following her recent sensational performances at the Metropolitan Room. Pedi is one of Broadway’s most beloved musical theatre stars, combining comedy and cabaret in a stupendously entertaining manner that tends to leave patrons dazzled and critics searching for superlatives. Besides being an accomplished singer, she is naturally funny and boasts an uncanny knack for impersonation.
The recipient of several accolades during her career, Pedi has been hailed by American critics as a “versatile performer whose equal parts great actress and diva vocalist”, “an absolute knockout” and “one of New York’s favorite performers”. In addition to theatre, she also hosts a radio show and was even featured in the edgy television series The Sopranos.
She has just made a triumphant debut in Johannesburg recently with Great Dames Great Dames at the Old mutual Theatre on the Square. The Star described the show as: “This Diva is Dame Good…. something irresistibly seditious and deeply funny.”
She will be appears with accompanist, Matthew Ward, on piano. Great Dames World tour is produced by Colin Law for Afro Asia Events, with lighting by Jane Gosnell.
Great Dames runs at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from November 4 to 15. Tickets R125 (Tuesday specials of “buy–one get-one–free”) booked through Computicket
The Broadway musical theatre star Christine Pedi, has begun her world tour with her hilarious musical Great Dames. This will run for a two week season in Durban from November 4 at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre.
Currently the toast of New York, after adding another two top Musical awards to her trophy cabinet, Pedi walked off with a 2008 Nightlife Award in the category ‘Outstanding Cabaret Comedy or Characterization’ in January. The annual Nightlife Awards celebrate the best in New York cabaret, comedy and jazz.
In addition, it was recently announced that Pedi has won a 2008 Back Stage Bistro Award for best musical comedy performer, following her recent sensational performances at the Metropolitan Room. Pedi is one of Broadway’s most beloved musical theatre stars, combining comedy and cabaret in a stupendously entertaining manner that tends to leave patrons dazzled and critics searching for superlatives. Besides being an accomplished singer, she is naturally funny and boasts an uncanny knack for impersonation.
The recipient of several accolades during her career, Pedi has been hailed by American critics as a “versatile performer whose equal parts great actress and diva vocalist”, “an absolute knockout” and “one of New York’s favorite performers”. In addition to theatre, she also hosts a radio show and was even featured in the edgy television series The Sopranos.
She has just made a triumphant debut in Johannesburg recently with Great Dames Great Dames at the Old mutual Theatre on the Square. The Star described the show as: “This Diva is Dame Good…. something irresistibly seditious and deeply funny.”
She will be appears with accompanist, Matthew Ward, on piano. Great Dames World tour is produced by Colin Law for Afro Asia Events, with lighting by Jane Gosnell.
Great Dames runs at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from November 4 to 15. Tickets R125 (Tuesday specials of “buy–one get-one–free”) booked through Computicket
ANTIQUES AND DECORATIVE ARTS AUCTION
Next auction to take place on October 27 in Howick.
The next Antiques and Decorative Arts Auction will take place on October 27 in Howick.
One of the highlights is an Edwardian inlaid rosewood writing box, given as a token of appreciation by the Prince of Wales (Edward VII) to Rosa Lewis (the owner of the Cavendish Hotel in London, one of Edwards favourite haunts!).
Paintings include works by Claerhout, Canitz, Weiersbye, Dykman, Battiss, Repsold, Thornley Stewart, Fasciotti, Oldert, Tugwell, Sdoya, Catty, Glossop and Roy Taylor. Good antique furniture includes dressers, tables, chairs, a huge French mirror front armoire, sideboards, pedestals, loo and breakfast tables. In the Arts and Crafts category are a turquoise and gold necklace, stunning Victorian and later diamond, amethyst, ruby and pearl jewellery, Victorian jewel studded insect pins, gold charms and chains. Also on offer re Swarovski crystal animals and a selection of antique silver includes a Queen Anne coffee pot (London 1710), Georgian vinaigrettes and chamber stick, coffee and tea sets, flatware and boxes and lots more.
A large range of ceramics include Susie Cooper art deco jugs, Spode breakfast set, Staffordshire tea and coffee sets, Dresden, Meissen and Doulton. There are Art Deco and Georgian longcase clocks, and French marble mantle clocks as well as an Art Deco cold painted table lamp and lots of blue Bristol glass, WMF stag centre piece. Also a collection of 19thC pot lids and lots more.
Visit the interactive website to print a catalogue or place bids online if you cannot attend. The organisers pack and ship worldwide.
Crusty Corner Coffee Shop is now open at Green Acres to serve delicious breakfast, teas and lunches within earshot of the auction.
The Antiques and Decorative Arts Auction takes place on October 27 from 10h00 at Green Acres Centre, Lawton Road, Howick. More information on 033 330 3848 (fax 033 330 3169) or visit www.oldchurch.co.za
The next Antiques and Decorative Arts Auction will take place on October 27 in Howick.
One of the highlights is an Edwardian inlaid rosewood writing box, given as a token of appreciation by the Prince of Wales (Edward VII) to Rosa Lewis (the owner of the Cavendish Hotel in London, one of Edwards favourite haunts!).
Paintings include works by Claerhout, Canitz, Weiersbye, Dykman, Battiss, Repsold, Thornley Stewart, Fasciotti, Oldert, Tugwell, Sdoya, Catty, Glossop and Roy Taylor. Good antique furniture includes dressers, tables, chairs, a huge French mirror front armoire, sideboards, pedestals, loo and breakfast tables. In the Arts and Crafts category are a turquoise and gold necklace, stunning Victorian and later diamond, amethyst, ruby and pearl jewellery, Victorian jewel studded insect pins, gold charms and chains. Also on offer re Swarovski crystal animals and a selection of antique silver includes a Queen Anne coffee pot (London 1710), Georgian vinaigrettes and chamber stick, coffee and tea sets, flatware and boxes and lots more.
A large range of ceramics include Susie Cooper art deco jugs, Spode breakfast set, Staffordshire tea and coffee sets, Dresden, Meissen and Doulton. There are Art Deco and Georgian longcase clocks, and French marble mantle clocks as well as an Art Deco cold painted table lamp and lots of blue Bristol glass, WMF stag centre piece. Also a collection of 19thC pot lids and lots more.
Visit the interactive website to print a catalogue or place bids online if you cannot attend. The organisers pack and ship worldwide.
Crusty Corner Coffee Shop is now open at Green Acres to serve delicious breakfast, teas and lunches within earshot of the auction.
The Antiques and Decorative Arts Auction takes place on October 27 from 10h00 at Green Acres Centre, Lawton Road, Howick. More information on 033 330 3848 (fax 033 330 3169) or visit www.oldchurch.co.za
PEOPLE I MADE MUSIC WITH
Conductor David Tidboald releases book of “candid memoirs”. (Review by Michael Green)
David Tidboald is well remembered in KwaZulu/Natal as the resident conductor for many years of the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra. Before that he held similar posts in Cape Town. He is now living in retirement at Simon’s Town - an appropriate place, considering that he was born in another naval port, Plymouth in south-western England.
He has recently released a book titled People I Made Music With. As its title suggests, this book of “candid memoirs” (the author’s description) is more about other people than about himself. In his long career, going back to the 1940’s, he met a wide variety of musical celebrities. Among those discussed in his book are the pianists Moura Lympany, Benno Moiseiwsitsch, Alicia de Laroccha and Gina Bachauer; the conductors Wilhelm Furtwangler, John Barbirolli and Adrian Boult; the singers Kathleen Ferrier, Birgit Nillson, Victoria de los Angeles and Mimi Coertse; the ballerinas Alicia Markova and Margot Fonteyn; and many others.
David Tidboald’s writing is a reflection of his personality: quiet, with a well-developed sense of humour and with a deep experience of music. His book is terse; it runs to only 125 pages, plus a dozen pages of photographs.
It is sometimes a little frustrating; the reader would, I think, like to have more information on some of the subjects. For example, the Wagnerian soprano Cecilia Wessels is described as “a complete extrovert and the inspiration of many tales, some apocryphal and some not, but all of them too robust for the sensitive reader of this volume”. The sensitive reader would, I think, have liked the author to be a little more gossipy and a little less discreet.
On the other hand, these brief glimpses of famous people are a refreshing change from the long-winded gravitas of some books published in South Africa.
In addition to the photographs, the book is adorned with deft and amusing drawings by Hannah Morris of Cape Town. It should give pleasure to anyone with an intelligent interest in classical music.
People I Made Music With by David Tidboald is published in paperback by Umuzi and retails at R150. - Michael Green
David Tidboald is well remembered in KwaZulu/Natal as the resident conductor for many years of the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra. Before that he held similar posts in Cape Town. He is now living in retirement at Simon’s Town - an appropriate place, considering that he was born in another naval port, Plymouth in south-western England.
He has recently released a book titled People I Made Music With. As its title suggests, this book of “candid memoirs” (the author’s description) is more about other people than about himself. In his long career, going back to the 1940’s, he met a wide variety of musical celebrities. Among those discussed in his book are the pianists Moura Lympany, Benno Moiseiwsitsch, Alicia de Laroccha and Gina Bachauer; the conductors Wilhelm Furtwangler, John Barbirolli and Adrian Boult; the singers Kathleen Ferrier, Birgit Nillson, Victoria de los Angeles and Mimi Coertse; the ballerinas Alicia Markova and Margot Fonteyn; and many others.
David Tidboald’s writing is a reflection of his personality: quiet, with a well-developed sense of humour and with a deep experience of music. His book is terse; it runs to only 125 pages, plus a dozen pages of photographs.
It is sometimes a little frustrating; the reader would, I think, like to have more information on some of the subjects. For example, the Wagnerian soprano Cecilia Wessels is described as “a complete extrovert and the inspiration of many tales, some apocryphal and some not, but all of them too robust for the sensitive reader of this volume”. The sensitive reader would, I think, have liked the author to be a little more gossipy and a little less discreet.
On the other hand, these brief glimpses of famous people are a refreshing change from the long-winded gravitas of some books published in South Africa.
In addition to the photographs, the book is adorned with deft and amusing drawings by Hannah Morris of Cape Town. It should give pleasure to anyone with an intelligent interest in classical music.
People I Made Music With by David Tidboald is published in paperback by Umuzi and retails at R150. - Michael Green
MEMOIRS OF AN INVISIBLE MAN
John Carpenter directs Chevy Chase and Daryl Hannah in movie on M-Net Stars on October 31.
Memoirs of an Invisible Man directed by John Carpenter in 1992 and starring Chevy Chase and Daryl Hannah can be seen on M-Net Stars on October 31 at 19h30.
Stockbroker Nick meets the girl of his dreams, but the next day, the romance looks doomed when an accident in a government building turns him invisible. With the military on his tail – a see-through man would make a great spy – Nick turns to Alice for help. Shocked at first, she eventually agrees to help him. She always did like transparent men …
Memoirs of an Invisible Man directed by John Carpenter in 1992 and starring Chevy Chase and Daryl Hannah can be seen on M-Net Stars on October 31 at 19h30.
Stockbroker Nick meets the girl of his dreams, but the next day, the romance looks doomed when an accident in a government building turns him invisible. With the military on his tail – a see-through man would make a great spy – Nick turns to Alice for help. Shocked at first, she eventually agrees to help him. She always did like transparent men …
JOE SOMEBODY
Tim Allen and James Belushi star in movie about an ordinary Joe who hasn’t got a mean bone in his body.
The M-Net Stars channel will screen Joe Somebody on October 30 at 19h30. Directed in 2001 by John Pasquin, it stars Tim Allen and James Belushi.
Joe is an ordinary Joe who hasn’t got a mean bone in his body. But when the office bully beats him up in the company parking lot in front of his daughter – it’s ‘Take A Girl Child To Work Day’ – he decides to do something about it. Enlisting the help of a martial arts expert, he starts getting fighting fit. The new macho Joe is a big hit in the workplace, but a sweet co-worker and his daughter want the old Joe back. Can Joe Somebody go back to being Joe Nobody, or is there another Joe inside there somewhere?
The M-Net Stars channel will screen Joe Somebody on October 30 at 19h30. Directed in 2001 by John Pasquin, it stars Tim Allen and James Belushi.
Joe is an ordinary Joe who hasn’t got a mean bone in his body. But when the office bully beats him up in the company parking lot in front of his daughter – it’s ‘Take A Girl Child To Work Day’ – he decides to do something about it. Enlisting the help of a martial arts expert, he starts getting fighting fit. The new macho Joe is a big hit in the workplace, but a sweet co-worker and his daughter want the old Joe back. Can Joe Somebody go back to being Joe Nobody, or is there another Joe inside there somewhere?
ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR
Holly Hunter and Karen Allen star in movie on M-Net on October 27.
Holly Hunter and Karen Allen star in Animal Behaviour on October 27 at 19h30.
Man loves woman, woman loves chimp – why does love have to be so complicated? When music teacher Mark joins the staff of a New Mexico university, he takes an instant liking to Alex, a professor who’s trying to teach a chimpanzee sign language. He starts helping her out in the lab, and romance begins to blossom. But complications arise when the university threatens to take away Alex’s funding – and her beloved chimp. Mark needs to come to the rescue fast, or there’ll be no making sweet music for him…
Holly Hunter and Karen Allen star in Animal Behaviour on October 27 at 19h30.
Man loves woman, woman loves chimp – why does love have to be so complicated? When music teacher Mark joins the staff of a New Mexico university, he takes an instant liking to Alex, a professor who’s trying to teach a chimpanzee sign language. He starts helping her out in the lab, and romance begins to blossom. But complications arise when the university threatens to take away Alex’s funding – and her beloved chimp. Mark needs to come to the rescue fast, or there’ll be no making sweet music for him…
THE GUARD SEASON 1
New drama series on M-Net follows the search and rescue team of the Canadian Coast Guard.
Starting on M-Net on October 27 at 20h00 is The Guard Season 1.
This drama series follows the search and rescue (SAR) team of the Canadian Coast Guard. The crew of the MLB Cape Pacific is lead by Captain Miro DaSilva, First Mate Laura Nelson and also Coast guard rescue swimmers Andrew Vanderlee and Carly Greig.
Starting on M-Net on October 27 at 20h00 is The Guard Season 1.
This drama series follows the search and rescue (SAR) team of the Canadian Coast Guard. The crew of the MLB Cape Pacific is lead by Captain Miro DaSilva, First Mate Laura Nelson and also Coast guard rescue swimmers Andrew Vanderlee and Carly Greig.
VACANCY
M-Net to screen movie starring Luke Wilson and Kate Beckinsale.
On October 29 at 22h30, M-Net will screen the movie Vacancy directed in 2007 by Nimród Antal and featuring Kate Beckinsale, Luke Wilson, Frank Whaley and Ethan Embry.
Luke Wilson and Kate Beckinsale star as a bickering couple who check into a deserted rural motel when their car breaks down in the middle of nowhere. Angry at each other and at their circumstances, they sulkily turn on the TV and gradually they realise that the horrifying snuff movies they’re watching on videotape were filmed in the very same room they’re staying in …and that they’re about to become the next “cast members”!
On October 29 at 22h30, M-Net will screen the movie Vacancy directed in 2007 by Nimród Antal and featuring Kate Beckinsale, Luke Wilson, Frank Whaley and Ethan Embry.
Luke Wilson and Kate Beckinsale star as a bickering couple who check into a deserted rural motel when their car breaks down in the middle of nowhere. Angry at each other and at their circumstances, they sulkily turn on the TV and gradually they realise that the horrifying snuff movies they’re watching on videotape were filmed in the very same room they’re staying in …and that they’re about to become the next “cast members”!
THE MERCURY DURBAN THEATRE AWARDS
Glitzy awards evening to take place on November 17 at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre
Theatre awards time is here again! - the sixth annual awards evening of The Mercury Durban Theatre Awards takes place at 19h30 on November 17 at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre.
“The awards system considers only those productions originating and presented in Durban during the period October 1, 2007, to September 30, 2008,” says administrator Peter Taylor. “These productions include the genres of drama and comedy, musical theatre, music revue, and children’s theatre, with a total of 49 productions vying for honours at this year’s awards ceremony. The calibre of work produced in Durban remains at a consistently high standard and The Mercury Durban Theatre Awards recognises and acknowledges this standard.”
Hosted by Johanne Pillay and Terence Pillay, the evening promises to be a sophisticated and glamorous celebration of our local theatre industry. As Monday night is a “night-off” for the theatre industry in Durban, audiences can expect to brush shoulders with the who’s who of Durban’s theatre scene. The evening will include excerpts from productions being presented in Durban throughout the festive season offering the audience a glimpse of what is on offer this festive season.
Once again, The Mercury Durban Theatre Awards is grateful for the generous support from its sponsors and partners who have joined in supporting this year’s awards.
Principal sponsors are media partner The Mercury, the Bartel Arts Trust, the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, Troubadour Productions, DarkHorse Productions, Stuart Edwards & Company, Publicity Matters, artSMart and Sunshine Factory.
Several organisations have supported the awards since its inception in 2003, most notably the Bartel Arts Trust. This trust was established in 1992 through a bequest of the late Hugo Bartel, a wealthy industrialist with a passion for the arts. The trust sponsors community arts projects, artists, arts projects and student bursaries. The trust established the BAT Centre in 1996 which became a hub of the performing and visual arts in Durban. The BAT Centre was subsequently donated to the BAT Centre Trust. In addition to the theatre awards the trust currently sponsors the Durban Music School, DUT Department of Fine Art, the Phansi Museum and several student bursaries.
Booking is now open through Computicket.
For the list of the nominations visit http://news.artsmart.co.za/2008/11/dta-nominations.html
Theatre awards time is here again! - the sixth annual awards evening of The Mercury Durban Theatre Awards takes place at 19h30 on November 17 at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre.
“The awards system considers only those productions originating and presented in Durban during the period October 1, 2007, to September 30, 2008,” says administrator Peter Taylor. “These productions include the genres of drama and comedy, musical theatre, music revue, and children’s theatre, with a total of 49 productions vying for honours at this year’s awards ceremony. The calibre of work produced in Durban remains at a consistently high standard and The Mercury Durban Theatre Awards recognises and acknowledges this standard.”
Hosted by Johanne Pillay and Terence Pillay, the evening promises to be a sophisticated and glamorous celebration of our local theatre industry. As Monday night is a “night-off” for the theatre industry in Durban, audiences can expect to brush shoulders with the who’s who of Durban’s theatre scene. The evening will include excerpts from productions being presented in Durban throughout the festive season offering the audience a glimpse of what is on offer this festive season.
Once again, The Mercury Durban Theatre Awards is grateful for the generous support from its sponsors and partners who have joined in supporting this year’s awards.
Principal sponsors are media partner The Mercury, the Bartel Arts Trust, the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, Troubadour Productions, DarkHorse Productions, Stuart Edwards & Company, Publicity Matters, artSMart and Sunshine Factory.
Several organisations have supported the awards since its inception in 2003, most notably the Bartel Arts Trust. This trust was established in 1992 through a bequest of the late Hugo Bartel, a wealthy industrialist with a passion for the arts. The trust sponsors community arts projects, artists, arts projects and student bursaries. The trust established the BAT Centre in 1996 which became a hub of the performing and visual arts in Durban. The BAT Centre was subsequently donated to the BAT Centre Trust. In addition to the theatre awards the trust currently sponsors the Durban Music School, DUT Department of Fine Art, the Phansi Museum and several student bursaries.
Booking is now open through Computicket.
For the list of the nominations visit http://news.artsmart.co.za/2008/11/dta-nominations.html
Saturday, October 25, 2008
DIDIER LOURENÇO
(Pic: “Blue Hair” by Didier Lourenço)
Acclaimed Spanish artist to have his first exhibition in Africa at Blue Caterpillar Gallery in Pietermaritzburg.
Acclaimed Spanish artist Didier Lourenço will present his first exhibition in Africa at the Blue Caterpillar Art Gallery in Pietermaritzburg.
Known for his portrayal of idyllic moments captured in time Didier uses rich textures and colours to create work that presents one with a window into a world where life passes at a slower, more gentle pace. Mediterranean villages, the man on a bicycle, jazz clubs and animals are popular themes. He has held numerous solo and collective exhibitions throughout Europe and North America, capturing a global audience. Many South Africans who are familiar with posters of his work now finally have the opportunity to view and own Didier's orginal oil paintings and handmade lithographs. The exhibition showcases a wide variety of his work and
The exhibition runs at the Blue Caterpillar Art Gallery from November 28 until December 31 2008.
Didier Lourenço will be present at the opening on November 29. Anyone wishing to attend the opening and meet with the artist should contact Jeni Cramer on 033-3871356. The exhibition can also be viewed online at www.butterflies.co.za/lourenco.htm
CELEBRATE LIFE, CELEBRATE OUR HISTORY
Interactive history competition at Chatsworth Youth Centre.
An interactive history competition inspired by Mandela’s birthday which “Celebrates life and celebrates our history., Celebrate Life, Celebrate our History is a competition offering prizes to the value of R120,000 and open to primary school and secondary school learners and the public. Schools from greater Durban have been encouraged to participate.
Entrants are invited to present the history of anything South African – their family, church, soccer club, school etc. Entries must have a written and a practical / display component. The process culminates in an exhibition on October 24 and 25 of the winning entries in each category with the prize-giving on October 25. The project - which is hosted by the Chatsworth Youth Centre, the Umlazi History Forum and the Satyagraha (the Gandhi organization) - is in partnership with participating libraries throughout KZN where entry forms can be collected.
Entry is free and all are welcome. Entry forms at libraries and entrants must be registered library users.
The competition takes place on October 24 and 25 at the Chatsworth Youth Centre. More information from Clive Pillay on 083 981 3506 or 031 401 4191.
An interactive history competition inspired by Mandela’s birthday which “Celebrates life and celebrates our history., Celebrate Life, Celebrate our History is a competition offering prizes to the value of R120,000 and open to primary school and secondary school learners and the public. Schools from greater Durban have been encouraged to participate.
Entrants are invited to present the history of anything South African – their family, church, soccer club, school etc. Entries must have a written and a practical / display component. The process culminates in an exhibition on October 24 and 25 of the winning entries in each category with the prize-giving on October 25. The project - which is hosted by the Chatsworth Youth Centre, the Umlazi History Forum and the Satyagraha (the Gandhi organization) - is in partnership with participating libraries throughout KZN where entry forms can be collected.
Entry is free and all are welcome. Entry forms at libraries and entrants must be registered library users.
The competition takes place on October 24 and 25 at the Chatsworth Youth Centre. More information from Clive Pillay on 083 981 3506 or 031 401 4191.
SAKHISIZWE WALKABOUT
Paulette Barker to conduct walkabout of exhibition on October 26 at 11h00.
Paulette Barker will conduct a walkabout of the Sakhisizwe exhibition at the KZNSA Gallery on October 26 at 11h00.
The art component of Lifeline Durban Prison Programme works with the Sakhisizwe Project at the Medium C Section of Westville Prison, and demonstrates the group’s restorative process by using artists Paul Klee and Vincent van Gogh as inspiration and case studies. The outcome is a series of portraits and self-portraits that burst with the freedom of expression through colour – themes extended into the incredibly vibrant and rich works on “life in prison” and “memories and dreams”.
This exhibition is part of the celebration of the 40th anniversary of Lifeline, and was first exhibited at Constitution Hill, Johannesburg, 2008.
Paulette Barker will conduct a walkabout of the Sakhisizwe exhibition at the KZNSA Gallery on October 26 at 11h00.
The art component of Lifeline Durban Prison Programme works with the Sakhisizwe Project at the Medium C Section of Westville Prison, and demonstrates the group’s restorative process by using artists Paul Klee and Vincent van Gogh as inspiration and case studies. The outcome is a series of portraits and self-portraits that burst with the freedom of expression through colour – themes extended into the incredibly vibrant and rich works on “life in prison” and “memories and dreams”.
This exhibition is part of the celebration of the 40th anniversary of Lifeline, and was first exhibited at Constitution Hill, Johannesburg, 2008.
MOVABLE ARTS FEAST – EXTENDED
Gallery trail with free hop-on, hop-off bus extended to November 6.
Movable Arts Feast is a “gallery trail” with a free hop-on, hop-off bus which visits seven top art galleries every Saturday. People are encouraged to visit a selection of Durban’s premier galleries via an "art gallery trail" every Saturday throughout the eight-weekend season. Members of the public will be able to park their cars in Glenwood at the KZNSA and hop on the specially-decorated free Arts Bus, which will travel a dedicated circuit to seven different galleries. Arts Bus Tour Guide King Zorro will be the host along the route.
Movable Arts Feast is a combined project by Celebrate Durban & VANSA (Visual Arts Network South Africa). In response to public demand, the project has been extended to November 6.
Entry is free and all are welcome. Booking is recommended through Cara Walters on 082 330 9859 for bookings.
Movable Arts Feast is a “gallery trail” with a free hop-on, hop-off bus which visits seven top art galleries every Saturday. People are encouraged to visit a selection of Durban’s premier galleries via an "art gallery trail" every Saturday throughout the eight-weekend season. Members of the public will be able to park their cars in Glenwood at the KZNSA and hop on the specially-decorated free Arts Bus, which will travel a dedicated circuit to seven different galleries. Arts Bus Tour Guide King Zorro will be the host along the route.
Movable Arts Feast is a combined project by Celebrate Durban & VANSA (Visual Arts Network South Africa). In response to public demand, the project has been extended to November 6.
Entry is free and all are welcome. Booking is recommended through Cara Walters on 082 330 9859 for bookings.
SAPO SERVES SA THROUGH SONG
KZN to feature in 2008 National Choral Eisteddfod Championships in Pretoria on October 25 and 26.
The South African Post Office (Sapo) is hosting the 2008 National Choral Eisteddfod Championships at the Pretoria State Theatre on October 25 and 26 from 10h00.
This prestigious event, a joint initiative between Sapo and the South African Choral Music Association (SACMA), has been running for five years and creates unequalled excitement among the choral music lovers in South Africa.
During the two day event, 58 choirs and small ensembles from Limpopo, Northern Cape, Gauteng, Western Cape, Mpumalanga, North West Province, Eastern Cape, the Free State and Kwa Zulu Natal will compete. The competition offers a variety of cash prizes, with a total of R1,2 million on offer in the provincial and national championships which comprise the competition.
According to Khumbu Ndebele from Sapo: “Sapo sponsors this event as part of its ongoing commitment to community involvement and Corporate Social Responsibility. The event is the culmination of weeks of provincial competition, and is supported by Sapo employees and communities alike. It also happens to coincide with World Post Month - wonderful opportunity to remind all South African’s of the importance of staying connected, whether it be through new technologically enabled options, the simple letter delivered on a bicycle, or even the universal language of music.
“Those who attend this lively event will be treated to the greatest sounds of Africa,” Khumbu Ndebele continues, “with performances ranging from the western classical idiom to our own African choral and traditional folkloric expressions. This two-day musical extravaganza promises to showcase the best of the best and is not to be missed.”
More information from Lungile Lose, General Manager: Communications, South African Post Office on 012 401 7704.
The South African Post Office (Sapo) is hosting the 2008 National Choral Eisteddfod Championships at the Pretoria State Theatre on October 25 and 26 from 10h00.
This prestigious event, a joint initiative between Sapo and the South African Choral Music Association (SACMA), has been running for five years and creates unequalled excitement among the choral music lovers in South Africa.
During the two day event, 58 choirs and small ensembles from Limpopo, Northern Cape, Gauteng, Western Cape, Mpumalanga, North West Province, Eastern Cape, the Free State and Kwa Zulu Natal will compete. The competition offers a variety of cash prizes, with a total of R1,2 million on offer in the provincial and national championships which comprise the competition.
According to Khumbu Ndebele from Sapo: “Sapo sponsors this event as part of its ongoing commitment to community involvement and Corporate Social Responsibility. The event is the culmination of weeks of provincial competition, and is supported by Sapo employees and communities alike. It also happens to coincide with World Post Month - wonderful opportunity to remind all South African’s of the importance of staying connected, whether it be through new technologically enabled options, the simple letter delivered on a bicycle, or even the universal language of music.
“Those who attend this lively event will be treated to the greatest sounds of Africa,” Khumbu Ndebele continues, “with performances ranging from the western classical idiom to our own African choral and traditional folkloric expressions. This two-day musical extravaganza promises to showcase the best of the best and is not to be missed.”
More information from Lungile Lose, General Manager: Communications, South African Post Office on 012 401 7704.
NIBS AT PHANSI
Nibs van der Spuy to launches his new album “A Bird In The Hand” at Phansi Museum.
Well-known acoustic guitarist Nibs van der Spuy is to launch his recently-released album A Bird in the Hand at Phansi Museum on October 30.
The Phansi Museum houses some of South Africa’s finest collections of traditional arts and crafts. It is beautifully displayed in Roberts House, a restored Victorian National Monument.
The launch takes place at 19h30 on October 30. Admission fee R60. The show starts at 19h30 and a vegetarian meal @ R35 pp is available by prior reservation only. This will be served at 19h00. Reservations for the performance are recommended through Max on 031 206 2889 or 083 450 3270.
There will be a car guard on duty. Phansi Museum is at 41 Cedar Road with the entrance on Frere Road (now Esther Roberts Road) in Glenwood. Email: info@phansi.com or visit www.phansi.com
Well-known acoustic guitarist Nibs van der Spuy is to launch his recently-released album A Bird in the Hand at Phansi Museum on October 30.
The Phansi Museum houses some of South Africa’s finest collections of traditional arts and crafts. It is beautifully displayed in Roberts House, a restored Victorian National Monument.
The launch takes place at 19h30 on October 30. Admission fee R60. The show starts at 19h30 and a vegetarian meal @ R35 pp is available by prior reservation only. This will be served at 19h00. Reservations for the performance are recommended through Max on 031 206 2889 or 083 450 3270.
There will be a car guard on duty. Phansi Museum is at 41 Cedar Road with the entrance on Frere Road (now Esther Roberts Road) in Glenwood. Email: info@phansi.com or visit www.phansi.com
KZNPO CONCERT: OCTOBER 23, 2008
(Pic: Leslie Dunner)
KZN Philharmonic Orchestra celebrates its twenty-fifth anniversary in grand fashion. (Review by Michael Green)
The KZN Philharmonic Orchestra celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary in grand fashion with a grand performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No, 9 in D minor, the Choral, one of music’s monumental masterpieces.
It is an occasion like this that makes one realise fully how fortunate we are in having a big and permanent orchestra.
You can listen to a hundred recordings of the Choral but they will not sound quite the same as a live performance of high quality.
And this was certainly a presentation of high quality, the orchestra in excellent form under the guiding baton of Leslie Dunner, a choir (three choirs, actually) of about 120 singers, and four soloists, all South Africans, who sang with confidence and accuracy.
The programme opened with Bach’s suitably festive Suite No. 3 in D major, the most famous of its five numbers being the Air on a G string. Stylish music played with panache and elegance, and it was a perfect foil to the massive Beethoven symphony which followed.
The Choral symphony, which runs for about 70 minutes, is an overpowering work, in its ideas and in the composer’s execution of those ideas. There is nothing else quite like it and the thunderous applause as the end showed the large audience’s appreciation of that fact.
Leslie Dunner, who is of course a visiting conductor from the United States, maintained the tension of the music throughout its four movements. The baritone Fikile Mvinjelwa established his authority with the first bold phrases which, in Beethoven’s own words, introduce the Ode to Joy, Schiller’s poem on which the choral fourth movement is based; and the other three soloists - Musa Nkuna (tenor), Hanli Stapela (soprano) and Violina Anguelov (mezzo) - all sang with excellent control and full-bodied vocal quality.
The choir singers came from the Drakensberg Boys’ Choir, the Clermont Community Choir and the Durban Chamber Choir, and they were first-rate: well-trained, disciplined and obviously enjoying the opportunity to make splendid music at this level.
To round off an exciting concert the members of the audience were offered sparkling wine and chocolates before they left. Altogether, a night to remember. - Michael Green
AFRICA RESEARCH CONFERENCE
Wits University Hosts Africa Research Conference in Applied Drama and Theatre
The Division of Dramatic Art, Wits School of Arts in collaboration with Drama for Life announces the initial Africa Research Conference in Applied Drama and Theatre on the 7th – 9th November 2008 at the Wits Theatre Complex in Braamfontein.
Applied Theatre and Drama has gained currency as a viable interventionary tool, one which ‘has come of age’ particularly in the context of education and development. Its role as a key tool in contexts that are community, education and development orientated is to some extent due to the fact that it can deal with difficult subject matter in a way that is culturally appropriate and context sensitive. It also offers a platform for the voices of communities and provides a public and non-intrusive vehicle to communicate information, while not depending on a highly literate or resource-rich audience.
This conference will bring together academics and practitioners working with Applied Drama and Theatre in Africa to engage with some of the challenges, changes and best practices of this mode of engagement. These include the importance of ethics, values and principles that guide practitioners as well as the growing emphasis on effective monitoring evaluation of projects. Three themes have been identified as being of particular concern to practitioners and researchers at this time in the development of a distinctive African approach to Applied Drama when the paradigm of Practice as Research is still being determined. These themes are:
1. What constitutes 'best practice' research approaches in applied drama and theatre work?
2. What ethical positions, values and principles could be most appropriate in guiding practitioners, participants, researchers and other stakeholders in applied drama and theatre practice?
3. What monitoring and evaluation methods/techniques are best suited to assessing the value and impact of applied drama and theatre projects in African contexts?
Some of the key international and local experts in the field who will be attending the conference will include, among others, John O’Toole from Australia, Christopher Odhiambo from Kenya and Phil Jones from the United Kingdom.
All interested drama practitioners and researchers are invited to attend and contribute to the conference and/or festival. For more information please go to our website at www.dramaforlife.co.za
The conference follows on from an initial Drama for Life Workshop Festival which will be running from November 3 to 6 (more information at dramaforlife.co.za or contact Ella Bella on ellabella@mweb.co.za)
The Division of Dramatic Art, Wits School of Arts in collaboration with Drama for Life announces the initial Africa Research Conference in Applied Drama and Theatre on the 7th – 9th November 2008 at the Wits Theatre Complex in Braamfontein.
Applied Theatre and Drama has gained currency as a viable interventionary tool, one which ‘has come of age’ particularly in the context of education and development. Its role as a key tool in contexts that are community, education and development orientated is to some extent due to the fact that it can deal with difficult subject matter in a way that is culturally appropriate and context sensitive. It also offers a platform for the voices of communities and provides a public and non-intrusive vehicle to communicate information, while not depending on a highly literate or resource-rich audience.
This conference will bring together academics and practitioners working with Applied Drama and Theatre in Africa to engage with some of the challenges, changes and best practices of this mode of engagement. These include the importance of ethics, values and principles that guide practitioners as well as the growing emphasis on effective monitoring evaluation of projects. Three themes have been identified as being of particular concern to practitioners and researchers at this time in the development of a distinctive African approach to Applied Drama when the paradigm of Practice as Research is still being determined. These themes are:
1. What constitutes 'best practice' research approaches in applied drama and theatre work?
2. What ethical positions, values and principles could be most appropriate in guiding practitioners, participants, researchers and other stakeholders in applied drama and theatre practice?
3. What monitoring and evaluation methods/techniques are best suited to assessing the value and impact of applied drama and theatre projects in African contexts?
Some of the key international and local experts in the field who will be attending the conference will include, among others, John O’Toole from Australia, Christopher Odhiambo from Kenya and Phil Jones from the United Kingdom.
All interested drama practitioners and researchers are invited to attend and contribute to the conference and/or festival. For more information please go to our website at www.dramaforlife.co.za
The conference follows on from an initial Drama for Life Workshop Festival which will be running from November 3 to 6 (more information at dramaforlife.co.za or contact Ella Bella on ellabella@mweb.co.za)
THE HIGH COST OF LIVING
(Pic: Vivian Moodley as Aru)
Amusing and sympathetic handling of issues confronting old people in an ever-changing world. (Review by Caroline Smart)
We’re all taking strain from it - battling to keep up with bond or hire purchase repayments as well as the increased price of consumer goods and petrol. The subject of the high cost of living has been tackled in an innovative way by long-standing theatre company, ENACT, which is currently offering its latest production, The High Cost Of Living, at Seabrooke’s Theatre at Durban High School in Musgrave.
Expecting the hour-long theatre piece usually associated with one-man shows these days, I was impressed to find that this is structured in two acts. The High Cost Of Living is written and directed by Hoosen Farouk Sayed, a founder member of ENACT, who makes a return to theatre after a 17-year absence.
The show stars veteran actor, director and playwright Vivian Moodley who tells the story of two friends: lonely old widower Arumugam (Aru) and his close friend playwright Runga who used to create the kind of meaningful theatre which he believed would make people better human beings.
The first act focuses on Aru who, after having led a comfortable yet humble existence in his council home for over 40 years, has been persuaded to move to his son Selva’s new home in an upmarket suburb. Missing the embracing community spirit of his former life, he has much to say about how life has changed.
His amusing meanders down memory lane and his portrayal of the various characters who have been a part of his life create much amusement. There’s Aru’s grandfather teaching the youngster how to plant vegetables; the garrulous Barber Dhani; gossipy Green Beans Auntie and her long-winded story, and the domestic worker Sindi who is hooked on TV soaps. Another fun sequence is when Aru catches Selva watching porno movies. Aru’s major irritant is his shopaholic daughter-in-law Desi (Desdemona) who he remembers aptly describing on sight as “one fast type”.
Aru goes to visit Runga in hospital – and here, the flashback scene needs stronger lighting as expressions are being missed. Runga is suffering from depression and, zombie-like, does not respond to Aru’s urgings either to eat or to start writing again.
Runga takes over as the main character after interval where we find him in the hospital ward, on the verge of discharging himself. While the setting is simple and effective, it needs more of a change here to clearly identify the new location. More upbeat than Aru, Runga is forthright in his comments on politics, women’s clothing, his concern for his old friend and Selva’s love of hiphop, especially when he’s washing his car! We get to meet Zams, a “bruin ou” in the hospital and unseen nurses who have their own agenda.
The scenes flow easily into each other and what could become maudlin has been well-handled to remain amusing and forthright. The play is written with a sympathetic understanding of the issues confronting old people in an ever-changing and increasingly fast-paced world where young people handling with ease the modern communication technology which bewilders them. There are clear social messages but these are handled with humour and were well-received by the audience.
Don’t be put off by the image on the poster – nobody hangs themselves! It’s more of an an important message about a different kind of dying, that of sedating patients into a half-life.
The High Cost Of Living runs until November 2. Tickets R70 from Computicket or by calling 084 552 4786. Organisations interested in using the production to raise funds, should call Vivian on 084 760 1096. – Caroline Smart
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
AWAKEN
(“Starbust Monk”, oil on canvas, by Tracy Payne)
Kizo gallery and Michael Stevenson Contemporary Gallery present solo exhibition by Tracy Payne.
Kizo gallery in partnership with the Michael Stevenson Contemporary Gallery are proud to present, for the first time in Durban, a solo exhibition by celebrated Cape Town based artist Tracy Payne.
Titled Awaken, the exhibition is curated by a former Durbanite Yvette Dunn who left Durban two years ago. She currently works at the Michael Stevenson and brings a selection of works that the artist created over the last three years.
Amongst the many objectives of this exhibition is opening lines of communication between the city of Durban and Cape Town, a vision that is shared by both Kizo Galley and Michael Stevenson Gallery. This is what the artist says about her process of creation.
“Painting transcends word; it is my tool of investigation, my mode of expression and my vehicle for spiritual growth and development,” says Tracy Payne. “It is through this chosen medium that I hope to find a language that expresses the divinity that lies within us all and discover alternative utopian pathways to a more harmonious life.
“On reflection I see that I have been exploring the interrelationship of the yin (feminine energy) and yang (masculine energy) principles for most of my creative life. In the past I expressed the domination of yang over yin, both as an internal struggle between the masculine and feminine aspects within oneself as well as outwardly in terms of personal relationships to one another and our planet.
“I am not alone in recognizing that our world is out of balance – we have been living in a left-brain, male dominant society for centuries. I seek to heal the split between the two hemispheres of our brain, merging left and right, yin and yang, black and white, east and west, ultimately leading to oneness.
“In the circular floral paintings I return to my exploration of sacred geometry as well as begin to explore the chakra system as a template for transformation. Our chakras are psychic centres that lie along the axis of the spine as consciousness potentials. They are a set of portals between the inner and outer world. Each chakra is associated with a particular sound-vibration and color. The 7 chakras correlate to 7 colors of the rainbow, which in turn represent 7 vibratory modalities of human existence.
“My fascination with the Eastern spirituality again reflects my search for balance. For the large portrait paintings, I turned to the Shaolin Monks of China as a source of inspiration. When I watched Shaolin Wheel of Life on video for the first time, I was transfixed. Here were spiritual men, Zen Buddhists, and at the same time masters in the martial art of Kung Fu; a seeming paradox. Men so strong yet their bodies looked soft and their faces serene. They seem to embody the masculine principal, Sacred Yang, a perfect marriage of spiritual and physical. Essentially men of peace, for to initiate an attack is an aggressive act and an aggressive act is contrary not just to the spirit of Kung Fu, but also to life itself. They are true ‘warriors of light’ for they set out not to conquer others but rather use their physical strength in self-defense to protect that which is sacred. It was as if I’d found through these monks a new beginning with the masculine, a place of forgiveness and sacred appreciation.
“The portrait images exist in the space of meditation just prior to action, ‘the quiet before the storm” so to speak. I prepared the surface of the canvas by combing acrylic paste across the surface, thus creating a texture of ‘threads’. The painting process became more like weaving from left to right, right to left. The texture helped me capture the energetic vibration field of the monks, evoking the spiritual dimension of the physical realm.
“For me painting is an act of meditation. The act of painting calms me; it lowers my heartbeat and slows my breath. I can’t hold a conversation, eat or drink whilst I am painting. My focus is total and at best my thoughts cease. This is when I enter the present moment and am at one. I am constantly challenging myself through the technical skills of observation and execution to find a visual language for my souls yearning. The awakening of the personality to the potential of the soul. To awaken to ‘heaven’ on earth here, now”
Awaken, runs at the Kizo Art Gallery at Gateway until October 28. For more information, contact Kizo on 031 566 4322 and www.kizo.co.za
HUGH MBAYIWA
Elizabeth Gordon Gallery has new works by Zimbabwean artist.
The Elizabeth Gordon Gallery has new works by Zimbabwean artist Hugh Mbayiwa. Bright colourful rural African scenes in oils and mixed medium.
EGG is situated in Florida Road, Morningside, Durban. Contact Joy Reynolds on 031 303 8133.
The Elizabeth Gordon Gallery has new works by Zimbabwean artist Hugh Mbayiwa. Bright colourful rural African scenes in oils and mixed medium.
EGG is situated in Florida Road, Morningside, Durban. Contact Joy Reynolds on 031 303 8133.
LENS MAGIC
Director of Tatham Art Gallery, Pietermaritzburg, appears on Cape Town photographic exhibition.
Appearing at Art at Tokara at the Tokara Winery, Lens Magic forms part of the City of Cape Town’s “Month of Photography”. Among the photographers exhibiting are Pietermaritzburg’s Tatham Art Gallery director Brendan Bell whose work appears alongside that of Andrew Barker, Brendan Bell, Jac de Villiers, Michael Hall, Obie Oberholzer, Inge Prins and Roger Young. Their varied techniques and interpretation of their subject matter offer an exceptionally interesting exhibition.
Andrew Barker and Obie Oberholzer use traditional photographic methods, relying on technique and interpretation to create images that capture the spirit of the subject. They do not manipulate their images in any way - the ambient light is their prime tool added to their particular way of perceiving the world.
Obie Oberholzer’s arresting self-portrait Visual Thug (l) illustrates his view that, given the number of images which bombard us daily, he intends his work to “make people stop for a moment, become inquisitive and to have a second look at the image.”
Whereas Obie’s juxtaposition of imagery confronts his viewer, Andrew Barker’s work (r) searches for the innate beauty of his subject.
In contrast, the works by Brendan Bell and Inge Prins experiment with still life. Bell digitally manipulates his own photographs to create new, fantasy environments, inhabited by objects we know, many of which refer to aspects of South African history. After obtaining the degrees of BA Fine Art and MA (History of Art) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Bell became involved in education and curatorial work at art museums. He is currently.
He restarted art making in the late 1990s, working with gouache and collage at his kitchen table. A number of research trips to Sweden for a project on the Rorke¹s Drift Art and Craft Centre led him to revisit his domestic environment, resulting in numerous digital photographs and ideas. His 'constructed collages' are computer-generated digital images which attempt to extract order and meaning from cultural and sensory overload.
Prins' smoke series is like a meditative poem on the passing of time and the subtlety of light, as if the smoke is photographed as still life – a moment in a fleeting existence is captured by her lens.
Highly respected photographer Jac de Villiers says, “Photography is a magical process, whether the picture is digitally or chemically produced.” He is exhibiting six images calledRestaurant at the end of the world, which depict the dignity of 'arid life'.
Roger Young is fascinated by rural South Africa and wherever he finds himself on his travels, he engages with people and places. His evocative images seem to summon collective memory in people whose home this land is, while providing empathetic insight for viewers to whom the scenes are foreign.
Michael Hall is interested in narrative photographic sequences, aiming to encourage his viewers to ask questions about what humans are doing to harm our planet. His Fear evokes memories of political protest and necklacing and also symbolises pollution and the degradation of the environment.
Tokara Winery is situated at the crest of the Helshoogte Pass, Stellenbosch. Lens Magic runs until November 23. More information on 011 788-0820 or from Julia Meintjes on 083 675-1825 or email juliam@icon.co.za or art@tokara.com
Appearing at Art at Tokara at the Tokara Winery, Lens Magic forms part of the City of Cape Town’s “Month of Photography”. Among the photographers exhibiting are Pietermaritzburg’s Tatham Art Gallery director Brendan Bell whose work appears alongside that of Andrew Barker, Brendan Bell, Jac de Villiers, Michael Hall, Obie Oberholzer, Inge Prins and Roger Young. Their varied techniques and interpretation of their subject matter offer an exceptionally interesting exhibition.
Andrew Barker and Obie Oberholzer use traditional photographic methods, relying on technique and interpretation to create images that capture the spirit of the subject. They do not manipulate their images in any way - the ambient light is their prime tool added to their particular way of perceiving the world.
Obie Oberholzer’s arresting self-portrait Visual Thug (l) illustrates his view that, given the number of images which bombard us daily, he intends his work to “make people stop for a moment, become inquisitive and to have a second look at the image.”
Whereas Obie’s juxtaposition of imagery confronts his viewer, Andrew Barker’s work (r) searches for the innate beauty of his subject.
In contrast, the works by Brendan Bell and Inge Prins experiment with still life. Bell digitally manipulates his own photographs to create new, fantasy environments, inhabited by objects we know, many of which refer to aspects of South African history. After obtaining the degrees of BA Fine Art and MA (History of Art) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Bell became involved in education and curatorial work at art museums. He is currently.
He restarted art making in the late 1990s, working with gouache and collage at his kitchen table. A number of research trips to Sweden for a project on the Rorke¹s Drift Art and Craft Centre led him to revisit his domestic environment, resulting in numerous digital photographs and ideas. His 'constructed collages' are computer-generated digital images which attempt to extract order and meaning from cultural and sensory overload.
Prins' smoke series is like a meditative poem on the passing of time and the subtlety of light, as if the smoke is photographed as still life – a moment in a fleeting existence is captured by her lens.
Highly respected photographer Jac de Villiers says, “Photography is a magical process, whether the picture is digitally or chemically produced.” He is exhibiting six images calledRestaurant at the end of the world, which depict the dignity of 'arid life'.
Roger Young is fascinated by rural South Africa and wherever he finds himself on his travels, he engages with people and places. His evocative images seem to summon collective memory in people whose home this land is, while providing empathetic insight for viewers to whom the scenes are foreign.
Michael Hall is interested in narrative photographic sequences, aiming to encourage his viewers to ask questions about what humans are doing to harm our planet. His Fear evokes memories of political protest and necklacing and also symbolises pollution and the degradation of the environment.
Tokara Winery is situated at the crest of the Helshoogte Pass, Stellenbosch. Lens Magic runs until November 23. More information on 011 788-0820 or from Julia Meintjes on 083 675-1825 or email juliam@icon.co.za or art@tokara.com
TRIBUTE TO PETER SCHUTZ
Well-known sculptor and teacher dies of cancer at his home in KZN on October 15.
Peter Schutz, sculptor and teacher, died of cancer at his home in KwaZulu-Natal on October 15, 2008.
Born in Glogau, Germany, 1942, Schutz obtained a BA(FA) Honours and MA(FA) Natal University, Durban in 1982. He won the Standard Bank Young Artist Award in 1984, the Cape Town Triennial Gold Medal in 1988 and represented South Africa in Chile and in Morocco at official presentations.
He taught at major tertiary educational institutions including the Technikon Natal and the University of the Witwatersrand, and maintained fully-equipped sculpture studios at Wits and in KwaZulu-Natal up to the last three months of his life.
Schutz’s work is held in in numerous galleries, nationally and internationally, including Durban Municipal Art Museum, Atlantis/Mariposa, Johannesburg Art Gallery and corporate collections such as the Telkom, Sasol and Chase Manhattan Bank collections. He participated in group exhibitions with luminaries such as Penny Siopis, Walter Oltman and Neels Coetzee; and held solo exhibitions – in September 1998, Icons and Idols, Schutz @ 60 in 2003, Extraordinary People in 2004, and Sentient Beings in 2007.
His long association with the Goodman Gallery positioned him as one of the major contemporary artists of South Africa, capable of speaking to the universal while maintaining a strong sense of the particular in the iconography of his work. For example, Durban Icon, in the permanent collection of the Durban Art Gallery, honours the rickshaw man – the work of a common labourer, with a halo and flames of light. Understanding the sacred within the commonplace, and presenting these images was a hallmark of his work.
Female form and mythology became a major interest in his last years with works like: Perpetual Light, Crouching Woman, A Piece of Blue Sky, Madonna of the Precious Blood, Goddess of Vegetation, Invocation to Light. A feature of this work was to create an inviting tension between images of spiritually and lightheartedness. He found peace and profundity in nature wherever he was and organic life forms were constantly emerging from his work – tempered by some Bavarian restraint perhaps, but prolific and joyous nevertheless.
Although he travelled frequently and visited major art fairs internationally, his major works always referred to the African context within which his post-war family made home. Mythic, legendary and religious inspirations came from across the board – Lakshmi, the Madonna, bleeding hearts from the tattoo parlous – all brought their own particular richness of reverence and reality.
His preferred medium was wood but he also worked frequently with Malcolm Christian at Caversham Press, re-creating his 3 D images into graphics that had a simplicity of their own.
His approach to his work was as idiosyncratic as his personality – he brooked no compromise of craftsmanship, and only emerged from his solitude to keep steadfast company with a few but distinguished colleagues.
Schutz said of his work: “I take pleasure in the physical side of sculpture and like to honour the old methods of craftmanship with contemporary manipulations, allowing the work to evolve beyond the original concept.”
Peter is remembered with great love by his life partner Jill Waterman; sister Heidi and brother-in-law Peter Kurth; his nieces Gabi and Susi and their husbands Torsten and Herbert; and their children Katherina, Benedikt, Laura, Johanna and Franziska
LOATHING AND LOVING AND GIVING
(Pic: Mosaic work by Jane du Rand)
Internationally acclaimed Durban ceramic artist, Jane du Rand, is hosting her second solo exhibition Loathing and Loving and Giving at artSPACE Durban, from October 28.
Du Rand’s exhibition combines small miniature pieces with six large statement domes (of about one and a half meters each in diameter). Some are designed on the concave and others on the convex, each featuring a ceramic collage reflecting specific conceptual themes.
Her work feels like discovering treasure – a visual and tactile experience which is tantalizing, delicate and precious. Deftly-crafted individual segments are woven together to create a complex and detailed work in a palette of carefully-chosen mostly muted and unexpected shades. The narrative and meaning is subtle – one responds to her work on a symbolic and subconscious, almost organic level. One reads meaning into the hues, textures and shapes she uses which results in an incredibly personal and intimate connection both with the work on display and with Jane as the artist.
“In Loathing and Loving and Giving, I use ceramics and mosaics made out of numerous bits and pieces to explore the daily emotions that I experience as a working mother. As I care for my family and claim time for my work and my creative self, I have to find a precarious balance. How, at the same time, can I be completely selfish, and yet also selfless? The feelings that are expressed through the shape and colour of tiny ceramic fragments and the layering of objects are therefore contradictory,” explains du Rand.
“I have layered some of the pieces, so that you need to look through a ceramic layer to see what is contained inside or underneath. I also used tools usually associated with domesticity and children’s celebrations, such as cookie cutters for the decorative cut-out patterns of the terracotta tiles” she expounds.
Du Rand’s work marries her dual interest in architecture and art. She has just returned from Chile with her team of five art-makers where they were commissioned to create a 100m² floor for the new Mostazal Casino Development in San Francisco de Mostazal, 57km south of Santiago. The design for the floor used dramatic, big, bold, bright flowers.
Du Rand’s public work will be familiar to Durbanites – she did the mosaic work of the public benches and bollards in Durban’s CBD (2002); the “red carpet” walkway into the new wing of the ICC (2007) and the Bessie Head Memorial at Werde School (2007). Further afield she has done the Baragwanath Taxi Rank in Soweto; 18 foyer columns for the new Constitutional Court in Johannesburg (2003); and the Oppenheimer family home in Johannesburg. On individual commissions, she has worked throughout the province, throughout the country and internationally.
This year she was one of eight finalists in the SA DaimlerChrysler Mercedes Award – South African Art Projects in Public Spaces.
“The medium of mosaics and my specific approach also allows me to snatch moments for my personal art, in-between the bread-and-butter of commissions and time spent with my children. Small individual ceramic pieces could be made with small bits of time. It was only at the end of this process that I claimed the time to put everything together in its final form.”
Loathing and Loving and Giving can be viewed at artSPACE durban from October 28 until November 15. Entry is free and all are welcome. artSPACE durban is alongside Waste Centre in 3 Millar Road, just off Umgeni Road. More information on 031 312 0793 or email: artspace_durban@yahoo.com
ROCKING ALL OVER THE WORLD
(Pic: Lauren Laing, Bronwyn Evans and Kirsty Madgin)
Barnyard Theatre launches its show to run over the festive season.
The Barnyard Theatre has tailor-made an ideal festive season show, one that will have audiences rocking from New York to Johannesburg, Sydney to London, and Paris to Vancouver. Rocking All Over The World features hits from a dozen different destinations, whisking audiences across the globe for the hottest musical journey.
Guided by (air) hostess Bronwyn Evans, audiences will need to hold on to their seats as the whirlwind tour begins in Canada as their musical icons such as Celine Dion, Bryan Adams and Alanis Morisette are paid tribute to with hits as Power Of Love, Heaven and Hand In My Pocket.
The flight then heads across the Atlantic to Europe where stops are made in Ireland, France, Spain, Sweden and England. Think of U2, Edith Piaf, The Gipsy Kings, ABBA, George Michael, Amy Whinehouse and Queen, amongst others. The party really gets going before interval with hits such as Pride, Volare, Faith and We Will Rock You.
The second half kicks off Down Under with the likes of AC/DC’s Thunder Struck, Men At Work’s Land Down Under and INXS’s Never Tear Us Apart. Audiences then wing their way across the Pacific to South America with the sultry sounds of Carlos Santana and Shakira with Smooth and Hips Don’t Lie. The next destination is the home of reggae, Jamaica, where tribute is paid to the legendary Bob Marley.
Then it’s off to the US of A where you get a taste of country music, washed down with the pop icons Madonna, Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, and finished off with a bit of Neil Diamond. A fleeting transit is made in Greece where audiences are entertained with Zorba The Greek, before the round-the-world trip comes to an end. Touch down on home soil for the big finale with Johnny Clegg’s Impi and Mango Groove’s Special Star.
The eleven-member cast is headed up by Bronwyn Evans as host, with Joel Zuma and Steph Botha on male vocals, and Petro Liebenberg and Lauren Laing on female vocals. The band is made up of Johan Liebenberg on guitar and vocals, Calli Thomson on keyboard, Banda Banda on bass guitar, Juan Smit on drums and local lasses Kirsty Madgin on saxophone and Jane Baillie on violin.
Rocking All Over The World runs until January 11 and additional lunch-time shows have been added to accommodate festive season revelry.
Tickets R105 pp from Wednesday to Saturday (R70 pp Tuesday nights and Sunday matinees) Bookings and enquiries on 031 566 3045, e-mail gateway@barnyardtheatres.co.za or visit www.barnyardtheatres.co.za for more information
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