LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED

(Pic: Clockwise: Brian Payne, Ruan Geldenhuys, Kerry Lee McKibbin; Aaron Nel; Natasha Lynn and Shanthan)

Maurice Kort and Caroline Smart provide a joint review of Dockyard’s festive season production.

Dockyard Theatre’s Stuart Mey has an ideal hit show for the festive season with bright new young talent. Let’s Get This Party Started sparkles from the start with the new singing talents of Natasha Lynn, Ruan Geldenhuys and Kerry Lee McKibbin arising from the recent So You Think You Can Sing competition. They are joined by Shanthan (back home after appearing in Europe and the United Kingdom) in the rousing opening number, the Alice Cooper hit School's Out, appropriately dressed in colourful school uniforms.

The party then really gets started with the talented singers moving from one hit song to the next, individually or together, with the addition of Bryan Payne and Aaron Nel. He is part of the Dockyard Showband (on guitar) with Musa Mtetwa, on keyboards (also as Assistant Musical Director), Llewellyn Chetty (on bass guitar) and Brenton Govender (on drums). The singers switch from one colourful costume to the next throughout the show and there is indeed never a dull moment. They look so good - mind you, they'd look good even if they were dressed in sacks!! Although there is no-one credited with the choreography, the singers all move superbly and there is very nifty footwork, particularly by Shanthan.

Included in the programme are songs of Mika (Grace Kelly), Duffy (Mercy), Amy Winehouse (Valerie), Gypsy Kings/Bob Sinclair (ala “Calypso Kings” - Bamboleo, Volare, Love Generation), Justin Timberlake (Senorita), George Michael (Faith), Scissor Sisters (I Don't Feel Like Dancing), and many, many more.

Particularly enjoyable was the exuberant Girls Just Wanna Have Fun by Natasha Lynn and Kerry Lee McKibbin, the very humorously performed Little Red Riding Hood by Bryan Payne, the Meatloaf hit I Would Do Anything for Love by Aaron Nel and several songs from Grease and The Rocky Horror Show (Time Warp, Sweet Transvestite). Bryan Payne shone as Frank-n-Furter with Ruan Geldenhuys and Shanthan showing their acting talents in the roles of Brad Majors and Janet Weiss in the fun enactment of the scene from the show suitably joined by the two ladies in the cast as Magenta and Columbia

Linking the songs are delightful comic performances by Bryan Payne in many guises, starting with the school teacher chasing the noisy school boys off the stage after School's Out, to a Life Guard (the patter of which tended to drag slightly), a Pastor of the Church of Living Theatre (containing much very topical matter and it might be noted that many a true word is spoken in jest), Santa Claws (sic, see the show and you'll understand) which is most appropriate for a show during this time of the year.

The whole show incorporates many novel ideas, for example the last scene before the interval and the announcement of the interval. These lift the evening from being merely a compilation of several hit songs. The result is a well-balanced programme of modern songs and well-known oldies, for which full credit must go to the producer/director Stuart Mey; musical director Bruce Boome; sound technician Wayde Sparks, and the lighting designer David Dyer.

The menu, food and service are up to the Dockyard Supper Theatre's usual high standard. For starters on offer are Chicken Livers Peri Peri, Fish Cakes or Crumbed Mushrooms; for mains one has a choice of Grilled Sirloin Steak (which melted in the mouth), Grilled Quarter Chicken, Calamari Strips or Vegetarian Pot Pie and for desserts,one can be tempted by Chocolate Mousse, Fruit Salad & Ice Cream or Kahlua Dom Pedro. – Maurice Kort

artSMart’s Editor Caroline Smart was only able to see the show some time after it had opened and here are her comments:

Maurice Kort has covered the show most efficiently and I agree with all his sentiments. I would just like to add my own contribution.

What a pleasure it is to see such a line-up of talented new faces in this show which is “party-time” – and loud! - from the word go, but this is what the Dockyard year-end audiences seem to want. I was particularly impressed with Natasha Lynn who gave a strong and focused performance. It was also good to see Shanthan back on the Durban theatre circuit again.

In staging his productions, Stuart Mey has come a long way since his early days down at the first Dockyard venue at the harbour entrance. Let’s Get This Party Started is performed on a well-designed stage area backed by a large art deco image of a jukebox. It’s a small but very tight band and the musicians are well-placed to offer the maximum of performance space.

I chose the Fish Cakes – mainly because they’d run out of mushrooms and, despite my normal antipathy to fish, found them very appetising - apparently, they’re made from Stuart’s mum’s recipe. My main choice was Calamari Strips which was very enjoyable. – Caroline Smart

Tickets range from R160 to R210 with varying meal options available and there are matinee and evening shows. In addition, there is a special R70 ticket price for shows on Tuesdays and Sundays with a special Burger menu. Dockyard Theatre is now situated at Musgrave Centre. For queries or bookings contact Mel on 031 201 9147 or Strictly Tickets or visit www.dockyardtheatre.co.za

CHOPS, CHOONS AND SPAN OF DOPS

Five inebriated characters meander through humorous comment and send-up! (Review by Caroline Smart)

A Dingaling Production conceived by Yugan Naidoo and directed by Kumseela Naidoo, Chops, Choons and Span of Dops is an evening of comedy entertainment combining skit and stand-up routines.

The setting is an outdoor braai area on a camping site in Park Rynie where five fairly inebriated characters have taken time-out from the “vrous”. Senzo Mthethwa, Koobeshan Naidoo, Henry Ramkissoon, Pranesh Maharaj and Ravi are putting in some heavy drinking while partaking of the odd nibble from the braai. The point of the whole bunfight is to give the endearing “lightie” (Pranesh) a bachelor party at which he becomes the amiable receiving end for some amusing ribbing.

Despite the fact that show is quite lengthy, including an interval, the laughs come thick and fast with the most enthusiastic response coming from Koobeshan’s take on marital relationships – particularly those mysterious shopping bags that come home and disappear into a secluded portion of the wife’s cupboard only to reappear much later in the form of a new outfit, explaining the R2,000 dent in the bank account!

The cast is tightly knit and work well together under Kumseela Naidoo’s direction. They are all versatile so we get a few songs and even a dance number!

Senzo Mthethwa is completely at home with Indian music so this offers a fascinating cross-cultural aspect. Henry Ramkissoon’s infectious laugh punctuates his volatile dialogue while Ravi is the quietest – and probably sanest – character of the bunch.

I believe that the production could do with some pruning – particularly in the stand-up sequences - as I always believe that “less is more”. We have been introduced to the scenario of the campsite situation and, while music and song is accepted as a logical departure, long slabs of stand-up takes us away from the direction in which we’ve been steered. However, as I said, the audience remained supportive to the end.

I would like to see Dingalings explore the capacity of this group further. While Chops, Choons and Span of Dops has the potential to continue to attract audiences for a long time – use it as a pension fund, guys! – there’s some strong talent in this production and it looks as if they have the necessary energy to be adventurous.

There are two more performances at Supernova at Suncoast tomorrow (November 29) at 17h00 and 21h00. Tickets at the box-office at NuMetro Cinecentre at Suncoast on 031 328 3349/38. For more information call Kay on 083 793 9969. – Caroline Smart

The Dingalings’ next production “Laugh for Life” takes place on December 3 and 4 at the Sibaya Casino and at the Golden Horse Casino in Pietermaritzburg on December 14 and 15. All performances at 20h00 presented in aid of the United National World Food Programme Hunger Relief – SA. See separate article)

A CELEBRATION OF AFRICAN ART

Fresh Paint Gallery offers works from a diverse array of artists from across Africa.

Opening November 26 at the Fresh Paint Gallery in Davenport Rd, Glenwood, is a Celebration of African Art – a collection of never before seen works from a diverse array of artists from across Africa.

Closest to home local artist “DKZ” Simon, a protégé of Themba Siwela, will have his first public viewing, exhibiting his charming, naive visions of Zulu cultural life.

Zambian brothers Jeff and Jim Lungu make a welcome return with an entirely new collection of their delightful, stylised paintings which cross-pollinate pointillism, expressionism and much more alongside the similar but slightly tougher style of their compatriot Lawrence Mactribuoy. Also from Zambia are the beautifully observed and executed village scenes of Poto Kabwe.

From the Cameroon are two internationally recognised artists, Salifou Lindou and Blaise Bang, who have exhibited across Europe and Africa, including this year’s Joburg art Fair. Of all the artists exhibiting at Fresh Paint theirs is the least literal or figurative, with Bang working mainly in and on metal in an iconographic fashion and Lindou using a variety of interesting media in his lyrical yet challenging paintings.

Representing the DRC is Miman Mohemi whose vibrant palette knife paintings make wonderful use of light, colour and contrast to create mood and substance. The huge dusk scene by fellow countryman N’Lahu- Muntu is all about mood and his smaller work speaks of another reality altogether.

All in all this, is a collection of captivating, fresh material and should not be passed over, especially with a view to investing in very inexpensive quality pieces.

Fresh Paint can be found at 60 Davenport Rd, Glenwood, Durban. For more information, contact the Gallery on 031 201 8367.

LIONEL MKHWANAZI

Set to deliver in his chosen field – (Interview with new head of OSCA by William Charlton-Perkins)

Hearing good things about the new man on the block, I decided to get a closer look this week at what is going down at the UKZN’s Opera School and Choral Academy these days. I met with Lionel Mkhwanazi, 34, the Soweto-born lyric tenor who was recently appointed to the key post of OSCA’s Voice Lecturer.

When I arrived to interview him during a lunch break, the place was buzzing as a KZNPO campus concert had just ended, and students and players were thronging out of Jubilee Hall on Princess Alice Drive on the University’s lower campus. We made our way downstairs to Mkhwanazi’s rather cluttered rehearsal room-office space to chat. My first impressions included a strong sense of purpose, a quiet, pragmatic way of ‘getting on with life’, and a refreshing absence of ego-building, so prevalent in the theatrical world.

Mkhwanazi was driven to develop his talent while singing in choirs as a youth. Heading for Durban as an eager 20-year-old, he landed the plum role of Tamino in Mozart’s The Magic Flute, staged by Opera Africa. Then, like so many young singers, he furthered his studies for four years at UCT’s School of Opera. While taking his diploma he gained invaluable experience appearing regularly in productions staged by Cape Town’s Opera Studio, a bridging body affiliated, under the aegis of Prof Angelo Gobbato, to both Artscape and UCT.

With the help of bursaries, Mkhwanazi undertook post graduate studies for his Master’s degree at the Southern Methodist University in Dallas. During his time in the US, he made the most of performance opportunities that came his way, as well as teaching at middle schools. After two years, home called, and he returned to South Africa to put back into the country his energy and newly acquired professional skills.

A personal highlight for Mkhwanazi back home was being invited to perform in the 50-year celebratory concert staged in Soweto given by the Oppenheimer Foundation as its salute to the many beneficiaries it has supported down the years. “I felt so proud to be up there, singing for my own family and friends in my home city, to be able show them what I have achieved with their support and the faith they showed in me when I was starting out.”

Mkhwanazi was teaching Voice and Performance for the Pretoria based Black Tie Opera Ensemble’s development programme when he applied for and got the recently advertised post at UKZN. Clearly, Pretoria’s loss is Durban’s gain.

He is palpably excited about the talent waiting to be developed at OSCA, and at the prospect of working with a professional musician of the calibre of Andrew Warburton, an accredited UNISA International Singing Competition accompanist. He also relishes the prospect of performing alongside his students, an experience he himself cherished as a student, singing with his own teacher, Brad Liebl, in Cape Town.

Refreshingly too, Mkhwanazi, I intuit, concurs there is room for more high-quality teachers to join the staff at OSCA, in the light of the broad scope of work being undertaken on other campuses, notably Cape Town’s.

In any event, we now we have a man in our midst, it seems safe to predict, with an unswerving belief in his chosen field, with performance experience behind him, and with the essential determination to serve the cause of Opera, that universal, most demanding and most magnificent of all performing art forms.

Opera and Choral singing belong to the world, we agree. Classical opera, with its wealth of musical and dramatic riches, deserves to be shared with our people, showcasing our own artists in Africanized settings such as that of Opera Africa’s Carmen a decade or more back.

Just so, new indigenous opera and choral music needs to be commissioned from our own composers. The Playhouse Company made a significant step in this direction, staging Ingqayingyayi E-Afrika, its Phelelani Mnomiya-Themba Msimang commission for the opening of the first African ISPA conference at The Playhouse in June. This work was designed for future development, said Playhouse CEO Linda Bukhosini while work was in progress on the project. The Company held auditions earlier this year for OSCA students, with an eye to fostering future work opportunities for young talent, so more could well follow in this direction.

“Durban is a big city,” says Mkhwanazi. “We need to think big in our field, and work together to turn ourselves around.” Internationally, KwaZulu-Natal is known for its untold vocal riches. To an overwhelming extent these are still waiting to be mined and developed for the benefit of our artists themselves, while fulfilling the vast cultural tourism potential of our city and our region. We need to help create an industry for this to happen.

Local opera, along with its indigenous sister performance art forms, can and will thrive if nurtured it from within. - William Charlton-Perkins

WAVESCAPES SURF FILM FESTIVAL

Programme features documentary about the Mqade brothers of Umzumbe in KZN.

South Africa's top young artists are on board for a unique exhibition that brings surfers and sharks together in a nice way. Ten surfboards decorated by graffiti, comic and other artists, including Konradski, Willie Bester and Mak1, will be surrounded by 40 haunting photographs of sharks by award-winning photographer Tom Peschak from the Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF), a non-profit marine conservation group.

The combined display at the Wavescapes Surfboard Art Exhibition runs until December 3 at the VEO Gallery in de Waterkant, culminating in a special charity auction for the NSRI and Shark Spotters.

With the surfboards, surfer comedian Mark Sampson will also auction five large-format, signed photos by marine biologist Peschak. After the exhibition, the Wavescapes Surf Film Festival opens with an outdoor screening at Clifton Fourth Beach on December 5, followed by 17 shows of the latest and hottest surfing films at the Brass Bell in Kalk Bay and Labia in Cape Town from December 7 to 14.

An African thread runs through the film programme, with documentary Zulu Surf Riders, about the Mqade brothers of Umzumbe in KwaZulu-Natal, showing with Bustin' Down the Door, the Shaun Tomson film, as well as Sliding Liberia, a beautifully made documentary about redemption and healing in war-torn Liberia. A short film called Shark Angels features South African shark researcher Alison Kock.

More information on 021 421 3278. Wavescapes is supported by African Surfrider magazine, Men's Health, Wavescape.co.za and the Cape Times. For programming information, as well as examples of the works on show, visit http://www.wavescape.co.za/

DOUBLE BILL AT UKZN

Fresh new talent for two plays to be presented on UKZN campus.

Avenge the Nerd and Twins, written and directed by Tanya Simcox, is a new double bill of plays set to run at the UKZN’s Studio 5 (Howard College drama department) from November 28 to December 5.

In the dark comedy, Avenge the Nerd Ben (Byron Thanarayen) is constantly picked on by Damien and his friends, until one day they take things just that little bit too far. Suddenly things start happening to them. Bad things.

Produced by Yellow Budgie Productions, the double bill introduces some fresh new talent to the local stage. Avenge the Nerd features Ron Berko, Heloise Hunter, Heshica Elisha Naidoo, Calvin Timms/Nicholas Boertj (alternating in a role) and Frank King, Chris Boertje (also alternating) and Shelli Niemann. In the comedy Twins, Jacques (Nicholas Boertje) enjoys pretending to be his twin brother Justin (Chris Boertje), then one day he steals Justin’s girlfriend. Maor mistake.

Twins features the Boertje twins, with Xolile Gumede, Menoka Ramdath and Heloise Hunter. Tickets R45 (R35 for students and pensioners) booked on 083 412 1028. Performance times are 18h00 with an extra 14h00 show on the Sunday.

CATALINA LATE&LIVE COMEDY

Enjoy off the wall humour after Catalina featured show.

Late and Live was a concept that the Catalina Theatre in Wilson’s Wharf ran with a couple years ago. This appealed not only to those who enjoy a slightly later and punchier show, but a production tht offered something different every-time. These comedy shows run for an hour after the earlier Shear Madness. If patrons see the earlier show they get into the comedy for a mere R30.

November will host " Best of KZN New faces" featuring the top new acts from KZN on rotation. These include Simmi Areff ( who opened for Riaad Moosa, John Vlismas and Glen Bo in this year alone ); Robbie Collins ( Winner of the ThunderHEad new act of the year award); Tharuna Devchand, Paddy Padayachee; Jan Badenhorst, Lil Paul and others.

December will see the " best of the touring acts" from all around RSA, namely Brendan Murray (Cape Town), Paul Snodgrass (Cape Town); Glen Bo (KZN/UK); Trevor Gumbi (JHB), and Vittorio Leonardi (JHB) all on rotation.

Catalina Late&Live Comedy runs until December 20 on Fridays and Saturdays only, starting at 22h00. Tickets R40 to R50 to be collected at 21h00. More information on 031 305-6889. Bookings on www.strictlytickets.com

CINDERELLA

KickstArt presents the magic of traditional pantomime for festive season.

What would the Durban Christmas holidays be without the magic of a KickstArt pantomime? This year, KickstArt has chosen to stage everybody’s favourite fairytale, Cinderella which comes to the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre on KZN University campus from November 29 to run until January 4.

Cinderella is being given the full pantomime treatment: gorgeous costumes, lavish sets, toe-tapping songs, jokes aplenty, a lively chorus of dancers, and fabulous special effects. Once again, director Steven Stead and designer Greg King are set to enchant audiences with another spectacular family show, following in the tradition they have established with their earlier award-winning successes such as The Wizard of Oz, Aladdin, Winnie-the-Pooh and The Jungle Book.

The top-notch local cast is headed by the lovely Belinda Henwood as the rags to riches heroine, with Darren King and Thomie Holtzhausen excelling in their hilarious roles as her Ugly Sisters. Bryan Hiles brings all his characteristic charm to playing Buttons, her friend and admirer, while in true panto style, Janna Ramos Violante and Marion Loudon add a dash of style and panache as Prince Charming and his valet, Dandini. Shelley MacLean completes the cast as a glamorous Fairy Godmother.

Following the success of their recent Wizard of Oz, Stead and King have assembled the same ‘winning formula’ production team to mount the production: Seasoned professional Evan Roberts returns as Musical Director, Janine Bennewith is again providing the witty, sparkling choreographer and lighting design is once again in the more than capable hands of Tina le Roux.

KickstArt produce four productions annually - their line up this year has seen David Mamet's Oleanna, Willy Russell’s gentle comedy Shirley Valentine, the delightful family fantasy musical The Wizard of Oz; and this year’s annual festive season musical, Cinderella.

Cinderella will run at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from November 28 to January 4, with performances Tuesday to Saturday at 14h30, Friday and Saturday at 19h00, and Sunday at 15h00. There are no performances on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year’s Day.

Tickets R90 (R70 for children under 12 ) booked through Computicket. Discounted pensioners tickets (R70) can be purchased from Computicket outlets only, on presentation of appropriate ID, but not on the internet or the telephone. Low price previews on November 29 at 19h00 and November 30 at 15h00.when ticket prices are R70 throughout the house.

Also note there is a special schools performance on December 4 at 11h00. R45 for scholars in block bookings. Call Steven 072 796 4236 to book for this show only.

SHEAR MADNESS

One of the world’s most popular comedy-thrillers to appear at Catalina over the festive season.

One of the world’s most popular comedy-thrillers, the uproariously animated whodunit Shear Madness, will be staged for the first time in South Africa, when it comes to the Catalina Theatre over the festive season from November 27.

Shear Madness is the world’s second longest running play (after Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap) and probably America’s greatest theatrical success story. It combines comedy, a juicy whodunit murder mystery… opportunities for the audience to give input to help craft the script – and the resolution of the murder. The ending of the play is different every night as audience members hear clues, question the characters and solve the crime. The humour also features current affairs so the cast amend the script depending on newsworthy events of the time.

The play is set in a unisex hair salon in the city in which it plays, ie the Catalina production will be set in Durban. The landlady, famed veteran concert pianist Isabel Czerny, who lives above the shop, is murdered – stabbed with a pair of scissors. The theatre audience gets involved in the action by questioning the actors and attempting to solve the crime.

The characters include chatty camp hairdresser Tom Whitcomb (Marc Kay) and his flirty streetwise assistant Barbara Demarco (Daisy Spencer). The customers in the salon played by Clare Mortimer; Michael Gritten; Dhaveshan Govender; and Loyiso MacDonald – all contributing to the lead up to a madcap murder reminiscent of the Marx Brothers. The end result is a surprising mixture of audience sleuthing and up-to-the minute improvisational humour.

Durban producer / director Themi Venturas was required to travel to the States to be trained by the international team on the necessary improv skills, and briefed about the production process to ensure that the Durban production meets the international standards and that the cast have the necessary improvisation and unscripted performance skills.

Theatre producers Marilyn Abrams and Bruce Jordan acquired rights for a murder mystery originally titled Scherenschnitt, by Swiss playwright Paul Portner and adapted it into the improv masterpiece, Shear Madness. It opened in Boston, USA, at the Charles Playhouse Stage II in January 1980. The Boston production is the second longest running non-musical play in the world (after The Mousetrap), and the production at the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington DC is the second longest running play ever, having opened in August 1987.

Every night, the audience member with the weirdest hair style gets to win a surprise prize with compliments of Schwartzkopf.

Shear Madness runs at Catalina Theatre, Wilson’s Wharf, from November 27 to December 31. Tickets R80 (R40 concessions) with Buy One Get One Free on Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the first week. For corporate block bookings, charity fundraisers and show / meal deals contact Thandeka on 031 305 6889 or 031 305 7612 or e-mail tsibisi@mweb.co.za

Booking is at Strictly Tickets.

The Catalina Theatre is still functioning thanks to the incredible generosity and support from Rainbow Chicken

PUSS IN BOOTS FOR AACL

Special preview performance of delightful children’s show in aid of Animal Anti-Cruelty League.

Director Garth Anderson has generously given the premiere of his latest production Puss 'n Boots in the Durban Botanic Gardens to the Animal Anti Cruelty League. This will take place on December 7 at 10h00, when there will be lots of give-aways and even a live furry feline Puss for the children to stroke. Tickets R50 (R40 children) obtained by phoning Lynne on 031 201 6098.

“artSMart has advocated the giving of theatre tickets as a Christmas present,” says Lynne Goodman of AACL. “We will even provide a card.”

Puss in Boots runs at 10h00 from December 6 to January 10 at Under the Fig Tree, the Amphitheatre at Durban Botanic Gardens. Bookings on 083 883 8855

UMKHONTO KAZULU

Production offers strong message that Zulus should use Heritage Month as a way of going back to their roots. (Review by Siza KaMthembu)

Umkhonto KaZulu, directed by Musa Chiliza had a short season in the Playhouse Loft recently. With a cast of 25, all new in the industry, the story is told through music, dance and few monologues. Umkhonto KaZulu is written and produced by Musa Chiliza.

In his opening speech, Musa Chiliza noted that theatre is still a fairytale in the rural areas, and how difficult it is to find professional actors. Hence they go from door to door trying to find people. Musa mentioned that they are in a process of training actors thanks to the Arts and Culture Department’s Invest in Culture project for funding them with R500, 000.

Umkhonto KaZulu starts with the voice-over of an ancestral spirit warning the current chief of the problems facing the village. The chief then asks the sangoma to come and show him the way. The production also raises the worrying fact that most young people today seem to forget their culture and customs and follow the ways of the western world.

We are then taken through the whole journey of Mhlanga (reed dance), umemulo, and the girl’s 21st and ukukhula komfana (boys stick fight and cow herding). All this is told through the voice of Bongani Mbatha who plays the role of Ngcobo as a story-teller. He starts by telling his children (who are seated in the audience, the actors) about King Shaka, and how rituals were performed. The strong message of this production is that Zulus should use this heritage month as a way of going back to their roots.

Noticeable performances come from Makhasha Zindela, Musa Chiliza and Bongani who all play their roles with dignity, care and pride with prefect diction and articulation. Although the show had an odd ending and lots of ‘preaching” rather than entertainment Umkhonto KaZulu is good to see during this heritage month of September. - Siza KaMthembu

CLASSICFEEL GOES DANCING!

Monthly arts and culture magazine to be media partner to the FNB Dance Umbrella 2009.

CLASSICFEEL is proud to announce that the award-winning monthly arts and culture magazine will be media partner to the FNB Dance Umbrella 2009.

The FNB Dance Umbrella festival, which is the biggest open and free platform for new contemporary dance and choreography in South Africa, will celebrate its 21st year of presenting new work by South African and international choreographers for three weeks in February and March next year in Gauteng.

Artistic Director Georgina Thomson is excited about the anniversary. ‘We have over the years, attained local and international recognition for the Dance Umbrella and many South African artists living in Europe, come home especially to show work at this prestigious event,’ she comments.

‘To be part of this initiative is indeed a proud moment for CLASSICFEEL magazine as we believe that dance has transcended all boundaries in our country,’ says the magazine’s publisher, Lore Watterson. ‘Dance has proven to be a language that all South Africans understand with it being one of the most integrated art forms today, encompassing all cultures, languages and religions, something we fully support as our editorial policy.’

CLASSICFEEL is an award-winning monthly magazine that brings the best in classical and jazz music, visual arts, film and theatre, as well as food and travel, to its readers. It speaks to a niche, high-end market with discerning tastes across gender, race and age.

artSMart editor Caroline Smart writes a regular column on arts and entertainment in Durban for CLASSICFEEL

SORRY, WHAT?!

The Glen Bo Solo Show to run at Kwasuka Theatre from December 4 to 13.

Sorry, What?!, The Glen Bo Solo show, is playing at Kwasuka Theatre from December 4 to 13.

“What’s this about then?” asks Glen Bo. “It's simple - all things that have been said by the "leaders" in RSA, the apathy with South Africans and on a lighter side Zombies who read the news. If you're a fan of let's say the Mighty Boosh, or even Python, but more importantly alternative stand-up, well you should love this. Have you ever heard someone or something speak to you and you think - Sorry What? Was it the TV that spewed that drivel or perhaps my local politician or dietary supplements salesperson wearing a neon jersey, standing in the Bluff. How do these people get into my living room? Here have a beer, stay a while and let's chat about Zombies who read the news.

“If you have ever had one of these words in a sentence, then this show is the best thing for you. It will cure all things that hurt except broken legs. However, if you have wondered how to survive a dislocated shoulder … well, have I got news for you, it can be done. We will be showing how not to dislocate - there is a video of the very performer doing that in what some call a tragic accident and others the single most painful movement of humour they ever witnessed. That plus stories about the incredible robot boy, Ninjas and how to survive a BBQ in London.”

Glen Bo is considered one of South Africa's most tenacious, talented and left-field stand-ups. After spending five years abroad, playing the UK, touring to Bahrain - even the Seychelles, he has performed in competitions, showcases and underground clubs and is always a firm favourite. “If you like your comedy, fast paced, dark and pulling no punches, then get tickets now and be there,” he urges.

The performance on December 4 offers two-for-one tickets and the remaining performances will be filmed for Glen Bo’s DVD.

Performances from December 4 to 13 (Thursdays to Saturdays) are at 20h00 and Kwasuka Theatre is situated at Stamford Hill Road opposite the Greyville Post Office. Tickets R50 pre-sale from www.strictlytickets.com (R60 at the door). More information on 074 150 7975.

INSIDE THE COVERS

Stephward Estate in Margate to host Centrefold in supper theatre evening.

Stephward Estate in Marge is to host a supper theatre evening featuring Inside the Covers by Centrefold with Jane Candow, Paul Candow Belinda Dolphin and Cheryl Wigmore.

Songs include Unchained Melody, He Ain’t Heavy, Bed of Roses, Hotel California, Wonderful Tonight - linked with stories giving an intimate insight into the life of a professional cover band. The venues, the press, the hecklers, the most embarrassing moments – sometimes hilarious, sometimes tragic – share the laughs and the fears and find out what it means to “Pay Your Dues”.

Inside the Covers has one performance on November 28 at 18h30 for 19h00. Tickets R135 including a dinner buffet. Bookings essential on 039 315 5926 or on-line at www.stephward.co.za

MEDITATING WITH SHAMANS 2

(Pic: Dinkies Sithole)

Exhibition by Dinkies Sithole at Kizo at Gateway.

Kizo Art Gallery is proud to host the most celebrated multimedia artist Dinkies Sithole. Meditating with Shamans 2. This is Sithole’s first solo exhibition in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. His contribution into the creative industry of this country varies from tap dancing to video work and painting, to mention but a few of his skills.

Born in Soweto, he studied at the Pelmama Art Centre in Soweto and learned his dance techniques as a member of the Whizzkid Dance Group in Soweto in the late 1980s. He has practiced ballet, break-dancing and tap-dancing. As dancer and choreographer he has been involved in Arts Alive and the Grahams town Arts Festival.

Sithole is much inspired by ritualistic and spiritual journeys, with his work (painting, sculpture and dance), way of life and love of nature being inextricably linked. Since childhood he has been fascinated by the philosophy and painting techniques - using natural pigments on the raw rock face - of the San people.

Following an exchange of ideas with Asian students during his exhibitions in New York and Vermont, Sithole has been influenced also by Shaman and Buddhist philosophies. The work on show reflects a certain calligraphic quality, using oriental inks and collage techniques on textured rice papers. Sithole explores the relationship between the elements earth, wind, water and fireand his paintings speak of human spiritual experience in uncovering our hidden sentiments as we confront our reality in relation to time and space.

Selected solo and group exhibitions: Meditating with the Shamans, Franchise Gallery, Johannesburg (2005); Dinkies Sithole, Hanover Street Gallery, Liverpool (2001); Leaving Room for the Eye to Discover II, Johannesburg Art Foundation (2000); Leaving Room for the Eye to Discover I, Johannesburg Art Foundation (1998); Imidlalo, Rembrandt van Rijn Gallery, Newtown, Johannesburg (1997).

Selected group exhibitions: New Paintings, at the KZNSA Gallery in Durban which also travelled to Unisa Art Gallery in Pretoria and the Johannesburg Art Gallery (2005-2006); Vermont Studio Art Centre Gallery, Johnson, USA (2002); Identities: Cross Path Culture, New York, USA (2001), Cross Overs, Cross Path Culture Studios, Johannesburg (2001); Black Visions, Mofolo Art Centre, Soweto (1995); Primitive Sculpture Exhibition, Newtown Galleries, Johannesburg (1992).

Meditating with Shamans 2 runs in the Kizo Art Gallery (Upstairs Gallery) until December 7. Further information from Kizo Curator Nathi Gumede on 031 566 4322, email: nathig@kizo.co.za or visit www.kizo.co.za

SPLASHY FEN 2009

Next year’s event marks the 20th Big Splash!

Preparations for next year’s Splashy Fen Music Festival – the 20th since its inception in 1990 – are already well underway and festival-goers making the annual pilgrimage to Underberg in KwaZulu-Natal can expect a special celebration to mark this major milestone in the festival’s history.

Over the years, Splashy Fen has evolved from a small get-together in the mountains into one of South Africa’s premier festivals, widely recognised for its contribution to promoting local music by providing a platform for close to 1,500 artists and helping to kick-start many a successful music career. Although continuously adapting to changing trends, Splashy Fen has nevertheless managed to retain its unique character and appeal; that special ‘something’ – the people, the vibe, the sense of family – that has allowed it to endure for nearly two decades to become the longest-running music festival in the country.

Happening over the Easter long weekend from April 9 to 13, Splashy Fen 2009 will once again offer a diverse four-day programme of top and up-and-coming live acts, including featured performances by a number of Splashy ‘legends’. There’ll also be a wide choice of outdoor leisure activities for the whole family, an abundance of different food outlets, colourful craft stalls and various camping options – all set against a backdrop of the scenic Drakensberg mountains. Splashy Fen has something for everyone; in fact there’s nothing else in South Africa quite like it!

Early Bird tickets are now on sale at Computicket for R350, which is a saving of R150 on the gate price. This offer is valid until the end of December only and tickets are limited, so don't miss out! Children under 12 pay R50 – tickets at the gate only. The price includes camping for the entire festival.

Got any memories to share? If so, the organisers are looking for stories, photographs and video footage from Splashy Fen’s early years, and would also like to hear from any Splashy ‘veterans’ who’ve been to all (or many) of the previous festivals. All contributions are welcome and can be emailed to splashyfen@gmail.com

For more information, visit www.splashyfen.co.za or contact Pedro at 082 892 6176.

LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE BOYS

(Pic: Bradley Marshall, Lyle Buxton, Jonothan Didlick and Cavin Sewell)

Back by popular demand, four good-looking young men provide top entertainment.

The Phantom Ship’s popular Upper Deck supper theatre continues providing world class entertainment with a nostalgic tribute to Boys Bands.

Back by popular demand – Let’s Hear it for the Boys takes audiences on a journey from the first boy’s band in the 60’s (The Beatles) till the new and popular Boy Bands of the new millennium including Backstreet Boys, Westlife, Il Divo, Teatro, and well-known South African Boy Band, Eden.

The show stars Jonothan Didlick, Lyle Buxton, Cavin Sewell and Bradley Marshall. The show will also feature solo performances of numbers by artists who have left their Boy Bands to go on and make a success of a solo career such as Ronan Keating and Robbie Williams.

With backing by the top-notch five-piece the uShaka Marine World Band, Let’s Hear it for the Boys promises a night not to be missed.

The show includes hit numbers such as I Want it That Way, Bye,Bye,Bye, No Matter What, When you Say Nothing at all, I’ll make love to you/End of the road, Flying Without Wings and many more.

The show is produced by Wayne Scott and directed by Charon Williams-Ros. This strong partnership has created the most recent successful shows at the Upper Deck (Diva’s on Deck, Motown on Deck, Feelin’ Good – A Tribute to Swing and Tainted Love – A Tribute to the 80’s).

Let’s Hear it for the Boys runs until January 10 from Thursday to Saturday at 19h00 with the show starting at 20h00. Tickets R150 include a good buffet meal.

To book call 031 328 8000 or Computicket 083 915 8000 or go to www.computicket.co.za

VERSUS AT CRUSADERS

Versus Backyard Concert at Crusaders in Durban North

December 6 will see Tree63 frontman John Ellis and a number of other great artists performing at the first Backyard Concert to be staged at the ideally situated Northwood Crusaders Sports Club in Durban North.

Presented by C-Weed Outdoor Events, with the backing of Versus as the headline sponsor, this acoustic showcase will provide a much-needed new platform for Durban acts. At the same time, it will give locals an opportunity to enjoy the musical talent that abounds literally in their own backyard, while also serving as a fundraiser for Crusaders, whose aim is to help develop sport in the community.

The line-up includes Shannon Connolly, Zoe & Somebody’s Child, Shomon, Barry Thomson, Shannon Hope, Habit To and John Ellis, who’ll take to the stage at 21h00, ending the first Versus Backstage Concert on what is sure to be a high note.

The concert kicks off at 16h00 on December 6 and will be held in a giant marquee where food and drinks will be on sale. No picnic baskets, refreshments or alcohol will be allowed in but patrons are welcome to bring blankets and fold-up chairs. Gates open at 14h00.

Tickets R80 (R20 children under 12) at Computicket outlets (including most Shoprite, Checkers and MTN stores) or online at www.computicket.com Limited tickets will also be available at the venue on the day.

Voted the top sports club in KwaZulu-Natal for three consecutive years, the Northwood Crusaders Sports Club is situated at 10 Ranleigh Crescent in Durban North (opposite the Fairway Engen garage at the bottom of Swapo Road/Broadway) and has plenty of secure parking.

More information from Pedro at 031 563 0824 or 082 892 6176.

FIONA FOR LUNA LOUNGE

Fiona Tozer returns to the folk idiom!

November 29 marks Fiona Tozer's return to the folk idiom on completion of her venture into classical music studies. She will be playing two sets of her music at the Luna Lounge: the first will be a solo voice and guitar set, looking back at some early songs and tracks from her cds Neverland and Light and Sound; the second will present some new songs and new arrangements of old songs in collaboration with various friends, including Ant Cawthorn-Blazeby (violin) and Keri Povall (flute) from the band Celtis.

Fiona appears on November 29 at 19h30 at The Luna Lounge at 16 Dan Pienaar Road, Kloof. Entrance Fee R50. Food and drinks (Voggies) available. Bookings and enquiries to Debbie on 072 280 1949 or e-mail: debbie@lunalounge.co.za

For more information on Fiona Tozer, visit www.fionatozer.com

LOTUSFM APPIES PROJECT

Lotusfm project a first of its kind in broadcasting.

In August this year, Lotusfm launched its inaugural ‘Appies Project’, a training programme designed to encourage more people into the exciting world of broadcasting. “We are incredibly proud of the station’s initiative to bring aspiring and enthusiastic dynamic people into the world of broadcasting through this project, especially in this our 25th year of broadcasting,” says Gail Samuels, Lotusfm station manager. “This is another way we can ‘give back’ to the development of our community.”

“Developing our communities and inspiring young people is a key focus of the station. The first ‘Appies Project’ was launched to the first group of 62 excited students, some of who came from as far afield as Pietermaritzburg to be part of the first intake and is run by Lotusfm staffers, Ray Maharaj and Sanj Jayrajh.”

Ray Maharaj adds: “We wanted to source and nurture raw talent in our own communities and in this way, create a pool of creative and talented individuals that have a talent for on air, particularly in radio. Most of the current candidates have regular day jobs.

The course content covers a wide range of subjects, allied to the technical, creative, administrative and production aspects of radio broadcasting. It also includes talks, workshops and presentations from leaders and specialists in the field. During the six-month programme, the candidates work as individuals and on group projects.

Students will ‘graduate’ with a certificate of participation and at least one candidate will earn a contract with the station in the area of production or as an on-air presenter.

The course will be run twice a year and interested applicants should contact Sanjay Jayrajh on 031 362 5445 for more information.

SABN COMPETITION EXPANDS

The South African Bank Note Society’s annual bank note design competition expands.

The South African Bank Note Society’s annual bank note design competition has caused the graphic design industry to sit up straight and pay attention.

This innovative and challenging futuristic bank note design competition plays an important role in the development and advancement of the graphic design talent in South Africa. The competition gives design students from the Western Cape, Gauteng, North West and now also KwaZulu-Natal and Free State, the opportunity to market themselves by displaying their concepts for the bank note designs to the specialised adjudicators, the media and the public in general.

The 20th anniversary of the Common Monetary Area (CMA) in 2010 is the inspiration for the South African Bank Note Society’s 2008 bank note design competition. It is the sixth consecutive year that the competition is running.

Graphic design students from the above mentioned provinces attended a three-hour orientation session in their respective regions. Here they were informed about the process of bank note development, printing techniques and inks used, as well as design themes. An extensive tour of the South African bank note history detailing themes and progressive improvements in security features over time was discussed, as well as a review of world notes illustrating the different observable security features that are currently utilised.

An overview of the Rand Monetary Agreement, the Tripartite Area and the Common Monetary Area (linked currency of the Rand, Maloti, Emalangeni and the Namibian Dollar) was presented and an interesting study of the bank notes of Lesotho, Namibia and Swaziland formed part of the session. Examples of released notes from Southern African states, that had to be withdrawn due to cultural errors in the design, highlighted to the students that their research has to be thorough and precise. An in-depth analysis of the graphic design of the “big five” and the recent security upgrade and constitutionality of the newly released notes was another point of discussion.

Amongst other challenges in the brief, students will be expected to design a CMA Commemorative 20 denomination bank note, a modelled CMA commemorative 10 denomination coin, together with descriptions and the elucidation of security. Students will be required to create a unique new name for this hypothetical commemorative common currency for the four CMA countries.

The competition is held in high esteem, not only by the local Graphic Design Industry but also the International Council of Graphic Design Association (Icograda), and in particular the local South African Graphic Design Council (THINK). The project is not just a matter of design, but directly involves a client and is therefore a real life test of the students’ creative abilities before entering the real world. It is a holistic exercise that involves a lot of intensive research before the design work can actually start.

Jacques Lange, president of the International Council of Graphic Design Associations (Icograda) had the following to say about the competition: “The Bank Note Design Competition is one of the most comprehensive tests of a designer’s skills as it requires the students to engage with socio, economic and anthropological research; conceptual research; narrative management; typography, pattern design; illustration; complex composition and integration of security features among others”.

Dr Heinz Wirz, president of the S.A Bank Note Society, put together the comprehensive brief for the students. He believes the competition gives students the opportunity to market themselves and their talents as graphic design artists, which is important as South Africa has some outstanding talent in this regard. “We are proactive in sourcing the talent for design right here in South Africa,” he explains. “The bank note design competition is expanding. Compared to last year’s 80 participants, over 300 design students from various colleges were briefed this year and that is exciting.”

The colleagues taking part in this year’s competition are: Gauteng / North West: Midrand Graduate Institute, University of North West, University of Pretoria, Vaal University of Technology. Western Cape: Cape Peninsula University of Technology. Free State: Central University of Technology, Damelin, Goldfields, F.E.T College.

The South African Bank Note Society wishes to acknowledge the South African Reserve Bank and Adobe for their sponsorships in support of the competition.

For more information on the SA Bank Note Society or the bank note design competition, phone Dr Heinz Wirz on tel/fax 011 792 8464 or 082 779 7449

A TIME FOR FAIRIES

New children’s full colour picture book by Durban-based author Kirsten Miller.

A Time for Fairies is a beautifully illustrated 32 page full colour picture book aimed at children from the age of three to seven years old written by well-known Durban-based author Kirsten Miller, illustrated by Shayle Bester and published by Monique Bowmaker.

This is no ordinary fairy book featuring ethereal creatures with wings, this is a story about a little girl’s magical journey of discovery into the imagination as she ventures to ask her mum if fairies are real.

“I was inspired to publish A Time for Fairies because of the wonderful experience I had with my daughter when she was growing up, and the "fairies" visited our fairy garden,” explains publisher Monique Bowmaker. “They came because my daughter’s 'real' Godmother showed us how to make a fairy garden, just as she had been shown when she was a little girl. The Godmother is actually an artist and the magic of these experiences came in the form of tiny fairy letters that she created which would be placed in the garden at night to be discovered in the morning.

“My daughter and I made a fairy garden using leaves, petals and berries found in the garden. Then it was my task to put one of the tiny "fairy" letters in the garden after she was asleep and create some small disturbance. I cannot adequately explain her excitement and joy of finding a letter from the fairies with her name on it.

“Although she was only four years old, she learnt to anticipate full moon and would potter around outside making a fresh fairy garden out of bits and pieces of special things she could find. It was a wonderfully creative experience and something I could share with her in her world. She would sometimes spend quite some time on her own creating a new fairy garden.”

This whole experience is reflected in A Time for Fairies as the little girl learns that for the fairies to care for you, you have to care for them first. Mother and daughter venture into the garden with a list of everyday items to create a magical fairy garden. The following day, her belief is sorely tested when there is no sign that fairies have visited her garden. Her mum assures her that fairies are very shy, and that the full moon is the fairies’ favourite time, and perhaps they would still visit. The next morning she rushes to her fairy garden and cannot believe her eyes. She feels as if she may burst with excitement as she sees tiny footprints in the sand and best of all a tiny letter from the fairies with her name on it.

In the actual book, the letter (like the ones created for Bowmaker’s daughter) is so small and the writing so minute it makes them absolutely unique and believable.

“The magic of these letters is so powerful because they are so tiny.” says Bowmaker “More importantly the writing inside each letter is minute, and only fairies could possibly write so small.”

In each A Time for Fairies book, there is a standard magical fairy letter (35mm x 15mm), which has been individually hand-crafted by artist Sarah Pratt. However, one may order letters which can be personally addressed to a child with a pre-determined message from the fairies inside or the message can be personalised.

The book encourages parents and grandparents to be interactive with children as they read it. Hidden on each page is a letter of the alphabet that must be found in order to solve a puzzle at the beginning of the book. Simple ways to make one’s own fairy garden are also suggested in the story. To this end, there are Fairy Garden “start-up” kits also available when ordering a book.

“I am hoping that this book will inspire parents and grandparents to have fun in a very simple way which has reaped wonderful rewards for me as a parent” says Bowmaker. “I would encourage them to use it as a guide to enjoy their own special moments that bring an adult and child together in a unique way.”

Kirsten Miller is a writer and artist from Durban. She has published short stories and numerous magazine articles and was a finalist in the HSBC/SA PEN award in 2005 and 2006. In 2005 her first novel, All is Fish, was short-listed for the Jacana/EU Literary Award, and was published in 2007. Her non-fiction book, Children on the Bridge: A story of Autism in South Africa was published by Jacana in 2006. In 2008 Kirsten participated in the Time of the Writer Festival alongside names such as Emmanuel Dongala, Breyten Breytenbach and Angelina Sithebe, amongst others. She also held her second art exhibition in 2008, this time a group show with Robyn Field and Patrick Mabena, at Johannesburg's Unity Gallery. Her artwork centres on fabric and watercolours drawing inspiration from her surroundings and thoughts. For more information on Kirsten Miller and her published books and artwork visit www.kirstenmiller.co.za

Shayle Bester is a South African illustrator and artist. She has a Fine Arts Degree from the University of Natal, majoring in Printmaking. She has illustrated four children's books, Three Friends and a Taxi, The Cool Nguni, The Long Trousers and Mielies and Beans. She was jointly awarded the Exclusive Books IBBY SA Award for The Cool Nguni (Jacana 2007). She also works as a mural artist painting children’s rooms. She is inspired by everything around her, especially the fun and quirky aspects of life and currently lives in Pretoria.

Sarah Pratt is a practising South African artist who lives in Cape Town. She has a Masters degree in fine art from the University of Cape Town and has exhibited in South Africa, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Zimbabwe and England. She teaches printmaking and works for a wide range of interior designers, as well as producing a wide range of decorative interior images for hotels. She has also illustrated a number of children’s and educational books. Sarah specializes in etching and her interests are predominantly centred on emblematic and physiological portraiture. She is currently working on a range of humorous gift cards and a body of work that explores the humorous side of relationships and the disturbing effect of an overactive imagination.

The book costs R89. Personalised fairy letters and messages can be individually purchased over and above standard price. To order telephone 073 305 6637, email: moniquebow@mweb.co.za or visit www.atimeforfairies.co.za

DATES FOR 2009 TIME OF THE WRITER

12th Time of the Writer Festival to take place in Durban from March 9 to 14.

The Time of the Writer international writers festival, co-ordinated annually by the Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal), will bring together South African, African and international writers in a week-long programme of stimulating literary events from March 9 to 14, 2009. The festival is informed by interpersonal dialogue and intercultural exchange between writers, and between writers and public. The festival format is designed to develop public interest in literature and promote a culture of reading and writing in South Africa. Evening readings and discussions take place at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, with daily activities at various tertiary institutions, community centres, museums, schools and other venues.

For more info go to www.cca.ukzn.ac.za The complete list of participants and programme details may be viewed there from around mid-February 2009. Enquiries to 031 260 2506/1704 or email cca@ukzn.ac.za

EWOK LIVE!

Hip hop artist Iain Ewok Robinson live video and audio recording!

Join award winning performer poet and hip hop artist Iain Ewok Robinson aka Creamy Ewok Baggends in a solo performance as he performs work from his book Word: Customised Hype (www.echoinggreenpress.com) and album Higher Flyer For Hire.

The evening is a one night only opportunity to be part of the live video and audio recording for the forthcoming DVD and Ewok Live! Album. This will be the first time Ewok has been captured live, be there to be part of his history!

Ewok Live takes place at the Kwasuka Theatre on November 26. Only 100 tickets are available – these will be on sale from 19h00.

! Tickets R40 single; or R60 double; or R100 plus album; or R110 plus book or discount for block bookings of 10 or more. For advance bookings or enquiries phone 084 843 0055 or email whatkindekse@hotmail.com

YOUNG ARTIST AWARD WINNERS 2009

Standard Bank celebrates 25 years of supporting South Africa’s young artists

Standard Bank, one of the leaders in art sponsorship, has announced its Young Artist award-winners for 2009, celebrating 25 years of sponsorship of the arts.

These awards, seen as one of the most prestigious of their kind in the country, honour young South African artists who have not yet gained widespread national exposure or acclaim, but who are making a significant mark in their field. The awards honour and actively promote the talent of these young artists, providing them with a platform for experimentation of new innovative concepts and ideas. Besides providing them with financial support, it gives recognition to their talent.

The winners of the 2009 Standard Bank Young Artist Awards are as follows: Nicholas Hlobo (Visual Art); Jacques Eugene Imbrailo (Music); Ntshieng Mokgoro (Drama); Kesivan Naidoo (Jazz), and Thabo Rapoo (Dance).

In acknowledging Standard Bank’s involvement, Mandie van der Spuy, Head of Arts and Jazz Sponsorship, had this to say, “As a bank we are committed to sponsoring the arts in South Africa and believe the awards play a vital role in nurturing our talent. Standard Bank’s sponsorship of the Young Artist Awards over 25 years has contributed to the development of our country's up-and-coming artists. We have observed the various winners develop over the years and are proud of these results and of our committed role in developing South African talent.”

As part of their prize, each of the winners will be featured on the Main Programme of the 2009 National Arts Festival in Grahamstown (July 2 to 11, 2009). This platform gives them the license to present a new innovative piece of work which audiences will see for the first time.

This year’s winner for dance, Thabo Rapoo, wants to use this opportunity to create a platform for his fellow performers. “To be honoured in one’s own country must rate extremely high on anyone’s books and with this one-of-its-kind award in South Africa, I feel truly blessed, and it means a lot to me,” said a delighted Thabo. “I want to thank Standard Bank for the good they are doing, for South African audiences, and for the arts community in general.”

“I am humbled and feel so honoured to receive this prestigious award,” said writer and director, Nthshieng Mokgoro, this year’s drama award winner. “What this actually means is that all my hard work and dedication in the industry of theatre has finally paid off, and it really feels good to be recognised and be appreciated.” For Ntshieng, this award means working even harder than before. “The award does not mean I have arrived, but this is the beginning of great things to come my way. I intend to use this platform of exposure wisely and creatively.”

Music award-winner Jacques Imbrailo, who has been studying overseas, will perform for the first time in Grahamstown. He said, “It means a great deal to me to be recognised back home for my hard work over the last five years. Not only do I get the opportunity to perform at the National Arts Festival but also my parents will be able to come and hear me sing. It is just such a lovely festival to be part of.”

Kesivan Naidoo, drummer and winner of the Jazz Award said, “I have dreamed of this award since I was first made aware of it, as I have friends in the industry who have won it in the past. However, it came as a wonderful surprise and has given me the confidence that I need at such a vital time in my career. Standard Bank have been truly supportive, particularly in the jazz genre,” he said.

Nicholas Hlobo knew about the awards but never dreamed that he would have the opportunity to exhibit in Grahamstown as the winner of the Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Visual Art. “I am truly honoured to have been chosen and hope to give audiences something new and innovative,” he enthused.

The Chairperson of the National Arts Festival, Sibongile Khumalo (past winner, 1993) has nothing but praise for Standard Bank. “They have been a committed sponsor of the arts in South Africa for over 25 years and we as a nation owe them much appreciation.” Standard Bank celebrates this 25-year sponsorship with the commitment to continue honouring young artists in the future. Over 95 young artists have been recognised for their work since the awards’ inception in 1981.

The 2009 National Arts Festival runs from July 2 to 11. Further information at www.nationalartsfestival.co.za

FOOTSTEPS TO FORTUNE

Dance in all shapes and forms has re-captured the world’s imagination and South Africa is no different. The rise in popularity of dance shows and competitions, makes the arrival of the innovative new freestyle dance competition on the KZN landscape, Footsteps to Fortune, even more exciting.

Track the progress of aspirant young KZN dancers as they battle it out to make the finals of this glitzy, high profile event hosted by Suncoast Casino & Entertainment World, on December 16.

Contestants of all age groups can enter Footsteps to Fortune in a solo, duo or group format. Initial auditions will be held in areas in and around Durban from November 29 (watch the press for details).

The two Semi-Final rounds will take place at Suncoast on December 6 and 13. Voting will consist of a score from the three judges as well as public voting. The successful contestants will be given a place in the final. There will also be a Celebrity Dance Competition, with local celebs being put through their paces by professionals.

For more information contact Evan or Carol at Makulu Events on 031 202 2156.

UNFORGETTABLE

The splendid Playhouse Opera proves it still has the capacity to host a musically exciting and visually stunning “unforgettable” festive season show! (Review by Caroline Smart)

Last night, the splendid Playhouse Opera theatre proved that it still had the operational technical capacity to host a musically exciting and visually stunning production … with all the stops full out!

Director Mark Hawkins’s association with the venue is long-standing both as producer, dancer and choreographer. He knows every last fly bar, stage lift level and performance space. Working with a great team of designer Dicky Longhurst (sets and costumes) and choreographer Desiré Davids, he has put together a superb top-of-the range production that is bound to draw sell-out audiences for the festive season. The musical component is impressive with Lyk Temmingh conducting the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic and Melvin Peters in charge of a contemporary band.

Unforgettable goes way back – Mark Hawkins has already directed two such productions for the Playhouse Dance Company. In the programme notes, he describes this production as being “a really fresh and new look” that features what he calls “the magic of theatre”.

Theatrical magic there is aplenty as the Opera Theatre responds to the guiding inspiration of those who know her well. As far as my knowledge of the venues, I think they have used virtually every aspect of technology available! I won’t spoil some of the most exhilarating moments by description but I can promise that audiences will be transported by some of the effects

The highlight of the production for me, personally, is the return of Sam Marais to the Durban stage. A stalwart of Durban musical productions for many years – including Geoffrey Sutherland’s groundbreaking Queen at the Opera - we’ve missed that distinctive mischievous grin, those hunched shoulders and that effortless footwork! The response from tonight’s audience to his first appearance on stage reinforced the general feeling that “It’s good to see you back home, Sam!”

Appearing alongside Sam are Gina Shmukler and Pume Zondi – both ladies with a powerhouse energy – as well as Renee whose velvet-voiced charm won him audience acclaim. Heading the vocal ensemble were Lauren Dasappa (not giving the secret of her stunning appearance away!) and Zenneth Cibane supported by Bongi Simelane, Krystle Temmerman, Robert Petersen, Lubabalo Nteyi, Bandile Hlophe and Rory Booth.

Of course, Unforgettable is mainly about dance and featured dancers Melloney de Beer and Alain Rijnvis kept the pace going with Zinhle Gumede, Sifiso Khumalo, Liselle Sproull, Sifiso Majola, Thuli Khumalo and Karabo Maithufi. Choreographer Desire Davids also dances in the show as does her partner, the inimitable Boyzie Cekwana.

If you arrive late – and if I had my way, latecomers wouldn’t be allowed to disrupt those audience members who are better disciplined– you’ll miss an important part of the show. This is the opportunity to see the full extent of the Opera Stage in its bare state with all the danger features clearly marked as well as the lighting rigs and ladders. As the cast move in to the strains of Sondheim’s Putting it Together, that’s exactly what happens as the theatre space transforms “bit by bit” into a stunning, sophisticated and sassy performance whole.

Unforgettable is filled with high energy and sassy up-tempo movement as well as wry humour and gentle pathos – in other words, there’s something for all. The scenes flow seamlessly into each other so that the songs and dances with different performers, different rhythms and different styles slide comfortably into a highly entertaining whole.

Expect to hear numbers such as the title song as well as Maybe This Time, Sooner or Later, Love The One You’re With, Roxanne, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Winter Light, Hit Me With A Hot Note, Diamonds Are Forever, Heatwave, Special Star, Stand By Your Man, Sisters Are Doing It for Themselves, Simply Irresistible, It’s Raining Men, Moving On Up, We Are Family and Shout.

Unforgettable runs in the Playhouse Opera until December 19. Tickets 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). Believe me, this production lives up to its promotional hype. See if it you want a great evening’s entertainment – Caroline Smart

Why not buy a theatre ticket as a Christmas/festive season/end of year/whatever present for the special people in your life? Watch artSMart for reviews of what’s coming up or else email enquiries@artsmart.co.za

SHE’S CRAFTY

Hip creative fun programme for The Home Channel on DStv.

She’s Crafty to be shown on the Home Channel – DStv 182 – on November 26 at 19h30 promises to be hip, creative and fun.

She's Crafty is the first craft show that dares to cross the line between craft and design. "Getting crafty" now means creating high style for your décor, with host Wendy Russell and her special guests delivering stylish do-it-yourself designs for your home, without breaking the bank!

MEMENTO MORI

(Work by Bronwen Vaughan-Evans)

Bronwen Vaughan-Evans exhibiting at Bank Gallery.

Bank Gallery is proud to present Memento Mori, a solo exhibition by local Durban artist Bronwen Vaughan-Evans who has created an entirely new body of work, which looks at death and memory.

Vaughan-Evans’ work is created using a process of layering white gesso on top of black gesso to create a controlled surface in which the dark layer sits just beneath a thin, light skin and thereby alludes to a metaphorical weight beneath the surface of things. The images reference experiences both forgotten and remembered, and are created by sanding through the thin top layer to reveal the dark gesso beneath.

“Conceptually, my work is about excavation; this is reinforced by the removal of the surface to create the image. I work with imagery that interrogates both physical and emotional spaces, as these spaces shape our identities on a personal and socio-political level. Because gesso was used in icon painting and as a traditional Renaissance ground, it can be seen as a haloed surface. By cutting into or scarring this surface, I try to investigate not only the conceptual issues of unearthing my past, but also the traditions of western painting under which I have studied.”

Memento Mori is a Latin phrase that can be roughly translated as "Remember that you are mortal”. Traditionally a memento mori was a form of image created to remind the viewer that death is an unavoidable part of life, something to be prepared for at all times.

Vaughan-Evans writes “The works on the show refer as much to the small deaths or punctuations in life, which are catalysts for remembrance / reflection, as they do physical mortality. Here ‘death’ becomes a punctuation that allows us a moment of reflection. For me, it is in that moment that I feel a memory is born. Paradoxically, it is also at that moment that memory starts to degrade and we begin the process of archiving the details of an event. The whole never survives and a memory becomes an accumulation of details or moments.

“In these works the surface holds a trace of the process of erasing / degrading the image and the desire to retain the memory is mirrored by the effort to retain the surface. This new body of work can be seen as a transition between one mental space and another and as such is a collection of works that are reflective and in the process of becoming rather than resolved and definitive. The works consist largely of horizontal panels that allude to death or repose.”

Bronwen Vaughan-Evans received her Masters of Arts in Fine Arts in 1995 from the University of Natal (now University of KwaZulu-Natal), Pietermaritzburg. She obtained her Higher Diploma in Education in 1998 from the University of South Africa.

Vaughan-Evans has participated in numerous group exhibitions. In 2004 she had her first solo show entitled one zero one at the KwaZulu-Natal Society of Arts Gallery. Recently Bronwen Vaughan-Evans collaborated with Nontobeko Ntombela on a project entitled negotiated spaces also held at the KZNSA Gallery. Her latest solo show home is where the heart is opened at Gallery Momo in Johannesburg on June 12 2008. Vaughan-Evans lectures Senior Painting at the Fine Art Department of the Durban University of Technology. Her work is included in corporate, public and private collections both locally and internationally.

Memento Mori is on exhibition until December 6. Entrance to the exhibition is free and school and tertiary education parties are welcome.

Bank Gallery is situated at 217 Florida Road, Morningside, Durban. Contact 031 312 6911 or fax 031 312 6912, email: info@bankgallery.co.za or visit www.bankgallery.co.za

BAD MOON RISING

Ever-popular Gee Jays get together for their festive jaunt on the Boards.

The ever popular Gee Jays get together for their festive jaunt on the boards with Bad Moon Rising, their smash hit show celebrating the music of Credence Clearwater Revival. Expect the usual zany fun, non-stop one-liners and some comical depictions of how the songs penned by the Fogerty Brothers should be sung.

Join Gary McKenzie, Grant Bell and John Didlick as they celebrate and pay tribute to all things redneck with renditions of familiar hits including Have You Ever Seen the Rain, Heard It through the Grapevine, Cotton Fields and Looking out My Back Door.

Bad Moon Rising runs until December 31. For more details or bookings, call 031 765 4197 or go to www.heritagetheatre.co.za

ONS VERTAAL VIR JOU

Second production of Bluff theatre group, BLUD.

The second production of Bluff theatre group BLUD is Ons Vertaal vir Jou: Rooinek Treffers in Afrikaans, a one-man cabaret devised and presented by Charles Kusner.

Featuring well-known English songs translated into Afrikaans, the show includes standards such as Never on Sunday, Cry Me a River and Fever as well as pop hits such as I Will Survive and The Winner Takes It All - all re-interpreted through the unusual Afrikaans translations.

Ons Vertaal vir Jou will be performed in supper-theatre style at the Kenmont School in Moffatt Avenue, Fynnlands on November 28 and 29 at 19h00 for 20h00. BYOB and food. Tickets R35 booked on 031 466 4477 until 15h00. Enquiries to Charles at 072 305 2055.

JOSIE FIELD AND GLOUCESTER BLUES AT SNAP

Snap Wine Bar to present Josie Field and Midlands-based band.

Snap Wine Bar in Marriott Road will host popular singer Josie Field on November 22. Tickets R70 and booking is essential as only a limited number of tickets are available.

Gloucester Blues Project performs on November 29. “This Midlands based band reminds us why we enjoy blues,” says a Snap representative. “Due to a sell-out performance at Snap! they return to rock us with their Soulful music.”

Performances take place at 20h00. More information or bookings on 031 309 4160 or 084 702 3075

BAROQUE 2000

(Ralitza Cherneva and Valentina Koleva and Sorin Osorhean. Pics by Michel Schneuwly)

The great Johann Sebastian Bach’s Double Violin Concerto in D minor, and a rare Baroque Concerto for the French Horn by Heinrich Förster will be played by Baroque 2000 on November 30. Soloists in the Bach are Ralitza Cherneva and Valentina Koleva, and the Horn soloist is Sorin Osorhean. Works by Telemann and Muffat are also on the programme .

The concert on November 30 takes place at the Church of the Monastery Mariannhill at 15h00.

This is the penultimate concert of the orchestra’s first season at its beautiful new home at Mariannhill; tea coffee and scones can be enjoyed as usual in the gardens before the concert.

Tickets (R70) will be available at the door and there is ample safe parking. Enquiries to Michel on 031 312 5539. or at sursouth@iafrica.com

UNFORGETTABLE

Spectacular festive season production opens at The Playhouse on November 20. (also dance)

It’s all stops out for Unforgettable, the Playhouse Company’s spectacular festive season production opening in the Playhouse Opera on November 20. Standby to experience the wow factor of live theatre in large doses with this big-stage song-and-dance extravaganza.

Directed by Mark Hawkins with sets and costumes designed by Dicky Longhurst, the starry line-up of performers is headed by legendary South African stage star Sam Marais, with Gina Shmukler (Chess), Renee (High 5), Durban’s own Pume Zondi sharing the stage. Packed with musical show-stoppers, and featuring a crack team of leading South African dancers, a strong vocal ensemble, and live backing from the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra in the pit and a live band onstage, Unforgettable promises a truly unmissable outing to the theatre, that will stay with audiences long after the curtain comes down on this theatrical winner.

Early booking is advised through Computicket on 083 915 8000, or call Playhouse Box Office on 031 369 9540 (office hours). For discounted block bookings and great fundraising opportunities, call 031 369 9456 or email marketing@playhousecompany.com

DURBAN SYMPHONIC CHOIR

DSC prepares for Christmas season.

The Durban Symphonic Choir recently appeared in the impressive uShaka KaSenzangakhona based on the dramatic story of the legendary Zulu King. The performance took place as the final concert in the KZN Philharmonic’s Spring Season.

The Durban Symphonic Choir was formed in 1966 by Heather Brandon at the request of the Durban Council, and has become a fully self-funding amateur choir whose diverse membership comprises people who share a love of music.

The choir has become well-known for its presentations of major classical choral works, but it has also participated in many concerts of lighter music and has built up a loyal following of music lovers. A varied repertoire has been developed and includes presentations of major choral works including Beethoven's 9th Symphony, Bach's St Matthew Passion; Joseph Haydn's The Creation; the Requiems of Verdi, Brahms, Mozart, Fauré and Andrew Lloyd-Webber (SA premiere performance in 1991); Handel's Messiah; Mozart's Coronation Mass and Mendelssohn's Elijah. Another favourite with audiences is Carl Orff's Carmina Burana, and it has often featured in the choir's annual programme.

The choir's standard of music-making has been acclaimed by leading figures including Sir David Willcocks and Piero Gamba. Locally, the choir has established a long lasting and happy relationship with the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra and frequently performs in concerts with them, sometimes joining forces with other choirs; among them being the Durban Serenade Choral Society, The KwaZulu Natal Chorale, the Pietermaritzburg Amateur Music Society, the East Coast Choristers, the Symphony Choir of Johannesburg and the London Bach Choir.

Under the direction of Ros Conrad, the DSC is continually looking for new ways in which to extend the choir's appeal to a wider audience and to develop young and fresh talent that abounds in Durban and the surrounding areas.

The DSC is now preparing for the Christmas season and this year, for the first time, they will be adding Ballito to their list of venues when they present a Carol concert in aid of the Courier Orphan Fund in the Dutch Reformed Church on December 13 at 7:00pm. The programme includes popular choral items and solos as well as a number of well known carols for audience participation and promises to be an enjoyable evening focusing on the reason for the season.

The performance takes place on December 13 at 19h00 at the Dutch Reformed Church in Ballito. Tickets available from Postnet at the Lyfestyle Centre on 032 946 3551 or the Dutch Reformed Church office on 032 946 1198. Seating is unreserved.

LETTER FROM WIM MUTSAERTS

Letter in support of the Durban City Hall Organ (originally submitted on October 31)

Local music lover is passionate about his latest project to support the Durban City Hall’s organ. (originally submitted on October 31)

I do not know about you, dear Music Lover, but every time I attend the Thursday evening KZNPO Concert in the City Hall, I often glance over the heads of the enthusiastic and competent Musicians and see 'Our Organ' staring at me, as if it is pleading: "when at last will I be enabled to be heard"?

It is specially significant for those who appreciate the sound of an organ and the wide range of available organ music. The organ not only plays sacred music, as in many churches, but furthermore also Secular Music as played in concert halls and auditoriums. The Organ is described by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart as "the King of all the Instruments". It holds a unique place in world music with a tradition stretching back over two thousand years.

"Our Organ", was built by Brindley and Foster of Sheffield (UK), the same builder as the organ in the Pietermaritzburg City Hall, installed by December 1894, in what today is the Post Office. In the opinion of an eminent organist of the time, it was "the finest instrument so far erected by the builders". To celebrate the installation of the Organ, a music festival was held on December 19, 20 and 22, 1894. The large and appreciative audience at each performance provided ample testimony to the popularity of the Council's action in bringing about "so unique an incident as the acquisition of the grandest of all musical instruments" (Natal Mercury, December 19, 1894).

In the early 1900s a new, much larger City Hall (the present one) was built to a design by Stanley Hudson with internal dimensions of 157 ft long, (±48 m), 95 ft wide (±29 m) and a ceiling height of 60 ft (±18 m). It was three times larger than the then existing Town Hall, the present Post Office. In 1910 the organ was moved, in its entirety, from the old Town Hall to the present City Hall. One change was made. A new organ case, specially designed in teak housing 30 new 32ft open diapason pipes, was added. The organ became an integral part of the City Hall and therefore of the Community of Durban.

Over the years, as a result of inadequate and irregular maintenance, the condition of the organ deteriorated and it became in need of repair and renovation. Mr Ronald Charles, appointed consultant in 1972, reported that the console was completely obsolete after nearly 80 years of use and that the organ, inadequate for a hall three times larger than the original Town Hall, fell far short of a comprehensive, versatile instrument suitable for its civic surroundings.

In 1975 a contract was awarded to Henry Willis and Sons Limited of Hampshire, England, to rebuild and tonally redesign the organ. The following year the organ was dismantled for major remodelling and revoicing of the pipes in England. Most of the existing pipes were retained. The organ was enlarged, from 51 stops controlling 2.522 pipes to 66 stops controlling 3.465 pipes, and its range was widened to encompass both classical, from Baroque to Modern, and light music.The old tubular-pneumatic action and console was scrapped and a new four-manual detached console and an electronic action was provided. The renovated instrument was opened at a recital by the celebrated British recitalist Dame Gillian Weir on May 26, 1977.

In 1996 the discovery of extensive damage by borer beetle to much of the lower timber structures of the organ, all the reservoirs and the floor of the organ chamber, led to the decision by the Durban Municipality to restore the organ

In 1998 a contract was awarded in order to restore the organ. The restoration project's aims and objectives were not only to restore the instrument to its former glory, but to enlarge the instrument to cater for the demands of being in a much larger hall than the one for which it was originally intended, the demands as an instrument accompanying an orchestra and the demands and high standards set by international soloists of our time.

It was intended that on completion of the project the organ would have nearly 5,500 pipes. Due partly to lack of funding the contract was aborted during 2003. The organ has not just been repaired, but substantially re-built, using imported components of the highest quality. It is estimated that it is about 80% complete.

These were my findings so far!

It is understood that the Ethekwini Municipal Council is aware of the condition of the organ and has the sincere intention to bring it back to its former glory. However, after the highly expensive and unfinished restoration work done, it is understandably concerned about spending any further taxpayers' money without any guarantee of the final success of such an undertaking.

The object of this letter? To drum up as much support as possible for a friendly but an urgent "Motivation" to The Ethekwini Municipal Council, listing many names of people in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal, who would be interested and maybe also supportive to get "Our Organ" to perform the Music for which it was originally designed and installed.

What will MUSIC MAP do? Through Music Map, I intend to collect the names of people and organisations reacting positively to this e-mail and present them in listed form. Although MUSIC MAP has already many helpful Members, the "Motivation" needs to have many more names. So if you have contact with other Music Lovers, in Organisations or Enterprises or Institutions, please forward this e-mail to these friends and ask them urgently to email me with their expression of support.

What will our Motivation state? "We are Music Lovers. We would love to hear the Pipe Organ in the Durban City Hall. Most of us have never heard it. We accordingly support and encourage the eThekwini Municipality Council to continue the final restoration of the Pipe Organ in the Durban City Hall. We actively support such repairs to be undertaken, by committing ourselves either with a voluntary, financial contribution and/or, by actively attending any music played on this Organ". We strongly believe that the completion of the project will enable a part of our City's Musical Heritage to be preserved for future generations and indeed open a insight into the King of Instruments for a whole new generation of all Music Lovers in our wonderful City.

Because of other urgent commitments elsewhere, I would like to present this Motivation before the middle of November. Your almost return-reply is therefore highly appreciated. I am eager to hear from You,

Finest Regards, Wim Mutsaerts (083 325 9828)

DIFF LANDMARK 30TH EDITION

Durban International Film Festival announces dates for landmark 30th Edition and calls for entries.

The Durban International Film Festival has announced that its landmark 30th edition will take place from 22 July to 2 August 2009.

The festival will present over 200 screenings of films from around the world, with a special focus on films from South African and Africa. Screenings will take place throughout Durban including township areas where cinemas are non-existent. The festival will also offer an extensive seminar and workshop programme featuring local and international filmmakers, and 2009 will see the return of the very successful Talent Campus Durban.


The festival does have a competition component and now calls for entries for feature films, short films and documentaries. The deadline for entries is March 31, 2009, for short films and documentaries; April 15, 2009, for feature films. Early submissions are encouraged.

The entry form is available on the web: For further information visit: www.cca.ukzn.ac.za, email diff@ukzn.ac.za or call 031 260 2506.

The Centre for Creative Arts (UKZN) and DIFF would like to thank the principal funders whose support contributed to the success of 2008 edition: National Film and Video Foundation, South African Broadcasting Corporation, HIVOS, KZN Department of Economic Development, Royal Netherlands Embassy, German Embassy, Goethe Institute, Stichting Doen, Industrial Development Corporation and the City of Durban, as well as other cultural agencies and operating partners.

CARTE BLANCHE RAISES OVER R50M

M-Net’s flagship weekly news and actuality programme raises over R50 million for charity.

M-Net’s flagship weekly news and actuality programme - Carte Blanche has announced that over R55 million (R55, 506,172.14 to be exact), has been raised for its “Making a Difference” campaign. This marks the most amount of money to be raised by a television show for charity!

To celebrate 20 years of broadcasting Carte Blanche took a bold decision to celebrate with a difference.

The “Making a Difference” campaign was launched in August and set itself the ambitious target of raising R20 million for charity. “My dream is to reach R20 million - a million for each year we've been on air”, said Executive Producer George Mazarakis.

Carte Blanche approached several major state hospitals - including King Edward VIII in Durban - and invited them to become part of the “CB20” campaign. A series of programme inserts highlighted the dire needs of paediatric units in these institutions: Johannesburg Hospital, (now Charlotte Maxeke) Pretoria (Steve Biko) and Bloemfontein Academic Hospitals, King Edward VIII and Chris Hani Baragwanath. Two charities were also included: The Johannesburg Child Welfare Society and the Johannesburg Parent & Child Counselling Centre.

Sleepless nights over how to achieve a R20 million target were soon dispelled as South African companies, schools and Carte Blanche viewers lent overwhelming support to “CB20.”

R20 million became R30 million, then R40 million and, to date, that figure stands at over R55 million. A large slice was donated by mining giant BHP Billiton, which has undertaken to demolish the current paediatric unit at King Edward VIII and replace it with a brand new building.

In announcing BHP Billiton‘s R25 million donation, which includes R5 million for equipment at Kimberley Hospital, SA Chairman Xolani Mkhwanazi said: “The fact that your campaign focused on children touched us ... it’s an exciting project that fits perfectly with our values”.

Other generous donors include over R7 million from the Industrial Development Corporation, R2.5 million from Discovery Health and R2 million from MTN.

Hospitals and charities that stand to benefit are over-whelmed: Prof Andre Venter/Bloemfontein Academic said: “I have been fundraising for ten years and I’ve never experienced such generosity from well-wishers. Carte Blanche can be very proud. This is bigger than we ever imagined when discussions started so many months ago.”

Dr Kimesh Naidoo from King Edward VIII said. “This is advocacy for new-borns as King Edward is a dismal hospital with leaking gutters and cockroaches everywhere. We are thrilled with the response ... it’s a milestone for babies.”

Jacqui Michael/JCWelfare said: “We just don’t know how to say thank you for all the kindness and support and to Carte Blanche for including us in this wonderful initiative. May God bless you in all the work you do”.

The CB20 campaign is being administered by a Trust, set up by Webber Wentzel, and Carte Blanche will carry regular updates on the upgrading of facilities at the hospitals. Carte Blanche aims to continue raising funds in 2009.