Be prepared to be blown away by ground-breaking choreography. (Review by Maurice Kort)
Be prepared to be blown away by ground breaking choreography executed by the accomplished dancers of Bovim Ballet.
Cape Town knows the award winning choreographer Sean Bovim's Bovim Ballet company well from their excellent dance productions. Now Durban has the opportunity of enjoying this dance sensation in their short season at the Playhouse Drama at the start of their national tour to Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein and Johannesburg after sold out performances in Cape Town and Stellenbosch earlier in the year.
Sean Bovim's maxim is to push choreographic boundaries resulting in dance that is so much more than classical ballet en-pointe or athletic rock ballet. Combine this with the hypnotic allure and sensuality of the tango and you have an evening of dance not likely to have been seen before. Tango Nights features well-chosen powerful musical numbers, some better known than others, for example the sensual Kiss of Fire and Roxanne from the film Moulin Rouge.
Not only must full credit be given to the very clever and inspired choreography of the Director, Sean Bovim, but also Daniel Galloway for the lighting which is used to full effect to lend magic to a simple set designed by Karl Staub. Be amazed by how chairs, a table and a bed can be incorporated into the dance sequences. Malcolm Klûk and CGDT deserve special mention for their delightful, colourful, exquisite costumes.
As if all the above is not entertainment enough, this all forms the basis of a passionate tale of raging emotions of love, jealousy and rivalry. Tango so well reflects such relationships between man and woman.
The action of Tango Nights takes place in Cafe Tango, where the tempestuous Cafe hostess, Roxanna, seduces the Head Waiter, Carlos, with whom she subsequently falls in love. There is an alternate cast on the tour and on the opening night these roles were performed by Kerryn Howard and Andre Sauer, respectively, star dancers in no uncertain terms, as indeed are the whole ensemble. Particularly noteworthy from both the choreography and the dancing points of view are the balletic fight scenes between two erstwhile friends (James Bradley and Ignatius Van Heerden) in their rivalry for Roxanna's affections. Contributing much humour is Rolf, the Cafe Pianist, especially in his more inebriated moments.
Catch Tango Nights by Cape Town’s Bovim Ballet at the Playhouse Drama, Durban, from April 29 to May 3, 2009. Special discounts are available for pensioners, students and block bookings of ten or more. Tickets are available through Computicket. – Maurice Kort
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
CORAL SPENCER-DOMIJAN
(Pic: “New Skyline” by Coral Spencer-Domijan)Elizabeth Gordon Gallery hosting new paintings by Coral Spencer-Domijan.
Elizabeth Gordon Gallery is hosting new paintings by Coral Spencer-Domijan. The artist works in oils and is now well known for her beach scenes which aptly capture KwaZulu-Natal’s coastline and people enjoying the Indian Ocean. Taken from the viewpoint of Addington Beach, her oil painting New Skyline is the first painting she has done which shows Durban’s new Moses Mabhida Stadium and how it has changed the city’s skyline.
The Elizabeth Gordon Gallery is situated at 120 Florida Road. For further information phone 031 303 8133.
DESPOTICA
(Pic: An image from “Despotica”)Mlu Zondi’s exhibition running in the KZNSA Gallery’s cinema.
In the KZNSA cinema, Mlu Zondi is exhibiting a performance art video installation titled Despotica. This was created from the Experimenta Series conceived during Zondi’s two months residency in Belgium in 2008 and first performed at Bains:Connective, Brussels. The video on exhibition at the KZNSA was produced in Johannesburg at the Bag Factory Studio in 2008.
Winner of the 2006 MTN New Contemporaries Award, Mlu Zondi is an artist of international stature. He has exhibited at Rodriguez-Amat Foundation of Contemporary Arts, Spain (2008); KVS, Brussels (as part of Faustin Linyekula, Carte Blanche, 2008); Seoul Performing Arts Company, South Korea (2007); along with a formidable schedule of national performances including the CAPE Africa Platform, the National Arts Festival, the FNB Dance Umbrella in Johannesburg and Jomba Contemporary Dance Festival in Durban.
“My work is a direct result of the frustrations in trying to find creative ways through which to express myself,” says Mlu Zondi. “As a performer with a theatre background I had to find a style that will not only expose itself in one genre but can actually be celebrated in a variety of artistic platforms. The works are my own confrontations with issues that haunt me … Suppressed emotions emerge during creations and performances that become therapeutic.
“I work in collages where things that don’t have a connection and associations get shifted around in the work until there is a connection,” he continues. “My works are organic creations and they never reach a point of completeness. Everyday they evolve to take new forms and shapes and everyday they grow. The objection is also to see how far they can grow and how they will look once they are complete. That challenge keeps me working all the time as there will always be new material to be added to the work and new structures to be included. That means I will never be out of work and will always have a space to crush my demons.”
Despotica runs until May 10. The KZNSA Gallery is situated at 166 Bulwer Road, Glenwood, in Durban. More information on 031 277 1703, fax 031 201 8051 or cell 082 220 0368.
BIG NIGHT OUT
(Pic: “Big Night Out” Deborah van Niekerk from the series “The hand that feeds”)
Big Night Out, the current exhibition at the KZNSA Gallery, features an exciting and varied range of works by artists Albina Mitchell, Amanda Kok, Carol Beckx, Caroline Birch, Coral Spencer Domijan, Deborah van Niekerk, Di van Wyk, Gillian Gerhardt, Jane Oliver, Jane Sampson, Marianne Meijer, Michele Silk, Nicole Pletts, Nomsa Ngidi, Sean Simons and Paul Ramos.
The KZNSA Gallery (a non-governmental, public benefit organisation) has recently gained an additional status as a Section 18A (educational) organisation. As part of its increased mandate, the gallery is in the process of developing a series of educational programmes, the first of which was the KZNSA Professional Practice Course. Aimed at artists wishing to pursue an active career in artwork production, exhibition and sales, the course was designed with a set of outcomes culminating in the exhibition Big Night Out.
Participants were guided through the various stages of preparation for the exhibition, including increasing their artist’s professional profile, developing a cohesive body of work, and administering exhibition logistics.
The course, designed and presented by Gallery Director Brenton Maart, commenced in February 2009, proceeded as weekly three-hour workshops, and concludes with the exhibition. The course has been subsidised by the KZNSA member’s fund. Proceeds from the sale of work from the exhibition will be used to support further educational activities of the gallery.
Big Night Out runs until May 10. To view the full exhibition, please see the catalogue on the gallery website at www.kznsagallery.co.za
The KZNSA Gallery is situated at 166 Bulwer Road, Glenwood, in Durban. More information on 031 277 1703, fax 031 201 8051 or cell 082 220 0368.
MICHAEL GREEN’S WINE NOTES #219
New range called Obikwa, corkage charges in restaurants and Meerendal celebrates 40 years.
A recent arrival on the South African wine scene is a range called Obikwa, made by the local liquor giant Distell and consisting of five different wine varieties: sauvignon blanc, chenin blanc, shiraz, merlot and a pinotage rosé.
These wines have been exported for some years and are now sold in 43 different countries. The name and the label are unusual. The Obikwa were one of South Africa’s earliest peoples and they had a special relationship with the ostrich, whom they regarded as a life force and a trusty companion. So the label on the wine bottle has a stylised ostrich with a very long neck.
I have tried three of these wines, the sauvignon blanc, chenin blanc and shiraz, and they offer very good value, retailing at about R18 to R23 a bottle, depending on the type of wine, and where and when you buy it.
I suppose we are fortunate. My colleague David Biggs (we worked together on The Friend in Bloemfontein more than 40 years ago) writes about wine in the Cape Argus, Cape Town. He has been on holiday in Canada, and in a newspaper article he writes that Obikwa wines are a huge seller in Canada – at a price equal to about R110 a bottle.
South Africa has many problems, but at least we can drink wine here at a reasonable cost, although it seems that the economic recession has induced many South Africans to “buy down” and choose cheaper wines.
******* ****** ********.
I have for years campaigned for lower wine prices, and lower corkage charges, in restaurants, but it is an uphill battle. To charge R40 to R60 corkage on a bottle of bring your own wine seems to me extortionate, a calculated attempt to force customers to buy the restaurant’s own grotesquely overpriced wines.
It is difficult to get the message across when there is little support from people who spend much time dining in restaurants and presumably getting paid for doing so, the food and wine reviewers. When I read about wonderful bargain-price lunches at R200 a head, I wonder if they live in the real world.
One reviewer wrote not long ago about a meal at a Durban hotel where he found on the wine list “a fair value Hartenberg Chatillon for R75”. Chatillon is a very pleasant white wine made from chenin blanc grapes, just off dry, and it has a big following (among home drinkers). I bought some at my bottle store the other day. It was R21,90 a bottle.
The Durban hotel, buying wholesale, would of course pay less, perhaps R17 or R18 a bottle. Which means that they would be charging four times as much when they put it on their wine list at R75.
Fair value? Come on.
******* ********* *********
The South African wine industry is 350 years old this year, and the Meerendal estate near Durbanville has its own reason to celebrate; it is 40 years since the first wine appeared under the Meerendal label (although the farm itself dates back to 1702, when the land was granted to Jan Meerland).
To mark the occasion Meerendal gave an elaborate lunch and a vertical tasting of Meerendal pinotages and shirazes spanning the 40 years, with 11 vintages of each wine between 1969 and 2008. Generally the response of the tasters was good, and they agreed that the older wines were full of life.
All the pinotages were made from grapes from the same vineyard, planted by Kosie Starke in 1955. – Michael Green
A recent arrival on the South African wine scene is a range called Obikwa, made by the local liquor giant Distell and consisting of five different wine varieties: sauvignon blanc, chenin blanc, shiraz, merlot and a pinotage rosé.
These wines have been exported for some years and are now sold in 43 different countries. The name and the label are unusual. The Obikwa were one of South Africa’s earliest peoples and they had a special relationship with the ostrich, whom they regarded as a life force and a trusty companion. So the label on the wine bottle has a stylised ostrich with a very long neck.
I have tried three of these wines, the sauvignon blanc, chenin blanc and shiraz, and they offer very good value, retailing at about R18 to R23 a bottle, depending on the type of wine, and where and when you buy it.
I suppose we are fortunate. My colleague David Biggs (we worked together on The Friend in Bloemfontein more than 40 years ago) writes about wine in the Cape Argus, Cape Town. He has been on holiday in Canada, and in a newspaper article he writes that Obikwa wines are a huge seller in Canada – at a price equal to about R110 a bottle.
South Africa has many problems, but at least we can drink wine here at a reasonable cost, although it seems that the economic recession has induced many South Africans to “buy down” and choose cheaper wines.
******* ****** ********.
I have for years campaigned for lower wine prices, and lower corkage charges, in restaurants, but it is an uphill battle. To charge R40 to R60 corkage on a bottle of bring your own wine seems to me extortionate, a calculated attempt to force customers to buy the restaurant’s own grotesquely overpriced wines.
It is difficult to get the message across when there is little support from people who spend much time dining in restaurants and presumably getting paid for doing so, the food and wine reviewers. When I read about wonderful bargain-price lunches at R200 a head, I wonder if they live in the real world.
One reviewer wrote not long ago about a meal at a Durban hotel where he found on the wine list “a fair value Hartenberg Chatillon for R75”. Chatillon is a very pleasant white wine made from chenin blanc grapes, just off dry, and it has a big following (among home drinkers). I bought some at my bottle store the other day. It was R21,90 a bottle.
The Durban hotel, buying wholesale, would of course pay less, perhaps R17 or R18 a bottle. Which means that they would be charging four times as much when they put it on their wine list at R75.
Fair value? Come on.
******* ********* *********
The South African wine industry is 350 years old this year, and the Meerendal estate near Durbanville has its own reason to celebrate; it is 40 years since the first wine appeared under the Meerendal label (although the farm itself dates back to 1702, when the land was granted to Jan Meerland).
To mark the occasion Meerendal gave an elaborate lunch and a vertical tasting of Meerendal pinotages and shirazes spanning the 40 years, with 11 vintages of each wine between 1969 and 2008. Generally the response of the tasters was good, and they agreed that the older wines were full of life.
All the pinotages were made from grapes from the same vineyard, planted by Kosie Starke in 1955. – Michael Green
THE BEST PARTY SHOW
(Pic: Rudi Jansen as Cornelius; Carly Graeme as Mimi; Andrew Webster as Frederic; Mortimer Williams as Nigel)New show at Upper Deck is compiled from the greatest party music written over the past six decades.
Opening next week at the Upper Deck Restaurant at uShaka Marine World, The Best Party Show”, is compiled from the greatest party music written over the past six decades. It is a show suitable for the entire family and offers well-known, foot-stomping, sing-along hits, masterfully performed by a group of extremely talented performers and musicians.
After having conquered large parts of South Africa on their national tour, “Mimi Du Preez and the Saucers” will be performing at the Upper Deck at uShaka Marine World.
A very unfortunate event leads Mimi (Carly Graeme) to settle for a few local backing singers and a band that doesn’t necessarily impress Mimi at first glance, but the Diva is left with no alternative.
And so we start our night’s entertainment with our uShaka heroes desperately trying to impress the Diva from the Big City with their unique blend of personalities and “musical talent”.
Cornelius (Rudi Jansen) the leader of the group normally performs at church functions and talent competitions but until now has had no real success in the music world. Cornelius is also the choreographer, but doesn’t really have too much talent in this arena – he however makes up for it with great dedication and a passion for performing…
Nigel (Mortimer Williams) is a stereotypical “gangsta” from the Cape Flats. Only, he’s not really from there but rather from Nigel in Gauteng. This doesn’t prevent him from having all the affectations, attitude and lingo of the real deal. “Nigel is nie op sy bek gevallie” and has something to say about everything and everyone, especially Mimi. But, can he sing?
Frederic (Andrew Webster) doesn’t normally speak too much and has been labelled “Nerd” for most of his life. He has a dream of being in a successful rock band, but his personality and outdated dress sense hasn’t exactly afforded him too many offers, in the past. This is his shot and he’s willing to do anything to succeed!
Will Mimi accept her new comrades or are we heading for a disaster of epic proportions? For a night of laughs and music, book now, urge the organisers!
The Best Party Show can be seen on the Upper Deck of the Phantom Ship at uShaka from Wednesday to Saturday nights at 20h00 (dinner starts at 19h00) from April 29 to May 23. Tickets R150 pp include a good buffet menu. Bookings can be made at 031 328 8068 or Computicket.
THE BALD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
(Pic: Shelley McLean, Evan Roberts, Melanie Roberts and Liesel Coppin)
Great fun at the intimate Rhumbelow dinner theatre. (Review by Maurice Kort)
Great fun at the intimate Rhumbelow dinner theatre with four accomplished singers and two pianists belting out hits of past decades reworked in their own style.
Liesel Coppin, Shelley McLean, Melanie Roberts and Evan Roberts (not related in any way) who have been friends and working colleagues for up to 20 years have combined their talents to present this most entertaining musical evening. Having struggled to find a title for the show, they hit on the very apt "The Bald (i.e. Evan Roberts) and the Beautiful (no explanation required)".
They do full justice to the very varied songs of Bob Dylan, Justin Timberland, Queen, the Beegees, Bob Marley, Barbra Streisand, Elvis Presley and many others starting with a delightful Mr Bojangles which gives a taste of the delights to come. Their rapport and friendship show in how well they combine in the numbers and their enjoyment is very contagious, the audience loving their performances. Particularly well received was Hallelujah by Shelley McLean from Shrek.
An absolute highlight and show stopper was their treatment of Hound Dog in its several variations, never dreamt of by Elvis Presley, very topical and most humorous. There is minimal connecting dialogue, what there is being mainly by Melanie Roberts with some lovely throw-away lines. The cast obviously had great fun during rehearsals and some of this could have been included in the show to entertain and amuse the audience. The show begs not to be taken too seriously and their great talent and professionalism would prevent any hilarity being taken amiss.
Evan Roberts is an accomplished and well known musical director, producer and pianist but has not been on stage for ages. Not only has he been coaxed into this show but was "forced" to display his vocal abilities as well. Not to be outdone, Shelley MacLean takes over as the pianist in some of the numbers. She is a regular on the musical circuit having just finished a stint in Viva Las Vegas and Liesel Coppin is perhaps better known for her dramatic roles. Melanie Roberts makes a most welcome return from her long absence abroad. Each has her own singing style and they also blend well, ably supported by Evan Roberts.
Roland Stansell has done wonders with the intimate Rhumbelow Theatre in Cunningham Ave off Bartle Rd turning it into a popular venue for small budget shows making full use of the sound and lighting facilities, operated by Andre and Mbali, respectively, with Graham and Kirsty on follow spots. The set might be simple, it being dominated by the grand piano, but the many and varied costumes of the ladies make up for this.
There are six performances: April 17, 18, 24 and 25 at 20h00 and Sunday 19 and 26 April at 18h30 with the venue opening 90 minutes before the shows for picnic dinners and there are braai facilities. As there is a bar available, no alcohol may be brought onto the premises. Tickets R80 and booking is essential. Telephone or e-mail Roland Stansell at H: 031-205 7602; Cell 082-499 8636; email: roland@stansell.za.net The Web site address is www.rhumbelow.za.net – Maurice Kort
The shows this weekend had to be cancelled because one of the cast members were ill but extra performances have been added from May 1 to 3 to compensate)
WOODSTOCK REMEMBERED
(Pic: John Didlick, Barry Thomson and Marion Loudon)
Groovy, baby! (Review by Billy Suter, courtesy of The Mercury)
This year marks the 40th anniversary of an American event that went down as one of the world’s most legendary musical experiences of all time. It was, of course, the three days of love and peace that was Woodstock, the music festival which, held in 1969, from August 15 to 18, on a 240ha dairy farm in the rural town of Bethel, New York, saw performances by 32 popular musicians.
The crowd was unprecedented – nearly half a million concertgoers assembled on that farm to experience history in the making.
It lead to the release of a live album, a successful documentary and, now, this very enjoyable Durban tribute show which, produced and directed by Gary McKenzie, fondly recalls and salutes the iconical event.
Ebullient lead vocalists Marion Loudon and John Didlick, together again for the first time since their The King and Queen, seen at this same venue, won a Mercury Durban Theatre Award as best musical revue, appear in a parade of groovy hippie gear co-ordinated by Megan McKenzie.
They are backed by a fine band headed by keyboardist-singer and musical director Dawn Selby. On bass we have animated charmer Lloyd de Gier, seasoned pro Mali Sewell is on drums, and Shaun Dragt and popular and versatile Barry Thomson are on guitars.
Performing on a stage dressed with cutouts of flowers and peace signs, and where swirling lights throw changing, moving patterns on two screens stretched, skin-like, over a fairylight backdrop, the cast dips into all the expected favourites.
While scenes from the actual Woodstock festival are occasionally beamed on to two large square screens on either side of the stage, we are treated to classics from acts as diverse as Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Grand Funk Railroad and The Mamas and the Papas. We are also served songs that had nothing to do with Woodstock but reflect the era when carefree living, as well as tie-dye shirts and kaftans, headbands, flare-pants and sandals, were all the rage.
The show opens with the Matthews Southern Comfort Band hit, Woodstock, and Scott McKenzie’s If You’re Going To San Francisco. It goes on to offer such early highlights as Thomson and Didlick harmonising through Mrs Robinson (very good, in spite of botching the lyrics a bit on press night) and Sewell taking lead vocals for The Zombies favourite Time of the Season.
Thomson steals the first half limelight, however, with his plaintive rendition of John Lennon’s Imagine, in which he’s accompanied only by himself on keyboards.
The second half is even better, opening with the catchy Country Joe Fish rag, I Feel Like I’m Fixin’ To Die, going on to offer Richie Havens’s Freedom, and featuring Loudon at her best with Janis Joplin’s Me and Bobby McGee and also a medley of Baez’s Joe Hill and Swing Low Sweet Chariot.
It’s when the team starts to rock hard, with Santana’s Soul Sacrifice and a medley of hits by The Who, that the crowd starts really whooping with delight, reaching a high point when Thomson plays guitar with his teeth, then behind his neck, during the smoking Jimi Hendrix sequence, incorporating Voodoo Chile and Star Spangled Banner.
Also featuring songs by, among others, The Byrds, Louis Armstrong, Canned Heat, Joe Cocker, Petula Clark, The Box Tops, Joni Mitchell, Creedence Clearwater Revival and Sha-Na-Na, Woodstock Remembered is being presented until May 17.
Tickets R190 Wednesday to Saturday (R165 on Tuesdays as well as for lunch shows on Sundays). These prices include a two-course meal offering a starter choice of prawn salad, soup or feta brulee. Mains choices are butternut and feta ravioli, cannelloni, grilled sole (very nice) and lamb shank (always a hit). To book, or for more information, contact 031 765 4197. – Billy Suter
PARLOTONES LIVE AT KRAKATOA
Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom to host renowned band on April 30.
The Parlotones will play live at Krakatoa at Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom on April 30 as part of the South African leg of their 2009 World Tour.
Based on their platinum selling album A World Next Door to Yours, The Parlotones will be headlining a showcase of superb South African talent to mark the end of their two month, three continent, international musical venture.
The evening kicks off at 20h00 with critically-acclaimed indie band, The Black Hotel, followed at 20h45 by hugely successful rock band, Wonderboom, and South Africa’s pop rock phenomenon, The Parlotones, will take to the stage at 22h00.
Doors open at 19h30 and tickets are R150 at the door. For further information contact 031 580 5100.
SENA OVERSEAS SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION
Reminder to all keyboard wizards that deadline is April 30 for annual music bursaries and overseas scholarships.
SAMRO’s Endowment for the National Arts (SENA) is reminding gifted keyboard players to submit their entries for the annual Overseas Scholarships competition before April 30, 2009.
SENA’s annual music bursaries and overseas scholarships – the largest such awards in South Africa – have formed an integral part of SAMRO’s continuous investment in music education since 1963.
The prestigious SAMRO Overseas Scholarships, which this year are open to keyboard players in the categories Jazz/Popular Music and Western Art/Classical Music, will see the handsome sum of R160,000 going to each of the two winners to study music at postgraduate level at an international tertiary institution. Together with runner-up prizes, the purse for this competition exceeds half a million rand.
Previous participants in this hotly-contested scholarships competition have gone on to great heights, such as Burton Naidoo, Kimmi Skota, Abel Moeng, Tutu Puoane, Deon van der Walt, Nicholas Nicolaidis, Katherine Henderson, Abigail Petersen, Nina Schumann and Kesivan Naidoo, who was recently named the 2009 Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz.
Pianist Ben Schoeman, who won the classical section of the competition in 2005, is frequently described as the greatest South African pianist of his generation and went on to win the Vodacom Unisa International Piano Competition in 2008 – the first South African to achieve this feat.
“The keyboard competition – which is open to pianists, organists, keyboard players and harpsichord players – is always a popular one, and this year we are expecting a high standard of entry and some stiff competition,” says SENA Manager André le Roux.
The Overseas Scholarships will see a number of keyboard wizards vying for top honours during the intermediate round on August 27, 2009, where they will be whittled down to four – two in each category. They will tinkle the ivories for supremacy during the final round, which will take the form of a thrilling gala evening at Unisa’s ZK Matthews Hall in Pretoria on August 29.
Keyboard players are reminded to submit their entries for the Overseas Scholarships before April 30, 2009. Visit www.sena.org.za or e-mail sena@samro.org.za for entry forms and details.
SAMRO’s Endowment for the National Arts (SENA) is reminding gifted keyboard players to submit their entries for the annual Overseas Scholarships competition before April 30, 2009.
SENA’s annual music bursaries and overseas scholarships – the largest such awards in South Africa – have formed an integral part of SAMRO’s continuous investment in music education since 1963.
The prestigious SAMRO Overseas Scholarships, which this year are open to keyboard players in the categories Jazz/Popular Music and Western Art/Classical Music, will see the handsome sum of R160,000 going to each of the two winners to study music at postgraduate level at an international tertiary institution. Together with runner-up prizes, the purse for this competition exceeds half a million rand.
Previous participants in this hotly-contested scholarships competition have gone on to great heights, such as Burton Naidoo, Kimmi Skota, Abel Moeng, Tutu Puoane, Deon van der Walt, Nicholas Nicolaidis, Katherine Henderson, Abigail Petersen, Nina Schumann and Kesivan Naidoo, who was recently named the 2009 Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz.
Pianist Ben Schoeman, who won the classical section of the competition in 2005, is frequently described as the greatest South African pianist of his generation and went on to win the Vodacom Unisa International Piano Competition in 2008 – the first South African to achieve this feat.
“The keyboard competition – which is open to pianists, organists, keyboard players and harpsichord players – is always a popular one, and this year we are expecting a high standard of entry and some stiff competition,” says SENA Manager André le Roux.
The Overseas Scholarships will see a number of keyboard wizards vying for top honours during the intermediate round on August 27, 2009, where they will be whittled down to four – two in each category. They will tinkle the ivories for supremacy during the final round, which will take the form of a thrilling gala evening at Unisa’s ZK Matthews Hall in Pretoria on August 29.
Keyboard players are reminded to submit their entries for the Overseas Scholarships before April 30, 2009. Visit www.sena.org.za or e-mail sena@samro.org.za for entry forms and details.
TOI TOI TOY LIVE
(Pic: Axel Batsch, Njabulo Hlongwane and Bheki Luthuli with (front) Milli Memela)
Phansi Museum to offer cocktail of tribal beats, classic jazz and alternative rock.
On April 30, Phansi Museum in Glenwood offers a “cocktail of tribal beats, classic jazz and alternative rock on unusual instruments presented with experience from years of playing with these toys in different fields ... “
The group is Toi Toi Toy and the players are Axel Batsch (ukulele, vocals, African cowhide drum); Bheki Luthuli (trumpet); Milli Memela (djembe, vocals) and Njabulo Hlongwane (bass guitar)
Their name is based on the German term ‘toi toi toi’ means good luck as well as the African phrase ‘toi toi’ which embraces dance and the word ‘toy’ which refers to the joy with which they handle their instruments.
Toi Toi Toy performs at Phansi Museum on April 30 at 19h30. Admission R60. Seating is limited and reservations recommended. Contact Max on 031 206 2889 or 083 4503270 to book.
Light snacks will be provided, there is a cash bar and a car guard on duty. Phansi Museum is at 41 Cedar Road, Entrance on Frere Road (opposite 517 Frere Road) now Esther Roberts Rd, Glenwood, Durban.
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. Original music and performing arts are promoted through the hosting of regular events. The museum coffee shop ‘Ikhishi’ is open for refreshments and light lunches from 11h00 to 15h00 Monday to Friday. Viewing is by appointment from 08h00 to 16h00 Monday to Fridays. Entrance fee R35 (R20 children) with discounted rates for groups of 10 and over. School visits by donation.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
SALUTES TO HANDEL AND HAYDN
Classical Notes by William Charlton-Perkins
Most of us who caught Haydn’s Nelson Mass at Mariannhill and Handel’s Messiah at The Playhouse recently will attest to having enjoyed these performances. Hats off to Naum Rousine, for his stylish, exciting accounts of both these taxing scores, for husbanding his large forces with such a sure hand. We are fortunate to have a conductor in our midst capable to pulling out the stops, both as a fine classicist and as a sensitive but grand interpreter of the High Baroque idiom.
Congratulations also to the Durban Symphonic and their director Rosalie Conrad and to the Playhouse Company Chorale and their chorus master, Gerhard Geist, for delivering singing of such a high calibre. Ditto the fine soloists who graced both occasions with their committed performances. A word of appreciation, too, to the Playhouse Company’s creative team for its imaginative semi-staged production of Handel’s masterpiece.
For those who might like to preserve their memories of these exciting events, a number of fine audio recordings are available, if not from local stores, certainly online via Amazon or other reputable outlets. My recommendation for the Nelson Mass is Richard Hickox’s superlative account on the Chandos label. Coupled with Haydn’s Ave Regina and Missa Brevis, this features British soprano Susan Gritton on crystalline form, leading a quartet of soloists that includes Pamela Helen Stevens (mezzo), Mark Padmore (tenor) and Steven Varcoe (baritone) with the Collegium Musicum 90. Sir Neville Marriner’s idiomatic EMI recording from Dresden is also a strong contender.
Among the many Messiah recordings available, an all-time favourite remains Sir Charles Mackerras’s ground-breaking version on EMI. Recorded, unbelievably, 42 years ago, this still holds its head up high in crystal clear stereo sound. Its wonderful roster includes Elizabeth Harwood, Dame Janet Baker, Paul Esswood, Robert Tear and Raimund Herincx, the Ambrosian Singers and the English Chamber Orchestra. If you are a stickler for performances on ‘Original Instruments’, Trevor Pinnock’s fine 1988 take on Deutsche Grammophon Archiv features The English Concert and Choir, with Arlene Auger, Anne Sofie von Otter, Michael Chance, Howard Franck and John Tomlinson. These are just two desirables in a crowded field. Many others are recommended online.
For those feisty enough to explore other Handel oratorios, two masterpieces close in period to Messiah reward discovery. Paul McCreesh, one of the great Handelians of our age, leads a memorable Solomon. This Archiv issue stars German countertenor Andreas Scholl. His vibrant contralto evokes the glory days of Kathleen Ferrier. Not least among the set’s fine soloists is Susan Gritton, a memorable Queen of Sheba. Listen to her heart-stopping account of Will the sun forget to streak near the close of Act 111, or hear the miraculous Nightingale Chorus that closes Act 1, to name just two of many musical gems found in this masterpiece, besides the joyous Arrival of the Queen of Sheba: you will be amazed that Solomon is not every bit as famous as Messiah.
The same could be said of Samson, the oratorio that follows Messiah in the Handel oeuvre. Harry Christopher’s recording on the Coro label couples his regular ensemble, The Sixteen, with the quaintly titled Symphony of Harmony and Invention. The line-up of soloists here includes another of Britain’s finest sopranos, Lynne Dawson. Just two of the many glories to be found in this infinitely recommendable work are the haunting contralto solo, Return o God of Hosts, and the dazzling soprano show-stopper, Let the Bright Seraphim.
Keeping the emphasis on Handel and Haydn, two upcoming KZNPO Sinfonia concerts at St Thomas’s Church on Musgrave Road are worth noting. This Sunday (April 19) at 11h00 Lykele Temmingh conducts Mozart’s Der Schauspieldirektor Overture, Haydn’s Cello Concerto in D major (Soloist Jennifer Cox) and Schubert Unfinished Symphony.
Naum Rousine returns to KZNPO podium at St Thomas’s on May 3 at 11h30, with a programme featuring Handel’s ubiquitous Arrival of Queen of Sheba, Handel’s Organ Concerto Opus 4 no. 1 in G minor (soloist Christopher Cockburn) and Haydn’s Symphony no.96. A fitting addition to the global commemorations of the 250th and 200th anniversaries of these composers’ deaths in 1759 and 1809 respectively. - William Charlton-Perkins
Most of us who caught Haydn’s Nelson Mass at Mariannhill and Handel’s Messiah at The Playhouse recently will attest to having enjoyed these performances. Hats off to Naum Rousine, for his stylish, exciting accounts of both these taxing scores, for husbanding his large forces with such a sure hand. We are fortunate to have a conductor in our midst capable to pulling out the stops, both as a fine classicist and as a sensitive but grand interpreter of the High Baroque idiom.
Congratulations also to the Durban Symphonic and their director Rosalie Conrad and to the Playhouse Company Chorale and their chorus master, Gerhard Geist, for delivering singing of such a high calibre. Ditto the fine soloists who graced both occasions with their committed performances. A word of appreciation, too, to the Playhouse Company’s creative team for its imaginative semi-staged production of Handel’s masterpiece.
For those who might like to preserve their memories of these exciting events, a number of fine audio recordings are available, if not from local stores, certainly online via Amazon or other reputable outlets. My recommendation for the Nelson Mass is Richard Hickox’s superlative account on the Chandos label. Coupled with Haydn’s Ave Regina and Missa Brevis, this features British soprano Susan Gritton on crystalline form, leading a quartet of soloists that includes Pamela Helen Stevens (mezzo), Mark Padmore (tenor) and Steven Varcoe (baritone) with the Collegium Musicum 90. Sir Neville Marriner’s idiomatic EMI recording from Dresden is also a strong contender.
Among the many Messiah recordings available, an all-time favourite remains Sir Charles Mackerras’s ground-breaking version on EMI. Recorded, unbelievably, 42 years ago, this still holds its head up high in crystal clear stereo sound. Its wonderful roster includes Elizabeth Harwood, Dame Janet Baker, Paul Esswood, Robert Tear and Raimund Herincx, the Ambrosian Singers and the English Chamber Orchestra. If you are a stickler for performances on ‘Original Instruments’, Trevor Pinnock’s fine 1988 take on Deutsche Grammophon Archiv features The English Concert and Choir, with Arlene Auger, Anne Sofie von Otter, Michael Chance, Howard Franck and John Tomlinson. These are just two desirables in a crowded field. Many others are recommended online.
For those feisty enough to explore other Handel oratorios, two masterpieces close in period to Messiah reward discovery. Paul McCreesh, one of the great Handelians of our age, leads a memorable Solomon. This Archiv issue stars German countertenor Andreas Scholl. His vibrant contralto evokes the glory days of Kathleen Ferrier. Not least among the set’s fine soloists is Susan Gritton, a memorable Queen of Sheba. Listen to her heart-stopping account of Will the sun forget to streak near the close of Act 111, or hear the miraculous Nightingale Chorus that closes Act 1, to name just two of many musical gems found in this masterpiece, besides the joyous Arrival of the Queen of Sheba: you will be amazed that Solomon is not every bit as famous as Messiah.
The same could be said of Samson, the oratorio that follows Messiah in the Handel oeuvre. Harry Christopher’s recording on the Coro label couples his regular ensemble, The Sixteen, with the quaintly titled Symphony of Harmony and Invention. The line-up of soloists here includes another of Britain’s finest sopranos, Lynne Dawson. Just two of the many glories to be found in this infinitely recommendable work are the haunting contralto solo, Return o God of Hosts, and the dazzling soprano show-stopper, Let the Bright Seraphim.
Keeping the emphasis on Handel and Haydn, two upcoming KZNPO Sinfonia concerts at St Thomas’s Church on Musgrave Road are worth noting. This Sunday (April 19) at 11h00 Lykele Temmingh conducts Mozart’s Der Schauspieldirektor Overture, Haydn’s Cello Concerto in D major (Soloist Jennifer Cox) and Schubert Unfinished Symphony.
Naum Rousine returns to KZNPO podium at St Thomas’s on May 3 at 11h30, with a programme featuring Handel’s ubiquitous Arrival of Queen of Sheba, Handel’s Organ Concerto Opus 4 no. 1 in G minor (soloist Christopher Cockburn) and Haydn’s Symphony no.96. A fitting addition to the global commemorations of the 250th and 200th anniversaries of these composers’ deaths in 1759 and 1809 respectively. - William Charlton-Perkins
LIVE POETS SOCIETY
Next meeting to take place on April 30.
The next meeting of The Live Poets Society will take place on April 30 at 18h00 at the Alliance Française, 22 Sutton Crescent off Windermere Road, Durban.
Entrance is free and all poets and lovers of poetry are welcome. Ample safe parking is available.
For further information Contact Danny Naicker on 083 282 0865 or email: dnaicker@metsond.co.za
The next meeting of The Live Poets Society will take place on April 30 at 18h00 at the Alliance Française, 22 Sutton Crescent off Windermere Road, Durban.
Entrance is free and all poets and lovers of poetry are welcome. Ample safe parking is available.
For further information Contact Danny Naicker on 083 282 0865 or email: dnaicker@metsond.co.za
SAWC SEMINAR
South African Writers' Circle’s seminar.
The South African Writers' Circle will hold their annual seminar at the Mountain Park Hotel in Bulwer from May 15 to 17.
Titled Whodunnit at the Mountain Park, the theme is the crime/mystery/suspense genre and excellent speakers have been engaged for the event! These are Micki Pistorius (author of Catch Me a Killer); Reggie Perumal (forensic pathologist), Ingrid Winterbach and Wendy Greeff. Ginny Porter will discuss Creating Powerful Protagonists.
Also on offer are a short entertaining play and exciting competitions and writers stand a chance of being published!
Bookings and information through Merilyn on 031 564 7660 or e-mail tomkinsme@webafrica.org.za
Bookings taken on a first come first served basis!
The South African Writers' Circle will hold their annual seminar at the Mountain Park Hotel in Bulwer from May 15 to 17.
Titled Whodunnit at the Mountain Park, the theme is the crime/mystery/suspense genre and excellent speakers have been engaged for the event! These are Micki Pistorius (author of Catch Me a Killer); Reggie Perumal (forensic pathologist), Ingrid Winterbach and Wendy Greeff. Ginny Porter will discuss Creating Powerful Protagonists.
Also on offer are a short entertaining play and exciting competitions and writers stand a chance of being published!
Bookings and information through Merilyn on 031 564 7660 or e-mail tomkinsme@webafrica.org.za
Bookings taken on a first come first served basis!
BOLLYWOOD EXPLOSION
Bollywood music concert at iZulu Theatre: Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom
A Bollywood music concert featuring favourite Bollywood tunes and Chutney/Nagara music performed by Saraswathie Impressions and Flash Entertainers along with a host of other guests will be held at Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom. Uncles Peru and Bala will also perform their new comedy act.
Bollywood Explosion) has performances in the iZulu Theatre on April 25 and 26. Tickets R100 to R150. Early booking through Computicket is advised. Contact 083 915 8000.
A Bollywood music concert featuring favourite Bollywood tunes and Chutney/Nagara music performed by Saraswathie Impressions and Flash Entertainers along with a host of other guests will be held at Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom. Uncles Peru and Bala will also perform their new comedy act.
Bollywood Explosion) has performances in the iZulu Theatre on April 25 and 26. Tickets R100 to R150. Early booking through Computicket is advised. Contact 083 915 8000.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
AUDITIONS FOR PETER PAN
KickstArt to hold auditions for new musical at Christmas.
Steven Stead and Greg King of KickstArt are planning for their brand new, spectacular stage musical Peter Pan, coming to the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre this Christmas.
They will hold auditions for Lost Boys, Pirates and Indians on May 9 at the Playhouse Mayville complex.
“We need young male actors aged 10 to 15 years, of any race group, who are capable of singing and acting to a high level, and who speak excellent English, to play the six Lost Boys who form Peter Pan’s Never Land gang,” says Stead. “We’ll also cast Wendy’s brothers, John and Michael, from these auditions. In addition we are also looking for six talented adult male actors, aged from 18 to 50 years, to play Captain Hook’s fearsome pirate crew. These actors must be able to sing and dance, as they will be playing singing Pirates and dancing Indian braves.”
Auditions will take place on May 9 in Room M1 at the Playhouse’s Mayville Complex, Ramsay Road.
Auditions for the boys will be between 10h30 and 13h30. No reservation of an audition time is necessary but all applicants should arrive at 10h30 and put their names on a list at the door. Auditionees should take a short song with sheet music or backing track that shows off ability to ‘belt’. If applicants get through the singing audition, they will be required to stay and attend a dance/acting audition. The audition lists will close at 11h45.
Auditions for Pirates and Indians are from 14h30 to 17h30, again with no reservation of audition time. All applicants will first attend a group dance audition and then those who get through this round will be asked to sing/act. Auditionees should take a character song that shows vocal range, along with sheet music or backing track. Prepare a two sentence “pirate monologue” demonstrating character and accent work.
Auditionees should also wear comfortable clothes and shoes that they can dance / move in. Bringing along a CV with a photo is useful but not essential.
The show will rehearse afternoons and evenings from November 9 until it opens on December 7 and runs until January 10. Performances will be Tuesday to Sunday at 14h30 (Fridays at Saturdays at 19h00)
Steven Stead and Greg King of KickstArt are planning for their brand new, spectacular stage musical Peter Pan, coming to the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre this Christmas.
They will hold auditions for Lost Boys, Pirates and Indians on May 9 at the Playhouse Mayville complex.
“We need young male actors aged 10 to 15 years, of any race group, who are capable of singing and acting to a high level, and who speak excellent English, to play the six Lost Boys who form Peter Pan’s Never Land gang,” says Stead. “We’ll also cast Wendy’s brothers, John and Michael, from these auditions. In addition we are also looking for six talented adult male actors, aged from 18 to 50 years, to play Captain Hook’s fearsome pirate crew. These actors must be able to sing and dance, as they will be playing singing Pirates and dancing Indian braves.”
Auditions will take place on May 9 in Room M1 at the Playhouse’s Mayville Complex, Ramsay Road.
Auditions for the boys will be between 10h30 and 13h30. No reservation of an audition time is necessary but all applicants should arrive at 10h30 and put their names on a list at the door. Auditionees should take a short song with sheet music or backing track that shows off ability to ‘belt’. If applicants get through the singing audition, they will be required to stay and attend a dance/acting audition. The audition lists will close at 11h45.
Auditions for Pirates and Indians are from 14h30 to 17h30, again with no reservation of audition time. All applicants will first attend a group dance audition and then those who get through this round will be asked to sing/act. Auditionees should take a character song that shows vocal range, along with sheet music or backing track. Prepare a two sentence “pirate monologue” demonstrating character and accent work.
Auditionees should also wear comfortable clothes and shoes that they can dance / move in. Bringing along a CV with a photo is useful but not essential.
The show will rehearse afternoons and evenings from November 9 until it opens on December 7 and runs until January 10. Performances will be Tuesday to Sunday at 14h30 (Fridays at Saturdays at 19h00)
BOLLYWOOD EXPLOSION
Bollywood music concert at iZulu Theatre: Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom
A Bollywood music concert featuring favourite Bollywood tunes and Chutney/Nagara music performed by Saraswathie Impressions and Flash Entertainers along with a host of other guests will be held at Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom. Uncles Peru and Bala will also perform their new comedy act.
Bollywood Explosion) has performances in the iZulu Theatre on April 25 and 26. Tickets R100 to R150. Early booking through Computicket is advised. Contact 083 915 8000.
A Bollywood music concert featuring favourite Bollywood tunes and Chutney/Nagara music performed by Saraswathie Impressions and Flash Entertainers along with a host of other guests will be held at Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom. Uncles Peru and Bala will also perform their new comedy act.
Bollywood Explosion) has performances in the iZulu Theatre on April 25 and 26. Tickets R100 to R150. Early booking through Computicket is advised. Contact 083 915 8000.
SHEAR MADNESS
Smash hit comedy whodunit back by public demand.
Durban’s smash hit comedy whodunit Shear Madness returns by public demand for a short season only! For those who missed it last time and for those desperate to see the different endings, maximum madness and maximum mystery is back for a short re-run season. Critics and audiences raved! Don’t miss it this time round!
Special arrangements have been made for performances for schools to enable drama students a look at this very special comedy.
Shear Madness runs at the Catalina Theatre, Wilson’s Wharf from May 7 to 24 with performances from Thursday to Saturday at 20h00 (18h00 Sundays). There are matinee performances on Saturdays at 17h00 and Sundays at 14h00 when there is a ticket offer of Buy 1 Get 1 Free. Tickets R80 (R50 pensioners and students).
Schools Performances will take place at 11h00. Tickets R40 (1 Teacher free for every 10 scholars).
Bookings through www.catalinatheatre.co.za/ www.strictlytickets.com or phoning the Strictly Tickets Call Centre on 073 725 7381 / 031 309 7945 or through the theatre on 031 305 6889.
Durban’s smash hit comedy whodunit Shear Madness returns by public demand for a short season only! For those who missed it last time and for those desperate to see the different endings, maximum madness and maximum mystery is back for a short re-run season. Critics and audiences raved! Don’t miss it this time round!
Special arrangements have been made for performances for schools to enable drama students a look at this very special comedy.
Shear Madness runs at the Catalina Theatre, Wilson’s Wharf from May 7 to 24 with performances from Thursday to Saturday at 20h00 (18h00 Sundays). There are matinee performances on Saturdays at 17h00 and Sundays at 14h00 when there is a ticket offer of Buy 1 Get 1 Free. Tickets R80 (R50 pensioners and students).
Schools Performances will take place at 11h00. Tickets R40 (1 Teacher free for every 10 scholars).
Bookings through www.catalinatheatre.co.za/ www.strictlytickets.com or phoning the Strictly Tickets Call Centre on 073 725 7381 / 031 309 7945 or through the theatre on 031 305 6889.
MARTIN DAVIS
Popular comedian heading for a run at Catalina Theatre.
Martin Davis is back from his home town London to appear in a short season at the Catalina Theatre. Last year, this popular performer toured RSA on the Comedy Revolution with top cult comedians.
Going where mere joke-tellers fear to tread with his characteristic kamikaze bravado (“Go on, heckle me”), he walks the razor edge of audience participation, daring them to pick him off it.
Martin Davis is supported by Glen Bo (UK/SA) and Simmi Areff (weekly on ECR). Tickets R70 (R40 concessions) or buy one get on free on Sunday.
Performances from April 30 to May 3. Bookings through Strictly Tickets on 073 725 7381 / 031 309 7945 or through Catalina on 031 305 6889.
Martin Davis is back from his home town London to appear in a short season at the Catalina Theatre. Last year, this popular performer toured RSA on the Comedy Revolution with top cult comedians.
Going where mere joke-tellers fear to tread with his characteristic kamikaze bravado (“Go on, heckle me”), he walks the razor edge of audience participation, daring them to pick him off it.
Martin Davis is supported by Glen Bo (UK/SA) and Simmi Areff (weekly on ECR). Tickets R70 (R40 concessions) or buy one get on free on Sunday.
Performances from April 30 to May 3. Bookings through Strictly Tickets on 073 725 7381 / 031 309 7945 or through Catalina on 031 305 6889.
MIDSUMMER NIGHTS
DHS production to be staged at Seabrooke’s Theatre.
The first production to be staged in Seabrooke’s Theatre this year is a DHS production titled Midsummer Nights.
Loosely based on Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, this is a fun production for the whole family. The playwright, Bryan Leys, has set the story in California in the 60’s and the “partner swopping” of Shakespeare’s original story affects a group of teenage surfer kids and their parents. The cast of 22 includes actresses from Maris Stella, Our Lady of Fatima and Durban Girls’ High School.
Midsummer Nights runs from May 4 to 8 at 19h00. Tickets R35 booked through Karen Krause on 031 277 1500. Seating is unreserved. A cash bar will be available before the show. There is no interval and the running time is 70 minutes.
The first production to be staged in Seabrooke’s Theatre this year is a DHS production titled Midsummer Nights.
Loosely based on Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, this is a fun production for the whole family. The playwright, Bryan Leys, has set the story in California in the 60’s and the “partner swopping” of Shakespeare’s original story affects a group of teenage surfer kids and their parents. The cast of 22 includes actresses from Maris Stella, Our Lady of Fatima and Durban Girls’ High School.
Midsummer Nights runs from May 4 to 8 at 19h00. Tickets R35 booked through Karen Krause on 031 277 1500. Seating is unreserved. A cash bar will be available before the show. There is no interval and the running time is 70 minutes.
TANGO NIGHTS
(Pic: Lead dancers Kerryn Howard (ex Durban) and Andre Sauer in “Bedroom Duet”))
Bovim Ballet from Cape Town is to bring their sensual Tango Nights – which combines the allure and sensuality of tango with the athleticism of rock ballet en-pointe - to the Playhouse for a short season from April 29 as part of a national tour.
Under the Artistic Directorship of acclaimed choreographer Sean Bovim, Bovim Ballet will tour to Durban, Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein and Johannesburg with their full-length dance sensation, Tango Nights. Bovim’s carefully selected music includes the powerful Roxanne from the film Moulin Rouge and Gotan Project which, combined with masterful lighting by Daniel Galloway, set design by Karl Staub and clever choreography, result in a high impact production and a visual feast guaranteed to entertain audiences of all ages. Bovim continues his fusion of fashion and dance through his collaboration with international designers such as Malcolm Klûk and CGDT who have designed the exquisite costumes.
The male dancers include Andre Sauer, Darren Greef, Grant Swift, Devon Marshbank, Marc Goldberg, Ignatius Van Heerden, James Bradley and Shaun Murphy. Kerryn Howard (formerly of Durban), Kirsten Isenberg, Jennnifer Middleton, Faye Dubinski, Taryn Makaab, Nicola Marais, Alexandra Potgieter and Tracey Aaron complete the female ensemble.
Known for repeatedly pushing choreographic boundaries Bovim says: “I use classical ballet because of its physicality, musicality and creativity; to show off extraordinary technique combined with a fusion of styles that has become my own vocabulary”. He adds that for him, ballet is not only about the great classics such as Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty, but “deserves to be given the space to evolve just like architecture, art and the culture that surrounds us.”
Over the past 15 years, Sean Bovim’s work has been seen all over South Africa and as far afield as the USA, Russia, Denmark, Spain, the Edinburgh Festival and Ireland, where Queen at the Ballet played to more than 30,000 people with standing ovations at every performance at the Point Theatre in Dublin. Sean won the Dance Indaba Fringe Award for Choreography in 1995, the National Choreographic Competition in 1999 and SwingTime won a Naledi in 2005.
Having just completed successful seasons at Artscape and Oude Libertas where the show completely sold out, Bovim Ballet’s Tango Nights launches its national tour in Durban.
Performances take place at the Playhouse from April 29 to May 3. Special discounts are available for pensioners, students and block bookings of ten or more. Tickets through Computicket and advance booking is essential in order to avoid disappointment.
BEADED FASHION JEWELLERY
African Art Centre to launch its new jewellery range.
The African Art Centre Beaded Fashion Jewellery Range is to be launched on April 29.
The aim was to produce simpler designs that were easier and quicker to make, therefore making them more affordable to buyers. The designs were based on traditional Zulu beadwork which was transformed into current fashion jewellery and beaded handbags. At least 39 new products were developed. Product designers were Hlengiwe Dube, Liz Mitchell – marketing Carmi Course.
Some 14 beaders attended the course, seven of whom were highly skilled beaders who brought in someone new to learn new skills. These included Ntombi Mbambo, Thandazile Mathe, Nokuthula Gwala, Hlengiwe Chiyi, Ngazini Mathe, Promise Zondi, Nonhlanhla Dube, Dumisile Mathe, Beauty Ndlovu, Thokozani Sibisi, Ignetia Khanyile, Thabsile Mkhize and Nqobile Jeza.
Running alongside the Beaded Fashion Jewellery Range will be fantasy sculpture in wood by Sibusiso Gumede, Themba Khumalo, Timothy Mlambo, June Mpontshane, Widus Mtshali, Bongani Khumalo and Sibusiso Ndlanzi.
Janina Masojada will open the exhibition that launches The African Art Centre Beaded Fashion Jewellery Range at 17h30 on April 29.
For more information, contact Anthea Martin, Director of The African Art Centre on 031 312 3805 or 082 828 0211 or fax 031 312 3818.
CORIOLANUS
(Pic: Sithandiwe Prudence Radebe as his wife Virgilia and Mzukisi Miti as Menenius Agrippa. Photograph by Val Adamson)
Shakespeare’s “Coriolanus” – a 21st Century Leader? (Review of DUT production by Allen Auld)
Shakespeare’s play Coriolanus was recently (March 28– April 3, 2009) performed in The Courtyard Theatre of the Television, Drama and Production Studies Department at the Durban University of Technology.
This energetic and dynamic production was directed by Debbie Lutge – who has a penchant for adeptly directing epic scale theatre. Lutge’s most recent productions include: a lyrical presentation of Fay and Michael Kanin’s Rashomon and a unique and ground-breaking interpretation of Genbia Hyla’s reconstruction of four texts - with Shakespeare’s Hamlet at the core - a work entitled Hamlet Deconstructed. Additionally in 2007 Lutge’s concept and direction of The Parable of the Blind Men & the Elephant by John Godfrey Saxe, performed at the Durban City Hall, exhibited an elephant built from scrap air-conditioning units. The set was painted in luminous colours. The production combined rap, pantsula, patta-patta, classical music, and gumboot dancing, all under ultra violet lights for the 2007 Mahatma Gandhi International Award for Reconciliation and Peace, commissioned by the Satyagraha Trustees under Ela Gandhi, granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi.
In this production of Coriolanus, Lutge achieves a muscular and volatile presentation, with particular relevance to South Africa’s present political situation. Picturesque and fast moving, this analogy is obvious in both the surface and subtextual narrative, and deftly illuminates the director’s vision. Written by Shakespeare between 1607 and 1608, the plot concerns Coriolanus, a Roman General, who in battle, defeats the Volscian army and in return requests a Consulship of Rome. The grateful citizens cannot refuse. As Consul he treats his fellow Romans with contempt and is consequently banished by them from Rome. He returns with the Volscian army and mounts an attack upon the city. His Mother Volumnia, his wife Virgilia, and Coriolanus’ time-honoured old friend, Menenius, plead with him to turn back.
Peace is brokered with the Romans and Coriolanus turns to the Volscian people. Due to his stubborn arrogance and contemptuous attitude to all around him - including the Volscian leader Aufidious - the action culminates in his assassination. His arrogance and an inability to communicate with those around him are seen as indifference. This combination results in his fall from grace, a situation, which many a modern statesman has experienced today.
In directing this production the director transferred the Courtyard stage into a multipurpose arena. A cast of 60 players, not only performed convincingly a multitude of characters, but also quietly and efficiently moved trucks and stage dressing into position as the play progressed from scene to scene. The challenge of directing a large cast, most of whom were on the stage throughout the performance, is to maintain credible characterization all of the time. Seldom on the Courtyard Stage has a large cast achieved this effect with such astonishing discipline. The focus of individual characterization was sharp and centred. The choreography of movement exhibited a fine example of ensemble playing – be it in the full scale battle scenes – where sparks flew in the swordfights or in the moments of stillness where the audience’s eye roamed from one tableau to another. This is a constantly absorbing work.
This production had two casts – and in so doing the director gave more of the young cast an opportunity to perform. The role of Coriolanus, played by Mthandazo Mofokeng and Menzi Mkwane, showed two contrasting performances. The latter, a second year student, portrayed the central character with ruthless determination. Although only in his second year, his stage presence is commanding and surging with adrenalin. He ably drove the production forward whenever he appeared on stage. The resonance and vocal clarity of his voice gave greater meaning to his interpretation of the text, suggesting an understanding of the psychology that drove Coriolanus to his self-centred actions resulting in his retraction of a promise. Thereafter the audience finds a fuller meaning initialized by his consequent defeat.
Mofokeng, a seasoned third year student, who was commanding as Judge Danford in last year’s production of The Crucible by Arthur Miller, played the protagonist with cold calculating clarity. Mofokeng’s Coriolanus is spoken quietly and deliberately. Mofokeng dominated each scene with a subtle understanding of how power is abused.
There are few women in the play but they play a pivotal role. Coriolanus’ proud mother, Volumnia, who spurs her son’s ambition, was played by Nolulamo Maquthu and Ayanda Sibisi. Maquthu was imperious in her demeanour, as she alone knew the motives that drove her son, Coriolanus, in his lust for personal power. She supported him by giving vent to her feelings in a strident vocal performance tinged with sly innuendo. Sibisi, an earth mother, was at a loss to understand why her words to her son fell on deaf ears. Sibisi is an actress of considerable emotional and vocal range with an excellent vocal timbre that many an actress would envy. Virgilia, Coriolanus’ wife, was played by Sithandiwe Pru Radebe and Chantal Ramathula. Each actor, in their own way, effectively portrayed the despair of a wife whose husband is self involved and more concerned with his own glorious gladiatorial achievements.
A moment of light relief - in a play overshadowed by sombreness – is evident in the performances of Sizwe Nzimande and Sazi Buthelezi. These two Roman “matrons” brought moments of light relief with their gossiping antics as they flounced around the stage giving the local people the news of the day. They provided brief moments of high comedy. By contrast Mandisa Tshiqi and Sanelisiwe Dlamini took their duties, of spreading the news to the townspeople, in a more vindictive style and like a mother who would admonish a rebellious child. Two women with individual agendas amidst the chaos, violence and destruction of a turbulent Rome!
Coriolanus meets his match in his conflict with Aufidious, played with calculating opportunity by Thabani Mbhele. Both Aufidious and Coriolanus are aware of their individual lust for power. Mbhele, a powerful actor, who gave a performance with sensitivity and determination as John Proctor in The Crucible, has his emotional and physical range stretched in a new direction. He succeeds admirably giving a commanding performance. Menenius, a wise old senator is played with pathos and humour by Mzukisi Miti. He is one of the few humane characters in the play, imbuing his performance with wit and charm and an understanding of the frailty of humanity. Miti is developing into a fine character actor. He is a disciplined performer with a sense of timing which makes him capable of playing both comedy and drama with ease.
Besides the playing of the character, Shakespeare makes additional demands on the actor. A necessary understanding of the text and the nuances acquired for spoken Shakespearean verse can prove a challenge for any actor. In most cases this student cast, whose first language is predominantly isiZulu, were successful. Diction was clear and voices audible. Actors today have a tendency to shout lines rather than speak them with an understanding of the character in relation to the spoken word, but here this was not the case.
The production was ably supported by an evocation of ancient Rome. Designed and built by Josef van Schalkwyk, the set was supported by Lutge’s costume design which undeniably suggested the battle dress of past South African freedom fighters. A quote from the director’s note describes the set and costumes as depicting: “… the grey Volscian stone against the red marble of Rome. The costuming exhibits a grey and indecisive Rome contrasted by the guerrilla camouflage of the Volscian troops. The set merges raw rusting branch frames and gates with the civility and sharp lines implied in the candles, columns, low walls and high rostra. The lighting rig is a rainbow canopy built from the basic colours purple and forest green, with broken mirrors behind the columns suggesting the prisms of reflection. The original music constructed and built from antiphonal phrases that echo and respond traditionally are positioned adjacent classical operatic selections in which the complexities haunt the moments of isolation consequently pointing up the difference, as well as the sameness.”
Sanelisiwe Khumalo, trained by the Drama Studies Voice Lecturer Madlen Tzankova, proved superb as a solo artist, particularly in her haunting solo from The Magic Flute.
Special mention must be made of the atmospheric lightning designed by Lutge and Duvendra Naidoo. Their lighting added an engaging realism to the ebb and flow, be it agitated crowd scenes or moments of high good humour, such as Menenius (Miti) and Cominius (Sabelo Ndlovu) – an actor to watch for the future - flirting with the “ladies of the night”.
The Courtyard Theatre has the reputation for presenting challenging work which other theatrical companies are too timid to produce. Coriolanus has not previously been produced in KwaZulu-Natal and is yet another first for the Courtyard Theatre. This production of spectacle and action runs for three hours and engages both actor and audience.
Relevance of the play to South Africa, in this time of electioneering, can best be summed up by the director herself: The work, thus, essentially concerns a political intrigue where civil strife breeds wars and assassination. This tragedy centres around the controversial protagonist, respectful of his mother, brave in the extreme, yet unable to express himself or “woo the people”. “Those in power”, should be reminded that they are “there” only by the grace of the electorate, fail them and you have failed the nations confidence and trust.
Congratulations to all in this phenomenal theatrical achievement. Carry on your good work, despite the indifference of the Durban theatregoing public. On the evenings I attended – both evenings - I noted the lack of support from senior management of the DUT.
Nothing succeeds like commitment and Coriolanus is an example of young players committed to inspired theatrical work. It is a pity that audiences do not acknowledge and support this internationally acknowledged director and her exemplary work. This laboratory is a showcase of groundbreaking theatrical endeavour. – Allen Auld
Saturday, April 18, 2009
NALEDI THEATRE AWARDS
Top entertainment, celebrity presenters and three new sponsors for Naledi Theatre Awards.
With the 2008 Naledi Theatre Awards taking place tomorrow night in Johannesburg, Executive Director, Dawn Lindberg is proud to announce the exciting line-up of entertainment and celebrity presenters plus the addition of three new sponsors for this year’s Naledi Theatre Awards.
The Naledi Theatre Awards, dynamically staged and produced by Dawn Lindberg, is now firmly entrenched as one of South Africa’s premier award events and celebrates its sixth year on April 19 2009 at 17h00 for 18h30 at the Drama Theatre, South African State Theatre, Pretoria.
The ceremony is once again open to the public and a limited number of tickets are available from Computicket at R200. (This includes the welcome cocktail party, the Award Ceremony, first-rate entertainment and the fun and festivity of an event ‘not-to-be-missed’).
“The Naledi’s always features highlights from shows that have been current in the year under review” says Lindberg “and this year is no exception.” Featured this year will be the cast of The Magic Flute, (director Mark Dornford-May) who are especially flying up from Cape Town for the Awards to perform the overture from The Magic Flute on marimbas.
“As well as performing the star of the show, Pauline Malefane will also be presenting with Kweku Amuah Mandela. Other entertainment highlights include I know him so well from Chess sung by Gina Shmukler and Anne-Marie Clulow; Beauty and the Beast sung by last year’s Naledi winner Zwai Bala and Anne-Marie Clulow; Sweet Transvestite from The Rocky Horror Show, performed by nominee Brendan van Rhyn; a rousing gumboot dance and the shebeen scene from Umoja; the recent hit at the Market Theatre, The Fat Black Women Sing and the internationally renowned African Children’s Choir, singing with Zwai Bala.
MC’s this year are the indubitably irrepressible and irreverent comedian Mark Banks, together with the young, sassy TV presenter, Sade Giliberti, best known for presenting on SABC1’s YOTV, as well as hosting the South African version of the dance reality competition So You Think You Can Dance.
The presenters for the various categories feature an array of well-known stage celebrities and past Naledi winners and include, amongst others, the ever-glamorous Angela Kilian, Ashley Dowds, Abigail Kubeka, Dorothy-Ann Gould, Craig Urbani, Lesego Motsepe, best known for her role as Letti Matabane in Isidingo, Kate Normington, Samantha Peo, Nqobile Sipamla, Rachel Tambo and Tamara Dey.
Three new sponsors have come on board: Nando’s, proving their ongoing support of the Arts, are sponsoring two categories: Best Comedy Performance (Male) and Best Comedy Performance (Female); Lidonga Holdings, (the chairman, businesswoman Connie Nkosi, is on the Naledi Board of Directors), is sponsoring the Best Production of a Straight Play and the SA Gold Coin Exchange, who are generously donating silver Mandela commemorative medallions for each of the winners, which they will receive with the stylish ‘star’ Naledi trophy made from recycled glass.
Other founding sponsors include Computicket, Wharfedale Pro, Matrix Sound, Wits Theatre and individuals, Christopher Seabrooke, Percy Tucker and Pieter Toerien. Distell is sponsoring the wine for the welcome cocktails while the State Theatre is very generously sponsoring the Theatre and the Welcome cocktails.
“We are thrilled to welcome the three new sponsors to the Naledi brand this year” said Lindberg, “and we remain grateful for the continued sponsorship from our other sponsors.”
With the 2008 Naledi Theatre Awards taking place tomorrow night in Johannesburg, Executive Director, Dawn Lindberg is proud to announce the exciting line-up of entertainment and celebrity presenters plus the addition of three new sponsors for this year’s Naledi Theatre Awards.
The Naledi Theatre Awards, dynamically staged and produced by Dawn Lindberg, is now firmly entrenched as one of South Africa’s premier award events and celebrates its sixth year on April 19 2009 at 17h00 for 18h30 at the Drama Theatre, South African State Theatre, Pretoria.
The ceremony is once again open to the public and a limited number of tickets are available from Computicket at R200. (This includes the welcome cocktail party, the Award Ceremony, first-rate entertainment and the fun and festivity of an event ‘not-to-be-missed’).
“The Naledi’s always features highlights from shows that have been current in the year under review” says Lindberg “and this year is no exception.” Featured this year will be the cast of The Magic Flute, (director Mark Dornford-May) who are especially flying up from Cape Town for the Awards to perform the overture from The Magic Flute on marimbas.
“As well as performing the star of the show, Pauline Malefane will also be presenting with Kweku Amuah Mandela. Other entertainment highlights include I know him so well from Chess sung by Gina Shmukler and Anne-Marie Clulow; Beauty and the Beast sung by last year’s Naledi winner Zwai Bala and Anne-Marie Clulow; Sweet Transvestite from The Rocky Horror Show, performed by nominee Brendan van Rhyn; a rousing gumboot dance and the shebeen scene from Umoja; the recent hit at the Market Theatre, The Fat Black Women Sing and the internationally renowned African Children’s Choir, singing with Zwai Bala.
MC’s this year are the indubitably irrepressible and irreverent comedian Mark Banks, together with the young, sassy TV presenter, Sade Giliberti, best known for presenting on SABC1’s YOTV, as well as hosting the South African version of the dance reality competition So You Think You Can Dance.
The presenters for the various categories feature an array of well-known stage celebrities and past Naledi winners and include, amongst others, the ever-glamorous Angela Kilian, Ashley Dowds, Abigail Kubeka, Dorothy-Ann Gould, Craig Urbani, Lesego Motsepe, best known for her role as Letti Matabane in Isidingo, Kate Normington, Samantha Peo, Nqobile Sipamla, Rachel Tambo and Tamara Dey.
Three new sponsors have come on board: Nando’s, proving their ongoing support of the Arts, are sponsoring two categories: Best Comedy Performance (Male) and Best Comedy Performance (Female); Lidonga Holdings, (the chairman, businesswoman Connie Nkosi, is on the Naledi Board of Directors), is sponsoring the Best Production of a Straight Play and the SA Gold Coin Exchange, who are generously donating silver Mandela commemorative medallions for each of the winners, which they will receive with the stylish ‘star’ Naledi trophy made from recycled glass.
Other founding sponsors include Computicket, Wharfedale Pro, Matrix Sound, Wits Theatre and individuals, Christopher Seabrooke, Percy Tucker and Pieter Toerien. Distell is sponsoring the wine for the welcome cocktails while the State Theatre is very generously sponsoring the Theatre and the Welcome cocktails.
“We are thrilled to welcome the three new sponsors to the Naledi brand this year” said Lindberg, “and we remain grateful for the continued sponsorship from our other sponsors.”
ANDREW VERSTER HONOURED
Andrew Verster to receive an Honorary Doctorate from the Durban University of Technology.
Andrew Verster is to receive an Honorary Doctorate from the Durban University of Technology (DUT).
A practising artist for over 50 years, Andrew Verster turns 72 this year. Last year, in celebration of his 70th birthday, he launched Past/Present, his recent publication/book edited by Carol Brown.
Andrew Verster is Durban’s most prolific artist and has contributed enormously to the art world. The Durban University of Technology (DUT) would like to recognise this artist’s commitment to his work and the art world. Well known for his stylistic way of painting, he has taken part in many different kinds of artistic projects, from contributing designs for stage play costumes to jewellery. It goes without saying that Verster’s contribution to the art world deserves this kind of recognition.
Concurrent to the awarding of an honorary Doctoral qualification, the DUT Art Gallery will showcase Verster’s artworks which are part of the university’s art collection. This collection has existed since 1982 and has been collected through purchases and donations. During the time Verster served as an advisor of the gallery’s committee, he was also instrumental in the growth of the collection and the gallery’s policies.
Born in 1937 Johannesburg, Andrew Verster was trained at the Camberwell School of Art and Reading University. He has lectured at the University of Durban Westville (then University College, Durban) and Technikon Natal (now DUT) until 1976 when he gave up teaching to become a full-time painter.
Andrew collaborated with the architect Hans Hallen on Mangosuthu Technikon and the Brenthurst Library. He has written short stories, articles and radio plays (winner of the BBC World Service Playwriting Competition in 1992 was You May Leave, The Show Is Over). The second was commissioned by the BBC, Future Past with Janet Suzman. Another, When In Rome, Don’t Drink The Water, was shortlisted. His short story, Aileen, Marjorie, Arthur And Me, was broadcast by the BBC.
He designed the sets and costumes for Opera Africa’s Faust, Princess Magogo and La Traviata and Rigoletto, and designed for the American production of Princess Magogo, 2004. He did costumes for The Coolie Odyssey and for Threnody And Dances, a chamber opera, Women’s Festival in August 2002 as well as designed costumes for Private Lives for the Hilton Festival and for the adult pantomime Sinderella, producing costumes for Barnyard Theatre productions The Rocky Horror Show in 2004 and Grease in 2006.
He was involved in the 2002 Durban Designer Collection and the 2002 and Miss India costumes. He was also involved in the 2005 Durban Fashion Week featuring beadwork collection designed for the African Art Centre.
Andrew received the best costume design in the Fools Awards 2003 and best costume design in the Durban Theatre Awards 2004. He also received the Fools Awards 2005, 2006 and 2007 for best visual artist.
Andrew has been a member of the Film and Publication Review Board, Trustee of the Durban Art Gallery, the Arts Work Trust, Very Special Arts, Artists for Human Rights Trust and the African Art Centre. He also served on the Committee of the Grahamstown Festival.
He has had over fifty solo exhibitions, is represented in many major public and private collections, and has been awarded two retrospective exhibitions organised by the Durban Art Gallery.
Andrew has had numerous public and private commissions, including a sculpture and tapestry for the Reserve Bank Durban, art works at the Durban Hilton, tapestries and a mural for ABSA Headquarters, Johannesburg and a tapestry in the ICC Durban. He also created three tapestries for Rhodes House in Oxford. Stainless steel screens for Metro Mall, Johannesburg, also form part of his extensive works. Andrew was also commissioned by the Constitutional Court for pieces including the entrance doors, carpets for the chamber and foyer, metal gates and chandeliers.
The Andrew Verster exhibition runs at the DUT Art Gallery from April 21 to May 18. To learn more about the artist visit www.andrewverster.co.za
More information from DUT Art Gallery Curator Nontobeko on 031 373 2207 or 078 190 1221 or email: artgallery@dut.ac.za
SIEMON ALLEN WALKABOUT
Siemon Allen conducts walkabout of his exhibition “Imaging South Africa”.
Siemon Allen will conduct a walkabout of his exhibition Imaging South Africa on April 24 at 12h30 at the Durban Art Gallery.
As a South African living overseas, Allen has been particularly interested in the dynamics of how a country is imaged and how it in turn participates in a kind of imaging of itself. In the early 2000’s, he came across a South African government website that made a highly published call for a positive “branding” of South Africa internationally and included the recruitment of “non-government South Africans living overseas” to act as “ambassadors” for the country.
For Allen, his installations seemed to both debunk this essentialist notion of a South African “brand”, while operating with a kind of complicity in that branding.
Siemon Allen will conduct a walkabout of his exhibition Imaging South Africa on April 24 at 12h30 at the Durban Art Gallery.
Imaging South Africa runs at the Durban Art Gallery until May 2. More information from Jenny Stretton at DAG on 031 311 2262.
Siemon Allen will conduct a walkabout of his exhibition Imaging South Africa on April 24 at 12h30 at the Durban Art Gallery.
As a South African living overseas, Allen has been particularly interested in the dynamics of how a country is imaged and how it in turn participates in a kind of imaging of itself. In the early 2000’s, he came across a South African government website that made a highly published call for a positive “branding” of South Africa internationally and included the recruitment of “non-government South Africans living overseas” to act as “ambassadors” for the country.
For Allen, his installations seemed to both debunk this essentialist notion of a South African “brand”, while operating with a kind of complicity in that branding.
Siemon Allen will conduct a walkabout of his exhibition Imaging South Africa on April 24 at 12h30 at the Durban Art Gallery.
Imaging South Africa runs at the Durban Art Gallery until May 2. More information from Jenny Stretton at DAG on 031 311 2262.
SANDI BEUKES
Series of paintings inspired by family portraits at Blue Caterpillar Gallery in Pietermaritzburg.
Durban artist, Sandi Beukes is exhibiting a series of paintings inspired by family portraits in ancestral European homes at the Blue Caterpillar Gallery in Pietermaritzburg until April 30.
Also on show are works by Juliet Grey, Didier Lorenco and Charmaine Eastment. The gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday. Telephone 033 387 1356 for more information.
Durban artist, Sandi Beukes is exhibiting a series of paintings inspired by family portraits in ancestral European homes at the Blue Caterpillar Gallery in Pietermaritzburg until April 30.
Also on show are works by Juliet Grey, Didier Lorenco and Charmaine Eastment. The gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday. Telephone 033 387 1356 for more information.
ANY DREAM WILL DO
(Pic: The Josephs and presenter Graham Norton)
TV host Graham Norton joins Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber to find new Joseph.
TV host Graham Norton joins musical composer and producer Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber to launch a nationwide talent search to find a male lead for a new production of Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in London’s West End.
As thousands of hopefuls audition up and down the UK, it’s up to the show’s panel of judges to whittle down the best in a series of call backs. The final 50 then enter “Joseph School”, where a team of the best coaches in the business tutor them in vocals, acting and choreography before a final live performance which will see one of the 12 remaining Josephs given one of the best loved roles in Theatreland.
Joining Andrew Lloyd Webber on the judging panel are TV presenter and West End leading lady Denise Van Outen, Torchwood star John Barrowman, acclaimed theatre producer Bill Kenwright, and outspoken voice coach Zoe Tyler.
Any Dream Will Do Series 1 can be seen on BBC Entertainment on DStv from April 19 at 19h30 and will continue every Sunday at the same time.
MISTRESSES
(Shelley Conn, Sharon Small, Sarah Parish and Orla Brady ©Ecosse Films)
BBC Entertainment offers series that is a bold take on modern love.
BBC Entertainment on DStv presents Mistresses from April 21 at 20h30, to continue every Tuesday at the same time.
You don't wake up wanting to be someone's mistress - somehow it just happens…
Set in a world where friends have become the new family, Mistresses follows the lives and loves of a group of 30-something girlfriends who met at university but whose lives have taken very different turns.
Katie, a doctor, has been having an affair with one of her patients, while her best friend Trudi is grieving the loss of her husband, killed in 9/11. Jessica, whose anarchic lifestyle provides lots of gossip and humour, is concealing matters of the heart from her friends, and there’s also more than meets the eye to Siobhan’s seemingly happy marriage…
From dizzy highs to extreme lows, from excitement and happiness to torment and loneliness, these friends are on a journey with no signposts, led by their emotions and struggling to hold it all together. This is a story about secrets and anger, passion and lust, loss and guilt. Part drama, part thriller, Mistresses is a bold take on modern love.
What the press says about Mistresses: “Well-made and classily performed, but above all, juicy.” – Guardian; “Grittier than Sex And The City, it shows the impact of all the lies and deceit that are the price of the thrills and excitement of an illicit affair.” - Express on Sunday
ROBIN HOOD SERIES 1
Jonas Armstrong appears on BBC Entertainment as Robin Hood.
Robin of Locksley returns home from defending King and country in the Holy Land to find a corrupt and changed Nottingham. The ruthless Sheriff of Nottingham is now in charge, crippling the poor with greedy taxes and severely punishing them for stealing even a loaf of bread.
The ever-gallant Robin and his faithful, if slightly unenthusiastic, manservant Much are determined to fight for the good of these hapless people. Aided by a gang of talented outlaws including Will Scarlett, the ingenious engineer who can construct anything from any material just as long as its wood; Little John, the man mountain who can destroy all in his path; and, as the series progresses, Jack, master of trickery and disguise – so much so that at first you don’t realise she is in fact a woman. As each episode unites the gang against the Sheriff and his dastardly deeds, will they succeed in thwarting injustice to relieve the poverty and hunger of the good people of Locksley?
Robin Hood will be screened on BBC Entertainment on DStv from April 26 at 18h40.
Robin of Locksley returns home from defending King and country in the Holy Land to find a corrupt and changed Nottingham. The ruthless Sheriff of Nottingham is now in charge, crippling the poor with greedy taxes and severely punishing them for stealing even a loaf of bread.
The ever-gallant Robin and his faithful, if slightly unenthusiastic, manservant Much are determined to fight for the good of these hapless people. Aided by a gang of talented outlaws including Will Scarlett, the ingenious engineer who can construct anything from any material just as long as its wood; Little John, the man mountain who can destroy all in his path; and, as the series progresses, Jack, master of trickery and disguise – so much so that at first you don’t realise she is in fact a woman. As each episode unites the gang against the Sheriff and his dastardly deeds, will they succeed in thwarting injustice to relieve the poverty and hunger of the good people of Locksley?
Robin Hood will be screened on BBC Entertainment on DStv from April 26 at 18h40.
SUNSET SOIREE
Miriam Lambrecht and John Roff perform at Pietermaritzburg soiree.
Vocalist Miriam Lambrecht and musician and instrument-maker John Roff combine to present a very different and varied Soiree in Pietermaritzburg on April 25 and 26.
Miriam is new to Pietermaritzburg Soiree audiences but she is an experienced singer with songs to charm and fascinate. John makes bamboo flutes, and demonstrates the Kalimba, Jaw harp, a great variety of flutes and other fascinating instruments.
Soirees take place on April 25 at 18h00 and April 26 at 15h00 at The Studio, 208 Chapel Street, Pietermaritzburg. Tickets R80 for April 25 include light supper. Tickets R45 for April 26 (BYO picnic). Take your own drinks for both performances. Early booking is advised on first booked, first served basis. Car guards will be in attendance.
Contact Ronel on 033 3422 338 or email ronel@ovation.co.za or Megan on email: megfrean@ushomi.co.za
Vocalist Miriam Lambrecht and musician and instrument-maker John Roff combine to present a very different and varied Soiree in Pietermaritzburg on April 25 and 26.
Miriam is new to Pietermaritzburg Soiree audiences but she is an experienced singer with songs to charm and fascinate. John makes bamboo flutes, and demonstrates the Kalimba, Jaw harp, a great variety of flutes and other fascinating instruments.
Soirees take place on April 25 at 18h00 and April 26 at 15h00 at The Studio, 208 Chapel Street, Pietermaritzburg. Tickets R80 for April 25 include light supper. Tickets R45 for April 26 (BYO picnic). Take your own drinks for both performances. Early booking is advised on first booked, first served basis. Car guards will be in attendance.
Contact Ronel on 033 3422 338 or email ronel@ovation.co.za or Megan on email: megfrean@ushomi.co.za
AIDAN DE GERSIGNY MEMORIAL CONCERT
Tony Cox, Syd Kitchen, Madala Kunene and Steve Newman to perform on April 25.
Tony Cox, Syd Kitchen, Madala Kunene and Steve Newman will perform in the Aidan de Gersigny Memorial concert on April 25.
Aidan DeGersigny was one of the biggest fans of SA music, having played in his own band called the Blues Doctors, and also being a big part of the Southern Cross festivals, including part owning the land there. All of these legend greats appear on the Luna stage with the remaining Blues Doctors for a never to be repeated jam session to commemorate Aidan's life-long contribution to South African music.
Bring party pants, lots of love, and good vibes! ...so bring your drums, as well as didges and any other musical instruments that can be mic'd up using the sound desk, for a sound journey, and a special fire show from DungeonMaster Shu, and anyone else that brings their fire dancing gear!
The Aidan de Gersigny Memorial Concert will take place at 15h00 on April 25 hosted by Luna Lounge at Lavender Blue, 9 Clement Stott Road at Botha's Hill. Entry R110pp. Sms or phone bookings to Debbie 072 on 280 1949 or email: debbie@lunalounge.co.za
Maps and more information www.lunalounge.co.za
Tony Cox, Syd Kitchen, Madala Kunene and Steve Newman will perform in the Aidan de Gersigny Memorial concert on April 25.
Aidan DeGersigny was one of the biggest fans of SA music, having played in his own band called the Blues Doctors, and also being a big part of the Southern Cross festivals, including part owning the land there. All of these legend greats appear on the Luna stage with the remaining Blues Doctors for a never to be repeated jam session to commemorate Aidan's life-long contribution to South African music.
Bring party pants, lots of love, and good vibes! ...so bring your drums, as well as didges and any other musical instruments that can be mic'd up using the sound desk, for a sound journey, and a special fire show from DungeonMaster Shu, and anyone else that brings their fire dancing gear!
The Aidan de Gersigny Memorial Concert will take place at 15h00 on April 25 hosted by Luna Lounge at Lavender Blue, 9 Clement Stott Road at Botha's Hill. Entry R110pp. Sms or phone bookings to Debbie 072 on 280 1949 or email: debbie@lunalounge.co.za
Maps and more information www.lunalounge.co.za
PIXIE AT SWISSLAND CHEESE
Local Pop Idols star to perform on April 25 at Midlands Meander venue.
Swissland Cheese on the Midlands Meander will host local Pop Idol's star PIXIE who will perform at 14h00 on April 25.
Bring picnic blankets, food and drink available for sale. Don’t miss this great opportunity for excellent music in exquisite surroundings. R50 door charge. Contact Fran or Aisalee for more details on 082 418 3440.
Swissland Cheese on the Midlands Meander will host local Pop Idol's star PIXIE who will perform at 14h00 on April 25.
Bring picnic blankets, food and drink available for sale. Don’t miss this great opportunity for excellent music in exquisite surroundings. R50 door charge. Contact Fran or Aisalee for more details on 082 418 3440.
STEALING LOVE JONES
Three Fridays in a row sees popular group at Inanda venue.
Stealing Love Jones performs "3 Fridays in a row" unplugged at Station Masters, Inanda Road in Hillcrest.
Performances taken place at 19h00 on April 24, May 1 and May 8. Entry is free – for more information contact 084 500 3757.
Stealing Love Jones performs "3 Fridays in a row" unplugged at Station Masters, Inanda Road in Hillcrest.
Performances taken place at 19h00 on April 24, May 1 and May 8. Entry is free – for more information contact 084 500 3757.
WRITING CLASSES
Classes for children and adults to be held at the BAT Centre.
Writing classes take place at the BAT Centre on Saturday at 10h00 for children and 14h00 for adults. The cost is R120 per month and successful writers could get the chance to have their short stories, poems and other literature published by umSinsi Press.
The BAT Centre also offers a once-off two-day creative writing novel writing course by Felicity Keats. The course pack also includes a CD for personal training. Call Felicity on 031 4641556 or 083 633 0239.
Writing classes take place at the BAT Centre on Saturday at 10h00 for children and 14h00 for adults. The cost is R120 per month and successful writers could get the chance to have their short stories, poems and other literature published by umSinsi Press.
The BAT Centre also offers a once-off two-day creative writing novel writing course by Felicity Keats. The course pack also includes a CD for personal training. Call Felicity on 031 4641556 or 083 633 0239.
DRS MARAIS AND KHUMALO
National Arts Festival, Grahamstown matriarchs Lynette Marais and Sibongile Khumalo honoured by Rhodes University.
Rhodes University will be conferring honorary doctorate degrees on two National Arts Festival’s matriarchs over the weekend.
Lynette Marais, who was the Festival director for 20 years, will receive a Doctor of Laws (LLD) honoris causa and opera diva Sibongile Khumalo, festival committee chairperson, will be receiving a Doctor of Music (Dmus) honoris causa at the Rhodes University graduation ceremonies on Thursday and Saturday respectively.
Lynette Marais has been recognised as one of South Africa's most accomplished arts administrators. Her advice is constantly sought out by festival producers, arts funders and the government. During the Apartheid years, and specifically during the years of excessive State censorship in South Africa, she fiercely demonstrated her courage to give artists of all persuasions the right to express themselves through their diverse art-forms and through their diverse art content. Since taking over the leadership in 1989, she has grown the National Arts Festival to become the largest arts festival on the African continent. She has navigated the Festival through various economic and political terrains to make it the single most important Festival that all South Africans can claim to have the stamp of being "Proudly South African".
Sibongile Khumalo is honoured for her outstanding contribution to jazz, classical opera and popular urban music. “It‘s a moment of great pride, yet deeply humbling. I keep thinking of my parents, especially my dad, and their role in shaping my life,” said Khumalo.
“Both Lynette Marais and Sibongile Khumalo have a special brand of leadership that has unearthed many national treasures and have made many incredible investments to advance South Africa’s rich arts and cultural legacy,” said Festival Chairman Ayanda Mjekula. “Rhodes University’s vision to confer an Honorary Doctorate to both these leaders is an inspiration to the arts community. It is a strong endorsement of the role played by these women in growing the National Arts Festival to become one of South Africa’s most precious cultural gems,” he added.
Rhodes University will be conferring honorary doctorate degrees on two National Arts Festival’s matriarchs over the weekend.
Lynette Marais, who was the Festival director for 20 years, will receive a Doctor of Laws (LLD) honoris causa and opera diva Sibongile Khumalo, festival committee chairperson, will be receiving a Doctor of Music (Dmus) honoris causa at the Rhodes University graduation ceremonies on Thursday and Saturday respectively.
Lynette Marais has been recognised as one of South Africa's most accomplished arts administrators. Her advice is constantly sought out by festival producers, arts funders and the government. During the Apartheid years, and specifically during the years of excessive State censorship in South Africa, she fiercely demonstrated her courage to give artists of all persuasions the right to express themselves through their diverse art-forms and through their diverse art content. Since taking over the leadership in 1989, she has grown the National Arts Festival to become the largest arts festival on the African continent. She has navigated the Festival through various economic and political terrains to make it the single most important Festival that all South Africans can claim to have the stamp of being "Proudly South African".
Sibongile Khumalo is honoured for her outstanding contribution to jazz, classical opera and popular urban music. “It‘s a moment of great pride, yet deeply humbling. I keep thinking of my parents, especially my dad, and their role in shaping my life,” said Khumalo.
“Both Lynette Marais and Sibongile Khumalo have a special brand of leadership that has unearthed many national treasures and have made many incredible investments to advance South Africa’s rich arts and cultural legacy,” said Festival Chairman Ayanda Mjekula. “Rhodes University’s vision to confer an Honorary Doctorate to both these leaders is an inspiration to the arts community. It is a strong endorsement of the role played by these women in growing the National Arts Festival to become one of South Africa’s most precious cultural gems,” he added.
THE GOLFER FOR HILTON
Aaron McIlroy presents one performance of his latest stage show at the Hilton College Theatre.
Move over Ernie and all you Masters Open contenders..... South Africa's Master of Mirth, Aaron McIlroy is back on top form once more with his latest stage production The Golfer, dispensing hot tips on how to make your mark as a winner - both on and off the course.
Co-written and directed by Steven Stead, McIlroy's The Golfer sends the ball whizzing into orbit with a series of sketches that have audiences falling out of their seats. First and last in the line-up is Truscott Price, that motivational guru of The Loser fame. Here, Truscott has bounced back as a sports psychologist, sharing the stage with a whole new gallery of McIlroy's alter egos. These include your archetypal golf widow, an expert in bedroom golf; a spandex-clad, fashionista, previewing his custom-made range for his A-list clientele; and a real-estate power pitcher with a hotline to the latest in politically correct golfing estates.
"The show's all about living the dream", says Aaron. "The mission is to promote the Reach for a Green Foundation, which works towards the Emancipation of the Working Man."
The Golfer has one performance on May 1 at 19h30 at the Hilton College Theatre. Tickets R80. All bookings or enquiries to 033-383 0126 or email tickets@hiltoncollege.com
Move over Ernie and all you Masters Open contenders..... South Africa's Master of Mirth, Aaron McIlroy is back on top form once more with his latest stage production The Golfer, dispensing hot tips on how to make your mark as a winner - both on and off the course.
Co-written and directed by Steven Stead, McIlroy's The Golfer sends the ball whizzing into orbit with a series of sketches that have audiences falling out of their seats. First and last in the line-up is Truscott Price, that motivational guru of The Loser fame. Here, Truscott has bounced back as a sports psychologist, sharing the stage with a whole new gallery of McIlroy's alter egos. These include your archetypal golf widow, an expert in bedroom golf; a spandex-clad, fashionista, previewing his custom-made range for his A-list clientele; and a real-estate power pitcher with a hotline to the latest in politically correct golfing estates.
"The show's all about living the dream", says Aaron. "The mission is to promote the Reach for a Green Foundation, which works towards the Emancipation of the Working Man."
The Golfer has one performance on May 1 at 19h30 at the Hilton College Theatre. Tickets R80. All bookings or enquiries to 033-383 0126 or email tickets@hiltoncollege.com
TRIBUTE TO DUKES COMBO & MUSIC LEGENDS
(Pic: David Jack, Dee “The Duke” Sharma and Nicholas Joseph of Calypsoes)
UMBA pays tribute in ballroom spectacular to Dukes Combo and five music legends of yesteryear.
The collective music playing experience of more than 300 years will come together at Durban’s DLI Hall on April 30 when the United Musicians Benefit Association (UMBA) pays tribute to current musicians of the evergreen group Dukes Combo and five music legends of yesteryear.
The event will give due recognition for the invaluable contribution made to the local and national entertainment scene by the Dukes, David Jack, the late Manna George of Sam’s Latin Kings, Nicholas Joseph of Calypsoes, Sonny Pretorius of the Ambassadors and Leo Champion of Jazz Minstrels fame.
Founder and leader of the Dukes, Dee Sharma, who is also one of the founders and the brainchild behind UMBA which has its mission to recognise and honour musicians of yesteryear said: “It will indeed be a rare occasion to bring these music legends together under one roof. Through their musical talents, these guys made an immeasurable contribution to bringing joy and light into the lives of people over many decades.
“Realising it is a crying shame to see great musicians fade into obscurity without receiving recognition, UMBA decided they should be singled out and hailed for providing wonderful entertainment in their prime years,” added Sharma.
David Jack who performed and managed the Stardust Dance Band and Sam’s Latin Kings, remembers how in 1952 during apartheid, the first dance band competition was held only for Non-Europeans, only on condition they could read music.
“This was just one of the many injustices that our musicians had to suffer. But we persevered and Sam’s Latin Kings took first prize in this competition in 1956,” said Jack, adding the band again won the contest in 1959.
Nicholas Joseph started his musical career in 1961 and played for the Starlites as a drummer. He also played for the Playboys during matinee sessions at Himalaya Hotel - the first non-white hotel for Indians and coloureds.
Over the years he became a vocalist / drummer with the Calypsoes and various other groups. The highlight of his career was being the compère for Eve Boswell’s “Reach for a Dream Foundation” show. He was also a key member of the Coon Carnival Banana Boys who won the Coon Carnival competition held in Durban in 1969.
Tickets R70 pp for the tribute dance event at the DLI Hall on April 30 at 20h00 are available from Computicket (083 915 8000). Patrons can bring their own snacks and drinks.
CRAFT AWARDS 2009
Designs from 134 crafters make it into the final judging process.
The judging process in the Department of Arts and Culture’s Craft Awards 2009 is complete and 134 crafters whose designs made it into the final judging process now wait anxiously for the winners to be announced on April 17.
Craft Ya Rona, the official organisation that is assisting the Department of Arts and Culture received 415 entries and the selectors chose 134 pieces to go through to the provincial judging which took place on March 19. The panel of judges for the competition will include: a Senior Lecturer of Art at UNISA, a Specialist in ceramic design, an expert in Zulu beadwork, the Head of Department, Fine and Applied Arts at the Tshwane University of Technology, the Curator of the Polokwane Art Museum and a Design expert.
Each judge meticulously reviewed the pieces to ensure it matched the criteria and also expressed South Africa’s culture and heritage. There are three categories that are promoted in this competition - Textile/Fabric, Ceramic/Pottery and Woodwork. Each category was judged on the standard of quality and workmanship, innovation and the use of environmentally friendly materials.
The winners of the Craft Awards 2009 will be announced at an Awards Ceremony and Exhibition in Pretoria at the Reserve Bank Conference Centre on April 17, 2009. All selected craft works will be exhibited until April 24.
Winners from each of the nine Provinces will receive R10,000 while second and third prize winners for each Province will receive R5,000 and R2,500 respectively. In addition, a catalogue featuring all the finalists will be distributed to all major art galleries and corporates across the country to provide further exposure of the artists.
The judging process in the Department of Arts and Culture’s Craft Awards 2009 is complete and 134 crafters whose designs made it into the final judging process now wait anxiously for the winners to be announced on April 17.
Craft Ya Rona, the official organisation that is assisting the Department of Arts and Culture received 415 entries and the selectors chose 134 pieces to go through to the provincial judging which took place on March 19. The panel of judges for the competition will include: a Senior Lecturer of Art at UNISA, a Specialist in ceramic design, an expert in Zulu beadwork, the Head of Department, Fine and Applied Arts at the Tshwane University of Technology, the Curator of the Polokwane Art Museum and a Design expert.
Each judge meticulously reviewed the pieces to ensure it matched the criteria and also expressed South Africa’s culture and heritage. There are three categories that are promoted in this competition - Textile/Fabric, Ceramic/Pottery and Woodwork. Each category was judged on the standard of quality and workmanship, innovation and the use of environmentally friendly materials.
The winners of the Craft Awards 2009 will be announced at an Awards Ceremony and Exhibition in Pretoria at the Reserve Bank Conference Centre on April 17, 2009. All selected craft works will be exhibited until April 24.
Winners from each of the nine Provinces will receive R10,000 while second and third prize winners for each Province will receive R5,000 and R2,500 respectively. In addition, a catalogue featuring all the finalists will be distributed to all major art galleries and corporates across the country to provide further exposure of the artists.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
NCAG MEETING
April meeting of the North Coast Art Group
The next meeting of the pro-active North Coast Arts Group will take place on April 18.
Karen Dennyschene will give a demonstration on watercolours. She originally studied as a graphic designer, then moved over to fine art - as she said "Art is a never-ending learning experience." She is mainly self-taught but studied Chinese Painting with Moira Papworth. Her delicate and exquisite watercolours (especially botanical) have been commissioned for guest lodges and private homes. She has been teaching for many years, holding two classes a week, in Umhlanga and Amanzimtoti.
The NCAG Meeting takes place from 09h30 to 12h00 on April 18 at the La Lucia Library. Entrance R25 (R10 Members) includes tea and eats. For more details contact Jeannette on 082 963 5352 or Athlene on 083 561 8499
The next meeting of the pro-active North Coast Arts Group will take place on April 18.
Karen Dennyschene will give a demonstration on watercolours. She originally studied as a graphic designer, then moved over to fine art - as she said "Art is a never-ending learning experience." She is mainly self-taught but studied Chinese Painting with Moira Papworth. Her delicate and exquisite watercolours (especially botanical) have been commissioned for guest lodges and private homes. She has been teaching for many years, holding two classes a week, in Umhlanga and Amanzimtoti.
The NCAG Meeting takes place from 09h30 to 12h00 on April 18 at the La Lucia Library. Entrance R25 (R10 Members) includes tea and eats. For more details contact Jeannette on 082 963 5352 or Athlene on 083 561 8499
MICHAEL GREEN’S WINE NOTES #218
Focus on Rickety Bridge Winery at Franschhoek.
The Rickety Bridge Winery is at Franschhoek. The farm is more than 200 years old, and its quaint name comes from a rickety bridge which did indeed straddle a stream at this point. It was made mainly of wooden railway sleeper beams and served its purpose, access to the farm from the main road, for many years before it was demolished to make way for a wider concrete bridge designed for modern large vehicles.
The farm dates back to 1694, when land in the Franschhoek Valley was distributed to Huguenot settlers. In 1797 part of the farm was granted to a widow, Paulina de Villiers, and she named her property Paulina’s Drift. She was one of the first women to own and farm land at the Cape. She planted the first vines here and it is said that her ghostly figure can still be heard rustling through the vineyards.
Inevitably, there have been many changes of ownership over the past two centuries, but Paulina is remembered in a range of quality Rickety Bridge wines called Paulina’s Reserve. A cabernet sauvignon was introduced a few years ago, and now two whites have been given the pioneer’s name: Paulina’s Reserve Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc, both 2008 vintage.
Rickety Bridge produces 18 different wines of generally high quality, two-thirds of them red, and the present owner, Duncan Spence, has upgraded the farm’s 16 hectares of vineyards; but the grapes used in the two new Paulina’s Reserve wines were bought from vineyards at Elgin (sauvignon blanc) and Worcester (chenin blanc).
The winemaker, Wynand Grobler, a former Western Province hockey player, has done a very good job in producing two wines that are distinctive and distinguished. The Paulina’s Chenin Blanc has granadilla flavours with suggestions of guava, lemon and lime. A subtle wine that is further evidence how far the status of chenin blanc has risen from the days when it was regarded as a cheap sweetish wine.
The Sauvignon Blanc has the fresh crispness and mineral character typical of this cultivar, with apple flavours. Very pleasant, and not as aggressive on the palate as some sauvignons are.
Both wines are quite high in alcohol volume – 14% for the chenin, 13,5% for the sauvignon – and they should keep well for at least a couple of years.
Approximate retail prices are R68 a bottle for the chenin and R75 for the sauvignon.
Rickety Bridge has a tasting and sales centre which also sells food delicacies such as bottled figs and a citrus salad dressing. There is a large and attractive “restaurant in the vines”, and luxury accommodation is offered, plus conference and wedding facilities. Phone 021 876 2129. – Michael Green
The Rickety Bridge Winery is at Franschhoek. The farm is more than 200 years old, and its quaint name comes from a rickety bridge which did indeed straddle a stream at this point. It was made mainly of wooden railway sleeper beams and served its purpose, access to the farm from the main road, for many years before it was demolished to make way for a wider concrete bridge designed for modern large vehicles.
The farm dates back to 1694, when land in the Franschhoek Valley was distributed to Huguenot settlers. In 1797 part of the farm was granted to a widow, Paulina de Villiers, and she named her property Paulina’s Drift. She was one of the first women to own and farm land at the Cape. She planted the first vines here and it is said that her ghostly figure can still be heard rustling through the vineyards.
Inevitably, there have been many changes of ownership over the past two centuries, but Paulina is remembered in a range of quality Rickety Bridge wines called Paulina’s Reserve. A cabernet sauvignon was introduced a few years ago, and now two whites have been given the pioneer’s name: Paulina’s Reserve Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc, both 2008 vintage.
Rickety Bridge produces 18 different wines of generally high quality, two-thirds of them red, and the present owner, Duncan Spence, has upgraded the farm’s 16 hectares of vineyards; but the grapes used in the two new Paulina’s Reserve wines were bought from vineyards at Elgin (sauvignon blanc) and Worcester (chenin blanc).
The winemaker, Wynand Grobler, a former Western Province hockey player, has done a very good job in producing two wines that are distinctive and distinguished. The Paulina’s Chenin Blanc has granadilla flavours with suggestions of guava, lemon and lime. A subtle wine that is further evidence how far the status of chenin blanc has risen from the days when it was regarded as a cheap sweetish wine.
The Sauvignon Blanc has the fresh crispness and mineral character typical of this cultivar, with apple flavours. Very pleasant, and not as aggressive on the palate as some sauvignons are.
Both wines are quite high in alcohol volume – 14% for the chenin, 13,5% for the sauvignon – and they should keep well for at least a couple of years.
Approximate retail prices are R68 a bottle for the chenin and R75 for the sauvignon.
Rickety Bridge has a tasting and sales centre which also sells food delicacies such as bottled figs and a citrus salad dressing. There is a large and attractive “restaurant in the vines”, and luxury accommodation is offered, plus conference and wedding facilities. Phone 021 876 2129. – Michael Green
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
FOR GENERATIONS
Kurt Egelhof performs multiple roles in riveting biography. (Review by Maurice Kort)
Multiple roles performed in this saga of four generations by Kurt Egelhof in For Generations, a riveting biography written by him and which holds the audience spellbound.
As one enters the theatre, one observes four clothes-horses with the costumes that will be used by Kurt Egelhof in this one-hander written and performed by him. After an almost poetic introduction, these come alive as he takes on the characters of the four generations that are portrayed. His costume changes are so smoothly done and integrated into the action that one can only marvel at his performance.
The first is Sonny, the father, a musician who gave up his dream to fight in the Second World War and Kurt Egelhof's change into this costume accompanied by his singing is one of the highlights of the show. Returning to South Africa after the war Sonny is, of course, a worthy member of the Memorable Order of the Tin Hats, the MOTHS and the first insults of the Apartheid laws are revealed.
The next character is Basil, his son, who had to enter the workforce and take on too much responsibility at too young an age to support his family. This was at the whaling station in Durban in the most menial of jobs being a Coloured, job reservation and his bigoted superior, very nicely enacted by Kurt Egelhof.
The story progresses and then, with a change of costume, Kurt, the grandson, an actor - who is, of course, Kurt the author - appears to continue the narrative. While still at school he is sent to a work camp by school principal Mr Temba Wood, another cameo performance by Kurt Egelhof, which turned out to be a camp for delinquent drug addicts etc. This is where Kurt's dreams and aspirations were formed. The MOTHS come into play again when Kurt, the actor, visits their bar with fellow actors where much further hurt and pathos occur, involving the Coloured barman and the manager, Mr Chetty, both enacted superbly by Kurt Egelhof.
Integrated with this sadness and devastation in Kurt's life is the effect on his son, Aston, the great grandson of Sonny. He is a sportsman whose dream it is to represent his country, our country, our future.
One would have the idea that this play should have been called Four Generations but once one sees the play, one can appreciate how well titled it is. It is indeed for the generations who have gone before - examining the complex relationship between father and son and the trials and tribulations Sonny, Basil and Kurt endured and how their characters were moulded. This is an inspiring piece of work bringing to life in a dramatic narrative style the age-old rhetoric Who Am I, Where Do I Come From and Where Am I Going?.
Kurt Egelhof, originally from Durban, graduated from the then University of Natal in 1980 with a BA in Speech and Drama, which shows in his excellent acting and delivery. His return to the stage is most welcome and one can but hope that one will see more of him. For Generations also marks the return to theatre of director Nic Fine and one can also wish that audiences will once more benefit from his skillful direction.
For Generations produced by Applauz Arts Initiative in association with TheatreBIZ, deserves the rave reviews it has received throughout its tour and runs at the Catalina Theatre, Wilson’s Wharf, from April 9 to 25 at 20h00. Tickets R75 (R45 for pensioners and students). However, there is a "buy one get one free" special on Saturdays at 17h00 (Sundays at 14h00). To book and for more information phone the Catalina Theatre on 031 305 6998. - Maurice Kort
Multiple roles performed in this saga of four generations by Kurt Egelhof in For Generations, a riveting biography written by him and which holds the audience spellbound.
As one enters the theatre, one observes four clothes-horses with the costumes that will be used by Kurt Egelhof in this one-hander written and performed by him. After an almost poetic introduction, these come alive as he takes on the characters of the four generations that are portrayed. His costume changes are so smoothly done and integrated into the action that one can only marvel at his performance.
The first is Sonny, the father, a musician who gave up his dream to fight in the Second World War and Kurt Egelhof's change into this costume accompanied by his singing is one of the highlights of the show. Returning to South Africa after the war Sonny is, of course, a worthy member of the Memorable Order of the Tin Hats, the MOTHS and the first insults of the Apartheid laws are revealed.
The next character is Basil, his son, who had to enter the workforce and take on too much responsibility at too young an age to support his family. This was at the whaling station in Durban in the most menial of jobs being a Coloured, job reservation and his bigoted superior, very nicely enacted by Kurt Egelhof.
The story progresses and then, with a change of costume, Kurt, the grandson, an actor - who is, of course, Kurt the author - appears to continue the narrative. While still at school he is sent to a work camp by school principal Mr Temba Wood, another cameo performance by Kurt Egelhof, which turned out to be a camp for delinquent drug addicts etc. This is where Kurt's dreams and aspirations were formed. The MOTHS come into play again when Kurt, the actor, visits their bar with fellow actors where much further hurt and pathos occur, involving the Coloured barman and the manager, Mr Chetty, both enacted superbly by Kurt Egelhof.
Integrated with this sadness and devastation in Kurt's life is the effect on his son, Aston, the great grandson of Sonny. He is a sportsman whose dream it is to represent his country, our country, our future.
One would have the idea that this play should have been called Four Generations but once one sees the play, one can appreciate how well titled it is. It is indeed for the generations who have gone before - examining the complex relationship between father and son and the trials and tribulations Sonny, Basil and Kurt endured and how their characters were moulded. This is an inspiring piece of work bringing to life in a dramatic narrative style the age-old rhetoric Who Am I, Where Do I Come From and Where Am I Going?.
Kurt Egelhof, originally from Durban, graduated from the then University of Natal in 1980 with a BA in Speech and Drama, which shows in his excellent acting and delivery. His return to the stage is most welcome and one can but hope that one will see more of him. For Generations also marks the return to theatre of director Nic Fine and one can also wish that audiences will once more benefit from his skillful direction.
For Generations produced by Applauz Arts Initiative in association with TheatreBIZ, deserves the rave reviews it has received throughout its tour and runs at the Catalina Theatre, Wilson’s Wharf, from April 9 to 25 at 20h00. Tickets R75 (R45 for pensioners and students). However, there is a "buy one get one free" special on Saturdays at 17h00 (Sundays at 14h00). To book and for more information phone the Catalina Theatre on 031 305 6998. - Maurice Kort
Saturday, April 11, 2009
SITUATION
Vaughan Sadie exhibition at Bank Gallery.
Bank Gallery presents Situation, a solo exhibition by Vaughn Sadie.
“Artificial light is used to mediate the everyday and the divide between the personal and the historical. Light, through illuminating the spaces we occupy, affects our social reality,” says the artist. “The nature of light is such that it can be manipulated and altered to illuminate objects and spaces revealing only the aspects that are deemed suitable or necessary.”
Situation, an installation by Vaughn Sadie due to open at Bank Gallery shortly, explores the relationship between artificial light and space.
“Our sense of place is constructed by the relationship between objects, space and artificial light,” explains Vaughn Sadie. “In this exhibition the perceived passive nature of this relationship is brought into question. The objects on show not only illuminate themselves and each other, but are also complicit in altering our perception of the spaces we occupy as well as ourselves. The use artificial light as a metaphor also raises crucial questions about power and ideology.”
Sadie is a Durban-based artist, is completing his MFA at The Durban University of Technology. He has participated in several group shows nationally and in 2007 facilitated light workshops with Jay Pather in the Spier Contemporary Performance Workshops and 2008 co-curated Light Show at Bank Gallery. He is currently completing his first large-scale public commission at the Durban ICC and is a lecturer at Vega School of Brand Innovation, Durban.
Entrance to the exhibition is free and school and tertiary education parties are welcome.
Situation runs at Bank Gallery in 217Florida Road from April 23 at 18h00 to May 28. More information on +27 31 312 6911 or email info@bankgallery.co.za
Bank Gallery presents Situation, a solo exhibition by Vaughn Sadie.
“Artificial light is used to mediate the everyday and the divide between the personal and the historical. Light, through illuminating the spaces we occupy, affects our social reality,” says the artist. “The nature of light is such that it can be manipulated and altered to illuminate objects and spaces revealing only the aspects that are deemed suitable or necessary.”
Situation, an installation by Vaughn Sadie due to open at Bank Gallery shortly, explores the relationship between artificial light and space.
“Our sense of place is constructed by the relationship between objects, space and artificial light,” explains Vaughn Sadie. “In this exhibition the perceived passive nature of this relationship is brought into question. The objects on show not only illuminate themselves and each other, but are also complicit in altering our perception of the spaces we occupy as well as ourselves. The use artificial light as a metaphor also raises crucial questions about power and ideology.”
Sadie is a Durban-based artist, is completing his MFA at The Durban University of Technology. He has participated in several group shows nationally and in 2007 facilitated light workshops with Jay Pather in the Spier Contemporary Performance Workshops and 2008 co-curated Light Show at Bank Gallery. He is currently completing his first large-scale public commission at the Durban ICC and is a lecturer at Vega School of Brand Innovation, Durban.
Entrance to the exhibition is free and school and tertiary education parties are welcome.
Situation runs at Bank Gallery in 217Florida Road from April 23 at 18h00 to May 28. More information on +27 31 312 6911 or email info@bankgallery.co.za
ANY DREAM WILL DO SERIES 1
Graham Norton joins Lloyd Webber in search for next lead of West End production.
In Any Dream Will Do Series 1 on BBC Entertainment on DStv from April 19, host Graham Norton joins musical composer and producer Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber to launch a nationwide talent search to find a male lead for a new production of Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in London’s West End.
As thousands of hopefuls audition up and down the UK, it’s up to the show’s panel of judges to whittle down the best in a series of call backs. The final 50 then enter “Joseph School”, where a team of the best coaches in the business tutor them in vocals, acting and choreography before a final live performance which will see one of the 12 remaining Josephs given one of the best loved roles in Theatreland.
Joining Andrew Lloyd Webber on the judging panel are TV presenter and West End leading lady Denise Van Outen, Torchwood star John Barrowman, acclaimed theatre producer Bill Kenwright, and outspoken voice coach Zoë Tyler.
Any Dream Will Do Series 1 starts on April 19 at 19h30 on BBC Entertainment and continues every Sunday at 19h30.
In Any Dream Will Do Series 1 on BBC Entertainment on DStv from April 19, host Graham Norton joins musical composer and producer Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber to launch a nationwide talent search to find a male lead for a new production of Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in London’s West End.
As thousands of hopefuls audition up and down the UK, it’s up to the show’s panel of judges to whittle down the best in a series of call backs. The final 50 then enter “Joseph School”, where a team of the best coaches in the business tutor them in vocals, acting and choreography before a final live performance which will see one of the 12 remaining Josephs given one of the best loved roles in Theatreland.
Joining Andrew Lloyd Webber on the judging panel are TV presenter and West End leading lady Denise Van Outen, Torchwood star John Barrowman, acclaimed theatre producer Bill Kenwright, and outspoken voice coach Zoë Tyler.
Any Dream Will Do Series 1 starts on April 19 at 19h30 on BBC Entertainment and continues every Sunday at 19h30.
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