Brilliant performance by Armenian cellist Suren Bagratuni. (Review by Michael Green)
A programme of Brahms and Dvorak was presented in this concert given in the Durban City Hall by the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton, for the second time this season, of the visiting Netherlands conductor Arjan Tien. The audience was again rather sparse, but those who attended were rewarded with a brilliant performance by the soloist for the evening, the Armenian cellist Suren Bagratuni.
Armenia is a small country on the eastern side of Turkey, a link between Asia and Europe, and it has a population of just over three million. But it has an ancient cultural heritage and musically it is strong, with its own symphony orchestra. This is the background of Suren Bagratuni, who now is a professor at Michigan State University in the United States and has performed as a cellist in many parts of the world.
He is fortyish, bald, bespectacled, a trifle portly, and looks more like a prosperous business man than a performing artist. But an artist he is, of the first rank. His playing of Dvorak’s very fine Cello Concerto in B minor matched the quality of the music. He showed an impeccable technique in the rapid passages and a golden tone and graceful phrasing in the concerto’s many lyrical, song-like episodes.
Arjan Tien and the orchestra were admirable partners in this performance, and the audience responded with a foot-stamping ovation.
The concert opened with the overture to Smetana’s opera The Bartered Bride. This must be one of the busiest pieces in the entire repertory, with ceaseless scurrying by the strings, and conductor and orchestra played it with great vigour.
After the interval we heard Brahms’s Symphony No. 2 in D major, the most benign and genial of his four symphonies. It is a lovely work, and the first movement in particular is a good example of symphonic architecture, in which the brief and simple opening theme is developed and expanded until, toward the end, it resembles (to my ear) the great swell, rise and fall, of the sea.
It is a fairly long composition, about 40 minutes, and the orchestra’s playing was consistently good throughout, with Arjan Tien keeping a firm grip on proceedings. A most enjoyable performance, and the players deserved the prolonged applause they were given at the end. - Michael Green
Saturday, May 30, 2009
99% ZULU COMEDY
Producers bring popular show back for one performance only on May 30.
After the sell-out production of the 99% Zulu Comedy in March at the Playhouse, the producers decided bring the show back for one show only on May 30 at the ICC Durban Arena in response to overwhelming public demand.
For the first time, the show will host Marc Lottering, one of South Africa’s biggest comedians. He will share the stage with the Zulu Queens of Comedy, the talented Sne Mkhize and Celeste Ntuli. Vusi Ximba will perform at the ICC for the first time since his recent illness. The winner of SABC1’s So You Think You’re Funny?, Sifiso Nene will prove his mettle as a formidable force in the comedy circuit.
The Ntuzuma-born Siyabonga Radebe, known for his comical role in the SABC1 drama series A Place Called Home, will be a surprise comic find in the programme.
However, the real highlight of the show will be Ndumiso Lindi. Known for his trade mark hat, funky urban stylish look and brilliant impersonations, Ndumiso Lindi is regarded as one of South Africa’s top black comedians. An entertainer with flair, he delves into honest observations of everyday life in South Africa; the diversity of South African cultures; as well as the uniqueness of black people – he paints the nation from a young black man’s point of view.
Durban and the broader KZN will be treated to new levels of comedy in a programme directed by the popular Kenny Makenzo. DJ Siyanda will spin from his “old school” vinyl collection throughout the show.
99% Zulu Comedy starts promptly at 20h00 at the ICC Durban Arena on May 30. Tickets R120 available at Computicket and Shoprite/Checkers.
After the sell-out production of the 99% Zulu Comedy in March at the Playhouse, the producers decided bring the show back for one show only on May 30 at the ICC Durban Arena in response to overwhelming public demand.
For the first time, the show will host Marc Lottering, one of South Africa’s biggest comedians. He will share the stage with the Zulu Queens of Comedy, the talented Sne Mkhize and Celeste Ntuli. Vusi Ximba will perform at the ICC for the first time since his recent illness. The winner of SABC1’s So You Think You’re Funny?, Sifiso Nene will prove his mettle as a formidable force in the comedy circuit.
The Ntuzuma-born Siyabonga Radebe, known for his comical role in the SABC1 drama series A Place Called Home, will be a surprise comic find in the programme.
However, the real highlight of the show will be Ndumiso Lindi. Known for his trade mark hat, funky urban stylish look and brilliant impersonations, Ndumiso Lindi is regarded as one of South Africa’s top black comedians. An entertainer with flair, he delves into honest observations of everyday life in South Africa; the diversity of South African cultures; as well as the uniqueness of black people – he paints the nation from a young black man’s point of view.
Durban and the broader KZN will be treated to new levels of comedy in a programme directed by the popular Kenny Makenzo. DJ Siyanda will spin from his “old school” vinyl collection throughout the show.
99% Zulu Comedy starts promptly at 20h00 at the ICC Durban Arena on May 30. Tickets R120 available at Computicket and Shoprite/Checkers.
Friday, May 29, 2009
THOSE INDIAN GUYS ARE BACK
(Pic: Sans Moonsamy and Kaseran Pillay)Kaseran Pillay and Sans Moonsamy return to Durban for two shows on May 30 and 31.
After their previous successful appearance at The Playhouse, Kaseran Pillay and Sans Moonsamy return to Durban to give two shows of Those Indian Guys in the iZulu Theatre at Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom this weekend.
Presented by Sandman Productions in association with Showtime Productions, Those Indian Guys is an off the wall comedy sketch about two Indian guys and their misadventures. (google the revue on artSMart)
Depicting every Indian you ever - or never - met, Kaseran Pillay (Mr Bones 2, Going Nowhere Slowly, The History of Bunny Chow) and Sans Moonsamy (Made in India, Jamaican Jam, To House) tell fast-paced, truly South African stories through an array of whacky but loveable characters.
A simple set, colourful costumes and exuberant physicality bring these off the wall characters to life in this wacky show. Incorporating song and dance, parody and witty sketches, Those Indian Guys is a highly entertaining comedy tale of comedy, love and action.
Performances take place on May 30 at 20h00 and on May 31 at 15h00. Tickets are R100 to R130. There is an age restriction of 13 PG. Early booking is advised through Computicket or on 083 915 8000.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
NIGHT FEVER
Showtime Australia presents Bee Gees tribute at the iZulu Theatre.
Three highly talented Australian vocalists harmoniously join forces to present Night Fever, the globetrotting musical tribute to the Bee Gees, at the iZulu Theatre, Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom from June 3 to 14, 2009.
Based on the 1997 One Night Only concert in Las Vegas - said to be the definitive collection of the Bee Gee’s Hits, Night Fever is presented by Showtime Australia and is a celebration of the four decade strong success, popularity and resilience of one of the most successful musical stories ever told – The Bee Gees!
Experience the Bee Gees’ extraordinary journey in this two hour musical and visual extravaganza marking the bands 40th anniversary, which includes the ever popular songs How Deep is Your Love, Stayin’ Alive, Run to Me, You Should be Dancin’, Spicks and Specks, Tragedy, and many more, as well as a tribute to the two lost Gibb brothers, Andy and Maurice.
Be sure not to miss this amazing recreation of the band which inspired a global passion for disco music in the seventies.
Bookings through Computicket on 083 915 8000
Three highly talented Australian vocalists harmoniously join forces to present Night Fever, the globetrotting musical tribute to the Bee Gees, at the iZulu Theatre, Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom from June 3 to 14, 2009.
Based on the 1997 One Night Only concert in Las Vegas - said to be the definitive collection of the Bee Gee’s Hits, Night Fever is presented by Showtime Australia and is a celebration of the four decade strong success, popularity and resilience of one of the most successful musical stories ever told – The Bee Gees!
Experience the Bee Gees’ extraordinary journey in this two hour musical and visual extravaganza marking the bands 40th anniversary, which includes the ever popular songs How Deep is Your Love, Stayin’ Alive, Run to Me, You Should be Dancin’, Spicks and Specks, Tragedy, and many more, as well as a tribute to the two lost Gibb brothers, Andy and Maurice.
Be sure not to miss this amazing recreation of the band which inspired a global passion for disco music in the seventies.
Bookings through Computicket on 083 915 8000
PENN’S SKIP DOWN MEMORY LANE
Article on Durban singer-pianist/producer Colin Penn. (Article by Billy Suter, courtesy of The Mercury)
Durban singer-pianist and prolific producer of nostalgic productions, Colin Penn, is soon to present his 100th show in a career spanning 55 years.
Who would have thought, when he first started tickling the ivories in the early 40s, from the age of four, that Durban’s Colin Penn would still be tinkling away on the black-and-whites and keeping the customers satisfied?
Clearly making music has long been a passion for the amiable entertainer, and he’s still loving the spotlight, as it is with great pride that Penn announces he will soon be chalking up his centenary of shows. And, once again, the spotlight will be on nostalgia, having long favoured tripping down Memory Lane for inspirations for his popular productions.
“When did you last see a dance or ball advertised? There used to be the Mayor’s Ball, Red Cross Ball and the like, but that all seems passé now,” he says somewhat sadly, as an aside to announcing his latest production. “I spend my time putting on supper theatre, or cabaret as we used to call it in the old days, but I only do shows that pay tribute to the stars of my heyday … Blue Eyes, Tom Jones, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Tony Bennett, Johnny Mathis – that’s my music.”
Titled Please Take Your Seats, Penn’s 100th show will run at various Durban venues between late May and late June, and will feature movie music from1940 to 1970. As usual, Penn will be on keyboards alongside his band The Pennants, providing backing for guest vocalists John Didlick, Grant Bell and Bobby Minter.
Tickets R50 for all performances of Take Your Seats Please – to be seen at Glenwood High School (May 24), Grosvenor Boys’ High School (May 31), Scottburgh High School (June 7) and the Amanzimtoti Civic Centre Supper Room (June 21).
In his long and colourful career, Penn has played at most Durban hotels and music venues, while his talents have also been heard on radio and as far away as Disneyland in America, in Tawian and England. He is also proud to say that he has performed for every State President since South Africa became a republic.
It all began in earnest for Penn in 1954 when, as a 13-year-old at DHS, he earned is first pocket money as a pianist.
“My first New Year’s Eve gig at the long-gone Perthshire Hotel in Gillespie Street saw me receiving 15 shillings in 1954,” he says with a smile, adding that “two years later I travelled to Colenso for a New Year’s Eve gig and got the equivalent of R20 – and that included travelling expenses and playing until 2am.” He also smiles at the memory of being a youngster and playing at Durban’s then-notorious Cosmo Nightclub. “All the hookers were surrogate mothers to me and would not allow me to drink alcohol, nor allow the taxi drivers to charge to take me home at 5am,” He recalls.
Penn’s first “every night contract” was as a solo pianist at The Montfleury Hotel in Durban North which, at one time, was owned by entertainer Edgar Adler. “After that I performed at The Al Fresco with a quintet, at a time when I was working by day at Barclays Bank.” This contract, he points out, coincided with the introduction of striptease in Durban. “We had Kathy Keaton at The Butterworth and Rose Pagel at The Al Fresco. I remember all the old men sitting at front tables with their tongues hanging out every night, hoping to walk Rose home. This, of course, was the job of the members of the band. There had to be some perks!”
Another memorable career highlight, says Penn, was working at the very popular Zanzibar Room at the Killarney Hotel, which is where he was the day America’s President J F Kennedy was fatally shot. “By that time I had pared my band down to a trio and became Colin Penn and His Pennants. Up to then we had just been an instrumental band, but the new contract required a vocalist, and because I did not want to split the money four ways, I took on a guy that had never said more than “The bar closes at 11, please order your last rounds now’ … Me! I was then known as a pianist-vocalist.”
Next stop for Penn and his Pennants was the huge Cellar Restaurant under the Playhouse, which could seat 400 and was enormously popular before it was made smaller to become the Cellar supper theatre in the 80s and, now, the Zulu Jazz Lounge.
“Then we went on to The Los Angeles Hotel – at a time when my wife and I had opened a takeaway in Broad Street called Penn’s Pantry. I would go to the fish market a five in the morning then, smelling of fish, head off for the SABC to perform on Piano Playtime with Eric Egan.”
Other subsequent engagements included Kings Hall in Aliwal Street: “It was popular for weddings and we played there every Saturday afternoon for the princely sum of three guineas for the band. That is equivalent to R2.10 a head! From there we went to The Lonsdale Hotel, where we played three function rooms. It was quite normal to rush from one wedding to another, from afternoon and evening.
A career highlight? There are many, but high on the list would be the night Penn got a call from impresario Don Hughes, asking him to get down to Tiffany’s, then a five-star restaurant with international cabaret at The Beach Hotel. Penn was signed up to replace resident pianist Braulio Perez, who was King Farouk’s personal pianist and played at the wedding of Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner. Perez had fallen at the restaurant and fractured his skull, and Penn was roped in as the place was buzzing that night. During his time there he met many popular artists, among them Petula Clark, Jimmy Edwards and Tommy Trinder.
Subsequent residencies in Durban were at The El Castillian (“we were booked there for three months and stayed seven years”), The Bal Tabarin nightclub, The Lido in Umkomaas and the Napoleon Restaurant in Aliwal Street. Penn also started a long association with the Durban Country Club, where he introduced monthly supper club.
“Youngsters that came with their parents to New Year’s Eve dances when I first started at there, were coming with their children when I did my last New Year’s Eve dance in 2000,” he says with a grin. And the way he’s still going so strong, it seems another generation might soon start warming to his talents. – Billy Suter
Durban singer-pianist and prolific producer of nostalgic productions, Colin Penn, is soon to present his 100th show in a career spanning 55 years.
Who would have thought, when he first started tickling the ivories in the early 40s, from the age of four, that Durban’s Colin Penn would still be tinkling away on the black-and-whites and keeping the customers satisfied?
Clearly making music has long been a passion for the amiable entertainer, and he’s still loving the spotlight, as it is with great pride that Penn announces he will soon be chalking up his centenary of shows. And, once again, the spotlight will be on nostalgia, having long favoured tripping down Memory Lane for inspirations for his popular productions.
“When did you last see a dance or ball advertised? There used to be the Mayor’s Ball, Red Cross Ball and the like, but that all seems passé now,” he says somewhat sadly, as an aside to announcing his latest production. “I spend my time putting on supper theatre, or cabaret as we used to call it in the old days, but I only do shows that pay tribute to the stars of my heyday … Blue Eyes, Tom Jones, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Tony Bennett, Johnny Mathis – that’s my music.”
Titled Please Take Your Seats, Penn’s 100th show will run at various Durban venues between late May and late June, and will feature movie music from1940 to 1970. As usual, Penn will be on keyboards alongside his band The Pennants, providing backing for guest vocalists John Didlick, Grant Bell and Bobby Minter.
Tickets R50 for all performances of Take Your Seats Please – to be seen at Glenwood High School (May 24), Grosvenor Boys’ High School (May 31), Scottburgh High School (June 7) and the Amanzimtoti Civic Centre Supper Room (June 21).
In his long and colourful career, Penn has played at most Durban hotels and music venues, while his talents have also been heard on radio and as far away as Disneyland in America, in Tawian and England. He is also proud to say that he has performed for every State President since South Africa became a republic.
It all began in earnest for Penn in 1954 when, as a 13-year-old at DHS, he earned is first pocket money as a pianist.
“My first New Year’s Eve gig at the long-gone Perthshire Hotel in Gillespie Street saw me receiving 15 shillings in 1954,” he says with a smile, adding that “two years later I travelled to Colenso for a New Year’s Eve gig and got the equivalent of R20 – and that included travelling expenses and playing until 2am.” He also smiles at the memory of being a youngster and playing at Durban’s then-notorious Cosmo Nightclub. “All the hookers were surrogate mothers to me and would not allow me to drink alcohol, nor allow the taxi drivers to charge to take me home at 5am,” He recalls.
Penn’s first “every night contract” was as a solo pianist at The Montfleury Hotel in Durban North which, at one time, was owned by entertainer Edgar Adler. “After that I performed at The Al Fresco with a quintet, at a time when I was working by day at Barclays Bank.” This contract, he points out, coincided with the introduction of striptease in Durban. “We had Kathy Keaton at The Butterworth and Rose Pagel at The Al Fresco. I remember all the old men sitting at front tables with their tongues hanging out every night, hoping to walk Rose home. This, of course, was the job of the members of the band. There had to be some perks!”
Another memorable career highlight, says Penn, was working at the very popular Zanzibar Room at the Killarney Hotel, which is where he was the day America’s President J F Kennedy was fatally shot. “By that time I had pared my band down to a trio and became Colin Penn and His Pennants. Up to then we had just been an instrumental band, but the new contract required a vocalist, and because I did not want to split the money four ways, I took on a guy that had never said more than “The bar closes at 11, please order your last rounds now’ … Me! I was then known as a pianist-vocalist.”
Next stop for Penn and his Pennants was the huge Cellar Restaurant under the Playhouse, which could seat 400 and was enormously popular before it was made smaller to become the Cellar supper theatre in the 80s and, now, the Zulu Jazz Lounge.
“Then we went on to The Los Angeles Hotel – at a time when my wife and I had opened a takeaway in Broad Street called Penn’s Pantry. I would go to the fish market a five in the morning then, smelling of fish, head off for the SABC to perform on Piano Playtime with Eric Egan.”
Other subsequent engagements included Kings Hall in Aliwal Street: “It was popular for weddings and we played there every Saturday afternoon for the princely sum of three guineas for the band. That is equivalent to R2.10 a head! From there we went to The Lonsdale Hotel, where we played three function rooms. It was quite normal to rush from one wedding to another, from afternoon and evening.
A career highlight? There are many, but high on the list would be the night Penn got a call from impresario Don Hughes, asking him to get down to Tiffany’s, then a five-star restaurant with international cabaret at The Beach Hotel. Penn was signed up to replace resident pianist Braulio Perez, who was King Farouk’s personal pianist and played at the wedding of Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner. Perez had fallen at the restaurant and fractured his skull, and Penn was roped in as the place was buzzing that night. During his time there he met many popular artists, among them Petula Clark, Jimmy Edwards and Tommy Trinder.
Subsequent residencies in Durban were at The El Castillian (“we were booked there for three months and stayed seven years”), The Bal Tabarin nightclub, The Lido in Umkomaas and the Napoleon Restaurant in Aliwal Street. Penn also started a long association with the Durban Country Club, where he introduced monthly supper club.
“Youngsters that came with their parents to New Year’s Eve dances when I first started at there, were coming with their children when I did my last New Year’s Eve dance in 2000,” he says with a grin. And the way he’s still going so strong, it seems another generation might soon start warming to his talents. – Billy Suter
TRIO FOR FOM
Liesl Stoltz, Albie Van Schalkwyk and Anmari Van Der Westhuizen for Friends of Music on June 9.
Friends of Music will present the highly acclaimed trio of Liesl Stoltz (flute), Albie Van Schalkwyk (piano) and Anmari Van Der Westhuizen (cello) on June 9.
Their programme includes Prokofiev’s Sonata No 2 Op. 94 for flute and piano, Trio for flute cello and piano by Martinu and von Weber’s Trio for flute, piano and cello in G minor Op. 63.
The recital will take place on June 9 at 19h45 at the Durban Jewish Centre, 44 Old Fort Road where there is safe parking. Tickets R70 (R60 FOM members, R20 students/orchestral members)
Friends of Music is funded by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund.
Friends of Music will present the highly acclaimed trio of Liesl Stoltz (flute), Albie Van Schalkwyk (piano) and Anmari Van Der Westhuizen (cello) on June 9.
Their programme includes Prokofiev’s Sonata No 2 Op. 94 for flute and piano, Trio for flute cello and piano by Martinu and von Weber’s Trio for flute, piano and cello in G minor Op. 63.
The recital will take place on June 9 at 19h45 at the Durban Jewish Centre, 44 Old Fort Road where there is safe parking. Tickets R70 (R60 FOM members, R20 students/orchestral members)
Friends of Music is funded by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund.
TAKE YOUR SEATS PLEASE
Colin Penn and his Pennants perform at various venues.
“Please take your seats!,” invites well-known Durban musicman Colin Penn. “The lights are dimming. The curtains are going up and your packets of popcorn are on your laps. Just be ready for a magical music treat.”
To celebrate his 100th show, pianist and producer Colin Penn invites audiences to join him at the movies. 50 years of the world’s best-loved films including the golden era of those wonderful MGM musicals.
In his line-up of look-alikes, Colin Penn offers a tap dancing Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire, a Cyd Charisse for some great dancing memories and three of KZN’s finest artists singing evergreen Oscar award-winning hits.
Colin Penn and his Pennants performances starts at 13h00 with the show at 14h00 and operate in “Barnyard” type format, where patrons bring their own food and drinks: Glenwood High School (May 24); Grosvenor Boys High Bluff (May 31); Scottburgh High School (June 7), and Toti Civic Centre (June 21). There is no lunch at the Toti Civic Centre performance and the show starts at 14h00.
Tickets R50 booked through Barbara at 031 564 5135.
Colin Penn and his Pennants also perform at La Domaine on June 28 at 18h00 with bookings on 031 716 8000.
“Please take your seats!,” invites well-known Durban musicman Colin Penn. “The lights are dimming. The curtains are going up and your packets of popcorn are on your laps. Just be ready for a magical music treat.”
To celebrate his 100th show, pianist and producer Colin Penn invites audiences to join him at the movies. 50 years of the world’s best-loved films including the golden era of those wonderful MGM musicals.
In his line-up of look-alikes, Colin Penn offers a tap dancing Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire, a Cyd Charisse for some great dancing memories and three of KZN’s finest artists singing evergreen Oscar award-winning hits.
Colin Penn and his Pennants performances starts at 13h00 with the show at 14h00 and operate in “Barnyard” type format, where patrons bring their own food and drinks: Glenwood High School (May 24); Grosvenor Boys High Bluff (May 31); Scottburgh High School (June 7), and Toti Civic Centre (June 21). There is no lunch at the Toti Civic Centre performance and the show starts at 14h00.
Tickets R50 booked through Barbara at 031 564 5135.
Colin Penn and his Pennants also perform at La Domaine on June 28 at 18h00 with bookings on 031 716 8000.
AT THE PLAYHOUSE IN 2009
Coming up at the Playhouse.
Good news for ballet enthusiasts and concert goers alike, the Imperial Russian Ballet will perform Carl Orff’s perennially popular choral masterpiece, Carmina Burana, in the Opera, on June 27 at 15h00 and 19h00.
Presented in association with the Playhouse Company, KickstArt’s Winnie the Pooh returns to the Playhouse Opera from July 7 to 19, promising another season of fun family entertainment geared for young audiences during the school holidays.
The Playhouse Company’s homegrown musical, Jimbo, returns to the Drama theatre between July 15 and August 2. With a storyline set in Durban’s coloured community of the 50s and 60s, the production was first staged to critical and popular acclaim at the Playhouse in 1993 under the direction of Themi Venturas, and again in 2006. The musical is set to a book by Hamish Kyd, with music by Siva Devar, and lyrics by Venturas and Kyd.
The Playhouse Company’s South African Women’s Arts Festival is set to run this year between August 5 and 16. This annual landmark event features productions that highlight contributions made by women in society.
Now into the second decade of its annual presentations, The Playhouse Company’s widely popular Isicathamiya Festival runs in the Opera Theatre through Saturday night of September 26. This blockbuster event attracts participants from all over KwaZulu-Natal, and often from Gauteng and the Eastern Cape as well.
The second season of the year’s New Stages happens in October. This will be geared as ever to reflect cutting edge creativity on the performing arts circuit. Productions to look out for here will include Jay Pather’s dance programme, Body of Evidence, featuring Siwela Sonke Dance Theatre, and a gripping drama production entitled Last Kick of a Dying Horse by Maduma Productions.
These are scheduled to play in the Drama theatre between October 8 and 18; also featuring in this weekend New Stages festival will be Native Blues, Faca Kulu’s a capella musical; and iThembalethu, an isiZulu version by Bheki Mkhwane of Lara Foot Newton’s acclaimed Tsepang, spotlighting social issues which still plague society. The latter two shows will be performed in the Loft theatre.
The annual Shall We Dance bonanza returns to the Opera from October 29 to November 8 presented, as in previous years, in association with the South African Dance Teachers Association.
Still under wraps are details of the Playhouse Company’s festive season productions, traditionally a major draw card on Durban’s entertainment calendar. Watch press for further information about the shows to be presented for Playhouse audiences in end-of-year holiday mode.
Playhouse booking is through Computicket on 083 915 8000, or call the Playhouse Box Office on 031-369 9540 / 031-369 9596 (office hours).
Good news for ballet enthusiasts and concert goers alike, the Imperial Russian Ballet will perform Carl Orff’s perennially popular choral masterpiece, Carmina Burana, in the Opera, on June 27 at 15h00 and 19h00.
Presented in association with the Playhouse Company, KickstArt’s Winnie the Pooh returns to the Playhouse Opera from July 7 to 19, promising another season of fun family entertainment geared for young audiences during the school holidays.
The Playhouse Company’s homegrown musical, Jimbo, returns to the Drama theatre between July 15 and August 2. With a storyline set in Durban’s coloured community of the 50s and 60s, the production was first staged to critical and popular acclaim at the Playhouse in 1993 under the direction of Themi Venturas, and again in 2006. The musical is set to a book by Hamish Kyd, with music by Siva Devar, and lyrics by Venturas and Kyd.
The Playhouse Company’s South African Women’s Arts Festival is set to run this year between August 5 and 16. This annual landmark event features productions that highlight contributions made by women in society.
Now into the second decade of its annual presentations, The Playhouse Company’s widely popular Isicathamiya Festival runs in the Opera Theatre through Saturday night of September 26. This blockbuster event attracts participants from all over KwaZulu-Natal, and often from Gauteng and the Eastern Cape as well.
The second season of the year’s New Stages happens in October. This will be geared as ever to reflect cutting edge creativity on the performing arts circuit. Productions to look out for here will include Jay Pather’s dance programme, Body of Evidence, featuring Siwela Sonke Dance Theatre, and a gripping drama production entitled Last Kick of a Dying Horse by Maduma Productions.
These are scheduled to play in the Drama theatre between October 8 and 18; also featuring in this weekend New Stages festival will be Native Blues, Faca Kulu’s a capella musical; and iThembalethu, an isiZulu version by Bheki Mkhwane of Lara Foot Newton’s acclaimed Tsepang, spotlighting social issues which still plague society. The latter two shows will be performed in the Loft theatre.
The annual Shall We Dance bonanza returns to the Opera from October 29 to November 8 presented, as in previous years, in association with the South African Dance Teachers Association.
Still under wraps are details of the Playhouse Company’s festive season productions, traditionally a major draw card on Durban’s entertainment calendar. Watch press for further information about the shows to be presented for Playhouse audiences in end-of-year holiday mode.
Playhouse booking is through Computicket on 083 915 8000, or call the Playhouse Box Office on 031-369 9540 / 031-369 9596 (office hours).
BRIAN LOFTUS FOR SABT
International guest teacher at The South African Ballet Theatre.
The South African Ballet Theatre (SABT) invites dancers (aged 15 and older) from all over South Africa to participate in the Open Class taught by international guest teacher and lecturer, Brian Loftus on June 5 in Johannesburg.
Brian Loftus trained in London and Paris, and danced professionally with Sadler’s Wells Opera Ballet in London and with La Grande Ballet Classique de France in Paris. For 23 years, he taught at Arts Educational School in London, where he was Director of the Student Dance Course.
He regularly attends teacher’s training courses and successfully completed a course at the Vaganova School in St Petersburg, Russia. For 22 years he has held Open Professional Classes in London's Covent Garden area for dancers from all over the world - his past pupils include Galina Samsova, Andre Prokovsky, Maina Gielgud, Marion Tait, Eva Evdokimova, Wayne Sleep and Adam Cooper. He has also been a guest teacher with numerous ballet companies, including the London Festival Ballet (now English National Ballet); Rambert Dance Company; London Contemporary Dance Company; London City Ballet; and Kiel Ballet Company in Germany.
He was guest coach on the film Nijinsky, where he taught class to the film’s stars Carla Fracci, Lesley Browne and George de la Pena. Brian Loftus is patron of the West Midlands Youth Ballet. In 2008, he was invited to teach the class for the Maris Liepa Gala in London, participants included stars from Bolshoi Ballet, Maryinsky Ballet, Paris Opera, and London's Royal Ballet.
The Open Class takes place at The SABT studios on June 5 from 15h00 to 16h30. place at The SABT studios, Hoofd Street, Braamfontein Johannesburg. Parents, dance teachers and members of the public are also invited to watch the class.
The entry fee for dancers to participate is R100 each. SABT Friends’ members will pay R40 to watch the class, while non-members will be charged R60. Early booking is advised as the class is limited to 50 dancers and just 120 audience members.
Registration is open for dancers as well as audience members through Mr Moagi on admin@saballettheatre.co.za or call + 27 11 877 6898.
The South African Ballet Theatre is currently in rehearsal for the comedy ballet Coppélia which opens at the Promusica Theatre in Roodepoort on June 12. Ticket prices range from R50 to R150. Book at Computicket.
The South African Ballet Theatre (SABT) invites dancers (aged 15 and older) from all over South Africa to participate in the Open Class taught by international guest teacher and lecturer, Brian Loftus on June 5 in Johannesburg.
Brian Loftus trained in London and Paris, and danced professionally with Sadler’s Wells Opera Ballet in London and with La Grande Ballet Classique de France in Paris. For 23 years, he taught at Arts Educational School in London, where he was Director of the Student Dance Course.
He regularly attends teacher’s training courses and successfully completed a course at the Vaganova School in St Petersburg, Russia. For 22 years he has held Open Professional Classes in London's Covent Garden area for dancers from all over the world - his past pupils include Galina Samsova, Andre Prokovsky, Maina Gielgud, Marion Tait, Eva Evdokimova, Wayne Sleep and Adam Cooper. He has also been a guest teacher with numerous ballet companies, including the London Festival Ballet (now English National Ballet); Rambert Dance Company; London Contemporary Dance Company; London City Ballet; and Kiel Ballet Company in Germany.
He was guest coach on the film Nijinsky, where he taught class to the film’s stars Carla Fracci, Lesley Browne and George de la Pena. Brian Loftus is patron of the West Midlands Youth Ballet. In 2008, he was invited to teach the class for the Maris Liepa Gala in London, participants included stars from Bolshoi Ballet, Maryinsky Ballet, Paris Opera, and London's Royal Ballet.
The Open Class takes place at The SABT studios on June 5 from 15h00 to 16h30. place at The SABT studios, Hoofd Street, Braamfontein Johannesburg. Parents, dance teachers and members of the public are also invited to watch the class.
The entry fee for dancers to participate is R100 each. SABT Friends’ members will pay R40 to watch the class, while non-members will be charged R60. Early booking is advised as the class is limited to 50 dancers and just 120 audience members.
Registration is open for dancers as well as audience members through Mr Moagi on admin@saballettheatre.co.za or call + 27 11 877 6898.
The South African Ballet Theatre is currently in rehearsal for the comedy ballet Coppélia which opens at the Promusica Theatre in Roodepoort on June 12. Ticket prices range from R50 to R150. Book at Computicket.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
VINTAGE ROCKS!
VINTAGE ROCKS!
Vintage Productions moves to Woodcutters.
Last weekend Vintage Rocks! presented by Vintage Productions rocked a large turnout of the Westville community at Westville Theatre Club and some great reviews were received, with many audience members wanting to see the show again!
Starring Aaron Nel, Krystle Temmerman and Zach Hill, the musical line-up includes Light my Fire, Black Velvet, African Dream, Africa and Black Magic Woman with Big Band and Rock n Roll Medleys.
Vintage Rocks! an be seen at Woodcutters in Westville on May 29. Tickets R150 pp includes show and a two-course meal (R70 show only). Booking essential on 031 266 1843.
Vintage Productions moves to Woodcutters.
Last weekend Vintage Rocks! presented by Vintage Productions rocked a large turnout of the Westville community at Westville Theatre Club and some great reviews were received, with many audience members wanting to see the show again!
Starring Aaron Nel, Krystle Temmerman and Zach Hill, the musical line-up includes Light my Fire, Black Velvet, African Dream, Africa and Black Magic Woman with Big Band and Rock n Roll Medleys.
Vintage Rocks! an be seen at Woodcutters in Westville on May 29. Tickets R150 pp includes show and a two-course meal (R70 show only). Booking essential on 031 266 1843.
FIONA TOZER IN KLOOF
Well-known Durban songwriter and guitarist to perform at Vanille Café on May 29.Songwriter Fiona Tozer will be playing at Vanille Cafe in Kloof on May 29. Starting her musical career as a self-taught singer and guitarist, she has travelled widely, performing with musicians from all over the world, and developing a unique personal style of songwriting.
Her songs vary from contemporary folk melodies for solo voice and guitar, to arrangements for acoustic rock and, more recently, the addition of other instruments. Her lyrics comment on different aspects of the human condition, with empathy and sometimes satirical humour. She is a regular performer at venues in and around Durban, as well as national music festivals such as Splashy Fen and White Mountain.
Tozer has recorded three albums of original songs; Odyssey with the band Bona Fide, and solo CDs Neverland and Light and Sound. Having recently completed a degree in music composition at the University of KZN, her goal is to expand her musical knowledge in order to create more diverse and complex sounds. She will be performing her recorded songs, as well as exploring her roots, influences, and the ongoing creative processes at work in her music. There will be a guest appearance by Keri Povall (from the band Celtis) who will be joining her on flute and vocals. CDs will be available for sale.
The performance starts at 18h00 on May 29 at Vanille Café, 5 Bellevue Road in Kloof. Tickets R50 per table. Reservations on 031 717 2780 or 031 764 1196. For further details, visit her website at www.fionatozer.com
BAROQUE 2000
(Pic: Petra Conrads (piccolo) is the soloist)Concert to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Handel’s death.
Baroque 2000 continue their season with a concert at the Church of the Monastery, Mariannhill, on May 31.
The orchestra will commemorate the 200th anniversary of the death of one of the greatest composers, George Frederic Handel, with a performance of his magnificent Water Music (the first and second Suites). The piece was played for the first time in 1717 on board a barge on the Thames for King George I whose Royal party was also on the river, and is one of Handel’s most celebrated compositions.
The other piece on the programme is Vivaldi’s Concerto for piccolo, RV428, (Il Gardinello) and the soloist will be Petra Conrads.
The concert takes place at 15h00 on May 31. Tickets R80 on sale at the door from 14h40 and tea coffee and scones can be enjoyed before the concert in the Monastery gardens. Enquiries to Michel at sursouth@iafrica.com or on 031 312 5539
SNAP WINE BAR NEWS
Music line-up at Marriott Road venue.
Snap Wine Bar in Marriott Road in Lower Morningside has a good line-up of live music events ahead.
May 29: Stealing Love Jones. Tickets R50.
June 6: Gloucester Blues Project. Tickets R40.
June 18: Laurie Lavine performs with Shannon Hope. Tickets R50.
The music starts at 20h30. Information and bookings on 031 309 4160.
Snap Wine Bar in Marriott Road in Lower Morningside has a good line-up of live music events ahead.
May 29: Stealing Love Jones. Tickets R50.
June 6: Gloucester Blues Project. Tickets R40.
June 18: Laurie Lavine performs with Shannon Hope. Tickets R50.
The music starts at 20h30. Information and bookings on 031 309 4160.
LA CENERENTOLA
(Pic: Elina Garanca as Angelina and Lawrence Brownlee as Don Ramiro with gentlemen of the chorus in the final scene of the Metropolitan Opera production of Rossini’s “La Cenerentola”)Garanca dazzles as Rossini’s Cinderella. (Review by William Charlton-Perkins)
La Cenerentola, Rossini’s delightful take on the classic Cinderella legend, offers a rousing and thoroughly enjoyable finale to Cinema Nouveau’s (Gateway) current season of HD Metropolitan Opera transmissions.
The opera, which premiered in Rome in 1817, boasts one of Rossini’s most glittering scores, its wealth of superb ensembles juxtaposed between a heady succession of solo arias for bass, baritones and tenor, culminating in the protagonist’s celebrated vocal fireworks display, the rondo finale, Nacqui all’affano…Non piu mesta accanto al fuoco.
This revival of Cesare Lievi's 1997 production, with its semi-cartoonish set and costume designs by Maurizio Baló, stars the beautiful Latvian mezzo soprano, Elina Garanca. A willowy blond whose seemingly effortless virtuoso singing is dazzling, she brings the house to its feet at the final curtain. The rest of the cast shine too, not least bass baritone John Relyea, splendid as Alidoro, the deus ex machine character who makes things happen for our Cinders.
Tenor Lawrence Brownlee delivers a vocally accomplished Prince Charming, although physically he is mismatched with Garanca, who towers over him. As the preposterous Don Magnifico, Angelina’s stepfather, veteran basso Alessandro Corbelli successfully achieves Rossini’s precarious balance between comic and bully, while Rachelle Durkin and Patricia Risley as his daughters, Clorinda and Tisbe, vie with each other as scene-stealers. Simone Alberghini is a witty and likeable Dandini, the Prince’s henchman.
Maurizio Benini and his Met orchestral forces, together with the all-male chorus, revel in the many ironic touches, ebullient tonal contrasts and rhythmic punch of Rossini’s delicious score. Make the most of this jewel of piece, before we go back into the desert until the next season of Opera in HD heads our way. – William Charlton-Perkins
DUT GAUTENG ALUMNI CHAPTER
Alumni invited to launch in Sandton on June 4.
The President of Convocation of the Durban University of Technology invites all diplomates/graduates of M L Sultan Technikon, Technikon Natal (and their legacy institutions); Durban Institute of Technology (DIT) and Durban University of Technology (DUT) to the launch of the Gauteng Alumni Chapter.
This will take place on June 4 at 18h30 for 19h00 at Legotla, Shop 10b, Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton.
The agenda will include the election of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of Gauteng Chapter.
Alumni are requested to respond to Nishie Govender on 031- 373 2549 or email: nishieg@dut.ac.za
The President of Convocation of the Durban University of Technology invites all diplomates/graduates of M L Sultan Technikon, Technikon Natal (and their legacy institutions); Durban Institute of Technology (DIT) and Durban University of Technology (DUT) to the launch of the Gauteng Alumni Chapter.
This will take place on June 4 at 18h30 for 19h00 at Legotla, Shop 10b, Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton.
The agenda will include the election of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of Gauteng Chapter.
Alumni are requested to respond to Nishie Govender on 031- 373 2549 or email: nishieg@dut.ac.za
AA DEKHEN ZARA
Dance extravaganza for iZulu Theatre at Sibaya Casino.
A Tharana Productions dance extravaganza, the musical AA Dekhen Zara promises to transport audiences to a fascinating world of Bollywood entertainment with exhilarating performances that capture the essence of modern day Bollywood.
Choreographed by Kumar Sailesh, assisted by Sashin, Bhanu and Ritasha, the group of top notch dancers aim to set the stage ablaze with scintillating dance sequences of today and yesteryear. The show is well worth a visit as it showcases the talents of aspiring local artists. The MC will be Lotus FM’s popular Varshan Sookun.’
Tickets available at Computicket or Sibaya Box Office.
A Tharana Productions dance extravaganza, the musical AA Dekhen Zara promises to transport audiences to a fascinating world of Bollywood entertainment with exhilarating performances that capture the essence of modern day Bollywood.
Choreographed by Kumar Sailesh, assisted by Sashin, Bhanu and Ritasha, the group of top notch dancers aim to set the stage ablaze with scintillating dance sequences of today and yesteryear. The show is well worth a visit as it showcases the talents of aspiring local artists. The MC will be Lotus FM’s popular Varshan Sookun.’
Tickets available at Computicket or Sibaya Box Office.
Monday, May 25, 2009
THE 5TH ELEMENT
Enjoyable evening provided a good opportunity to spot Durban’s emerging theatre talent. (Review by Caroline Smart)
Tonight I had the pleasure of attending this year’s Westville Boys' High Schools Musical Outreach Benefit Fundraiser, a project created to give performance opportunities to the school’s talented youngsters as well as to raise funds for local charities. (Last year it handed over R25,000)
Titled The 5th Element, the show features the WBHS learners alongside their female counterparts from Westville Girls High, Kloof High and St Mary’s. Directed by Devin Möller with musical direction by Luke Holder, The 5th Element is a well-directed, highly entertaining series of musical numbers. Offering strong live musical backing and efficient sound and lighting support, it required the performers to embrace a number of music and dance styles.
Highlights of the evening were a powerful Who Wants to live Forever from Paul Coombe; River Deep, Mountain High from Kerryn Beattie and an impassioned Colours of the Wind from Loryn Julius. Other performers to catch the eye were Steffen Wies with his clear high-range voice (Orinoco Flow) and Alyssa Halse in Rain. Delwin van Jaarsveld got the crowd going with Loslappie and Michelle Ostler’s Valerie showed a strong mature vocal range and the capacity to move comfortably from the safety of the stage into the audience. Tristan Daley, Emile van Staden, Jordan Collins and Brendan Thom also drew much of the evening’s applause.
Major crowd pleasers were the Latin American dance items from WBHS’s Joel Shepherd and his partner Jaime Louw who are the South African Latin American Dance Champions.
While the setting was simple and effective, I had a few problems with some of the choreographic and costume choices. For instance, a kind of Irish dance or balletic-styled movement to the very African He Lives in You or ruffles on a striped shirt jarred a bit and while the baroque styled costumes were fine in the next numbers, they could well have done with more of an African element for this one. The production showcases the WBHS Drumline and, if we are talking about costumes here, they would have benefitted from some kind of brightly coloured belt or sash.
With the current international economic downturn, theatre needs to be kept alive within the communities and Westville Boys High has a very attractive venue in the Roy Couzens Hall. I would really like to see the school create a development programme for their talented learners – with or without the support of their female colleagues – by putting on small supper theatre shows. Audiences could bring their own food and drinks, thus saving the school the hassle of catering. The Hall can accommodate audiences numbering anything from 20 to 200 in a comfortable and relaxing supper theatre format.
The 5th Element runs until May 30 at 18h00 for 19h00 in the Roy Couzens Hall at Westville Boys High School. Tickets R40 pp (R400 for a table of 10) on a bring-your-own picnic basket & drinks basis. Bookings accompanied with cash only can be made with Sally Beuster and Clemmi Bothma in the front office. (No reservations will be made telephonically) – Caroline Smart
Tonight I had the pleasure of attending this year’s Westville Boys' High Schools Musical Outreach Benefit Fundraiser, a project created to give performance opportunities to the school’s talented youngsters as well as to raise funds for local charities. (Last year it handed over R25,000)
Titled The 5th Element, the show features the WBHS learners alongside their female counterparts from Westville Girls High, Kloof High and St Mary’s. Directed by Devin Möller with musical direction by Luke Holder, The 5th Element is a well-directed, highly entertaining series of musical numbers. Offering strong live musical backing and efficient sound and lighting support, it required the performers to embrace a number of music and dance styles.
Highlights of the evening were a powerful Who Wants to live Forever from Paul Coombe; River Deep, Mountain High from Kerryn Beattie and an impassioned Colours of the Wind from Loryn Julius. Other performers to catch the eye were Steffen Wies with his clear high-range voice (Orinoco Flow) and Alyssa Halse in Rain. Delwin van Jaarsveld got the crowd going with Loslappie and Michelle Ostler’s Valerie showed a strong mature vocal range and the capacity to move comfortably from the safety of the stage into the audience. Tristan Daley, Emile van Staden, Jordan Collins and Brendan Thom also drew much of the evening’s applause.
Major crowd pleasers were the Latin American dance items from WBHS’s Joel Shepherd and his partner Jaime Louw who are the South African Latin American Dance Champions.
While the setting was simple and effective, I had a few problems with some of the choreographic and costume choices. For instance, a kind of Irish dance or balletic-styled movement to the very African He Lives in You or ruffles on a striped shirt jarred a bit and while the baroque styled costumes were fine in the next numbers, they could well have done with more of an African element for this one. The production showcases the WBHS Drumline and, if we are talking about costumes here, they would have benefitted from some kind of brightly coloured belt or sash.
With the current international economic downturn, theatre needs to be kept alive within the communities and Westville Boys High has a very attractive venue in the Roy Couzens Hall. I would really like to see the school create a development programme for their talented learners – with or without the support of their female colleagues – by putting on small supper theatre shows. Audiences could bring their own food and drinks, thus saving the school the hassle of catering. The Hall can accommodate audiences numbering anything from 20 to 200 in a comfortable and relaxing supper theatre format.
The 5th Element runs until May 30 at 18h00 for 19h00 in the Roy Couzens Hall at Westville Boys High School. Tickets R40 pp (R400 for a table of 10) on a bring-your-own picnic basket & drinks basis. Bookings accompanied with cash only can be made with Sally Beuster and Clemmi Bothma in the front office. (No reservations will be made telephonically) – Caroline Smart
Sunday, May 24, 2009
A HANDFUL OF KEYS
Hilarious, accomplished performances by two acting, singing, virtuoso pianists in an excellently scripted musical experience. (Review by Maurice Kort)
A Handful of Keys might be celebrating its 15th year but it has lost none of its appeal, enjoyment and freshness. With the talents of the two protagonists, who might have changed over the years, the show could run for many more years and entertain fresh audiences or past audiences back for more. Indeed, comments from audience members walking out the theatre affirmed that they could see the show again.
This hilarious two-man show, the brainchild of Ian von Memerty and Bryan Schimmel, began in 1994 and played for three years for over 300 performances, including at the Playhouse Drama in July 1995 starring these two, to vast public and critical acclaim and winning many awards. Subsequent incarnations of this very successful show starred Ian von Memerty and Roelof Colyn in 2001, Roelof Colyn and Jeremy Quickfall in 2005 and Roelof Colyn and Jonathan Roxmouth last year.
This last couple makes a very welcome return to the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre for a four week run as part of their countrywide tour which started in Cape Town in April and will end in Johannesburg in August. The show, and the two artists, have lost none of their freshness and appeal and Roelof Colyn had to plead with the audience to cut down on the applause on several occasions. I can well believe this was not a part of the act as the show ended twenty minutes after the scheduled time mentioned by the front of house manager. There was a spontaneous standing ovation by the capacity matinee audience and I predict standing ovations at every performance.
From the opening bars on the two grand pianos which dominate the stage in the "Ragtime" medley and the hilarious antics of Roelof Colyn and Jonathan Roxmouth, one knows one is in for a huge treat. The jokes and surprises just never stop with one unexpected move following another often with split second timing. One has to be constantly reminded of the virtuosity of these two pianists, brought to the fore in their rendition of Rhapsody in Blue which opens the second act. This is also clearly experienced in their hilarious acting with a very clever script of classical variations of how The Beatles hit Yesterday would be played by various composers.
Costume changes abound in this energetic, nay frenetic, experience of many female and male pianists. A standout highlight was Roelof Colyn's take on Stevie Wonder with his own parody on I Just Called to Say I Love You. A great deal of the charm and enjoyment of the show is that they do not take themselves too seriously and are not above taking the mickey out of each other, such as the play on their difference in ages, Jonathan Roxmouth being only 22 – a running gag in the show.
Young he might be, but he has packed so much into his young career, which started in his standout performances in the Johannesburg Northcliff School productions which Durban was fortunate to see when they toured to Durban. The subsequent stage appearances have been cameo roles in Grease, as well as the title role in The Buddy Holly Story, Lun Tha in The King and I and Naledi award nominations for Gaston in Beauty and the Beast.
When not involved in A Handful of Keys over the last eight years, Roelof Colyn has been seen in many shows including as a badly-wigged Mozart in Rock Me Amadeus and as co-conductor and second keys in Hairspray.
Another tour de force in the programme is their History of Broadway Musicals in which they cover 96 years in 12 minutes and which includes no less than 120 shows, mostly instantly recognisable even if only snatches of musical notes or words are played and sung. There is never a dull moment in the show, or indeed a quiet moment.
I reviewed this show on artSmart on June 13. 2008. and this second viewing was as enjoyable. I was amazed anew at the talent, accomplished piano playing and abilities of the two actors, as well as the clever, funny script and polished slick performances. Miss this show at your peril, or be impressed again, if you had seen it before.
A Handful of Keys is directed and rewritten by Ian von Memerty and produced by Award Theatre Productions. It runs at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre until June 15, thanks to Roland Stansell of the Rhumbelow Theatre who has branched out as an impresario to bring this show to Durban. Booking is at Computicket. – Maurice Kort
A Handful of Keys might be celebrating its 15th year but it has lost none of its appeal, enjoyment and freshness. With the talents of the two protagonists, who might have changed over the years, the show could run for many more years and entertain fresh audiences or past audiences back for more. Indeed, comments from audience members walking out the theatre affirmed that they could see the show again.
This hilarious two-man show, the brainchild of Ian von Memerty and Bryan Schimmel, began in 1994 and played for three years for over 300 performances, including at the Playhouse Drama in July 1995 starring these two, to vast public and critical acclaim and winning many awards. Subsequent incarnations of this very successful show starred Ian von Memerty and Roelof Colyn in 2001, Roelof Colyn and Jeremy Quickfall in 2005 and Roelof Colyn and Jonathan Roxmouth last year.
This last couple makes a very welcome return to the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre for a four week run as part of their countrywide tour which started in Cape Town in April and will end in Johannesburg in August. The show, and the two artists, have lost none of their freshness and appeal and Roelof Colyn had to plead with the audience to cut down on the applause on several occasions. I can well believe this was not a part of the act as the show ended twenty minutes after the scheduled time mentioned by the front of house manager. There was a spontaneous standing ovation by the capacity matinee audience and I predict standing ovations at every performance.
From the opening bars on the two grand pianos which dominate the stage in the "Ragtime" medley and the hilarious antics of Roelof Colyn and Jonathan Roxmouth, one knows one is in for a huge treat. The jokes and surprises just never stop with one unexpected move following another often with split second timing. One has to be constantly reminded of the virtuosity of these two pianists, brought to the fore in their rendition of Rhapsody in Blue which opens the second act. This is also clearly experienced in their hilarious acting with a very clever script of classical variations of how The Beatles hit Yesterday would be played by various composers.
Costume changes abound in this energetic, nay frenetic, experience of many female and male pianists. A standout highlight was Roelof Colyn's take on Stevie Wonder with his own parody on I Just Called to Say I Love You. A great deal of the charm and enjoyment of the show is that they do not take themselves too seriously and are not above taking the mickey out of each other, such as the play on their difference in ages, Jonathan Roxmouth being only 22 – a running gag in the show.
Young he might be, but he has packed so much into his young career, which started in his standout performances in the Johannesburg Northcliff School productions which Durban was fortunate to see when they toured to Durban. The subsequent stage appearances have been cameo roles in Grease, as well as the title role in The Buddy Holly Story, Lun Tha in The King and I and Naledi award nominations for Gaston in Beauty and the Beast.
When not involved in A Handful of Keys over the last eight years, Roelof Colyn has been seen in many shows including as a badly-wigged Mozart in Rock Me Amadeus and as co-conductor and second keys in Hairspray.
Another tour de force in the programme is their History of Broadway Musicals in which they cover 96 years in 12 minutes and which includes no less than 120 shows, mostly instantly recognisable even if only snatches of musical notes or words are played and sung. There is never a dull moment in the show, or indeed a quiet moment.
I reviewed this show on artSmart on June 13. 2008. and this second viewing was as enjoyable. I was amazed anew at the talent, accomplished piano playing and abilities of the two actors, as well as the clever, funny script and polished slick performances. Miss this show at your peril, or be impressed again, if you had seen it before.
A Handful of Keys is directed and rewritten by Ian von Memerty and produced by Award Theatre Productions. It runs at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre until June 15, thanks to Roland Stansell of the Rhumbelow Theatre who has branched out as an impresario to bring this show to Durban. Booking is at Computicket. – Maurice Kort
SIWELA SONKE AT JOMBA!
Illustrious Durban dance company offered two new works at the recent Jomba! Festival. (Review by Caroline Smart)
Siwela Sonke Dance Theatre, one of South Africa’s most illustrious dance companies, offered Durban audiences an opportunity to see the new stable of young Siwela Sonke dancers create the edgy work that this company has become famous for. Nellie Rushualang’s work, The Human Ladder is a heartfelt step into the idea of ubuntu and what it means to support one another, while Gasa’s work, Faces is a bold political work that looks at a flailing human race.
Marred by an irritating disturbance from the Elizabeth Sneddon bar area during its silent and evocative opening sequence, Nellie Rushualang’s The Human Ladder makes a parallel with a ladder requiring firm support so that the user may climb without fear of falling. Her programme notes indicate that the work is dedicated to someone who has been part of her life and who has stood by her through thick and thin. Commendably, she indicates that she wishes to entrench her thanks while this person is still alive.
There were some exquisite sequences in this piece and after a while I gave up trying to get a feeling as to what the choreographer was trying to convey in mood or intent and just enjoyed the dancing. Seated stage left a performer provided comment, laughter and the occasional call to prayer. There a figure dressed in a blanket with a bag of rice on her head which was poured out as a rectangle creating the imagery of a grave. Special mention should be made of Mxolisi Nkomonde and Nkanyiso Kunene who performed a beautifully controlled languorous sequence around a chair.
Faces by Ntombi Gasa is actually made up of five pieces and deals with her passionate response to the fact that the Dalai Lama, the ultimate symbol of peace, was denied entry to South Africa.
The first piece focused on a Kumari Princess commenting on the Indonesian tradition where a girl at the age of four or five is chosen to be a living deity. The work featured a beautiful little girl (Amara Gasa) with a candle – playful and joyful. She is offered blessings from her devotees. The flip side of this process is that despite the great honour, the girl’s personal life is difficult as she is cut off from friends and relationships and once she reaches puberty, she is considered unclean and booted out.
Continuing Ntombi Gasa’s focus on the gap between modern and traditional, the next piece saw dancer and performance poet Noxolo Rushualang (Nellie’s daughter) in hip gear promoting women empowerment. In the background, a working class man paints lips, a nose, breasts and a bottom – portraying imagery that is easily accessible to him but offensive to many women.
The third piece which featured independent performance artist /poet Phumzile Masina touched on xenophobia. Unsteady on rollerblades and supported by two women, she represented an old soul desperately asking why we can’t we relate to one other.
The fourth piece offered some lovely ensemble work before moving onto the imagery of the African Queen becoming the table on which capitalists feasted, although many in the audience (myself included) mistakenly felt that this was a comment on Zapiro’s controversial cartoon dealing with the rape of Lady Justice.
Performers were Amara Gasa, Nomusa Ngubane, Sandile Mkhize, Nkanyiso Kunene, Sbusiso Gantsa, Mxolisi Nkomonde, Siyabonga Mhlongo, Nhlakanipho Cele, Noxolo Rushualang and Zanele Chiliza with guest artists Mayuri Naidu and Phumzile Masina.
While both pieces were impeccably performed with disciplined focus and strong emotion – accompanied by some excellent lighting effects – more work needs to be done to make them more understandable to the audience. With minimum programme notes, it was difficult to judge the piece in terms of whether the choreographers had achieved what they set out to present. While contemporary dance is more about the movement itself than a storyline, the creators have been moved by issues or emotions and a bit more insight is needed into their thinking for reviewers to do justice to their works.
I am confident that, given the expertise of Nellie Rushualang and Ntombi Gasa, these two pieces will grow and achieve their considerable potential. Watch out for them if they come your way. – Caroline Smart
Siwela Sonke Dance Theatre, one of South Africa’s most illustrious dance companies, offered Durban audiences an opportunity to see the new stable of young Siwela Sonke dancers create the edgy work that this company has become famous for. Nellie Rushualang’s work, The Human Ladder is a heartfelt step into the idea of ubuntu and what it means to support one another, while Gasa’s work, Faces is a bold political work that looks at a flailing human race.
Marred by an irritating disturbance from the Elizabeth Sneddon bar area during its silent and evocative opening sequence, Nellie Rushualang’s The Human Ladder makes a parallel with a ladder requiring firm support so that the user may climb without fear of falling. Her programme notes indicate that the work is dedicated to someone who has been part of her life and who has stood by her through thick and thin. Commendably, she indicates that she wishes to entrench her thanks while this person is still alive.
There were some exquisite sequences in this piece and after a while I gave up trying to get a feeling as to what the choreographer was trying to convey in mood or intent and just enjoyed the dancing. Seated stage left a performer provided comment, laughter and the occasional call to prayer. There a figure dressed in a blanket with a bag of rice on her head which was poured out as a rectangle creating the imagery of a grave. Special mention should be made of Mxolisi Nkomonde and Nkanyiso Kunene who performed a beautifully controlled languorous sequence around a chair.
Faces by Ntombi Gasa is actually made up of five pieces and deals with her passionate response to the fact that the Dalai Lama, the ultimate symbol of peace, was denied entry to South Africa.
The first piece focused on a Kumari Princess commenting on the Indonesian tradition where a girl at the age of four or five is chosen to be a living deity. The work featured a beautiful little girl (Amara Gasa) with a candle – playful and joyful. She is offered blessings from her devotees. The flip side of this process is that despite the great honour, the girl’s personal life is difficult as she is cut off from friends and relationships and once she reaches puberty, she is considered unclean and booted out.
Continuing Ntombi Gasa’s focus on the gap between modern and traditional, the next piece saw dancer and performance poet Noxolo Rushualang (Nellie’s daughter) in hip gear promoting women empowerment. In the background, a working class man paints lips, a nose, breasts and a bottom – portraying imagery that is easily accessible to him but offensive to many women.
The third piece which featured independent performance artist /poet Phumzile Masina touched on xenophobia. Unsteady on rollerblades and supported by two women, she represented an old soul desperately asking why we can’t we relate to one other.
The fourth piece offered some lovely ensemble work before moving onto the imagery of the African Queen becoming the table on which capitalists feasted, although many in the audience (myself included) mistakenly felt that this was a comment on Zapiro’s controversial cartoon dealing with the rape of Lady Justice.
Performers were Amara Gasa, Nomusa Ngubane, Sandile Mkhize, Nkanyiso Kunene, Sbusiso Gantsa, Mxolisi Nkomonde, Siyabonga Mhlongo, Nhlakanipho Cele, Noxolo Rushualang and Zanele Chiliza with guest artists Mayuri Naidu and Phumzile Masina.
While both pieces were impeccably performed with disciplined focus and strong emotion – accompanied by some excellent lighting effects – more work needs to be done to make them more understandable to the audience. With minimum programme notes, it was difficult to judge the piece in terms of whether the choreographers had achieved what they set out to present. While contemporary dance is more about the movement itself than a storyline, the creators have been moved by issues or emotions and a bit more insight is needed into their thinking for reviewers to do justice to their works.
I am confident that, given the expertise of Nellie Rushualang and Ntombi Gasa, these two pieces will grow and achieve their considerable potential. Watch out for them if they come your way. – Caroline Smart
ENTRIES INVITED FOR VULEKA ART
Paris awaits winner of national Vuleka Art Competition.
A return flight to Paris and prize-money not to sneezed at is up for grabs once again in this year’s national Sanlam Vuleka Art Competition for new work.
The Vuleka Art Competition is hosted annually by The Arts Association of Bellville (art.b) in conjunction with the financial services group Sanlam. It is aimed at encouraging creativity, innovation and adventurous art from all cultures. Selected artists from the competition will also participate in an exhibition from September 9 to 30 in Bellville’s art.b Gallery, Library Centre, Carl van Aswegen Street.
Vuleka is the Xhosa word for “open” and conveys that this prestigious art competition is open to any artist from anywhere in South Africa, who is a permanent resident, 18 years and older and who has not had a solo exhibition in the past three years.
Only original works of art completed during 2008/2009 may be submitted. Artists may enter unlimited artworks in any of three categories, even all of them: Paintings in oil, watercolour or acrylic; Three-dimensional works; ceramics included, and Works in any other medium, including photography.
Apart from a winner in each of these categories, the best artwork overall will be selected. For the overall winner a cheque of R10,000 and a free return flight ticket to Paris are waiting, offering the winner the opportunity to gain new inspiration in the arts and broaden his/her horizons. Prize money of R5,000 is at stake for each category winner and artists may also offer their works for sale.
The closing date for entries is at 15h00 on August 28.
For entry forms or other details, interested parties should contact Maxie Oosthuizen at 021-918 2301 or maxie.oosthuizen@capetown.gov.za
A return flight to Paris and prize-money not to sneezed at is up for grabs once again in this year’s national Sanlam Vuleka Art Competition for new work.
The Vuleka Art Competition is hosted annually by The Arts Association of Bellville (art.b) in conjunction with the financial services group Sanlam. It is aimed at encouraging creativity, innovation and adventurous art from all cultures. Selected artists from the competition will also participate in an exhibition from September 9 to 30 in Bellville’s art.b Gallery, Library Centre, Carl van Aswegen Street.
Vuleka is the Xhosa word for “open” and conveys that this prestigious art competition is open to any artist from anywhere in South Africa, who is a permanent resident, 18 years and older and who has not had a solo exhibition in the past three years.
Only original works of art completed during 2008/2009 may be submitted. Artists may enter unlimited artworks in any of three categories, even all of them: Paintings in oil, watercolour or acrylic; Three-dimensional works; ceramics included, and Works in any other medium, including photography.
Apart from a winner in each of these categories, the best artwork overall will be selected. For the overall winner a cheque of R10,000 and a free return flight ticket to Paris are waiting, offering the winner the opportunity to gain new inspiration in the arts and broaden his/her horizons. Prize money of R5,000 is at stake for each category winner and artists may also offer their works for sale.
The closing date for entries is at 15h00 on August 28.
For entry forms or other details, interested parties should contact Maxie Oosthuizen at 021-918 2301 or maxie.oosthuizen@capetown.gov.za
THE TRAVELS OF BAD
(Pic: Scene 4 from The Travels of Bad – First Glimpse of Paradise: Magical Alternate Universe, Tasty Jungle Beast World 2009. Archival 300 gsm Giclée Fourdrinier Fiber Print. 590 x 836 mm (paper size. Edition of 100)Exhibition by Zander Blom at the KZNSA Gallery.
After two years in the making, Zander Blom launches his latest publication and major solo exhibition. The show documents the travels of an idealist Machiavellian hero, guitar in hand, on a crusade to revitalise the arts of the culture capital of the world. Fuelled by equal measures of blind optimism and hedonism, the search for new ideas and exotic flavours takes our hero to a fictional paradise setting where this bizarre satirical action tragedy literally starts to unravel.
The Travels of Bad comprises a 48-page mini-novella with 17 photographic works and a 17-track album soundtrack. The exhibition includes a selection of sculptures and merchandise and is presented in association with the Rooke Gallery. The album is available for free download from the Rooke Gallery website.
The prologue reads: “A massive slime void has appeared in the sky above the earth’s civilized centre as a result of outdated aesthetics, stale, tired, worn-out ideas and pervading mediocre insipid vacuity. The slime entity feeds off the silence of the tons of bland, academic, crap in art museums. The void grows bigger year by year, and if not stopped, will annihilate the universe and all of mankind. Doom is imminent. Brooding and looming. Human survival hangs in the balance. Our hero protagonist genius hard-bastard motherfucker artist, pale vampire, the machismo Machiavellian, the god from the machine, the magical universe exorcist needs to journey to the ends of the known world, back to the savage, the primitive, the naïve, the origin of man, and find new strange exotic weird shit, deliver it from the colourful world of indifference, use it to revitalise the creative spirit of the pale world of intelligence, and have enough pompous misadventures along the way to make cult status.
“Adventure, alienation, tragedy, stupidity, high amplified distortion, extended guitar solos, and machinegun measures. A journey, a coma, a rollercoaster-ride, a damn endurance test! A certified party-bus escapade.
“Somewhere a guitar solo is vaguely audible over the sound of amazingness… Somewhere a lizard’s purr echoes in a deathcave, and somewhere on the filth ridden backstreets of the over-developed metropolis Earth universe, our disgruntled idealist hero bursts onto the scene. At the exact moment that our death-sex, drone-thrash, action-tragedy breaks into a thick riff.
“Hard... fast... bad!!! No illusion-destroying interruptions!!! Go forth! Find the cure of primitive juice!!! The damn exotic art elixir!!! Save the rotting core of the universe... AWESOME!!!”
Zander Blom maintains that The Travels of Bad is essentially a satire that looks critically at the influence that exotic cultures and their artefacts have had on the avant-garde system of European visual art from the end of the 19th century onwards. The critique comes in the shape of mini-novella that is illustrated by a series of photographic works and accompanied by a pseudo rock-opera type symphonic drone thrash metal rock album.”
The Travels of Bad runs at the KZNSA Gallery until May 31. 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 or visit www.kznsagallery.co.za
MORPHOLOGY
(Pic: Peter Rippon (2008): 23h23 (detail); Oil on canvas)New work by Peter Rippon at the KZNSA Gallery.
New work by Peter Rippon is on show at the KZNSA Gallery in an exhibition titled Morphology.
The exquisitely detailed and intimate paintings of Peter Rippon explore the nuances of mortality. Drawing on bodies, body parts and inanimate objects, the tightly-cropped paintings use the physical and the corporeal to investigate and comment on the scientific and medical view of the body as a dehumanised subject, a specimen. In this way, Rippon provides commentary on the contemporary yearning towards immortality, a denial of our own and inevitable death.
Exploring this theme even further, Rippon uses subject matter that denotes containment: jars, bottles, plastic packets, usually containing incongruous objects. Emerging here is the idea of collecting, preserving and presenting objects in a discordant manner; an attempt to emulate scientific processes. Issues of absurdity emerge when these almost arbitrary specimens are presented in ways unsuitable to their natures. This is Rippon’s way of ridiculing a species that has become so enamoured with its own thinking that it imagines by systematically analysing, classifying, and cataloguing the world around it, it can unlock the secrets of the universe.
Morphology runs at the KZNSA Gallery until May 31. 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 or visit www.kznsagallery.co.za
DARKNESS AND WONDER
(Pic: “Darkness and Wonder: Insect Collection” - oil on canvas by Grace Kotze)New oil paintings by Grace Kotze at the KZNSA Gallery.
Darkness and Wonder: Insect Collection is the title of an exhibition by Grace Kotze running at the KZNSA Gallery.
In this new collection of autobiographical oil paintings, the artist combines her technical mastery of the medium with a deep, intuitive reading of the languages of emotion. Drawing on the extremities of darkness and wonder that so often exist side by side, she presents a body of work where a sense of foreboding coexists with the human spirit’s innate transcendental ability.
Grace Kotze reaches back into her memories as a young adult, as a mature child, at the age of her confrontation with self realisation, awareness of immortality, heightened insecurities and new responsibilities. In a single image, she is able to depict emotions of delight and intrigue followed by confusion, fear and dread of responsibilities.
In Darkness and Wonder, she uses the metaphors of the context of the natural history museum, a place that educates and celebrates the complexities, versatility and uniqueness of the natural world, yet often has a sense of apprehension. Glass cases house the bodies of taxidermy animals, pinned insects, empty eggs devoid of potential life and extinct species. Skeletons fill an often atmospheric and gloomy interior.
Grace Kotze also explores, with a firm and controlled hand, the emotional possibilities of colour, mark and composition. She places enormous emphasis on the technical aspects of producing these works, and insists that the technical aspects carry as much meaning, and is open to as much interpretation, as the images they create. “When I allow the vocabulary of my materials to take root, the real delight in the painting process comes into effect,” she says.
Darkness and Wonder runs at the KZNSA Gallery until May 31. 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 or visit www.kznsagallery.co.za
CALLING SCULPTORS IN CONCRETE
The search for the 2009 PPC Young Concrete Sculptors begins.
The annual PPC Young Concrete Sculptor Awards Competition, now in its 17th year, launches for 2009. PPC, in partnership with the Association of Arts, Pretoria, hosts the competition, providing artists young in the art of concrete sculpting the opportunity to showcase their talents through the affordable and versatile medium of concrete.
“As the country’s longest-running and only national sculpting competition, the PPC Young Concrete Sculptor Awards Competition is an interesting and creative reflection of the outstanding young talent that South Africa has to offer, “ says Nomzamo Basson, Public Relations Manager for PPC. “The competition demonstrates the technical ability and creativity of artists, combined with outstanding conceptual design and thinking. It encourages the traditional art of durable sculpture with concrete as its chosen media.”
The PPC Young Concrete Sculptor Awards Competition forms part of PPC’s commitment to enhancing South Africa's Arts, Culture and Heritage for the benefit of future generations. Artists, young in the art of sculpting, are also assured of recognition for their artistic contributions.
An exciting development to this year’s competition is the total prize money which has been increased to R85,000; with the first prize of R50,000 being double that of 2008. The prize money for this year’s runner-up has also been increased to R25,000, with two merit awards of R5,000 each being awarded to artists who have demonstrated their skill and ability to create a sculpture using cement.
To adequately prepare young artists with skills and techniques for working with cement, PPC will once again host a number of workshops throughout South Africa.
“The workshops’ success in encouraging young artists has inspired PPC to increase the number of workshops offered this year,” continues Basson. “Multiple venues provide accessibility throughout the country and the technical guidance and artistic encouragement presented will support young artists in not only the PPC competition, but in their own personal artistic endeavours.”
The Durban workshop will be held on June 18 at artSPACE durban. The cost per person attending is R60. Space for the workshops is limited; therefore interested parties should make bookings through Nandi Hilliard at the Association of Arts Pretoria on 012 346 3100.
The competition is open to students and people with formal or no training in sculpting, who have recently become acquainted with concrete as a medium and who are 18 years and older.
For more information on the 2009 PPC Young Concrete Sculptor Awards Competition and entry forms go to www.ppc.co.za or contact Nandi Hilliard at the Association of Arts Pretoria on 012 346 3100, fax 012 346 3125 or e-mail artspta@mweb.co.za.
The annual PPC Young Concrete Sculptor Awards Competition, now in its 17th year, launches for 2009. PPC, in partnership with the Association of Arts, Pretoria, hosts the competition, providing artists young in the art of concrete sculpting the opportunity to showcase their talents through the affordable and versatile medium of concrete.
“As the country’s longest-running and only national sculpting competition, the PPC Young Concrete Sculptor Awards Competition is an interesting and creative reflection of the outstanding young talent that South Africa has to offer, “ says Nomzamo Basson, Public Relations Manager for PPC. “The competition demonstrates the technical ability and creativity of artists, combined with outstanding conceptual design and thinking. It encourages the traditional art of durable sculpture with concrete as its chosen media.”
The PPC Young Concrete Sculptor Awards Competition forms part of PPC’s commitment to enhancing South Africa's Arts, Culture and Heritage for the benefit of future generations. Artists, young in the art of sculpting, are also assured of recognition for their artistic contributions.
An exciting development to this year’s competition is the total prize money which has been increased to R85,000; with the first prize of R50,000 being double that of 2008. The prize money for this year’s runner-up has also been increased to R25,000, with two merit awards of R5,000 each being awarded to artists who have demonstrated their skill and ability to create a sculpture using cement.
To adequately prepare young artists with skills and techniques for working with cement, PPC will once again host a number of workshops throughout South Africa.
“The workshops’ success in encouraging young artists has inspired PPC to increase the number of workshops offered this year,” continues Basson. “Multiple venues provide accessibility throughout the country and the technical guidance and artistic encouragement presented will support young artists in not only the PPC competition, but in their own personal artistic endeavours.”
The Durban workshop will be held on June 18 at artSPACE durban. The cost per person attending is R60. Space for the workshops is limited; therefore interested parties should make bookings through Nandi Hilliard at the Association of Arts Pretoria on 012 346 3100.
The competition is open to students and people with formal or no training in sculpting, who have recently become acquainted with concrete as a medium and who are 18 years and older.
For more information on the 2009 PPC Young Concrete Sculptor Awards Competition and entry forms go to www.ppc.co.za or contact Nandi Hilliard at the Association of Arts Pretoria on 012 346 3100, fax 012 346 3125 or e-mail artspta@mweb.co.za.
THE GRAHAM NORTON SHOW
(Pic: Graham Norton)Susan Sarandon, Gordon Ramsay, Alicia Silverstone, Juliet Binoche and John Malkovich lined up for the programme
The Graham Norton Show on BBC Entertainment (120 on DStv) is telecast at 22h30 from Monday to Thursday.
May 25: Graham Norton talks to Hollywood star Susan Sarandon about her career and who she’s backing for President of the United States.
May 26: Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay cooks up a few stories to share with his host. He tells Graham how he taught John Prescott about healthy eating for his TV programme The F Word: "He was sweet, eating fish and chips and enjoying them. He took me to the local chippy he's been going to for the last 15 years – he eats too many takeaways." Graham Norton is also joined by Oscar-winning actress Juliet Binoche and there's music from Scouting For Girls.
May 27: Hollywood star Alicia Silverstone (Clueless Alicia) tells Graham about being a vegan: "I really care about animals, there's so much unnecessary suffering going on ... all four of my dogs are vegan, they don't fart any more! I eat delicious food but without cruelty." And on stripping off for an advertisement for PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), she says: "It was scary [but] I knew I really wanted to make this message appealing." Also on this week's show there's music from The Freemasons performing live in the studio.
May 28: Exclusively on The Graham Norton Show on BBC Entertainment, acclaimed film star John Malkovich admits to Graham that he hated doing the film Con Air. "Occasionally I have to do a film that people may want to see!" he says. "I never read the script, I've never seen the movie. Nic[olas] Cage was very serious about it. I'm by far the most normal person in it, the most likely to be able to count to 20. “
VANESSA PALM
Live music at Granny Mouse Country House in the Midlands on May 31.
Vanessa Palm will perform at Granny Mouse Country House & Spa in the KZN Midlands on May 31.
Whether you are tucking into a gourmet lunch in the dining room, or just enjoying the view, sit back, relax and enjoy the music. Vanessa Palm will perform all-time favourites from Luther Vandros, Katie Melua, Robbie Williams, Bob Marley and Alanah Myles.
The music starts at 12h30 on May 31. Entrance is free but bookings for lunch are recommended, through Candice Geyser on 033 234 4071 or email: candiceg@grannymouse.co.za or visit www.grannymouse.co.za
Vanessa Palm will perform at Granny Mouse Country House & Spa in the KZN Midlands on May 31.
Whether you are tucking into a gourmet lunch in the dining room, or just enjoying the view, sit back, relax and enjoy the music. Vanessa Palm will perform all-time favourites from Luther Vandros, Katie Melua, Robbie Williams, Bob Marley and Alanah Myles.
The music starts at 12h30 on May 31. Entrance is free but bookings for lunch are recommended, through Candice Geyser on 033 234 4071 or email: candiceg@grannymouse.co.za or visit www.grannymouse.co.za
KUDELA OWAZIYO FOR SCHOOLS
(Pic: Sandile Menze and Makhulu Hlophe with nearly-unseen Bongani Mbatha)
Playhouse Company’s 2009 in-house schools season features new stage adaptation.
The Playhouse Company’s 2009 in-house schools season runs in The Playhouse Opera from May 25 to 29. This learning-aid programme will then be presented on The Playhouse Transnet Mobile Stage, touring to schools in some parts of KwaZulu-Natal between June 2 and 11. The programme will feature a new stage adaptation of PB Maphumulo’s isiZulu drama, Kudela Owaziyo, a prescribed set work for KwaZulu-Natal matric learners this year.
“Our new stage adaptation of Kudela Owaziyo by Faca Kulu is designed especially to create an edutainment experience for school audiences,” says Playhouse Company CEO and Artistic Director, Linda Bukhosini. “This is in line with our policy of introducing an element of fun into our programmes for young audiences, while facilitating their learning process in coming to grips with literary setworks.”
Last year the Playhouse Company’s in-house schools productions toured throughout KwaZulu-Natal, performing in all 11 municipal districts of the Province, playing to more than 75,000 learners from more than 360 schools.
“We greatly value our partnership with The Playhouse Company,” said Dr Casius Lubisi, Superintendent General of KZN Department of Education. “One of the biggest challenges faced by many of our learners is that of visualising the full picture of literary setworks they study in the classroom situation. This can militate against their achieving good marks. By seeing stage adaptations of setworks, they are able to come to grips more thoroughly with these books. For many learners, the Playhouse Company’s schools productions represent their first ever encounters with live theatre. In this sense too these productions fulfil a valuable role which can only encourage the development of future audiences for the arts industry.”
The story of Kudela Owaziyo, patterns events in a dream world with their actual interpretation. It covers the topics of abuse, xenophobia, bribery and betrayal, drawing from biblical and cultural beliefs. While celebrating the book’s rich isiZulu language content, some issues contained in the original text have not been included in the new stage adaptation, but will be open for discussion with pupils after the show.
For more information regarding The Playhouse Company’s new production of Kudela Owaziyo or to secure a school booking contact the Drama Co-ordinator, Pascar Dube on 031-369 9464 or email drama@playhousecompany.com
SHAN NAIDOO
Local costumier celebrates 26 years of pattern-making.
Experienced costumier Shan Naidoo is well-known among the theatre community for her contribution to costuming for The Playhouse Company as well as for independent production companies such as MacBob Productions, Fantastic Flying Fish Dance Company and KickstArt. She also worked on Opera Africa productions such as Princess Magogo, La Traviata and Rigoletto.
“My love for pattern-making stems from a young age when I used to cut and make my own outfits as a teenager – just to be different,” she explains.
Born in Umzinto, Shan matriculated at Umzinto High School and went on to study towards a diploma in Art & Clothing design. She was introduced to theatre in her final year at college by well-known costume designer and lecturer, Lucille Cross, who took her to see Cinderella. She was fascinated and took up the offer of a job at the Playhouse with alacrity. This saw her moving from being an assistant to a ladies pattern cutter, then from petticoats to ladies’ costumes for an entire show.
She now has 26 years of pattern-making experience and is still enjoying every minute. Among the productions she has worked on are Cinderella, Once on this Island, Singin’ in the Rain, La Traviata, La Bohème, Winnie the Pooh (her favourite), Queen at the Opera, Nutcracker, Bravo!, Festive Season Extravaganza, My Fair Lady (2006) and Unforgettable (2008).
Apart from costumes for shows, she does speciality costumes for parties, mascots for teams and clubs as well as children‘s costumes for theme parties. “Kids just love to be in their favourite character costume,” she says. “It really makes them feel special.”
She also advises young women to have their matric dance outfits custom-made because it is not always easy to buy an outfit to suit the individual figure for these all-important events. “Every debutante wants her dress to be unique. It’s definitely cheaper to go this route and you would also be sure to be the only one wearing an outfit like yours. I usually assist with fabric, style and to make the deb’s ball dress special.”
So with a busy schedule surrounded by bridal wear, corporate costumes, mascots, ballet and Indian classical dance outfits, Shan’s life can be hectic. “I wouldn’t want to trade this for anything,” she smiles. “It’s all so exciting!”
Contact Shan Naidoo on 083 780 1292.
Experienced costumier Shan Naidoo is well-known among the theatre community for her contribution to costuming for The Playhouse Company as well as for independent production companies such as MacBob Productions, Fantastic Flying Fish Dance Company and KickstArt. She also worked on Opera Africa productions such as Princess Magogo, La Traviata and Rigoletto.
“My love for pattern-making stems from a young age when I used to cut and make my own outfits as a teenager – just to be different,” she explains.
Born in Umzinto, Shan matriculated at Umzinto High School and went on to study towards a diploma in Art & Clothing design. She was introduced to theatre in her final year at college by well-known costume designer and lecturer, Lucille Cross, who took her to see Cinderella. She was fascinated and took up the offer of a job at the Playhouse with alacrity. This saw her moving from being an assistant to a ladies pattern cutter, then from petticoats to ladies’ costumes for an entire show.
She now has 26 years of pattern-making experience and is still enjoying every minute. Among the productions she has worked on are Cinderella, Once on this Island, Singin’ in the Rain, La Traviata, La Bohème, Winnie the Pooh (her favourite), Queen at the Opera, Nutcracker, Bravo!, Festive Season Extravaganza, My Fair Lady (2006) and Unforgettable (2008).
Apart from costumes for shows, she does speciality costumes for parties, mascots for teams and clubs as well as children‘s costumes for theme parties. “Kids just love to be in their favourite character costume,” she says. “It really makes them feel special.”
She also advises young women to have their matric dance outfits custom-made because it is not always easy to buy an outfit to suit the individual figure for these all-important events. “Every debutante wants her dress to be unique. It’s definitely cheaper to go this route and you would also be sure to be the only one wearing an outfit like yours. I usually assist with fabric, style and to make the deb’s ball dress special.”
So with a busy schedule surrounded by bridal wear, corporate costumes, mascots, ballet and Indian classical dance outfits, Shan’s life can be hectic. “I wouldn’t want to trade this for anything,” she smiles. “It’s all so exciting!”
Contact Shan Naidoo on 083 780 1292.
GCINA MHLOPHE STUDIO
New studio at KZN Edgewood Campus named after theatre luminary.
The School of Social Science Education at the Faculty of Education on the Edgewood Campus of the University of KwaZulu-Natal has a new theatre space with the Gcina Mhlophe Studio.
This intimate venue is named after one of South Africa’s high profile theatre personalities and luminaries. An actress, writer, poet and storyteller of note, she is the recipient of numerous awards both in South Africa and abroad, such as the Edinburgh Fringe First Award, the BBC African Service for Radio award and the Josef Jefferson award in Chicago for her play Have you Seen Zandile? She is also the recipient of an OBBIE for acting in New York.
Her academic achievements include honorary degrees from the University of Natal and the Open University of London
She has addressed numerous conferences and seminars on writing and the oral tradition. Her expertise and talent as a traditional storyteller have made her an icon. Her work oin promoting literacy, especially in rural areas makes her particularly suited to an association of this kind with the Faculty of Education.
Professor Michael Samuel (Dean of Education) welcomed the guests at the launch before Professor Ntombfikile Mazibuko (DVC College of Humanities) introduced Gcina Mhlophe who gave her usual energetic, amusing and passionate presentation, acknowledging the honour of having the studio named after her, and confirming how important theatre was in the development of a pro-active and democratic society. The vote of thanks was presented by Dr Lorraine Singh.
Entertainment was provided by students of the department. Opera singers Nokulunga Mvuyana, Thembakazi Pendu and Busi Khuzwayo impressed with their performances as did drama students Nontobeko Mzizi and Thatani Nene who presented several excerpts from Have you Seen Zandile? The singers returned to bring a toe-tapping and upbeat tempo to the programme with Jikelemaweni Ndiyahamba with Claire Hamilton (violin), Melvin Vadival (drum) and Nzolo Mjmbane accompanied by lecturer Ronél Laidlaw.
The School of Social Science Education at the Faculty of Education on the Edgewood Campus of the University of KwaZulu-Natal has a new theatre space with the Gcina Mhlophe Studio.
This intimate venue is named after one of South Africa’s high profile theatre personalities and luminaries. An actress, writer, poet and storyteller of note, she is the recipient of numerous awards both in South Africa and abroad, such as the Edinburgh Fringe First Award, the BBC African Service for Radio award and the Josef Jefferson award in Chicago for her play Have you Seen Zandile? She is also the recipient of an OBBIE for acting in New York.
Her academic achievements include honorary degrees from the University of Natal and the Open University of London
She has addressed numerous conferences and seminars on writing and the oral tradition. Her expertise and talent as a traditional storyteller have made her an icon. Her work oin promoting literacy, especially in rural areas makes her particularly suited to an association of this kind with the Faculty of Education.
Professor Michael Samuel (Dean of Education) welcomed the guests at the launch before Professor Ntombfikile Mazibuko (DVC College of Humanities) introduced Gcina Mhlophe who gave her usual energetic, amusing and passionate presentation, acknowledging the honour of having the studio named after her, and confirming how important theatre was in the development of a pro-active and democratic society. The vote of thanks was presented by Dr Lorraine Singh.
Entertainment was provided by students of the department. Opera singers Nokulunga Mvuyana, Thembakazi Pendu and Busi Khuzwayo impressed with their performances as did drama students Nontobeko Mzizi and Thatani Nene who presented several excerpts from Have you Seen Zandile? The singers returned to bring a toe-tapping and upbeat tempo to the programme with Jikelemaweni Ndiyahamba with Claire Hamilton (violin), Melvin Vadival (drum) and Nzolo Mjmbane accompanied by lecturer Ronél Laidlaw.
OTHELLO IN JHB
(Pic: Farai Gwaze as Othello. Photograph by Val Adamson)
Durban production of “Othello” heads for Johannesburg University Theatre.
Matric learners and their teachers are encouraged not to miss out on a great learning aid opportunity.
Think Theatre’s production of Shakespeare’s Othello at the Johannesburg University Theatre from May 28 to June 4 is geared for secondary school learners studying Shakespeare’s stage tragedy as a set work. Supported by Damelin, this production is directed by award-winning Durban actor Clare Mortimer, herself a writer of note and an experienced English teacher.
Othello features Farai Gwaze in the title role, playing opposite Josette Eales as Desdemona, with Iain ‘Ewok’ Robinson as Iago and Mortimer taking the role of his wife, Emilia. Also featured in the exceptionally strong cast are Michael Gritten, Darren King, Marc Kay, Sean de Klerk, Loyiso MacDonald, Karen Logan, Clinton Small, Adam Doré and Rowan Bartlett.
With its varied themes of racism, love, jealousy and betrayal, Shakespeare’s classic remains as relevant to present-day audiences as it ever was. This production played to packed houses, and garnered critical acclaim during its seasons at The Playhouse and at Hilton College Theatre in February and March this year.
Performances of Othello are at 09h00 and 12h00 daily from May 29 to June 4 inclusive with evening performances on May 28 and 29 and June 4 at 19h00. Tickets R40 booked on 083 251 9412.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
THE 5TH ELEMENT
Westville Boys High School Outreach 2009 presents a musical benefit concert.Westville Boys' High Schools annual Musical Outreach Benefit Fundraiser will once again take the form of a supper theatre show, devised and directed by Devin Möller and musically directed by Luke Holder.
The 5th Element promises to be full of musical magic, taking the audience through the four elements – water, air, earth, and a sizzling fire! Hits from artists like Queen, Carly Simon, Coldplay and Mika make this an incredibly exciting show.
The cast are joined by a full band, and this year WBHS Drumline adds to the beat of fun! South African Latin American Dance Champs, comprising WBHS’s Joel Shepard and his partner, add to the evening’s entertainment.
Proceeds raised will benefit local charities as part of the Outreach programme as well as our Campus Development Fund. Last year WBHS was able to hand over R25,000 to local charities, so this is well-worth your support.
Performances from May 22 to 30 at 18h00 for 19h00 in the Roy Couzens Hall at Westville Boys High School. Tickets R40 pp or R400 for a table of 10 - bring-your-own picnic basket & drinks. Bookings accompanied with cash only can be made with Sally Beuster and Clemmi Bothma in the front office .
(NB: No reservations will be made telephonically)
CHAKRA VIEW
Thought provoking dance work from new company (Gisele Turner’s Theatre Turneround, with acknowledgement to Daily News)
It’s always exciting when classical forms are removed from their cultural context and made to serve new innovative masters. This can only happen successfully if the artist has a deep and thorough grounding in the classical form - as any allusions need to be authentic and convincing to make the desired impact and convince the reactionaries. Varsha Sharma’s dance work, Chakra View, which performed to a packed Opera Theatre at the Playhouse last month, was a case in point.
Deeply distressed by the Mumbai attacks and driven by a desire to come to terms with her feelings as well as offer the impetus for attitudinal change, Sharma conceived an ambitious and multi-dimensional project rooted in her capacity for impeccable rendition of Indian classical dance forms and emerging from a need to address contemporary issues in a unique style of neo-fusion. There can be no doubt that she, and the many artists with whom she collaborated on the project, can feel satisfied that they achieved their exacting goal.
Beautifully lit and exquisitely costumed, Chakra View delves into the issue of how the mind is the source of both our problems and our solutions. Correct thinking leads to correct action. So long as both the individual and collective ego is rampant and man is trapped in the snares of greed and violence, humanity continues to suffer at every level. Man’s inhumanity to man, often driven by nationalism and paradoxically, religion, is exposed in a series of hectic historical visual images on a screen; the dancers writhing with the pain of humanity meanwhile.
Conversion is always the tricky part – in real life as well as in art. Having taken the viewers into a place of horror (and the point is well made) how to lift them into sweetness and light without it seeming contrived? Sharma wisely leaves the transformation to the individual and expresses the desirable attitude in dances of purity and joy; a healing process that reminds us that we too can play our part in the arduous process of turning the wheel from bondage to freedom by taking care of the way we think.
Chakra View is the maiden project of SiddhArts, a collaboration between Sharma and Kajal Bagwandeen. Supported by the Consulate of India, this forward-thinking piece of fusion dance also featured dancers from the Nateshwar Dance Academy who generally acquitted themselves well. Synchronised ensemble work is always the true test of a dance troupe and this is where some work will need to be done to ensure a tighter hold on the sequences. I also felt that the voiceovers sounded a bit strained and didn’t feel that the spoken voice episode quite hit the mark.
But those were my only quibbles: it was a pleasure to be taken on a journey that did not look at the ills of the world in their usual material context but embraced spiritual truths and sought solutions in individual responsibility. Sharma and Bagwandeen’s classical dancing was of the highest order, refined, controlled, relaxed and beautiful to the eye and the modern pieces were well realised. The ribbon has been cut and the ship sailed safely out the harbour: SiddhArts is a creative force to be reckoned with! – Gisele Turner
MXOLISI SITHOLE
(Pic: “Untitled” – charcoal and chalk pastel on cotton paper))Exhibition of monoprints and drawings titled “New World” at African Art Centre.
Durban’s African Art Centre will be opening an exhibition of Monoprints and drawings by Mxolisi Sithole titled New World on May 27. The mission of the African Art Centre organisation is to empower young artists from underprivileged communities by offering a platform of exposure through art exhibitions; this exhibition fulfils this undertaking.
Mxolisi Sithole is a versatile young upcoming artist, born and raised at Umlazi Township in Durban. His exhibition displays his creative output and artistry in Monoprint and drawing medium. He works on the 60% fabric paper and the Rosapina fabriano paper with texture that enhances the visual quality of his work. The Monotype printmaking technique combines the ability to produce painterly or linear qualities onto the work and produces a one-of-a-kind print without multiples. Through the Monotype and drawing medium, Sithole achieves an accurate narrative of everyday life, the intimate but intriguing fascinating moments experienced by an ordinary township dweller.
His everyday scenes are dominated by rows of shacks, colourful houses and lines of laundry hung out to dry. Visual memory, crucial to the execution of this body of work manifests in a drawing of a young boy making sketches on paper, a child playing at the park and on the work titled Tea pot. These images point to the ability of our minds to capture information as well as to distort the recollected facts.
The Monoprint and drawing imagery is overlaid with the artist’s fragments from childhood and which give account of his personal identity such as in his works titled I used to be… and Money. He has embarked on personal language at the same time drawing from everyday life and from the media. Both drawings and Monoprints are overlaid with humor and poignancy, every picture tells a story and carries symbolic meaning.
Mxolisi Sithole holds a Fine Art Post Graduate degree from the Durban University of Technology and works predominantly in printmaking and in drawing. The most crucial aspect of his profession is fulfilled through community engagement activities. Sithole works as a Creative Project Coordinator at Umthombo Street Children South Africa. He currently conducts Velobala printmaking Saturday art classes hosted by the Durban African Art Centre while on Sundays he facilitates Monoprint classes to young people at Umlazi from the backroom of his home. This vibrant young artist was awarded the first prize in the Start Nivea Art Award in 2006.
His busy schedule in art industry is motivated by his desire to instill an attitude of interest in visual art in black communities. He hopes to see art appreciated in black communities and to offer art as an alternative income to young unemployed individuals.
The New World exhibition, which has been funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, will be opened by Themba Shibase on May 27 at 17h30 at the African Art Centre, 94 Florida Road in Morningside.
TWIST AND SHOUT
(The cast recreate the famous Beatles picture)A celebration of the 60s @ uShaka Marine World Upper Deck
Get ready to shake it all up to the sounds of the 60s with the Upper Deck supper theatre’s new musical extravaganza.
Twist and Shout features the talents of Durban songbird Lauren Laing and dynamic boy band Tequila Sunrise comprising Jonothan Didlick, Lyle Buxton, Bradley Marshall and Cavin Sewell.
Featuring hits from artists such as the Beatles, the Doors, Dusty Springfield and the Mamas and Papas, the show promises to take guests on a long and winding walk down memory lane. All the favourites are included in the line-up from Doo Wah Diddy, Ferry Cross the Mersey and It’s My Party to Georgie Girl, These Boots, California Girls and She Loves You.
Durban “pop darling” and regular uShaka entertainer Lauren Laing made her musical debut at the age of seven when she starred in the Playhouse production of The Sound of Music. She also made it to the top 20 in the 2002 Idols SA competition, and has shared the stage with the likes of Garth Taylor and Amore Vittone.
In 1995 she released her own album, Bounce, which received airplay on several radio stations. Last year Lauren starred in Upper Deck’s hit shows Tainted Love and Blondes on Deck, the latter with Jonothan Didlick. She recently recorded a self-penned song titled The Day I Sang for You inspired by her charity work with the Sunflower Fund.
It was during the show, Let’s Hear it for the Boys, at the Upper Deck in August last year that the idea to start a Durban boy band was forged. And so Jonothan, Lyle, Bradley and Cavin became Tequila Sunrise. Durban loved them so much that they were back in the show Let’s Hear it for the Boys over the festive season and they also featured in the uShaka Christmas extravaganza Dolphins by Starlight in December.
The show is produced by uShaka Marine World’s entertainment manager Wayne Scott.
Twist and Shout runs on the Upper Deck of the Phantom Ship at uShaka Marine World from Wednesdays to Saturday night at 20h00 (dinner starts at 19h00) from May 27 to July 18. Tickets R150 pp include a buffet menu. Bookings can be made at 031 328 8068 or through Computicket.
KENDALL KAY
Special one-off concert with internationally acclaimed jazz drummer at UKZN Centre for Jazz.
Drummer Kendall Kay was born in Durban and moved to the United States in 1983 to study Jazz at North Texas State University. He moved to L.A. in 1987. One of the most versatile drummers around, Kendall is much in demand and has recorded or performed with artists like Poncho Sanchez, Cecilia Coleman, Steve Huffstetter, Bob Sheppard, Kenny Burrell, Phil Upchurch, Allan Broadbent, Kyle Eastwood, Mundell Lowe and Rickie Lee Jones. Kendall is also a member of the Ron Escheté Trio.
Kendall is on a short visit to Durban to visit family and will team up with visiting New York saxophonist Salim Washington and well-known Durban musicians Neil Gonsalves (piano) and Philani Ngidi (electric bass) to give a special one-off jazz concert.
This will take place on May 29 at 19h30 at the Centre for Jazz & Popular Music, Howard College Campus (UKZN). Admission is R30 (R15 students). More information from Glynis on 031 260 3385 and a cash bar is available.
Drummer Kendall Kay was born in Durban and moved to the United States in 1983 to study Jazz at North Texas State University. He moved to L.A. in 1987. One of the most versatile drummers around, Kendall is much in demand and has recorded or performed with artists like Poncho Sanchez, Cecilia Coleman, Steve Huffstetter, Bob Sheppard, Kenny Burrell, Phil Upchurch, Allan Broadbent, Kyle Eastwood, Mundell Lowe and Rickie Lee Jones. Kendall is also a member of the Ron Escheté Trio.
Kendall is on a short visit to Durban to visit family and will team up with visiting New York saxophonist Salim Washington and well-known Durban musicians Neil Gonsalves (piano) and Philani Ngidi (electric bass) to give a special one-off jazz concert.
This will take place on May 29 at 19h30 at the Centre for Jazz & Popular Music, Howard College Campus (UKZN). Admission is R30 (R15 students). More information from Glynis on 031 260 3385 and a cash bar is available.
SALIM WASHINGTON
Visiting New York saxophonist Salim Washington to perform at Centre for Jazz.
Visiting New York saxophonist Salim Washington is to perform at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Centre for Jazz & Popular Music on May 27.
A master tenor saxophonist, multi-reedsman, composer and jazz educator, Salim Washington is one of the fastest rising stars on the New York Jazz scene today.
Funded by the United States Embassy in Pretoria, Salim is a visiting senior Fulbright Professor at UKZN’s School of Music. He teams up with well-known Durban musicians Neil Gonsalves (piano), Prince Bulo (double bass), Sakhile Simani (trumpet), Leon Scharnick (sax), Pake Peoloele (drums) and Nondumiso Xaba (vocals) for a performance at the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music on May 27 from 17h30 to 19h00. There will be a cash bar. Entrance R20 (R10 students)
Visiting New York saxophonist Salim Washington is to perform at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Centre for Jazz & Popular Music on May 27.
A master tenor saxophonist, multi-reedsman, composer and jazz educator, Salim Washington is one of the fastest rising stars on the New York Jazz scene today.
Funded by the United States Embassy in Pretoria, Salim is a visiting senior Fulbright Professor at UKZN’s School of Music. He teams up with well-known Durban musicians Neil Gonsalves (piano), Prince Bulo (double bass), Sakhile Simani (trumpet), Leon Scharnick (sax), Pake Peoloele (drums) and Nondumiso Xaba (vocals) for a performance at the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music on May 27 from 17h30 to 19h00. There will be a cash bar. Entrance R20 (R10 students)
DEREK GRIPPER
Music Revival to host Cape Town-based guitarist in a programme of his latest works.
Music Revival will host Cape Town-based guitarist Derek Gripper in a programme of works from his latest two recording projects: Ayo (original works for solo guitar) and Prayers and Dances (from the "Six Solo" by J.S. Bach). He will also present the South African premiere of two of his new compositions. Derek has recently returned from successful concerts in Germany, Sweden, and Switzerland, where he presented his original South African compositions as well as his own arrangements of Bach's works for unaccompanied violin.
Derek Gripper is considered one of South Africa's top concert guitarists. As a composer for guitar he has created a new sound that is rooted in the music of Africa. He has brought this new music, along with the early music, traditional classical, and contemporary classical repertoire to a growing audience in numerous countries. His style of performance is relaxed and spontaneous, but rich in musical content and artistic depth. Since 2004 Derek has played a guitar made by German luthier Hermann Hauser III, grandson of Segovia's guitar maker.
He has studied with many of the world's leading guitarists (Odair Assad, Carlos Bonnell, Nikita Koshkin, Jonathan Leathwood, Paul Galbraith, Craig Ogden, Andrew York, Luis Zea, Montes-Kircher) as well as with notable performers in India (Lalgudi Krishnan, Ganesh, V.V.Umashankar). He has been first prize-winner in the 1998 South African National Guitar Competition, and in the 1998 Avril Kinsey Guitar Competition, and has performed to critical acclaim in the UK, Sweden, Brazil, Germany, Namibia, and South Africa. After hearing Derek perform at his guitar course held in Brazil in 2006, Grammy Nominee Paul Galbraith described him as a "vital presence in the international guitar scene." Derek's own compositions are frequently playlisted on radio, and used for television (Going Nowhere Slowly)
Outside of his work within the traditional concert format, Derek's collaborations with Cape Folk/Jazz musician Alex van Heerden and Cape Town contrabass player and composer Brydon Bolton have led to numerous recordings and performances to audiences around their home country. Most notable is the SABC recording Sagtevlei (2002), and the composition for guitar, accordion, trumpet and string quartet Spore by die Bek van 'n Ystervarkgat, (2004) which has been performed with The Sontonga Quartet and Madosini. The three musicians have recently recorded a live CD called The Sagtevlei Trio: Live at the Arena.
While Derek's first solo release, Blomdoorns, (2003) re-invented the Cape's music while he was still experimenting with the eight-string guitar developed by Paul Galbraith, his latest recordings are of the "Six Solo" by J.S. Bach ("Prayers and Dances"), as well as new music for six-string guitar, on a cd called Ayo. All of these CDs are available from www.derekgripper.com.
Derek Gripper will appear on May 28 at 19h00 for 19h30 at 35 Montgomery Drive, Athlone, Pietermaritzburg. Ticket R80 includes wine and coffee. Booking essential through Music Revival on 033 342 3051 or booking@musicrevival.co.za
Music Revival will host Cape Town-based guitarist Derek Gripper in a programme of works from his latest two recording projects: Ayo (original works for solo guitar) and Prayers and Dances (from the "Six Solo" by J.S. Bach). He will also present the South African premiere of two of his new compositions. Derek has recently returned from successful concerts in Germany, Sweden, and Switzerland, where he presented his original South African compositions as well as his own arrangements of Bach's works for unaccompanied violin.
Derek Gripper is considered one of South Africa's top concert guitarists. As a composer for guitar he has created a new sound that is rooted in the music of Africa. He has brought this new music, along with the early music, traditional classical, and contemporary classical repertoire to a growing audience in numerous countries. His style of performance is relaxed and spontaneous, but rich in musical content and artistic depth. Since 2004 Derek has played a guitar made by German luthier Hermann Hauser III, grandson of Segovia's guitar maker.
He has studied with many of the world's leading guitarists (Odair Assad, Carlos Bonnell, Nikita Koshkin, Jonathan Leathwood, Paul Galbraith, Craig Ogden, Andrew York, Luis Zea, Montes-Kircher) as well as with notable performers in India (Lalgudi Krishnan, Ganesh, V.V.Umashankar). He has been first prize-winner in the 1998 South African National Guitar Competition, and in the 1998 Avril Kinsey Guitar Competition, and has performed to critical acclaim in the UK, Sweden, Brazil, Germany, Namibia, and South Africa. After hearing Derek perform at his guitar course held in Brazil in 2006, Grammy Nominee Paul Galbraith described him as a "vital presence in the international guitar scene." Derek's own compositions are frequently playlisted on radio, and used for television (Going Nowhere Slowly)
Outside of his work within the traditional concert format, Derek's collaborations with Cape Folk/Jazz musician Alex van Heerden and Cape Town contrabass player and composer Brydon Bolton have led to numerous recordings and performances to audiences around their home country. Most notable is the SABC recording Sagtevlei (2002), and the composition for guitar, accordion, trumpet and string quartet Spore by die Bek van 'n Ystervarkgat, (2004) which has been performed with The Sontonga Quartet and Madosini. The three musicians have recently recorded a live CD called The Sagtevlei Trio: Live at the Arena.
While Derek's first solo release, Blomdoorns, (2003) re-invented the Cape's music while he was still experimenting with the eight-string guitar developed by Paul Galbraith, his latest recordings are of the "Six Solo" by J.S. Bach ("Prayers and Dances"), as well as new music for six-string guitar, on a cd called Ayo. All of these CDs are available from www.derekgripper.com.
Derek Gripper will appear on May 28 at 19h00 for 19h30 at 35 Montgomery Drive, Athlone, Pietermaritzburg. Ticket R80 includes wine and coffee. Booking essential through Music Revival on 033 342 3051 or booking@musicrevival.co.za
KZNPO CONCERT: 21 MAY, 2009
(Pic: Francois du Toit performed Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor)
Highly successful launch of the KZN Philharmonic’s winter season. (Review by Michael Green)
Arjan Tien, who comes from the Netherlands, has been a conductor with the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra for many seasons, presenting a wide range of compositions; one could call him a man for all seasons. He is accomplished and affable, and he has become a favourite with audiences in the Durban City Hall.
He opened the orchestra’s winter season with a programme ranging from the very familiar, Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor, to the relatively unfamiliar, Sibelius’s Symphony No. 4 in A minor.
The concert began with a work that is even better known than the concerto, Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite No. 1. Some people are a trifle patronising about Grieg’s music. I am not one of them. He is an original and authentic type of composer (as was recognised by no less a figure than Brahms), and the two Peer Gynt suites have a tireless charm and beauty that have beguiled audiences for more than a hundred years and which, incidentally, were favourites of the celebrated maestro Sir Thomas Beecham. The music was written in the first place to accompany a stage drama by Grieg’s Norwegian compatriot Henrik Ibsen.
Arjan Tien and the orchestra gave an affectionate and accurate performance of the four-movement first suite, much to the enjoyment of the audience.
The piano concerto, written in 1868, is one of a kind, really; there is nothing else quite like it in the concert repertory. The soloist in this performance was Francois du Toit of Cape Town, standing in at about a week’s notice for a Czech pianist who had cancelled at a late hour. Francois du Toit is one of South Africa’s leading pianists, and he gave a typically accomplished performance, with one or two minor smudges that did not mar the presentation as a whole.
Arjan Tien interprets this concerto as a lyrical work rather than a virtuoso showpiece, and his controlled and deliberate tempi contributed greatly to the success of the performance. A measured tempo enables the listener to hear all the notes.
The programme was completed with Sibelius’s rather forbidding Symphony No. 4 in A minor, a sombre work in which the composer communes with nature and with himself. The orchestra should not be confined to popular favourites, but it does not play much Sibelius and one would have thought that the second or fifth or seventh symphonies would be more accessible to listeners here.
Artistically, this concert was a highly successful launch of the winter season, but the audience was rather sparse, in spite of what appeared to be a certain amount of “paper” (complimentary tickets) in the house. There was a fairly long queue at the box office for economy tickets bought on the night, and I saw there some people who I think were formerly season ticket subscribers and are now taking the less expensive option. I suppose even the KZNO cannot escape entirely the economic hard times. - Michael Green
(See KZNPO website for the story on the orchestra’s major coup in hosting opera superstar Renée Fleming for a gala concert in August – click on the advert on the artSMart main pages or visit www.kznpo.co.za)
CLASSICAL NOTES
Winter music and pianos in KZN (by William Charlton-Perkins)
The Winter Season in the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra’s 2009 World Symphony Series runs on Thursday evenings in the Durban City Hall from May 21 to July 2. (There will be no symphony concert on June 4 as during that week the Orchestra is presenting the ever-popular Starlight Pop Opera concert sponsored by FNB). The six-week concert season features an exciting mix of top international guest soloists and conductors, along with leading South African musicians.
Arjan Tien from the Netherlands, who appears for the 11th consecutive year with the orchestra, conducts the first two concerts of the season. His programme on May 21 opens with Grieg’s much-loved Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, followed by his Piano Concerto in A Minor. This concert warhorse provides the ideal vehicle for popular Cape Town based virtuoso Francois du Toit, who is replacing Lukás Vondrácek, as the first soloist of the season. Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2 concludes the evening’s fare.
Tien’s programme on May 28 comprises Smetana’s exhilarating Bartered Bride Overture, Dvořák’s tempestuous Cello Concerto (another notable debut, featuring the acclaimed cellist Suren Bagratuni), and Brahms’ atmospheric Symphony No. 2.
Popular US maestro Leslie B Dunner returns to the KZNPO podium on June 11 for the first of two concerts this season. He opens with Haydn’s Surprise Symphony No 94, as a fitting bicentennial salute to the great Austrian composer’s death in 1809. Virtuoso pianist Boris Giltburg also returns to take the solo spot in Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 2. The KZNPO concludes its programme with a performance of Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8.
More Haydn opens the June 18 concert, with a performance of his Symphony no 81. Juilliard graduate Bryan Wallick, a gold medallist of the Vladimir Horowitz International Piano Competition, debuts with Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 2 in the second half of the evening’s programme.
Victor Yampolsky returns for the final two concerts of the season. His June 25 programme stars South African violinist Zanta Hofmeyr, another Juilliard graduate, performing Britten’s Violin Concerto No 1. The evening opens and closes with two highly romantic works, Weber’s Euryanthe Overture and Schumann’s Symphony No. 4 in D minor.
Glazunov’s Valse de Concert no. 2 opens Yampolsky’s second programme. This showcases Durban’s own star pianist, Andrew Warburton, in a performance of Tchaikovsky’s magnificent Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Major. Sibelius’ Symphony No 1 provides a fitting finale to the season.
Safe and subsidised parking is available at the Royal Hotel on concert nights. The pre-concert talks in association with Durban’s Friends of Music start at 18h15 in the Royal Hotel, with the concert following at 19h30. Bookings are open through Computicket on 083 915 8000. For more information, or to subscribe to the season, call 031-369 9404, 031 369 9498 or log onto www.kznpo.co.za.
The adage held by some keyboard connoisseurs, that a good piano is a new piano may sound simplistic, but given the fact that an average acoustic concert grand comprises somewhere between eight and ten thousand moveable parts, the idea certainly bears thinking about.
Friends of Music’s recently announced fundraising drive to acquire a much-needed new grand piano for its recitals at the Durban Jewish Club has been lauded by several readers. It is good to report here that FOM’s Piano Fund has received a significant head-start from the Beare Foundation with a grant of R50 000, reports FOM chairperson, Dr Vera Dubin.
Dubin encourages potential donors to contribute any amount however small. Donations are can be deposited electronically into Friends of Music’s cheque account (Nedbank, account number 1301 040479), or cheques may be posted to Friends of Music, PO Box 51063, Musgrave 4062.
Unlike wind or string players who have their own instruments whenever they perform, pianists are expected to attune themselves to any number of unknown factors lurking behind the keyboards of instruments they encounter from one performance to the next. So when it comes to the performance itself, a pianist, however accomplished, is only as good as the instrument at his or her disposal.
For this reason, celebrated virtuosi such as Horowitz and Michelangeli were known to insist on playing their own pianos. Pietermaritzburg concert pianist Christopher Duigan, himself a keen piano aficionado, says he too tries to play one of his own instruments wherever and whenever he can.
Duigan has offered to help give fundraising recitals on behalf of Friends of Music’s piano fund. He has proffered some sound advice with regard to possible choices of instrument and their price ranges. These stretch from a Kawai somewhere in the region of R270,000 to a Steinway, costing somewhere around R1,400.000.
Duigan performed for Friends of Music last Tuesday (May 19) as part of the Kerimov Trio, appearing alongside violinist Elena Kerimova and cellist Boris Kerimov. The Trio, who replaced a previously announced artist, played piano trios by Mozart and Beethoven, as well as popular items by Bach-Gounod, Schubert, Caccini, Albinoni, Piazolla and Bruch. – William Charlton-Perkins
The Winter Season in the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra’s 2009 World Symphony Series runs on Thursday evenings in the Durban City Hall from May 21 to July 2. (There will be no symphony concert on June 4 as during that week the Orchestra is presenting the ever-popular Starlight Pop Opera concert sponsored by FNB). The six-week concert season features an exciting mix of top international guest soloists and conductors, along with leading South African musicians.
Arjan Tien from the Netherlands, who appears for the 11th consecutive year with the orchestra, conducts the first two concerts of the season. His programme on May 21 opens with Grieg’s much-loved Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, followed by his Piano Concerto in A Minor. This concert warhorse provides the ideal vehicle for popular Cape Town based virtuoso Francois du Toit, who is replacing Lukás Vondrácek, as the first soloist of the season. Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2 concludes the evening’s fare.
Tien’s programme on May 28 comprises Smetana’s exhilarating Bartered Bride Overture, Dvořák’s tempestuous Cello Concerto (another notable debut, featuring the acclaimed cellist Suren Bagratuni), and Brahms’ atmospheric Symphony No. 2.
Popular US maestro Leslie B Dunner returns to the KZNPO podium on June 11 for the first of two concerts this season. He opens with Haydn’s Surprise Symphony No 94, as a fitting bicentennial salute to the great Austrian composer’s death in 1809. Virtuoso pianist Boris Giltburg also returns to take the solo spot in Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 2. The KZNPO concludes its programme with a performance of Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8.
More Haydn opens the June 18 concert, with a performance of his Symphony no 81. Juilliard graduate Bryan Wallick, a gold medallist of the Vladimir Horowitz International Piano Competition, debuts with Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 2 in the second half of the evening’s programme.
Victor Yampolsky returns for the final two concerts of the season. His June 25 programme stars South African violinist Zanta Hofmeyr, another Juilliard graduate, performing Britten’s Violin Concerto No 1. The evening opens and closes with two highly romantic works, Weber’s Euryanthe Overture and Schumann’s Symphony No. 4 in D minor.
Glazunov’s Valse de Concert no. 2 opens Yampolsky’s second programme. This showcases Durban’s own star pianist, Andrew Warburton, in a performance of Tchaikovsky’s magnificent Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Major. Sibelius’ Symphony No 1 provides a fitting finale to the season.
Safe and subsidised parking is available at the Royal Hotel on concert nights. The pre-concert talks in association with Durban’s Friends of Music start at 18h15 in the Royal Hotel, with the concert following at 19h30. Bookings are open through Computicket on 083 915 8000. For more information, or to subscribe to the season, call 031-369 9404, 031 369 9498 or log onto www.kznpo.co.za.
The adage held by some keyboard connoisseurs, that a good piano is a new piano may sound simplistic, but given the fact that an average acoustic concert grand comprises somewhere between eight and ten thousand moveable parts, the idea certainly bears thinking about.
Friends of Music’s recently announced fundraising drive to acquire a much-needed new grand piano for its recitals at the Durban Jewish Club has been lauded by several readers. It is good to report here that FOM’s Piano Fund has received a significant head-start from the Beare Foundation with a grant of R50 000, reports FOM chairperson, Dr Vera Dubin.
Dubin encourages potential donors to contribute any amount however small. Donations are can be deposited electronically into Friends of Music’s cheque account (Nedbank, account number 1301 040479), or cheques may be posted to Friends of Music, PO Box 51063, Musgrave 4062.
Unlike wind or string players who have their own instruments whenever they perform, pianists are expected to attune themselves to any number of unknown factors lurking behind the keyboards of instruments they encounter from one performance to the next. So when it comes to the performance itself, a pianist, however accomplished, is only as good as the instrument at his or her disposal.
For this reason, celebrated virtuosi such as Horowitz and Michelangeli were known to insist on playing their own pianos. Pietermaritzburg concert pianist Christopher Duigan, himself a keen piano aficionado, says he too tries to play one of his own instruments wherever and whenever he can.
Duigan has offered to help give fundraising recitals on behalf of Friends of Music’s piano fund. He has proffered some sound advice with regard to possible choices of instrument and their price ranges. These stretch from a Kawai somewhere in the region of R270,000 to a Steinway, costing somewhere around R1,400.000.
Duigan performed for Friends of Music last Tuesday (May 19) as part of the Kerimov Trio, appearing alongside violinist Elena Kerimova and cellist Boris Kerimov. The Trio, who replaced a previously announced artist, played piano trios by Mozart and Beethoven, as well as popular items by Bach-Gounod, Schubert, Caccini, Albinoni, Piazolla and Bruch. – William Charlton-Perkins
THE BEST OF BRITISH
Stuart Mey and his Dockyard team to offer various shows in Durban and Pietermaritzburg.
Up until several months ago, Stuart Mey ran his Dockyard Theatre from Musgrave Centre before the venue was forced to close. While the venue itself fell victim to the economic slump, the Dockyard team is still up and running and Stuart Mey offers various shows in Durban and Pietermaritzburg.
Currently, Stuart Mey is presenting what is certain to be another run-away hit show. The Best of British celebrates the music that changed the world. International pop music, prior to the 1960’s, was largely dominated by American artists; mainly oily-voiced crooners like Bobby Vinton, Andy Williams and Perry Como, and of course the rock ‘n roll singers like Elvis and Buddy Holly.
When the Beatles burst onto the scene in 1962, initially playing a lot of American rock ‘n roll, loads of other British acts were soon to follow. The breakthrough first came between 1963 and about 1965, when pop groups like Herman’s Hermits, The Dave Clark 5, Gerry and the Pacemakers, The Hollies, (who took their name from Buddy Holly), The Beatles, (whose name was inspired by Holly’s band “The Crickets”), The Rolling Stones and many others started having hit records in the USA.
Their effect was huge, and in 1965 the US government put an embargo on work permits for British bands as they began to displace some of the American bands on the US charts.
American TV presenter Ed Sullivan, invited many of Britain’s most popular performers to appear on his show, thus giving credibility and acceptance to these acts. Featured on the Ed Sullivan Show were The Beatles, Gerry and the Pacemakers, The Dave Clark 5, Dusty Springfield, Helen Shapiro, The Animals, The Rolling Stones to name but a few.
The Best Of British features the music of those British singers and bands who invaded America in the 1960’s and performers like Van Morrison, Duffy, George Michael and KT Tunstall who still give the Yanks a good run for their money.
The Best of British can be seen in Pietermaritzburg at the Victoria Country Club on May 30 in celebration of the Test between South Africa and the British Lions. Watch the afternoon’s battle for supremacy on the big screen from 15h00; then enjoy a pub-grub dinner followed by The Best of British. Further information from Karyn at Going Places on 031 309 1841 (o/h).
There will be a prior performance at Northlands Primary on May 29 – bookings on 031 564 2369.
The Best of British can also be seen at Falcon Crest Manor House from June 5 to 7 in supper theatre format. R175pp includes a three-course meal. Bookings on 084 513 6271 or email: glamorous@telkomsa.net
Up until several months ago, Stuart Mey ran his Dockyard Theatre from Musgrave Centre before the venue was forced to close. While the venue itself fell victim to the economic slump, the Dockyard team is still up and running and Stuart Mey offers various shows in Durban and Pietermaritzburg.
Currently, Stuart Mey is presenting what is certain to be another run-away hit show. The Best of British celebrates the music that changed the world. International pop music, prior to the 1960’s, was largely dominated by American artists; mainly oily-voiced crooners like Bobby Vinton, Andy Williams and Perry Como, and of course the rock ‘n roll singers like Elvis and Buddy Holly.
When the Beatles burst onto the scene in 1962, initially playing a lot of American rock ‘n roll, loads of other British acts were soon to follow. The breakthrough first came between 1963 and about 1965, when pop groups like Herman’s Hermits, The Dave Clark 5, Gerry and the Pacemakers, The Hollies, (who took their name from Buddy Holly), The Beatles, (whose name was inspired by Holly’s band “The Crickets”), The Rolling Stones and many others started having hit records in the USA.
Their effect was huge, and in 1965 the US government put an embargo on work permits for British bands as they began to displace some of the American bands on the US charts.
American TV presenter Ed Sullivan, invited many of Britain’s most popular performers to appear on his show, thus giving credibility and acceptance to these acts. Featured on the Ed Sullivan Show were The Beatles, Gerry and the Pacemakers, The Dave Clark 5, Dusty Springfield, Helen Shapiro, The Animals, The Rolling Stones to name but a few.
The Best Of British features the music of those British singers and bands who invaded America in the 1960’s and performers like Van Morrison, Duffy, George Michael and KT Tunstall who still give the Yanks a good run for their money.
The Best of British can be seen in Pietermaritzburg at the Victoria Country Club on May 30 in celebration of the Test between South Africa and the British Lions. Watch the afternoon’s battle for supremacy on the big screen from 15h00; then enjoy a pub-grub dinner followed by The Best of British. Further information from Karyn at Going Places on 031 309 1841 (o/h).
There will be a prior performance at Northlands Primary on May 29 – bookings on 031 564 2369.
The Best of British can also be seen at Falcon Crest Manor House from June 5 to 7 in supper theatre format. R175pp includes a three-course meal. Bookings on 084 513 6271 or email: glamorous@telkomsa.net
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