(Pic: Garth Anderson and comedian Mark Banks with the painting John Vlismas has donated to be raffled for the Garth Anderson benefit fund. Pic – Val Adamson)Stand-up comedian has donated painting to be raffled to support his friend and colleague.
Stand up comedian John Vlismas, who is enjoying a parallel career as a painter of contemporary art, has donated a painting to be raffled to support his friend and colleague Garth Anderson.
Vlismas will be performing at the Heritage Theatre in Hillcrest (see separate article) in the Durban leg of is latest one man comedy, POW! from June 16 to 21.
John Vlismas is best known as one of South Africa’s leading comedians. Few however know that he is an avid art collector and an accomplished self-taught painter. In April this year he staged his debut solo exhibition, Off the Reservation, at Obert Contemporary at Melrose Arch in Johannesburg. He was met with huge admiration and critical acclaim.
He has donated a painting from this collection – an oil on canvas entitled Good Enough to Raise Us to be raffled. All proceeds will go to Garth Anderson.
The painting can be viewed and raffle tickets purchased at the Heritage Theatre in Hillcrest where he is performing for one week only. Tickets are R50 each and a limited number are available. Vlismas’ paintings sell for R4,000 upwards.
“As with my comedy, it’s the uncertainties that amplify the attraction – to be authentic it has to be edgy, stripped down and honest, with a strong absurd streak. My interest in people - their self-imposed confinements and self-aggrandisement inform my perceptions of them. Comedy and horror are just a ball hair from each other. I like work that demands some kind of energy from the spectator – their investment completes the artist’s effort – just like laughter is the resolution for a comedian – the line between living and dying in front of the crowd,” says Vlismas of painting.
Vlismas’ friend Garth Anderson is the founder and artistic director of the Actors Co-operative, and a respected theatre practitioner. He is especially well-known for his work in the field of children’s theatre. He is the recipient of the National Vita Award for direction (White Men With Weapons), and has won numerous awards for his work in classics such as Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest.
Garth Anderson was diagnosed with diabetes seven years ago, and has gradually become more and more physically debilitated over time. Unable to work, he is currently living in Cheshire Homes. The theatre community salutes the contribution Anderson has made to the theatre industry in KZN. Vlismas’s friend and colleague Mark Banks joined the Durban theatre community under the umbrella of KickstArt, to host a highly successful benefit concert on June 1.
For anyone wishing to make a donation to Garth Anderson, the savings account is held with Nedbank Musgrave. PAIN – performing arts injury network; Branch Code: 130126 and Account number: 2515038638.
POW, John Vlismas' new one-man show coming to the Heritage Theatre in Hillcrest from June 16 to 21, promises a twist like never before: 70 minutes of dark observation, outrageous opinion and thought-provoking belly laughter - all without the use of his signature foul language. Durban comedian, Simmi Areff opens for Vlismas on select performances.
The show ticket includes a delicious two course meal, with coffee and pudding options. To book contact the Heritage Theatre on 031 765 4197, or online at www.heritagetheatre.co.za or at StrictlyTickets.co.za
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