Here's wishing all readers as well as everyone connected with the survival of artSMart, everything of the best for 2010. May we surge forward with confidence to face the challenges facing the arts and use our creative capacities to their full potential!
Editor: Caroline Smart
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
BACK TO BORGE
Jonathan Roxmouth offers laugh-a-minute marathon through the wacky world of Danish pianist and comedian Victor Borge.
Rhumbelow Theatre offers a laugh-a-minute marathon through the wacky world of famous Danish pianist and comedian Victor Borge in his brand new one-man show, Back To Borge. In this show Jonathan Roxmouth (Naledi Award-winning star of Beauty and the Beast, Rock Me Amadeus and A Handful of Keys) is armed with nothing but a grand piano and an irreverent sense of humour.
Infusing his own style into classic Borge sketches such as Inflationary Language and Phonetic Punctuation, Jonathan picks up from where Borge left off and goes off on a tangent with some hysterical new material of his own. Add to that some dazzling pianistic prowess with music from Rachmaninoff to Paul Simon and a vocal tour de force in his own Phantom of the Opera in 10 Minutes and you have an evening guaranteed to leave you in stitches!
Shows take place from on January 22 and 23 at 20h00 and January 24 at 18h30 with further performances the following weekend on January 29 and30 at 20h00 and January 31 at 18h30. The venue opens 90 minutes before show for picnic dinner.
Tickets R100. Take along food picnic baskets and braais will be available. There is limited secure parking and booking is essential. A cash bar is available (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises). Rhumbelow Theatre is situated in Cunningham Avenue off Bartle Road.
Book at Computicket or contact Roland on 031 205 7602 (h) or 082 499 8636, or email roland@stansell.za.net
Rhumbelow Theatre offers a laugh-a-minute marathon through the wacky world of famous Danish pianist and comedian Victor Borge in his brand new one-man show, Back To Borge. In this show Jonathan Roxmouth (Naledi Award-winning star of Beauty and the Beast, Rock Me Amadeus and A Handful of Keys) is armed with nothing but a grand piano and an irreverent sense of humour.
Infusing his own style into classic Borge sketches such as Inflationary Language and Phonetic Punctuation, Jonathan picks up from where Borge left off and goes off on a tangent with some hysterical new material of his own. Add to that some dazzling pianistic prowess with music from Rachmaninoff to Paul Simon and a vocal tour de force in his own Phantom of the Opera in 10 Minutes and you have an evening guaranteed to leave you in stitches!
Shows take place from on January 22 and 23 at 20h00 and January 24 at 18h30 with further performances the following weekend on January 29 and30 at 20h00 and January 31 at 18h30. The venue opens 90 minutes before show for picnic dinner.
Tickets R100. Take along food picnic baskets and braais will be available. There is limited secure parking and booking is essential. A cash bar is available (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises). Rhumbelow Theatre is situated in Cunningham Avenue off Bartle Road.
Book at Computicket or contact Roland on 031 205 7602 (h) or 082 499 8636, or email roland@stansell.za.net
THE BEST OF IAN AND RORY
Two of SA’s best-loved entertainers offer hilarious journey down musical lane in Durban.
Two of South Africa’s best-loved entertainers have joined forces in a hilarious and moving not-to-be-missed journey down musical lane.
The Rhumbelow Theatre in association with Essential Vibes presents the inimitable music duo of Ian von Memerty and Rory Rootenberg at the Penzance Primary School for two performances.
This show, which has played to full houses in both Cape Town and Johannesburg, will be back for one day only. Ian and Rory will perform highlights from their favourite musicals. Together these old colleagues and friends provide an evening filled with heart, great harmony, mutual enjoyment and some of the finest moments from their acclaimed careers.
the Best of Ian and Rory can be seen at Penzance Primary School in Bartle Rd, Durban, on January 24 at 14h00 and 18h30. Book at Computicket or phone or e-mail Roland Stansell on roland@stansell.za.net
Two of South Africa’s best-loved entertainers have joined forces in a hilarious and moving not-to-be-missed journey down musical lane.
The Rhumbelow Theatre in association with Essential Vibes presents the inimitable music duo of Ian von Memerty and Rory Rootenberg at the Penzance Primary School for two performances.
This show, which has played to full houses in both Cape Town and Johannesburg, will be back for one day only. Ian and Rory will perform highlights from their favourite musicals. Together these old colleagues and friends provide an evening filled with heart, great harmony, mutual enjoyment and some of the finest moments from their acclaimed careers.
the Best of Ian and Rory can be seen at Penzance Primary School in Bartle Rd, Durban, on January 24 at 14h00 and 18h30. Book at Computicket or phone or e-mail Roland Stansell on roland@stansell.za.net
SALVATION
Enjoy the vibe that makes up the most famous gay parties in London and the world.
Qc2 is busy putting the final touches to the Gaydar.co.za presents Salvation SA Tour 2009, one of the most highly-anticipated visits by an international club brand to South Africa.
Renowned for presenting the most famous gay parties in London and the World, Salvation kicked off in Johannesburg on December 26 before it moves to Durban’s new mega-club Origin on December 29 and then on to Cape Town (December 31 at Crew).
Salvation has become famous for consistently delivering quality productions and cutting-edge sounds by its stable of globally renowned DJ stars. The Salvation SA Tour 2009 will headline one of the brand’s top resident DJs from London, Pier Morrocco – with support from a premier quality line-up of international and local DJ talent.
The main criticism levelled at international club tours is that the overseas DJs are often out of touch with South African audiences, and the music they prefer. However, Pier has been doing some research by sharing music with his local counterparts (such as DJs Stuart Hillary, Dizzy, Groove Element, Martin McHale and Leroy Tayler), and also listening to their mixes, to ensure that the music standard lives up South Africa’s expectations.
“It’s the party season, it’ll be hot and there’ll be lots of European tourists in town, so I’m planning sets with a carnival, very upbeat feel to them. I think we can leave dark and moody music aside for the cold Northern hemisphere…although that said, I do want to push the boundaries a little, and I’ll be talking a lot more with my fellow SA-based Salvation DJ colleagues over the next few weeks to structure the gigs appropriately,” explains Morrocco.
The Durban party at Origin is due to run from 21h00 on December 29 to 05h00 on the morning of December 30. Origin in situated at 9 Clark Road. Tickets VIP (R150 presale only): Standard (R100presale) or R120 at door, Booking through Computicket outlets or www.computicket.com
For more information visit www.qc2.co.za, www.salvation-london.com or www.piermorrocco.com
Qc2 is busy putting the final touches to the Gaydar.co.za presents Salvation SA Tour 2009, one of the most highly-anticipated visits by an international club brand to South Africa.
Renowned for presenting the most famous gay parties in London and the World, Salvation kicked off in Johannesburg on December 26 before it moves to Durban’s new mega-club Origin on December 29 and then on to Cape Town (December 31 at Crew).
Salvation has become famous for consistently delivering quality productions and cutting-edge sounds by its stable of globally renowned DJ stars. The Salvation SA Tour 2009 will headline one of the brand’s top resident DJs from London, Pier Morrocco – with support from a premier quality line-up of international and local DJ talent.
The main criticism levelled at international club tours is that the overseas DJs are often out of touch with South African audiences, and the music they prefer. However, Pier has been doing some research by sharing music with his local counterparts (such as DJs Stuart Hillary, Dizzy, Groove Element, Martin McHale and Leroy Tayler), and also listening to their mixes, to ensure that the music standard lives up South Africa’s expectations.
“It’s the party season, it’ll be hot and there’ll be lots of European tourists in town, so I’m planning sets with a carnival, very upbeat feel to them. I think we can leave dark and moody music aside for the cold Northern hemisphere…although that said, I do want to push the boundaries a little, and I’ll be talking a lot more with my fellow SA-based Salvation DJ colleagues over the next few weeks to structure the gigs appropriately,” explains Morrocco.
The Durban party at Origin is due to run from 21h00 on December 29 to 05h00 on the morning of December 30. Origin in situated at 9 Clark Road. Tickets VIP (R150 presale only): Standard (R100presale) or R120 at door, Booking through Computicket outlets or www.computicket.com
For more information visit www.qc2.co.za, www.salvation-london.com or www.piermorrocco.com
RADIO HINDVANI NYE BASH
See the New Year in with Radio Hindvani.
Hosted by Tamasha Aur Masti 91.5 FM, revellers are invited to welcome in 2010 with the Radio Hindvani Team. They will be broadcasting live from the Golden Horse Casino in Pietermaritzburg on New Year's Eve, starting at 17h30 and continuing until 02h30 on the following morning (January 1).
The evening offers live entertainment, with music, dance, comedy and a Bhangra Bash.
Hosted by Tamasha Aur Masti 91.5 FM, revellers are invited to welcome in 2010 with the Radio Hindvani Team. They will be broadcasting live from the Golden Horse Casino in Pietermaritzburg on New Year's Eve, starting at 17h30 and continuing until 02h30 on the following morning (January 1).
The evening offers live entertainment, with music, dance, comedy and a Bhangra Bash.
DOUBLE DEAL FROM SABT
Special early-bird double deal on ticket prices for South African Ballet Theatre seasons in Johannesburg.
Although debt-free, The South African Ballet Theatre (SABT) is facing severe financial challenges and if substantial immediate funding is not found, the Board will have to take robust action to preserve the integrity of the company. Despite these trying times, SABT is determined to continue presenting world class-productions and has announced a special early-bird double deal on ticket prices to two of its seasons for 2010.
Patrons who book for both SABT’s Swan Lake and their Carmen season at the Joburg Theatre will pay a lower combined-rate price for their tickets.
The first season is the world’s best–known ballet, Swan Lake which will be performed at the Joburg Theatre, Braamfontein, from March 12 to April 4, 2010. Dating back to 1876, the tragic love story of the swan maiden Odette and Prince Siegfried has proved itself to be the one of the most endearing ballets in the repertoire with audiences around the world. The South African Ballet Theatre’s production will take its cue from the traditional Petipa version of the ballet whilst incorporating fresh elements tailored to suit the Company. The ballet will have a shorter running time and there will be only one interval.
Wednesday and Thursday evening performances of SABT’s 2010 Joburg Theatre seasons will start at 19h30 instead of the usual 20h00, to enable patrons to have an enjoyable night at the theatre without getting home too late during the week. A Swan Lake Open Day will be presented on February 27 from 10h00 to 13h00.
After a seven year absence, the ballet Carmen returns to Johannesburg from August 13 to 29. The fiery saga of Carmen and Don José is played out in a sensual version by acclaimed Cape Town choreographer Veronica Paeper. Set to Bizet’s famous music score, Paeper’s ballet explores the volatile relationship between the streetwise Carmen and young officer Don José who loses his heart to Carmen. Paeper’s Carmen captures the passion of southern Spain in a ballet highlighted by spectacular pas de deux for the principal dancers plus showpieces for the corps de ballet of matadors, smugglers, fiesta ladies and gypsies. A Carmen Open Day will be presented on July 31 from 10h00 to 13h00.
Open Days at the SABT’s Braamfontein studios are a rare opportunity for the public to catch a glimpse into the behind the scenes preparations for a season. Tickets R60 pp for both Open Days as well as the combined ticket offer for Swan Lake and Carmen seasons booked through Mr Moagi on 011 877 6898 or email admin@saballettheatre.co.za
General bookings through Computicket and include 10% discounts for block bookings of ten tickets or more, plus student and pensioner discounts upon presentation of a valid student or pensioner’s card. Further information at www.saballettheatre.co.za or www.computicket.co.za
Although debt-free, The South African Ballet Theatre (SABT) is facing severe financial challenges and if substantial immediate funding is not found, the Board will have to take robust action to preserve the integrity of the company. Despite these trying times, SABT is determined to continue presenting world class-productions and has announced a special early-bird double deal on ticket prices to two of its seasons for 2010.
Patrons who book for both SABT’s Swan Lake and their Carmen season at the Joburg Theatre will pay a lower combined-rate price for their tickets.
The first season is the world’s best–known ballet, Swan Lake which will be performed at the Joburg Theatre, Braamfontein, from March 12 to April 4, 2010. Dating back to 1876, the tragic love story of the swan maiden Odette and Prince Siegfried has proved itself to be the one of the most endearing ballets in the repertoire with audiences around the world. The South African Ballet Theatre’s production will take its cue from the traditional Petipa version of the ballet whilst incorporating fresh elements tailored to suit the Company. The ballet will have a shorter running time and there will be only one interval.
Wednesday and Thursday evening performances of SABT’s 2010 Joburg Theatre seasons will start at 19h30 instead of the usual 20h00, to enable patrons to have an enjoyable night at the theatre without getting home too late during the week. A Swan Lake Open Day will be presented on February 27 from 10h00 to 13h00.
After a seven year absence, the ballet Carmen returns to Johannesburg from August 13 to 29. The fiery saga of Carmen and Don José is played out in a sensual version by acclaimed Cape Town choreographer Veronica Paeper. Set to Bizet’s famous music score, Paeper’s ballet explores the volatile relationship between the streetwise Carmen and young officer Don José who loses his heart to Carmen. Paeper’s Carmen captures the passion of southern Spain in a ballet highlighted by spectacular pas de deux for the principal dancers plus showpieces for the corps de ballet of matadors, smugglers, fiesta ladies and gypsies. A Carmen Open Day will be presented on July 31 from 10h00 to 13h00.
Open Days at the SABT’s Braamfontein studios are a rare opportunity for the public to catch a glimpse into the behind the scenes preparations for a season. Tickets R60 pp for both Open Days as well as the combined ticket offer for Swan Lake and Carmen seasons booked through Mr Moagi on 011 877 6898 or email admin@saballettheatre.co.za
General bookings through Computicket and include 10% discounts for block bookings of ten tickets or more, plus student and pensioner discounts upon presentation of a valid student or pensioner’s card. Further information at www.saballettheatre.co.za or www.computicket.co.za
Sunday, December 27, 2009
TIME FOR JABULISA 2010
Deadlines for submission of one of SA’s most significant art exhibitions.
Planning and implementation of one of South Africa’s most significant art exhibitions, Jabulisa 2010, is underway.
Jabulisa, which previously took place in 1996, 2000 and 2006, is a touring exhibition that showcases the art and craft of KwaZulu-Natal. It is a project of the Natal Arts Trust, an independent body with meaningful ties to the five art museums of the province, and the majority of the Natal Arts Trust board are curators of these art museums. The work of the Trust is largely unknown but its efforts focus on supporting and assisting the various public art museums to acquire meaningful works for their own collections. The five art museums of KZN are: the Tatham Art Gallery in Pietermaritzburg; the Margate Art Museum; the Empangeni Museum; the Carnegie Art Gallery in Newcastle; and the Durban Art Gallery.
The exhibition requires a rigorous and extensive sourcing process to ensure comprehensive and quality submissions from artists and crafters across the province. This role is managed by each of the art museums through their media and publicity networks, and through their longstanding relationships with artists in their regions, as well as through contact with previous Jabulisa entrants. Works are chosen by majority vote from selection panels, with attention paid to diversity of media, diversity of aesthetic and technical issues surrounding the individual artists, and diversity of representations in communicating life in KZN. The selection panel seeks the most appropriate and relevant works for exhibition, and will solicit works from outside the submissions process if necessary to present an accurate representation.
Entries for Jabulisa 2010 need to be in to the various art museums by early 2010 (with submissions to the Tatham closing earliest) to allow time for the selectors to travel to the other centres. Durban Art Gallery will accept submissions on February 15 and 16 between the hours of 10h00 and 15hb00. For information contact Jenny Stretton on 031 311 2264. The selection day will be February 17 and the collection date for unselected works will be February 18.
“Jabulisa is the premier exhibition reflecting art and craft production in KwaZulu-Natal,” says Tatham Director Brendan Bell, who is also Chairman of the Natal Arts Trust. “Submissions must be representative of all visual arts, and may include such diverse artworks as paintings, beadwork, fibre art, jewellery and garments, installations, photography and video art, mosaics, etchings – the list is endless. The emphasis is on absolute excellence, with a hint of the quirky, the new, the innovative.”
Jabulisa 2010 will open at the Tatham Art Gallery on June 8, 2010, and will then move to Durban, Margate, Empangeni, Eshowe’s Vukani Museum and Newcastle.
For details about Jabulisa 2010, contact Brendan Bell or Kobie Venter at the Tatham Art Gallery on 033 392 2801. Entry forms are available at regional art museums or www.tatham.org.za
Planning and implementation of one of South Africa’s most significant art exhibitions, Jabulisa 2010, is underway.
Jabulisa, which previously took place in 1996, 2000 and 2006, is a touring exhibition that showcases the art and craft of KwaZulu-Natal. It is a project of the Natal Arts Trust, an independent body with meaningful ties to the five art museums of the province, and the majority of the Natal Arts Trust board are curators of these art museums. The work of the Trust is largely unknown but its efforts focus on supporting and assisting the various public art museums to acquire meaningful works for their own collections. The five art museums of KZN are: the Tatham Art Gallery in Pietermaritzburg; the Margate Art Museum; the Empangeni Museum; the Carnegie Art Gallery in Newcastle; and the Durban Art Gallery.
The exhibition requires a rigorous and extensive sourcing process to ensure comprehensive and quality submissions from artists and crafters across the province. This role is managed by each of the art museums through their media and publicity networks, and through their longstanding relationships with artists in their regions, as well as through contact with previous Jabulisa entrants. Works are chosen by majority vote from selection panels, with attention paid to diversity of media, diversity of aesthetic and technical issues surrounding the individual artists, and diversity of representations in communicating life in KZN. The selection panel seeks the most appropriate and relevant works for exhibition, and will solicit works from outside the submissions process if necessary to present an accurate representation.
Entries for Jabulisa 2010 need to be in to the various art museums by early 2010 (with submissions to the Tatham closing earliest) to allow time for the selectors to travel to the other centres. Durban Art Gallery will accept submissions on February 15 and 16 between the hours of 10h00 and 15hb00. For information contact Jenny Stretton on 031 311 2264. The selection day will be February 17 and the collection date for unselected works will be February 18.
“Jabulisa is the premier exhibition reflecting art and craft production in KwaZulu-Natal,” says Tatham Director Brendan Bell, who is also Chairman of the Natal Arts Trust. “Submissions must be representative of all visual arts, and may include such diverse artworks as paintings, beadwork, fibre art, jewellery and garments, installations, photography and video art, mosaics, etchings – the list is endless. The emphasis is on absolute excellence, with a hint of the quirky, the new, the innovative.”
Jabulisa 2010 will open at the Tatham Art Gallery on June 8, 2010, and will then move to Durban, Margate, Empangeni, Eshowe’s Vukani Museum and Newcastle.
For details about Jabulisa 2010, contact Brendan Bell or Kobie Venter at the Tatham Art Gallery on 033 392 2801. Entry forms are available at regional art museums or www.tatham.org.za
WATERSHED
Award-winning band returns to Barnyard Theatre at Gateway on January 20 and 21.
After numerous sold-out performances at this venue, award-winning band Watershed is returning to The Barnyard Theatre at Gateway for two shows only on January 20 and 21, starting the venue’s 2010 line-up off with a bang.
The Barnyard Theatre at Gateway has become a hugely popular venue for South Africa’s top bands. Part of the appeal of The Barnyard Theatre for live music is that it is an intimate venue where patrons are able to enjoy food and drinks before and during the show seated at tables and counters, and can meet the bands in the bar after the show to buy paraphernalia and get autographs.
Watershed’s latest album Staring At The Ceiling was released in August 2008 and has already reached Gold Status in South Africa. After Craig’s return from a five week stint in America (including song writing collaboration in Nashville), Watershed will be on tour in the UK and on an extensive concert spree in Germany before the band returns to South African venues to consolidate their triumphant accomplishments on all levels, locally and internationally.
Since their early beginnings in 1999, Watershed has delivered three previous albums (In The Meantime - 2000, Wrapped In Stone - 2003, Mosaic - 2005), of which one went Gold and two made Platinum. Each released single turned into a hit and dominated South African as well as European charts. Their single Indigo Girl was even recorded in Mandarin for the Chinese music scene.
Watershed will perform a mix off music off their four Gold and Platinum which will include their classic songs like Indigo Girl, Letters, Close My Eyes, In The Meantime and Yesterday Again; big hits Live Another Day, Angel and Shine; popular favourites such as Love It, Far Away, Come Home, Crazy, Return To Me; their Crosby Stills & Nash cover smash hit Southern Cross, and their latest singles Breathing, Train Ride and Future Sunshine.
The band consists of Craig Hinds who is lead singer and plays piano, acoustic guitar and harmonica; Nic Rush on lead guitar and vocals; Hylton Brooker on keyboards; Peter Auret on drums; and James Sunney on bass guitar and vocals. Watershed’s shows will be followed by two performances by Prime Circle on January 22 and 23.
Tickets R140 pp and seating will be as for normal shows, with no standing room. Phone The Barnyard Theatre on 031 566 3045 for bookings or e-mail gateway@barnayrdtheatre.co.za for enquiries and further details.
After numerous sold-out performances at this venue, award-winning band Watershed is returning to The Barnyard Theatre at Gateway for two shows only on January 20 and 21, starting the venue’s 2010 line-up off with a bang.
The Barnyard Theatre at Gateway has become a hugely popular venue for South Africa’s top bands. Part of the appeal of The Barnyard Theatre for live music is that it is an intimate venue where patrons are able to enjoy food and drinks before and during the show seated at tables and counters, and can meet the bands in the bar after the show to buy paraphernalia and get autographs.
Watershed’s latest album Staring At The Ceiling was released in August 2008 and has already reached Gold Status in South Africa. After Craig’s return from a five week stint in America (including song writing collaboration in Nashville), Watershed will be on tour in the UK and on an extensive concert spree in Germany before the band returns to South African venues to consolidate their triumphant accomplishments on all levels, locally and internationally.
Since their early beginnings in 1999, Watershed has delivered three previous albums (In The Meantime - 2000, Wrapped In Stone - 2003, Mosaic - 2005), of which one went Gold and two made Platinum. Each released single turned into a hit and dominated South African as well as European charts. Their single Indigo Girl was even recorded in Mandarin for the Chinese music scene.
Watershed will perform a mix off music off their four Gold and Platinum which will include their classic songs like Indigo Girl, Letters, Close My Eyes, In The Meantime and Yesterday Again; big hits Live Another Day, Angel and Shine; popular favourites such as Love It, Far Away, Come Home, Crazy, Return To Me; their Crosby Stills & Nash cover smash hit Southern Cross, and their latest singles Breathing, Train Ride and Future Sunshine.
The band consists of Craig Hinds who is lead singer and plays piano, acoustic guitar and harmonica; Nic Rush on lead guitar and vocals; Hylton Brooker on keyboards; Peter Auret on drums; and James Sunney on bass guitar and vocals. Watershed’s shows will be followed by two performances by Prime Circle on January 22 and 23.
Tickets R140 pp and seating will be as for normal shows, with no standing room. Phone The Barnyard Theatre on 031 566 3045 for bookings or e-mail gateway@barnayrdtheatre.co.za for enquiries and further details.
DELCIA NARSIAH: BARNYARD’S RISING STAR
(Pic: Delcia Narsiah (seated centre) with Rising Star Academy directors Andrea Zorab, Gillian Brunings and Devin Moller).
Budding young performer benefits from The Barnyard’s visionary developement project.
The Barnyard Theatre at Gateway has always based their business principle on the karmic belief that you have to give back to in order to be successful. Not only have they been fully committed to staging so many fundraisers during the eight years they’ve been open, but they also offered a bursary to a rising star whose passion is performing.
The Barnyard Theatre at Gateway teamed up with The Rising Star Academy for this project, and also offered the venue for the staging of classes in 2009. The bursary winner was Delcia Narsiah who had her weekly classes sponsored by The Barnyard, and she has proved to be a rising star, leading to the venue sponsoring her tuition again in 2010.
Enthusing about Delcia’s progress was her Rising Star Academy Speech and Drama teacher, Devin Moller. “Delcia is a young budding performer whose talents have grown over the year 2009. She successfully completed a poem and choral verse as part of the South African Speech and Drama society. In the second quarter of the year she participated in the musical The Wizard of Oz and took on the role of lead narrator. Her commitment to the piece shows her determined attitude. Her attendance at classes was impeccable and she is always well-mannered and ready to tackle all tasks with gusto. Further training in this field will boost her confidence, and she will become the true performer she can only but become.”
The study of performing arts is not limited to those who want to explore a future in the arts or develop a proficiency in theatre. The Rising Star Academy teaches multiple life skills such as public speaking, self confidence, emotional maturity, concentration, self-discipline as well as time management – all of which are essential attributes in the competitive world in which we live.
The Rising Star Academy is an extra-mural performing arts school offering children, between the ages of five and 18 years tuition in speech, drama, storytelling, mime, movement, acting skills, costume, make-up, directing, scriptwriting, stage design and improvisation. This in turn will lead to the opportunity to participate in South African Speech and Drama Festivals, as well as undertake the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts (LAMDA) examinations.
Rising Star Academy holds weekly classes at The Barnyard Theatre at Gateway Tuesdays during term time. For more information contact Gillian on 083 326 3257 or Andrea on 082 994 0984.
The Barnyard Theatre at Gateway is also aware that it has been a very tough year for charities and institutions needing to raise funds, and is still committed to hosting fundraisers at their shows. In its belief of giving back, The Barnyard Theatre is offering further discounts on its fundraising prices for the first show of the year Diamonds & Pearls, a tribute to Celine Dion and Neil Diamond running from January 26 to March 7. For more information, contact Alida at The Barnyard on 031 566 3045
LBM & BUSI MHLONGO FOR KZN MUSIC HOUSE
Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Busi Mhlongo record together for the first time.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Busi Mhlongo recorded together for the first time at the KZN Music House
On October 4, 2009, internationally-renowned sculptor Andries Botha was in the audience when multi-award winning singer Busi Mhlongo performed at the legendary Rainbow Restaurant in Pinetown. He was so moved by the performance and Mhlongo’s spirituality that the following week, he contacted Neil and Nicola Comfort of the Rainbow and presented a proposal to them.
The proposal related to the Human Elephant Foundation (www.humanelephant.org), an environmental awareness organization which Botha had initiated. This visionary and collaborative organization initiates, coordinates and facilitates discussion and innovative problem-solving to create a better, respectful and sustainable world.
Besides the herd of lifelike elephants created to spread awareness across the globe, Botha and his collaborators in the Foundation envisaged another form of communication - namely music - as being key to spreading the word. Another well-known and much loved Durban musician, Syd Kitchen, had already contributed a song entitled Human Elephant Song to the Foundation. Botha hoped that Mhlongo would also be able to contribute a song and asked the Comforts to help facilitate this.
Mhlongo immediately jumped at the opportunity and expressed her long-held desire to team up again with London-based producer Will Mowat with whom she last worked on her multi award-winning 1998 release Urbanzulu. Besides his sterling work on what is today recognized as one of the greatest South African albums ever produced, Mowat is also noted for his work with Vicky Sampson and her album Zai which launched the stadium anthem African Dream with Mango Groove and as producer of Angelique Kidjo’s global hit Agolo.
Will Mowat did not hesitate in confirming his willingness to assist with the recording. Numerous phone calls and brain storming sessions later, he proposed a meeting with Ladysmith Black Mambazo (LBM). This three-time Grammy Award-winning act is without a doubt the most globally-recognized music brand from South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal and Durban – the birthplace of the Human Elephant Foundation. Their participation was confirmed with an unequivocal yes.
Just two months after the seed was first sown in Botha’s head at the Rainbow, the two iconic Durban based acts headed into Studio 1 of the recently-launched KZN Music House on December 7 to create magic. The Music House is an initiative of the KZN Department of Economic Development which has provided the province with a state-of-the-art recording facility that is set to change the face of the music industry in KZN. The facility is managed by Committed Artists for the benefit of all KZN-based musicians.
Auspiciously, this was the first-ever recording in the facility and Chief Engineer Richard Mitchell moved heaven and earth to accommodate it on this date, as the following day LBM headed for Johannesburg to record their 53rd album. The management of the facility came donated the studio time in celebration of the fact that the first recording will feature the names Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Busi Mhlongo.
The hope is that the songs that result from the chemistry between the artists will feature on future albums from LBM and Mhlongo and that this will be last time that acts such as LBM will have to travel to Johannesburg to record. The goal is that the song will carry the message of the Human Elephant Foundation to a global audience. In another first, this will also be the first collaboration between Mhlongo and LBM.
Top Durban-based director and cinematographer Michael Cross, of Rogue Productions was in the studio to capture the making of the song on film.
For more information contact Neil Comfort on 083 463 8044 or email: bandwagon@artslink.co.za
Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Busi Mhlongo recorded together for the first time at the KZN Music House
On October 4, 2009, internationally-renowned sculptor Andries Botha was in the audience when multi-award winning singer Busi Mhlongo performed at the legendary Rainbow Restaurant in Pinetown. He was so moved by the performance and Mhlongo’s spirituality that the following week, he contacted Neil and Nicola Comfort of the Rainbow and presented a proposal to them.
The proposal related to the Human Elephant Foundation (www.humanelephant.org), an environmental awareness organization which Botha had initiated. This visionary and collaborative organization initiates, coordinates and facilitates discussion and innovative problem-solving to create a better, respectful and sustainable world.
Besides the herd of lifelike elephants created to spread awareness across the globe, Botha and his collaborators in the Foundation envisaged another form of communication - namely music - as being key to spreading the word. Another well-known and much loved Durban musician, Syd Kitchen, had already contributed a song entitled Human Elephant Song to the Foundation. Botha hoped that Mhlongo would also be able to contribute a song and asked the Comforts to help facilitate this.
Mhlongo immediately jumped at the opportunity and expressed her long-held desire to team up again with London-based producer Will Mowat with whom she last worked on her multi award-winning 1998 release Urbanzulu. Besides his sterling work on what is today recognized as one of the greatest South African albums ever produced, Mowat is also noted for his work with Vicky Sampson and her album Zai which launched the stadium anthem African Dream with Mango Groove and as producer of Angelique Kidjo’s global hit Agolo.
Will Mowat did not hesitate in confirming his willingness to assist with the recording. Numerous phone calls and brain storming sessions later, he proposed a meeting with Ladysmith Black Mambazo (LBM). This three-time Grammy Award-winning act is without a doubt the most globally-recognized music brand from South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal and Durban – the birthplace of the Human Elephant Foundation. Their participation was confirmed with an unequivocal yes.
Just two months after the seed was first sown in Botha’s head at the Rainbow, the two iconic Durban based acts headed into Studio 1 of the recently-launched KZN Music House on December 7 to create magic. The Music House is an initiative of the KZN Department of Economic Development which has provided the province with a state-of-the-art recording facility that is set to change the face of the music industry in KZN. The facility is managed by Committed Artists for the benefit of all KZN-based musicians.
Auspiciously, this was the first-ever recording in the facility and Chief Engineer Richard Mitchell moved heaven and earth to accommodate it on this date, as the following day LBM headed for Johannesburg to record their 53rd album. The management of the facility came donated the studio time in celebration of the fact that the first recording will feature the names Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Busi Mhlongo.
The hope is that the songs that result from the chemistry between the artists will feature on future albums from LBM and Mhlongo and that this will be last time that acts such as LBM will have to travel to Johannesburg to record. The goal is that the song will carry the message of the Human Elephant Foundation to a global audience. In another first, this will also be the first collaboration between Mhlongo and LBM.
Top Durban-based director and cinematographer Michael Cross, of Rogue Productions was in the studio to capture the making of the song on film.
For more information contact Neil Comfort on 083 463 8044 or email: bandwagon@artslink.co.za
ELTON JOHN MOVES TO ICC
Elton John’s “Under African Skies” Durban performance moves into ICC Durban Arena.
Big Concerts have announced that the much-anticipated Durban performance of the legendary Sir Elton John and his long-time collaborator and renowned percussionist, Ray Cooper, will now be presented in the ICC Durban Arena. The date remains unchanged as March 24, 2010.
John Langford, Big Concerts’ Chief Operating Officer advised that the change was necessitated in response to concerns expressed by the Durban public regarding the unpredictable weather conditions in March. “By moving into the ICC Durban Arena, audiences will experience the world renowned Elton John, in a world class facility – without any fear of getting rained on”.
Fans who have already purchased tickets are requested to please visit their nearest Computicket outlet in order to swop these for the ICC Durban Arena.
Elton John’s musical career spans for over four decades. To date he has sold over 200 million records worldwide and had a multitude of hits including Rocket Man, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me. He has also had success in film when he composed Can You Feel the Love Tonight for Disney’s The Lion King, which won him both a Grammy and an Academy Award. Elton has gone onto compose various musical scores including Aida, Lestat and the award-winning musical Billy Elliot, which has played to well over 2.5 million people in London, Sydney and in New York where it recently won 10 Tony awards including Best Musical.
The performance takes place in the Arena, ICC Durban on March 24. Tickets priced from R375 booked at Computicket on 083 915 8000 or at www.computicket.com
Big Concerts have announced that the much-anticipated Durban performance of the legendary Sir Elton John and his long-time collaborator and renowned percussionist, Ray Cooper, will now be presented in the ICC Durban Arena. The date remains unchanged as March 24, 2010.
John Langford, Big Concerts’ Chief Operating Officer advised that the change was necessitated in response to concerns expressed by the Durban public regarding the unpredictable weather conditions in March. “By moving into the ICC Durban Arena, audiences will experience the world renowned Elton John, in a world class facility – without any fear of getting rained on”.
Fans who have already purchased tickets are requested to please visit their nearest Computicket outlet in order to swop these for the ICC Durban Arena.
Elton John’s musical career spans for over four decades. To date he has sold over 200 million records worldwide and had a multitude of hits including Rocket Man, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me. He has also had success in film when he composed Can You Feel the Love Tonight for Disney’s The Lion King, which won him both a Grammy and an Academy Award. Elton has gone onto compose various musical scores including Aida, Lestat and the award-winning musical Billy Elliot, which has played to well over 2.5 million people in London, Sydney and in New York where it recently won 10 Tony awards including Best Musical.
The performance takes place in the Arena, ICC Durban on March 24. Tickets priced from R375 booked at Computicket on 083 915 8000 or at www.computicket.com
HANDSPRING PUPPET COMPANY
First full-length book on Handspring Puppet Company explores their work in adult puppet theatre.
In 2007, Handspring Puppet Company’s War Horse - based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo and commissioned by the Royal National Theatre in London - won Olivier, Evening Standard and Critics’ Circle Awards. The extraordinary success of this production has drawn attention to Handspring’s decades-long experiments and innovations in the art of puppetry and their remarkable contribution to theatre in South Africa.
Handspring Puppet Company was founded by Basil Jones and Adrian Kohler in 1981. They have produced 11 plays and two operas, collaborated with many different artists, including Mali’s Sogolon Puppet Troupe and South African artist William Kentridge and opened in over 200 venues in South Africa and abroad. They have won numerous accolades, including an Olivier Award for War Horse at the Royal National Theatre in London.
Handspring Puppet Company is the first full-length book on Handspring published in South Africa. It explores their work in adult puppet theatre, from Episodes of an Easter Rising (1985) to War Horse, providing insights into their philosophy of puppetry and their technical innovations. It is richly illustrated with images from the Handspring archive and includes essays by theatre practitioners and writers who have collaborated with the company over the years.
Handspring Puppet Company is edited by Jane Taylor, with essays by Jane Taylor, Adrienne Sichel, Adrian Kohler, William Kentridge, Gerhard Marx, Lesego Rampolokeng and Basil Jones. It is published in full colour by David Krut Publishing in soft cover (R480 - ISBN 978-0-9814328-3-0) and hard cover (R650 - ISBN 978-0-9814328-5-4)
In support of this project, William Kentridge has made two limited-edition prints based on his work with Handspring. These are available from David Krut Projects. Contact Bronwyn Law-Viljoen in Johannesburg on +27 (0)11 334 1209, bronwyn@davidkrut.com or Genevieve Lowe in New York on +1 212 255 3094, genevieve@davidkrut.com or visit www.davidkrutpublishing.com
(Watch this space for forthcoming review)
In 2007, Handspring Puppet Company’s War Horse - based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo and commissioned by the Royal National Theatre in London - won Olivier, Evening Standard and Critics’ Circle Awards. The extraordinary success of this production has drawn attention to Handspring’s decades-long experiments and innovations in the art of puppetry and their remarkable contribution to theatre in South Africa.
Handspring Puppet Company was founded by Basil Jones and Adrian Kohler in 1981. They have produced 11 plays and two operas, collaborated with many different artists, including Mali’s Sogolon Puppet Troupe and South African artist William Kentridge and opened in over 200 venues in South Africa and abroad. They have won numerous accolades, including an Olivier Award for War Horse at the Royal National Theatre in London.
Handspring Puppet Company is the first full-length book on Handspring published in South Africa. It explores their work in adult puppet theatre, from Episodes of an Easter Rising (1985) to War Horse, providing insights into their philosophy of puppetry and their technical innovations. It is richly illustrated with images from the Handspring archive and includes essays by theatre practitioners and writers who have collaborated with the company over the years.
Handspring Puppet Company is edited by Jane Taylor, with essays by Jane Taylor, Adrienne Sichel, Adrian Kohler, William Kentridge, Gerhard Marx, Lesego Rampolokeng and Basil Jones. It is published in full colour by David Krut Publishing in soft cover (R480 - ISBN 978-0-9814328-3-0) and hard cover (R650 - ISBN 978-0-9814328-5-4)
In support of this project, William Kentridge has made two limited-edition prints based on his work with Handspring. These are available from David Krut Projects. Contact Bronwyn Law-Viljoen in Johannesburg on +27 (0)11 334 1209, bronwyn@davidkrut.com or Genevieve Lowe in New York on +1 212 255 3094, genevieve@davidkrut.com or visit www.davidkrutpublishing.com
(Watch this space for forthcoming review)
CATO MANOR VIBE!! LOOKS BACK
Recession or no Recession, the show goes on as Cato Manor Vibe!! looks back at 2009.
Recession or no recession, the show goes on as Cato Manor Vibe!! looks back at 2009. Report by Musa Hlatshwayo.
“While 2009 has been a financially challenging year for us all, it is with great pride that Cato Manor Vibe!! ended the year in high spirits due to the quality of the work covered and the recognition attained through some of our small endeavours.
This year CMV!! was represented in a number of formidable platforms with groundbreaking work. First it was Jomba! 2009 at the Sneddon Theatre where we presented Still Skinning, choreographed by Musa Hlatshwayo. While some were amazed by the level of technique and performance skill executed by our trainees, some praised the work itself for its authenticity and creativity. Images of this work are available on the group’s photos on Facebook.
This work was later invited and presented as part of the National Youth Creative Arts Festival at the Sneddon Theatre where the project once again raised eyebrows.
As the infamous recession forced itself upon us, we also had to break until later in the year when we made a forceful return to continue our training. It was also during this time that four of our trainees made their mark in the Footsteps to Fortune Competition at the Suncoast Casino and Entertainment world by showing KwaZulu-Natal what they are made of. Makulu Events produced this competition while Suncoast sponsored the event. Two of our trainees; Ngcebo Nzama and Nokuphiwa Majola made it as far as the top 10 finalists in KZN. Yet again, the level of technique executed by these two brought further awareness of what we as Cato Manor Vibe!! are capable of. We are grateful to Manqoba (who was eliminated in the first semi-finals), Nono (who went as part as the top 20), Nokuphiwa and Ngcebo (both top 10 finalists) for representing us in the competition. To us you are winners…we are proud of you.
We then ended the year with our two day summer school which focused on further enhancing the trainees’ performance technique and choreographic skills.
The project is therefore currently on hold until later in January next year, same place, same times and dates to be confirmed. We will continue accepting new trainees of any background who are interested in being part of the project at no cost.
Part of our mission is to foster the culture of self and community development, as well as the culture of education. We are also proud that once again we have had a number of our participants writing their matriculation exams this year. We are positively anticipating the day the results will be released so that we can celebrate with them. In the meantime let’s all enjoy a safe and happy festive season and let’s look forward to yet another successful year with or without funding…
Much love to our Administrative Coordinator Peter Taylor for always going that extra mile to make sure that our heads are held up high, despite many circumstances. You are the man!! Big ups to all the organizations and individuals who contributed to the success of Cato Manor Vibe in 2009.”
Recession or no recession, the show goes on as Cato Manor Vibe!! looks back at 2009. Report by Musa Hlatshwayo.
“While 2009 has been a financially challenging year for us all, it is with great pride that Cato Manor Vibe!! ended the year in high spirits due to the quality of the work covered and the recognition attained through some of our small endeavours.
This year CMV!! was represented in a number of formidable platforms with groundbreaking work. First it was Jomba! 2009 at the Sneddon Theatre where we presented Still Skinning, choreographed by Musa Hlatshwayo. While some were amazed by the level of technique and performance skill executed by our trainees, some praised the work itself for its authenticity and creativity. Images of this work are available on the group’s photos on Facebook.
This work was later invited and presented as part of the National Youth Creative Arts Festival at the Sneddon Theatre where the project once again raised eyebrows.
As the infamous recession forced itself upon us, we also had to break until later in the year when we made a forceful return to continue our training. It was also during this time that four of our trainees made their mark in the Footsteps to Fortune Competition at the Suncoast Casino and Entertainment world by showing KwaZulu-Natal what they are made of. Makulu Events produced this competition while Suncoast sponsored the event. Two of our trainees; Ngcebo Nzama and Nokuphiwa Majola made it as far as the top 10 finalists in KZN. Yet again, the level of technique executed by these two brought further awareness of what we as Cato Manor Vibe!! are capable of. We are grateful to Manqoba (who was eliminated in the first semi-finals), Nono (who went as part as the top 20), Nokuphiwa and Ngcebo (both top 10 finalists) for representing us in the competition. To us you are winners…we are proud of you.
We then ended the year with our two day summer school which focused on further enhancing the trainees’ performance technique and choreographic skills.
The project is therefore currently on hold until later in January next year, same place, same times and dates to be confirmed. We will continue accepting new trainees of any background who are interested in being part of the project at no cost.
Part of our mission is to foster the culture of self and community development, as well as the culture of education. We are also proud that once again we have had a number of our participants writing their matriculation exams this year. We are positively anticipating the day the results will be released so that we can celebrate with them. In the meantime let’s all enjoy a safe and happy festive season and let’s look forward to yet another successful year with or without funding…
Much love to our Administrative Coordinator Peter Taylor for always going that extra mile to make sure that our heads are held up high, despite many circumstances. You are the man!! Big ups to all the organizations and individuals who contributed to the success of Cato Manor Vibe in 2009.”
ANOTHER YEAR OF VICTORY FOR MHAYISE!
(Pic: Sikelela Magxala and Ngcebo Nzama of Cato Manor Vibe!! in “Moses”)Newsletter from Musa Hlatshwayo at Mhayise Productions.
Extracted from newsletter from Musa Hlatshwayo at Mhayise Productions:
Another year has come and gone with its challenges and triumphs. This year proved to be a great success for Mhayise Productions with the quality of the work that was produced, the workshops and seminars facilitated and the warm reception of our annual production, Moses, as well as the network that we created with other artists and organizations.
Our production season; Moses marked the company’s return to the Durban stages after international performances that starved local audiences of the company’s artistic offering. This production was staged in July at the UKZN’s Square Space Theatre. Moses is a dance theatre choreopoem following a dream led by two youngsters and two females whose journey takes us through some of the issues involved in redefining our political identity post Thabo Mbeki’s ‘I am African’ era. While literally dividing the theatre into three performance areas, the work presents a collage of poetry, contemporary dance, physical theatre, music and traditional chants and sounds as the soundscape of the work. Moses featured Cato Manor Vibe!!’s Ngcebo Nzama (KZN Dancelink’s best Newcomer for 2007/2008 and Footsteps to Fortune 2009’s finalist), Sikelela Magxala, Phumzile Masina, Busi Deyi, Musa Hlatshwayo himself and theatre technician Wesley Maherry as production designer.
Media response included: “…a powerful moving work, beautifully lit and staged…” Caroline Smart. (www.artsmart.co.za: July 24 09) and “…illuminates…an interesting confluence of open and confined …”Gisele Turner (Daily News Tonight. July 28, 09).
“For the extraordinary ability to work with young aspiring artists and professionals and produce work that is entertaining, challenging and thought provoking, the KZN Dancelink judges decided to give the Durban Dance Choreographer of the year 2008-2009 Award to Musa Hlatshwayo.”
These were the words of programme director Peter Taylor as he announced the award at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre early this year. Musa received the coveted award - Choreographer of the year 2008-2009 for the work Amens!, Giyani Lusha (produced by KZN Dancelink featuring 108 dancers from KZN Dancelink’s member organizations) as well as Moses; Mhayise Productions’ season for 2009.
Musa Hlatshwayo also walked away with the KZN Dancelink for Best Costume Design for Amens! - the work created for the DUT Dance Specialists for 2009. This award was jointly awarded to Hlatshwayo, Mdu Mtshali, Sifiso Khumalo and Sifiso Majola who all presented work under the production season; Rejected Angels which took part in August at the Courtyard Theatre. More information and images of these projects can be downloaded on our Facebook group; Mhayise Productions.
Mhayise productions also stretched its wings through fostering workshops and seminars with Megan Lamb’s Dance Academy, the Field Band Foundation, Minette De Klerk’s Dance Academy, McCord Hospital and a number of local schools to name but a few. We also launched our group on Facebook which is expanding by the day to try and create a network of formidable international artists who will form part of our regiment. We also offered some of the Cato Manor Vibe!!’s trainees an opportunity to showcase their acquired skill and technique, gain work experience on a professional level while earning an income in the process. The quality of the work showcased the success of Cato Manor Vibe!! as a training project as well as the strong bond that Mhayise Productions shares with Cato Manor Vibe!!.
Look out for our local tour of Musa Hlatshwayo’s Moses starting with a return season at the Square Space Theatre, then moving to The Studio Theatre in UKZN Pietermaritzburg, The Goethe Institute in Johannesburg as part of the Johannesburg Dance Umbrella 2010, the National Arts Festival 2010 and possibly the theatre near you! Our international friends will enjoy the pleasure of the return of the internationally acclaimed Umthombi as well as Moses in a number of international festivals. Also watch out for the anticipated build up to our annual production for 2010, currently untitled, which will be staged in November at the Square Space Theatre. To keep yourself updated on our workshops, performances and interesting collaborative projects and interventions planned for 2010 please send us a request to join our group ‘Mhayise Productions’ and we’ll accept. Our heartfelt ‘thank you’ to everyone who contributed to our success for the year 2009. “
Thursday, December 24, 2009
HAPPY CHRISTMAS!
Here’s wishing all artSMart readers – regular supporters and first-timers alike – all the very best for a Happy Christmas today and for a Happy New Year. Here’s to a wonderful, exciting and challenging arts-filled 2010! Please stay safe and healthy – there’s only one of you!
From the artSMart editor, web masters, secretary, contributors and reviewers – all working on a voluntary basis to support the arts in KZN.
From the artSMart editor, web masters, secretary, contributors and reviewers – all working on a voluntary basis to support the arts in KZN.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
WHOLE TEN YARDS
MNet Action to screen movie with Bruce Willis and Matthew Perry.
Starring Bruce Willis and Mathew Perry, Whole Ten Yards was directed in 2004 by Howard Deutch. It will be screened December 26 at 20h00.
Former hitman Jimmy "The Tulip" Tudeski has retired from his life of crime and is living a quiet life of cooking and housekeeping in Mexico, despite the fact his wife, Jill, a would-be hired killer, still wants to keep her hand in the business. Tudeski has been able to convince the authorities he's dead thanks to dental records falsified by his former neighbour Nicholas "Oz" Oseransky, who lives in Los Angeles. But Oseransky discovers that not everyone is fooled by Tudeski's handiwork when his wife, Cynthia, is kidnapped by Lazlo Gogolak and his goons. Gogolak is a high-ranking member of the Hungarian mafia, and Tudeski previously murdered his son, so he's abducted Cynthia in order to get Oseransky to reveal the hired killer's current whereabouts. But Tudeski has come to like the quiet life, and isn't so sure he wants to face Gogolak and his crew for the sake of a jittery dentist who once did him a favour.
Starring Bruce Willis and Mathew Perry, Whole Ten Yards was directed in 2004 by Howard Deutch. It will be screened December 26 at 20h00.
Former hitman Jimmy "The Tulip" Tudeski has retired from his life of crime and is living a quiet life of cooking and housekeeping in Mexico, despite the fact his wife, Jill, a would-be hired killer, still wants to keep her hand in the business. Tudeski has been able to convince the authorities he's dead thanks to dental records falsified by his former neighbour Nicholas "Oz" Oseransky, who lives in Los Angeles. But Oseransky discovers that not everyone is fooled by Tudeski's handiwork when his wife, Cynthia, is kidnapped by Lazlo Gogolak and his goons. Gogolak is a high-ranking member of the Hungarian mafia, and Tudeski previously murdered his son, so he's abducted Cynthia in order to get Oseransky to reveal the hired killer's current whereabouts. But Tudeski has come to like the quiet life, and isn't so sure he wants to face Gogolak and his crew for the sake of a jittery dentist who once did him a favour.
THE TERMINATOR
MNet Action to screen movie with Arnold Schwartzenegger and Linda Hamilton.
MNet Action is to screen the movie The Terminator on December 30 at 20h00. Directed by James Cameron in 1984, the movie stars Arnold Schwartzenegger and Linda Hamilton.
The year is 1984. Lighting emanates above a garbage truck, knocking out power. The driver sees an object ahead of him and flees as the electrical surge dissipates. The object is a man, naked and muscular and he stands up and starts walking toward the city where he is spotted by three young punks. The man orders the men to give him their clothes, and the punks produce knives in response. The giant swats two punks aside, the third stabs him, but the giant tears open the punk's body and kills him, for the giant is a cyborg, a machine-being within the outer body of a human. The cyborg is from the year 2029, where artificial intelligence has launched nuclear annihilation and humans fight to survive extermination led by a courageous man known as John Connor. The machines have discovered the secret of time travel and have sent this cyborg, known as a Terminator, back in time to stop the birth of John Connor.
MNet Action is to screen the movie The Terminator on December 30 at 20h00. Directed by James Cameron in 1984, the movie stars Arnold Schwartzenegger and Linda Hamilton.
The year is 1984. Lighting emanates above a garbage truck, knocking out power. The driver sees an object ahead of him and flees as the electrical surge dissipates. The object is a man, naked and muscular and he stands up and starts walking toward the city where he is spotted by three young punks. The man orders the men to give him their clothes, and the punks produce knives in response. The giant swats two punks aside, the third stabs him, but the giant tears open the punk's body and kills him, for the giant is a cyborg, a machine-being within the outer body of a human. The cyborg is from the year 2029, where artificial intelligence has launched nuclear annihilation and humans fight to survive extermination led by a courageous man known as John Connor. The machines have discovered the secret of time travel and have sent this cyborg, known as a Terminator, back in time to stop the birth of John Connor.
M-NET NEW YEAR SPECIAL 2010
See South Africa’s favourite musicians and celebrities perform!
The year 2010 is almost upon us, and M-Net plans on celebrating in style! To honour the biggest local acts of the year gone by, M-Net has put together a two-hour special consisting of some of South Africa’s best musical talent, as well as featuring New Year’s messages from a host of M-Net’s favourite celebrities.
Presented by Elana Afrika, the concert will be broadcast on the channel on January 1 2010 at 20h00.
The star-studded line-up includes stunning performances from 1st Project drumming group, Brandon October, Andriette Norman, Louise Carver, Flash Republic, Graeme Watkins, Freshlyground, Lira, Arno Carstens and Zebra and Giraffe! Expect to see show-stopping performances of their best material and a dazzling duet, as well as the exclusive television debut of Arno Carstens’ first single off his brand new album, entitled Dreamer.
Viewers will also be treated to New Year’s wishes and resolutions from celebrities such as PJ Powers, Patricia de Lille, Liezel van der Westhuizen and Randall Abrahams, to name a few.
After a long night of partying, settle in on January 1 for this exciting special, only on M-Net!
The year 2010 is almost upon us, and M-Net plans on celebrating in style! To honour the biggest local acts of the year gone by, M-Net has put together a two-hour special consisting of some of South Africa’s best musical talent, as well as featuring New Year’s messages from a host of M-Net’s favourite celebrities.
Presented by Elana Afrika, the concert will be broadcast on the channel on January 1 2010 at 20h00.
The star-studded line-up includes stunning performances from 1st Project drumming group, Brandon October, Andriette Norman, Louise Carver, Flash Republic, Graeme Watkins, Freshlyground, Lira, Arno Carstens and Zebra and Giraffe! Expect to see show-stopping performances of their best material and a dazzling duet, as well as the exclusive television debut of Arno Carstens’ first single off his brand new album, entitled Dreamer.
Viewers will also be treated to New Year’s wishes and resolutions from celebrities such as PJ Powers, Patricia de Lille, Liezel van der Westhuizen and Randall Abrahams, to name a few.
After a long night of partying, settle in on January 1 for this exciting special, only on M-Net!
WILD AT HEART
Hallmark Channel to host continued series about game park in Africa.
Hallmark Channel on DStv is to continue the Wild at Heart series.
Life for the Trevanions at Leopards Den, the game park in Africa, is changing. After the tragic loss of Sarah in the fire, Danny and the family have to move on. A new animal hospital has been built and a new vet called Alice, accompanied by her daughter Charlotte, has been hired to aid them in the reconstruction process. There is another new face in the shape of Alice's Brother Rowan, who becomes ensconced with business woman Vanessa at the neighbouring game park Mara. Danny also has to deal with the possibility of losing his stepson Evan, since Sarah's death means he should legally go back to his real father in the UK.
Hallmark Channel on DStv is to continue the Wild at Heart series.
Life for the Trevanions at Leopards Den, the game park in Africa, is changing. After the tragic loss of Sarah in the fire, Danny and the family have to move on. A new animal hospital has been built and a new vet called Alice, accompanied by her daughter Charlotte, has been hired to aid them in the reconstruction process. There is another new face in the shape of Alice's Brother Rowan, who becomes ensconced with business woman Vanessa at the neighbouring game park Mara. Danny also has to deal with the possibility of losing his stepson Evan, since Sarah's death means he should legally go back to his real father in the UK.
BEST OF BOTH GIRLS
Hannah Miley Best of Both Girls ultimate tribute show at Barnyard.
Experience the excitement of Hannah and Miley in Showtime Australia's Hannah Miley Best of Both Girls Ultimate Tribute Show at Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom's iZulu Theatre from December 26.
Performed by Clasina and her live band, the show is a tribute to the immensely popular TV show that has taken the world by storm, and features all the hit songs including Rock Star, If we Were a Movie, The Other Side of Me, Life's What You Make It, I Miss You, One in a Million, True Friend, 7 Things and The Best of Both Worlds, and many more.
Book early to see this action packed singing and dancing extravaganza. The Hannah Miley Best of Both Girls Ultimate Tribute Show runs at the iZulu Theatre at Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom from December 26 to January 10 with shows at 14h00. Tickets R120 pp booked through Computicket on 083 915 8000.
Experience the excitement of Hannah and Miley in Showtime Australia's Hannah Miley Best of Both Girls Ultimate Tribute Show at Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom's iZulu Theatre from December 26.
Performed by Clasina and her live band, the show is a tribute to the immensely popular TV show that has taken the world by storm, and features all the hit songs including Rock Star, If we Were a Movie, The Other Side of Me, Life's What You Make It, I Miss You, One in a Million, True Friend, 7 Things and The Best of Both Worlds, and many more.
Book early to see this action packed singing and dancing extravaganza. The Hannah Miley Best of Both Girls Ultimate Tribute Show runs at the iZulu Theatre at Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom from December 26 to January 10 with shows at 14h00. Tickets R120 pp booked through Computicket on 083 915 8000.
CZAR AND KING CLUB TO HOST NYE
New Year’s Eve to be hosted at two different venues with shuttle service in between.
Czar and King Club are to host one elegant New Year’s Eve at both venues with a shuttle service to carry patrons in between.
Tickets R250 (R400 double) includes a glass of bubbly on countdown. Also on offer Asian Tapas, caviar sushi and desserts and signature cocktails on arrival. Shuttle service between venues. DJs Funky G, Rolly and Mimi K.
Czar is situated at 178 Florida Road (031 312 8001) and King Club is in the Playhouse complex, entrance 231 Smith Street (031 304 2373)
Czar and King Club are to host one elegant New Year’s Eve at both venues with a shuttle service to carry patrons in between.
Tickets R250 (R400 double) includes a glass of bubbly on countdown. Also on offer Asian Tapas, caviar sushi and desserts and signature cocktails on arrival. Shuttle service between venues. DJs Funky G, Rolly and Mimi K.
Czar is situated at 178 Florida Road (031 312 8001) and King Club is in the Playhouse complex, entrance 231 Smith Street (031 304 2373)
PICA AWARD FOR CLASSICFEEL
CLASSICFEEL wins a coveted PICA Award.
CLASSICFEEL Magazine is very proud to be the recipient of the 2009 PICA Award for Best Magazine Cover.
The arts and culture magazine beat 29 other popular and highly acclaimed publications to take this much-coveted prize, which was judged mainly on the effectiveness of the cover on a newsstand, and the role the cover played in increasing circulation for the month in question. The strength of the content of the cover story in relation to the cover itself was also assessed.
The PICA Awards are the most prestigious awards in South Africa's magazine publishing industry, aimed at recognising excellence in publishing and journalism and, considering the overall strength of the many publications that enter every year, the prize is truly a feather in CLASSICFEEL's cap.
It was CLASSICFEEL's May 2009 issue, adorned with a striking portrait of Nobel Prize winning author Nadine Gordimer, that won the award.
The PICA nod was a crowning achievement for an issue that was already very special. CLASSICFEEL Editor in Chief Lore Watterson said: “This was always going to be a wonderful issue considering the rare and exclusive interview granted to us by Nadine Gordimer. Both with the striking cover and the groundbreaking story that it represented, it marked a vital turning point in CLASSICFEEL's development as South Africa's prime arts and culture magazine. Winning the PICA was a much-appreciated recognition of our hard work in shaping the CLASSICFEEL brand, and a true honour.”
CLASSICFEEL Magazine is very proud to be the recipient of the 2009 PICA Award for Best Magazine Cover.
The arts and culture magazine beat 29 other popular and highly acclaimed publications to take this much-coveted prize, which was judged mainly on the effectiveness of the cover on a newsstand, and the role the cover played in increasing circulation for the month in question. The strength of the content of the cover story in relation to the cover itself was also assessed.
The PICA Awards are the most prestigious awards in South Africa's magazine publishing industry, aimed at recognising excellence in publishing and journalism and, considering the overall strength of the many publications that enter every year, the prize is truly a feather in CLASSICFEEL's cap.
It was CLASSICFEEL's May 2009 issue, adorned with a striking portrait of Nobel Prize winning author Nadine Gordimer, that won the award.
The PICA nod was a crowning achievement for an issue that was already very special. CLASSICFEEL Editor in Chief Lore Watterson said: “This was always going to be a wonderful issue considering the rare and exclusive interview granted to us by Nadine Gordimer. Both with the striking cover and the groundbreaking story that it represented, it marked a vital turning point in CLASSICFEEL's development as South Africa's prime arts and culture magazine. Winning the PICA was a much-appreciated recognition of our hard work in shaping the CLASSICFEEL brand, and a true honour.”
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
KARMA KOMEDIAN
Sandman Productions presents Karma Komedian at the Suncoast Zone. (Review by Shika Budhoo)
Starring Sans Moonsamy, the one-man show titled Karma Komedian at Suncoast Zone features a host of lively characters.
I must mention that every time I’ve visited the Suncoast Zone, the layout is different each time and the floor plan is more refreshing and accommodating. With better seating, a fully operational air-conditioner, and nice stage placement, the show’s viewing has been put together for optimal live-show viewing.
Karma Komedian, a play on the famous hit song Karma Chameleon as well as the Hindu meaning of Karma i.e. to pay for one’s wrong-doing; brings on board a host of different images and levels of humour that appeal to all types of Indian theatre goers, the shape-shifters as well as the sinful. Sans Moonsamy drew on some of his well-known characters from his previous shows, introduced new refreshing ones, and presented them with great skill and his usual high-energy delivery.
As the main character, himself, Sans Moonsamy showed an Indian man running for the South African presidency and what ensued was the usual quick-witted and fast paced situations of complete hilarity in the outrageous Sans-Moonsamy-fashion we’ve come to love and expect.
His other characters included the rough and cut Vishnu Moodley from Unit 2, a news reader, a weatherman, as sports commentator, two Bollywood puppets, an old roti-making aunty Romilla and our country’s very own JZ (Jacob Zuma, of course!). In between the presidential election kick-off campaign, this array of colourful characters poke, joked, sang and danced, keeping the audience laughing and satisfied. In a very stand-up style delivery, Sans Moonsamy presented his election candidate which differed greatly to the split-costumed Bollywood dance behind a set palm tree; these two give the perfect example of the versatility evident in Moonsamy’s work.
Karma Komedian will keep you laughing, surprised and wanting more from this zany person, Moonsamy; who brings the stage to life. Make sure you book your ticket to go and watch Karma Komedian at the Suncoast Zone this December. - Shika Budhoo
Starring Sans Moonsamy, the one-man show titled Karma Komedian at Suncoast Zone features a host of lively characters.
I must mention that every time I’ve visited the Suncoast Zone, the layout is different each time and the floor plan is more refreshing and accommodating. With better seating, a fully operational air-conditioner, and nice stage placement, the show’s viewing has been put together for optimal live-show viewing.
Karma Komedian, a play on the famous hit song Karma Chameleon as well as the Hindu meaning of Karma i.e. to pay for one’s wrong-doing; brings on board a host of different images and levels of humour that appeal to all types of Indian theatre goers, the shape-shifters as well as the sinful. Sans Moonsamy drew on some of his well-known characters from his previous shows, introduced new refreshing ones, and presented them with great skill and his usual high-energy delivery.
As the main character, himself, Sans Moonsamy showed an Indian man running for the South African presidency and what ensued was the usual quick-witted and fast paced situations of complete hilarity in the outrageous Sans-Moonsamy-fashion we’ve come to love and expect.
His other characters included the rough and cut Vishnu Moodley from Unit 2, a news reader, a weatherman, as sports commentator, two Bollywood puppets, an old roti-making aunty Romilla and our country’s very own JZ (Jacob Zuma, of course!). In between the presidential election kick-off campaign, this array of colourful characters poke, joked, sang and danced, keeping the audience laughing and satisfied. In a very stand-up style delivery, Sans Moonsamy presented his election candidate which differed greatly to the split-costumed Bollywood dance behind a set palm tree; these two give the perfect example of the versatility evident in Moonsamy’s work.
Karma Komedian will keep you laughing, surprised and wanting more from this zany person, Moonsamy; who brings the stage to life. Make sure you book your ticket to go and watch Karma Komedian at the Suncoast Zone this December. - Shika Budhoo
Monday, December 21, 2009
THE MUPPETS FOR MNET STARS
Two movies involving the popular Muppets to be screened on MNet Stars on December 22 and 23.
The MNet Stars channel will screen two movies involving the popular Muppets on MNet Stars on December 22 and 23.
Muppets From Space can be seen on December 22 at 19h30. Directed by Andie MacDowell in 1999, it stars Kermit the Frog and Rizzo Rat. When Gonzo the Muppet finds a message in his bowl of cereal, he becomes convinced that his real family are aliens and that they are coming to fetch him.
Gonzo the Muppet has been having strange dreams, and when his cereal turns up the letters “R u there?”, he becomes convinced that he’s being contacted by aliens from space. As he watches the night skies, he attracts the attention of a government agent, who is desperate to find proof of the existence of aliens. Soon Gonzo is snatched, and it’s up to his Muppet pals – Rizzo, Kermit and Miss Piggy, among others – to save him and get him to a very important rendezvous.
It’s A Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie will be screened on December 23 at 19h45. Directed by Kirk R Thatcher in 2002, it stars Liam Aiken (voice) and Joan Cusack. This is a charmer in which a depressed Kermit the Frog gets a visit from an angel who shows him what would have happened to his friends if he never existed.
Kermit the Frog gets horribly depressed when he is unable to save his beloved Muppet Theatre from the clutches of a greedy banker. At that point, God sends an angel to earth to show Kermit that the world would have been a far worse place had Kermit never existed – restoring the Muppet’s faith that everything is possible with the support of family and friends.
The MNet Stars channel will screen two movies involving the popular Muppets on MNet Stars on December 22 and 23.
Muppets From Space can be seen on December 22 at 19h30. Directed by Andie MacDowell in 1999, it stars Kermit the Frog and Rizzo Rat. When Gonzo the Muppet finds a message in his bowl of cereal, he becomes convinced that his real family are aliens and that they are coming to fetch him.
Gonzo the Muppet has been having strange dreams, and when his cereal turns up the letters “R u there?”, he becomes convinced that he’s being contacted by aliens from space. As he watches the night skies, he attracts the attention of a government agent, who is desperate to find proof of the existence of aliens. Soon Gonzo is snatched, and it’s up to his Muppet pals – Rizzo, Kermit and Miss Piggy, among others – to save him and get him to a very important rendezvous.
It’s A Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie will be screened on December 23 at 19h45. Directed by Kirk R Thatcher in 2002, it stars Liam Aiken (voice) and Joan Cusack. This is a charmer in which a depressed Kermit the Frog gets a visit from an angel who shows him what would have happened to his friends if he never existed.
Kermit the Frog gets horribly depressed when he is unable to save his beloved Muppet Theatre from the clutches of a greedy banker. At that point, God sends an angel to earth to show Kermit that the world would have been a far worse place had Kermit never existed – restoring the Muppet’s faith that everything is possible with the support of family and friends.
WHITE WEDDING
Kenneth Nkosi, Rapulana Seiphemo and Jodie Whittaker star in movie on MNet directed by Jann Turner.
White Wedding can be seen on MNet on December 25 at 20h55. Directed by Jann Turner, it stars Kenneth Nkosi, Rapulana Seiphemo and Jodie Whittaker. Two friends on their way to the one’s wedding get involved in adventures involving a goat, a feisty English girl and some crusty Afrikaners.
White Wedding revolves around two best friends, Elvis and Tumi, who become involved in all kinds of shenanigans on their way to Elvis’s wedding. The boys lose their car, miss the bus, bump into some eccentric Afrikaners, and flirt with a feisty English woman, but the closer the duo get to the Mother City, the more they discover that they are all members of South Africa’s rainbow nation.
White Wedding can be seen on MNet on December 25 at 20h55. Directed by Jann Turner, it stars Kenneth Nkosi, Rapulana Seiphemo and Jodie Whittaker. Two friends on their way to the one’s wedding get involved in adventures involving a goat, a feisty English girl and some crusty Afrikaners.
White Wedding revolves around two best friends, Elvis and Tumi, who become involved in all kinds of shenanigans on their way to Elvis’s wedding. The boys lose their car, miss the bus, bump into some eccentric Afrikaners, and flirt with a feisty English woman, but the closer the duo get to the Mother City, the more they discover that they are all members of South Africa’s rainbow nation.
ALEX: A PASSION FOR LIFE
Alex: A Passion for Life is due to be screened on MNet on December 27 at 17h00.
Alex Stobbs, the amazingly talented Eton music scholar who, as the subject of the much-loved Cutting Edge film A Boy Called Alex inspired rave reviews and won the nation's heart, is now 18. He has severe cystic fibrosis, an incurable lung disease which is steadily getting worse. And yet, against incredible odds, he has achieved his ambition to study music at King's College in Cambridge University, where he also sings as a choral scholar in one of the most celebrated choirs in the world.
Despite requiring huge amounts of medication and daily oxygen, being deaf to high notes and suffering from osteoporosis in his fingers, Alex still has a beautiful voice and continues to astonish everybody with his extraordinary talents as pianist, organist and conductor.
And now he has fulfilled his greatest dream: to conduct one of the world’s most famous choral works, Bach’s St. Matthew Passion. In April 2009, he was invited to conduct the Passion with a major professional orchestra and some of Britain’s best singers in one of London’s top concert halls. An audience of a thousand was there to watch him as he took on the three-hour epic in the climax of this film. It was as much an endurance test as the biggest musical challenge of his life. But nothing would stop Alex from getting there.
Alex Stobbs, the amazingly talented Eton music scholar who, as the subject of the much-loved Cutting Edge film A Boy Called Alex inspired rave reviews and won the nation's heart, is now 18. He has severe cystic fibrosis, an incurable lung disease which is steadily getting worse. And yet, against incredible odds, he has achieved his ambition to study music at King's College in Cambridge University, where he also sings as a choral scholar in one of the most celebrated choirs in the world.
Despite requiring huge amounts of medication and daily oxygen, being deaf to high notes and suffering from osteoporosis in his fingers, Alex still has a beautiful voice and continues to astonish everybody with his extraordinary talents as pianist, organist and conductor.
And now he has fulfilled his greatest dream: to conduct one of the world’s most famous choral works, Bach’s St. Matthew Passion. In April 2009, he was invited to conduct the Passion with a major professional orchestra and some of Britain’s best singers in one of London’s top concert halls. An audience of a thousand was there to watch him as he took on the three-hour epic in the climax of this film. It was as much an endurance test as the biggest musical challenge of his life. But nothing would stop Alex from getting there.
ROYAL VARIETY PERFORMANCE
Annual royal gala provides variety spectacular to outshine all others.
The annual Royal Variety Performance sees a glittering array of celebrity performers from around the world gathering to entertain Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and reaching a theatre audience of thousands and millions of television viewers.
Due to be screened on MNet on December 31 at 22h30, the coverage of the performance continues a rich tradition of extravaganzas stretching back to 1912. The royal gala features music, theatrical performances and comedy in a variety spectacular to outshine all others.
The annual Royal Variety Performance sees a glittering array of celebrity performers from around the world gathering to entertain Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and reaching a theatre audience of thousands and millions of television viewers.
Due to be screened on MNet on December 31 at 22h30, the coverage of the performance continues a rich tradition of extravaganzas stretching back to 1912. The royal gala features music, theatrical performances and comedy in a variety spectacular to outshine all others.
MICHAEL BUBLÉ
A revealing portrait of one man’s dream for MNet.
MNet will screen Michael Bublé on December 26 at 19h00.
It’s often been said hat all the talent in the world can’t make up for motivation, dedication and a lifelong commitment to craft and career. Happily for acclaimed vocalist Michael Bublé, all the talent in the world comes with a potent work ethic that has earned him an international following the old fashioned way: one fan at a time. Six years, 40 countries, 792 shows, over 20 million albums sold – all building to one night. A revealing portrait of one man’s dream. Featuring a live performance and behind the scenes footage from a sold-out show directed by Dick Carruthers.
MNet will screen Michael Bublé on December 26 at 19h00.
It’s often been said hat all the talent in the world can’t make up for motivation, dedication and a lifelong commitment to craft and career. Happily for acclaimed vocalist Michael Bublé, all the talent in the world comes with a potent work ethic that has earned him an international following the old fashioned way: one fan at a time. Six years, 40 countries, 792 shows, over 20 million albums sold – all building to one night. A revealing portrait of one man’s dream. Featuring a live performance and behind the scenes footage from a sold-out show directed by Dick Carruthers.
INVASION OF THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
Follow Christmas enthusiasts as they prepare for their biggest and best Christmas yet!
Due to be screened on MNet on December 23 at 19h30, is Invasion of the Christmas Lights which is an invasion which results from an X-treme Christmas obsession with neighbours from Hell!
Christmas is a time for giving and these X-treme characters believe they are giving a whole load of love and joy to their families, neighbours and community. They don’t realise they are giving some of their neighbours a nightmare from Hell!
Viewers follow the Christmas enthusiasts as they prepare for their biggest and best Christmas yet! Hundreds and thousands of dollars are spent on their Christmas displays each year as they transform their homes into the biggest Christmas display ever seen in their street, their towns, their country!
Due to be screened on MNet on December 23 at 19h30, is Invasion of the Christmas Lights which is an invasion which results from an X-treme Christmas obsession with neighbours from Hell!
Christmas is a time for giving and these X-treme characters believe they are giving a whole load of love and joy to their families, neighbours and community. They don’t realise they are giving some of their neighbours a nightmare from Hell!
Viewers follow the Christmas enthusiasts as they prepare for their biggest and best Christmas yet! Hundreds and thousands of dollars are spent on their Christmas displays each year as they transform their homes into the biggest Christmas display ever seen in their street, their towns, their country!
RAINBOW BATTLE OF THE BANDS
Legendary Rainbow Restaurant in Pinetown runs a band competition from January 2010 to June 2010.
Entries are now open for So, do you like our Music?, a battle of the bands being presented at the legendary Rainbow Restaurant situated at 23 Stanfield Lane, Pinetown. The title of the project has a double meaning. It is the question the groups competing will be asking the audience and judges. It is also the question South Africa will be asking visitors during the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup.
Groups wishing to enter can compete in one of the following categories: Maskanda; Isicathamiya; Afro-Beat/Mbhaqanga; Afro-Jazz/Jazz, and Youth category (incorporating afro-pop, afro-rock, hip-hop, kwaito etcetera).
In the first round, groups from each category will compete against one another to find the top three or four groups in that category (depending on number of entries). The second round will be the category finals where the top group will be identified from each category. It should be noted here that there would be two category winners’ prizes for the Youth Category.
Category Winners will receive a cash prize of R5,000 per group. The six Category Winners will then go on to compete in the Grand Finale where the best group displaying the necessary skills, musicality and promise will walk away with a full recording contract from the KZN Music House managed by Committed Artists.
In addition to the above-mentioned prizes, other event partners such as Prosound and Yamaha have donated equipment prizes such as microphones and PA systems. Vouchers from Yamaha’s retail arm, Music Inc at the La Lucia Mall, can be won by audience members and competitors during the heats. Category winners and other outstanding acts who participate will get commercial performance slots at the Rainbow when World Cup matches are screened at the venue.
Groups competing will perform on the latest ElectroVoice Tour-X PA system, installed at the Rainbow by Prosound who will provide all additional sound reinforcement requirements of the project. Music Inc will provide a complete backline set-up consisting of a Yamaha piano and synthesizer, Yamaha Stage Custom Birch Drum Kit, Crate acoustic and lead guitar amplifiers and an Ampeg bass amplifier.
A further developmental aspect of the project comes courtesy of the Durban University of Technology’s Department of Entertainment Technology, which will be supplying the engineers for the technical management of the project. This will provide the students with crucial practical experience in the build up to the World Cup.
For further information, groups can contact the Rainbow Restaurant on 031 702 9161 or 083 463 8044 during office hours. Entry forms can be collected from the Rainbow and can be found in the weekly editions of our media partners Umafrika newspaper or on the Rainbow’s website at www.therainbow.co.za
Entries are now open for So, do you like our Music?, a battle of the bands being presented at the legendary Rainbow Restaurant situated at 23 Stanfield Lane, Pinetown. The title of the project has a double meaning. It is the question the groups competing will be asking the audience and judges. It is also the question South Africa will be asking visitors during the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup.
Groups wishing to enter can compete in one of the following categories: Maskanda; Isicathamiya; Afro-Beat/Mbhaqanga; Afro-Jazz/Jazz, and Youth category (incorporating afro-pop, afro-rock, hip-hop, kwaito etcetera).
In the first round, groups from each category will compete against one another to find the top three or four groups in that category (depending on number of entries). The second round will be the category finals where the top group will be identified from each category. It should be noted here that there would be two category winners’ prizes for the Youth Category.
Category Winners will receive a cash prize of R5,000 per group. The six Category Winners will then go on to compete in the Grand Finale where the best group displaying the necessary skills, musicality and promise will walk away with a full recording contract from the KZN Music House managed by Committed Artists.
In addition to the above-mentioned prizes, other event partners such as Prosound and Yamaha have donated equipment prizes such as microphones and PA systems. Vouchers from Yamaha’s retail arm, Music Inc at the La Lucia Mall, can be won by audience members and competitors during the heats. Category winners and other outstanding acts who participate will get commercial performance slots at the Rainbow when World Cup matches are screened at the venue.
Groups competing will perform on the latest ElectroVoice Tour-X PA system, installed at the Rainbow by Prosound who will provide all additional sound reinforcement requirements of the project. Music Inc will provide a complete backline set-up consisting of a Yamaha piano and synthesizer, Yamaha Stage Custom Birch Drum Kit, Crate acoustic and lead guitar amplifiers and an Ampeg bass amplifier.
A further developmental aspect of the project comes courtesy of the Durban University of Technology’s Department of Entertainment Technology, which will be supplying the engineers for the technical management of the project. This will provide the students with crucial practical experience in the build up to the World Cup.
For further information, groups can contact the Rainbow Restaurant on 031 702 9161 or 083 463 8044 during office hours. Entry forms can be collected from the Rainbow and can be found in the weekly editions of our media partners Umafrika newspaper or on the Rainbow’s website at www.therainbow.co.za
LOTTO PLAYERS R1.3B CONTRIBUTION
Lotto players contribute R1,3 billion to NGO’s across South Africa.
A R1,3 billion cash injection from the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF) to Charities, Arts and Sports NGO’s across South Africa since April 2009 will certainly help ease the burden on cash-strapped NGO’s in the current financial crisis.
The payment to NLDTF beneficiaries from April 1 to December 18 2009 can be broken down as follows: Arts, Culture & National Heritage R240m with Charities and Sport & Recreation receiving R781m and R300m respectively.
In the period December 1 to 18 2009 alone, R462 million was paid out to 55 arts NGO’s, 355 charities NGO’s and 110 sports NGO’s.
Through the participation of South African’s in the National Lottery, thousands of NGO’s benefit from NLDTF funding and can continue to care and provide for the more vulnerable in South Africa. Since inception of the National Lottery in March 2000, more than 11,000 NGO’s have been allocated more than R8 billion from the proceeds of the National Lottery.
A R1,3 billion cash injection from the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF) to Charities, Arts and Sports NGO’s across South Africa since April 2009 will certainly help ease the burden on cash-strapped NGO’s in the current financial crisis.
The payment to NLDTF beneficiaries from April 1 to December 18 2009 can be broken down as follows: Arts, Culture & National Heritage R240m with Charities and Sport & Recreation receiving R781m and R300m respectively.
In the period December 1 to 18 2009 alone, R462 million was paid out to 55 arts NGO’s, 355 charities NGO’s and 110 sports NGO’s.
Through the participation of South African’s in the National Lottery, thousands of NGO’s benefit from NLDTF funding and can continue to care and provide for the more vulnerable in South Africa. Since inception of the National Lottery in March 2000, more than 11,000 NGO’s have been allocated more than R8 billion from the proceeds of the National Lottery.
AVATAR
(A compelling scene from the movie)James Cameron's groundbreaking, $300 million movie not only a fabulous fantasy in a world of fluorescence, but the standout movie of 2009. (Review by Billy Suter, courtesy of The Mercury)
Here it is, folks, the most memorable movie of the year – one that has been decades in the planning, cost a whopping $300 million to create and which has received four Golden Globe nominations (for best drama, director James Cameron, James Horner’s score and the theme song, I Will See You).
Avatar is also proving a monster hit, which augurs well for Cameron’s trilogy plan – the first day of box-office takings saw it become the third highest-grossing film ever for a December release, after The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King and I Am Legend.
Remember that sense of awe, wonder and history-in-the-making you felt when you first saw Star Wars and The Matrix? Or when you first experienced Toy Story, the pioneering computer-animated feature (to be re-released in 3D early in January, by the way)? Well, that’s how spellbound you’ll be by Avatar, writer-director Cameron’s first film since his record-breaking Titanic 12 years ago, and one that offers a compelling story with universal themes, all glossily wrapped in elaborate and quite magical visual spectacle. It’s a groundbreaking fantasy work for which, like George Lucas did with the Star Wars franchise, Cameron has created an intricately detailed new world that never fails to amaze.
Another back-pat for Cameron for having been instrumental in developing new technology to create the seamless morphing of actors into fantasy creatures while filming in 3D (Avatar is shown in 2D in most cinemas, most splendidly at Umhlanga’s giant-sceen Imax cinema).
Cameron’s story is set in the year 2154 and on a planet called Pandora. There the native population called the Na’vi, scantily clad tree-hugger sorts with tails and long, plaited ponytails, lead a peaceful life. They are 3m-tall, human-meets-feline-like folk with striped, glittering blue skin and yellow eyes. And they are about to have their world rocked. The villains are greedy humans seeking a precious mineral called (rather amusingly) unobtainium, which becomes crucial to dying Earth’s survival.
The only way to harvest it is to shoo the Na’vi away from the mineral’s richest source around a monstrously colossal tree, which entails getting to know this precious spot and the big, blue creatures better. And that’s where charismatic Aussie actor Sam Worthington and a red-haired Sigourney Weaver (seen in Cameron’s Aliens) step in.
Worthington is Jake, a crippled marine, and Weaver is Grace, a chain-smoking scientist who has perfected the means of having herself, Jake and others’ minds control Na’vi clones that mix human and Na’vi DNA. These avatars, as they are called, enable Jake and company to pose as one of the locals, and mingle and learn from the tribe. The humans lie asleep in a pod while their avatars cavort in a fluorescent forest world inhabited by dangerous, six-legged animals, bizarre under-sea-like flora and flying, dragon-like creatures which the Na’vi harness after bonding with them using … um … tentacles in their .. um… ponytails.
Not unexpectedly, complications arise for Jake – first when he is approached by military toughies to spy on the Na’vi with a long-term view to exterminate them; then when he falls for one of the blue babes, a Na’vi princess called Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), and develops a conscience. It all mounts to a pretty spectacularly realised finale.
Avatar runs 20 minutes shy of three hours but it all just whizzes by. All going well, it will spawn a sequel or two (the cast has committed to a trilogy) – and certainly I’ll be first in line to see them. Rating 10/10 – Billy Suter
EARLY BIRD TICKETS FOR SPLASHY
(Splashy Fen takes place in the scenic surroundings of the southern Drakensberg)Early Bird tickets for Splashy Fen 2010 now on sale at Computicket!
Early Bird tickets for Splashy Fen 2010 which will take place from April 1 to 5, 2010, are now on sale at Computicket for just R350, which is a massive saving of R200 on the gate price. This offer is valid until the end of December only and tickets are limited, so don’t miss out!
Established in 1990, Splashy Fen is South Africa’s longest-running annual music festival, which every Easter attracts thousands of people to a farm near Underberg in KwaZulu-Natal for a unique outdoor music experience. Supported by Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, the festival offers a four-day line-up of some of the country’s hottest acts, top-class sound and lighting, plus a wide choice of outdoor leisure activities for the whole family.
Add to that the beautiful scenery of the southern Drakensberg, an abundance of different food and drink outlets, colourful arts and crafts, a crèche and children’s entertainment programme, as well as various camping and accommodation options and patrons are set for a winner of a long weekend! “Splashy Fen has something for everyone; in fact there’s nothing else in South Africa quite like it!” promise the organisers.
As part of the Early Bird promotion, tickets for children aged 4 to 11 will cost R50 during December 2009. These are available at physical Computicket outlets only (children under four get in free.) All tickets include camping for the entire festival from April 1-5.
For more information and to find out about the new Splashy Made Easy travel and accommodation packages available through Thompsons Travel, visit www.splashyfen.co.za or contact 031 563 0824.
SĀDHANĀ - REALISATION OF TRUTH
Refined classical dance tour planned for 2010/
The Natya Ananda Fine Arts Academy will host a refined classical dance tour throughout South Africa from February 25 to March 15, 2010. The Academy specialises in Bharatanathyam, a traditional dance form known for its grace, purity, tenderness, and sculpturesque poses. Artistic director Verushka Pather has set out to produce a world class production which she has named Sādhanā - Realisation of Truth .
Sādhanā is a means whereby bondage becomes liberation - a discipline undertaken in the pursuit of a goal. Pather believes dance to be her Sadhana. She has skilfully applied her graceful, seemingly effortless form of dance toward obtaining her goal, to serve humanity through her Sādhanā.
A fusion of Indian as well as South African artistic talent will be performing in Sādhanā. The three performers from India are as Dr. Anita Shanmughanathan on the nattvangum, Vocalist Smt. Vanathi Raghuraman, Shri. KP Ramesh Babu on the mridangam. The three performers from South Africa are Shri. Kesevan Manickam on the violin, Shri Seelan Pillay on the flute and Smt Verushka Pather as the lead dancer.
Sādhanā - Realisation of Truth promises to be an extravagant performance of graceful Bharatanathyam as never seen before. Tickets will be available from Computicket in early January 2010. Moe information from Nicole Pillay at Sky Events on 083 270 3004 or 074 964 0099 or fax 086 591 8556.
The Natya Ananda Fine Arts Academy will host a refined classical dance tour throughout South Africa from February 25 to March 15, 2010. The Academy specialises in Bharatanathyam, a traditional dance form known for its grace, purity, tenderness, and sculpturesque poses. Artistic director Verushka Pather has set out to produce a world class production which she has named Sādhanā - Realisation of Truth .
Sādhanā is a means whereby bondage becomes liberation - a discipline undertaken in the pursuit of a goal. Pather believes dance to be her Sadhana. She has skilfully applied her graceful, seemingly effortless form of dance toward obtaining her goal, to serve humanity through her Sādhanā.
A fusion of Indian as well as South African artistic talent will be performing in Sādhanā. The three performers from India are as Dr. Anita Shanmughanathan on the nattvangum, Vocalist Smt. Vanathi Raghuraman, Shri. KP Ramesh Babu on the mridangam. The three performers from South Africa are Shri. Kesevan Manickam on the violin, Shri Seelan Pillay on the flute and Smt Verushka Pather as the lead dancer.
Sādhanā - Realisation of Truth promises to be an extravagant performance of graceful Bharatanathyam as never seen before. Tickets will be available from Computicket in early January 2010. Moe information from Nicole Pillay at Sky Events on 083 270 3004 or 074 964 0099 or fax 086 591 8556.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
RIVERS OF THE WORLD
Informative Outdoor Art Exhibition still running at Durban Botanic Gardens.
Presented by the British Council, the touring exhibition Rivers of the World is still running in the Durban Botanic Gardens.
In 2007/8 learners from various schools and educational centres in London (UK); Shanghai (China); Kolkata (India); Cairo (Egypt); Sao Paulo and Recife (Brazil); the State of Veracruz (Mexico) and Cape Town worked with artists to create a series of magnificent large-format artworks inspired by their city’s river. The artwork, and accompanying narrative, is being displayed in this innovative touring exhibition which is travelling to each of the riverside locations in each of the participating cities.
“Rivers of the World is a creative visual art and design project which links over 2000 young people around the world. The project enables young people to collaborate with their international counterparts developing their understanding of the world. These striking artworks offer a very tangible demonstration of who different perspectives and an international dimension in education serve to enrich young people’s learning – and ultimately their futures. The British Council is delighted to be supporting this project,” says Martin Davidson, Chief Executive of British Council.
The exhibition comprises nearly one hundred 3m x 1m especially constructed all weather panels which are displayed in pillars of four panels each throughout the garden.
The gardens are open seven days a week. Entry to the gardens is free and all are welcome. School groups are encouraged to contact Martin Clement on 031 309 1170 or fax 031 309 1271 or visit www.durbanbotanicgardens.org.za Further information at http://rivers.thamesfestival.org
Presented by the British Council, the touring exhibition Rivers of the World is still running in the Durban Botanic Gardens.
In 2007/8 learners from various schools and educational centres in London (UK); Shanghai (China); Kolkata (India); Cairo (Egypt); Sao Paulo and Recife (Brazil); the State of Veracruz (Mexico) and Cape Town worked with artists to create a series of magnificent large-format artworks inspired by their city’s river. The artwork, and accompanying narrative, is being displayed in this innovative touring exhibition which is travelling to each of the riverside locations in each of the participating cities.
“Rivers of the World is a creative visual art and design project which links over 2000 young people around the world. The project enables young people to collaborate with their international counterparts developing their understanding of the world. These striking artworks offer a very tangible demonstration of who different perspectives and an international dimension in education serve to enrich young people’s learning – and ultimately their futures. The British Council is delighted to be supporting this project,” says Martin Davidson, Chief Executive of British Council.
The exhibition comprises nearly one hundred 3m x 1m especially constructed all weather panels which are displayed in pillars of four panels each throughout the garden.
The gardens are open seven days a week. Entry to the gardens is free and all are welcome. School groups are encouraged to contact Martin Clement on 031 309 1170 or fax 031 309 1271 or visit www.durbanbotanicgardens.org.za Further information at http://rivers.thamesfestival.org
BBC ENTERTAINMENT
Superb range of television entertainment over the festive season.
BBC Entertainment on DStv offers a superb range of television entertainment over the festive season. It’s enough to cancel all social commitments and stay locked to the television.
Lovers of whacky humour will delight in the classic Monty Python's Flying Circus, the highly popular quirky sketch show starring John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Jones, Graham Chapman, Terry Gilliam and Eric Idle.
Then there’s Allo 'Allo! which has been running for several weeks already. The story on December 22 sees General von Flockenstoffen deciding to launch a raid to capture Churchill. The Colonel, Gruber and Bertorelli resort to desperate measures to stop him.
Still running is the exciting quiz show The Weakest Link hosted by Anne Robinson where contestants work together to build up the prize money before going head to head in the final round. On December 23 at 10h00, Anne Robinson raises some difficult questions as the cas of the popular comedy series My Family appear on the show.
Anne Robinson makes a guest appearance on The Kumars At No 42: Christmas Special (2004) in which Sanjeev and the Kumar family also welcome Phil Collins and ex-Wizzard frontman Roy Wood into their home.
Patricia Routledge continues to delight in Keeping Up Appearances which deals with the story of Hyacinth Bouquet while Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May can be seen in their fascinating Top Gear series.
After Christmas expect to see Wallander featuring Kenneth Branach in a series which sees Inspector Kurt Wallander’s investigation uncovering wrongdoing and corruption that extends to the heart of the Swedish establishment.
Spooks is a very fine dramatic series as is Judge John Deed featuring Martin Shaw. Good detective work is the order of the day in the offbeat The Inspector Lynley Mysteries as well as in the more forceful Dalziel and Pascoe.
On BBC Knowledge, you can follow Michael Palin on a number of fascinating exploits as he moves around the world, getting to know new cultures and new terrains.
Over Christmas Day and Boxing Day, there will be a series of programmes dealing with the British Royal Family at work - dealing with such subjects as preparation for state banquets, visits abroad or royal garden parties. One of the programmes is dedicated to the two British princes William and Harry.
BBC Entertainment on DStv offers a superb range of television entertainment over the festive season. It’s enough to cancel all social commitments and stay locked to the television.
Lovers of whacky humour will delight in the classic Monty Python's Flying Circus, the highly popular quirky sketch show starring John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Jones, Graham Chapman, Terry Gilliam and Eric Idle.
Then there’s Allo 'Allo! which has been running for several weeks already. The story on December 22 sees General von Flockenstoffen deciding to launch a raid to capture Churchill. The Colonel, Gruber and Bertorelli resort to desperate measures to stop him.
Still running is the exciting quiz show The Weakest Link hosted by Anne Robinson where contestants work together to build up the prize money before going head to head in the final round. On December 23 at 10h00, Anne Robinson raises some difficult questions as the cas of the popular comedy series My Family appear on the show.
Anne Robinson makes a guest appearance on The Kumars At No 42: Christmas Special (2004) in which Sanjeev and the Kumar family also welcome Phil Collins and ex-Wizzard frontman Roy Wood into their home.
Patricia Routledge continues to delight in Keeping Up Appearances which deals with the story of Hyacinth Bouquet while Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May can be seen in their fascinating Top Gear series.
After Christmas expect to see Wallander featuring Kenneth Branach in a series which sees Inspector Kurt Wallander’s investigation uncovering wrongdoing and corruption that extends to the heart of the Swedish establishment.
Spooks is a very fine dramatic series as is Judge John Deed featuring Martin Shaw. Good detective work is the order of the day in the offbeat The Inspector Lynley Mysteries as well as in the more forceful Dalziel and Pascoe.
On BBC Knowledge, you can follow Michael Palin on a number of fascinating exploits as he moves around the world, getting to know new cultures and new terrains.
Over Christmas Day and Boxing Day, there will be a series of programmes dealing with the British Royal Family at work - dealing with such subjects as preparation for state banquets, visits abroad or royal garden parties. One of the programmes is dedicated to the two British princes William and Harry.
THE CAROLS GO JAZZ
Exciting concept puts a twist and a vibe to Christmas Carols at Catalina Theatre
Christmas Carols have been and are a tradition in many countries and homes during the Christmas season. South Africa is no exception. Through its dedication to exposure of jazz music to many audiences and in the spirit of the Christmas holidays, ADnovate Media will host these jazz concerts themed The Carols Go Jazz. This is a very exciting concept that will be putting a twist to Christmas Carols and a vibe to them and will attract jazz lovers and lovers of Christmas carols.
The Carols Go Jazz runs at the Catalina Theatre from December 21 to 24 at 20h00. The Catalina Theatre is still functioning thanks to support from Rainbow Chicken, National Arts Council and Ethekwini Municipality. Block Bookings (30 or more) at Going Places box office 031 309 1841. Call Thandeka on 031 305 6889/ 305 7612 or email t74@mweb.co.za or tsibisi@mweb.co.za
Christmas Carols have been and are a tradition in many countries and homes during the Christmas season. South Africa is no exception. Through its dedication to exposure of jazz music to many audiences and in the spirit of the Christmas holidays, ADnovate Media will host these jazz concerts themed The Carols Go Jazz. This is a very exciting concept that will be putting a twist to Christmas Carols and a vibe to them and will attract jazz lovers and lovers of Christmas carols.
The Carols Go Jazz runs at the Catalina Theatre from December 21 to 24 at 20h00. The Catalina Theatre is still functioning thanks to support from Rainbow Chicken, National Arts Council and Ethekwini Municipality. Block Bookings (30 or more) at Going Places box office 031 309 1841. Call Thandeka on 031 305 6889/ 305 7612 or email t74@mweb.co.za or tsibisi@mweb.co.za
MUSIC EXTRAVAGANZA
Most enjoyable evening of song by eight Westville Theatre Club members offering quality not quantity. (Review by Maurice Kort)
The 2009 end-of-year production by the Westville Theatre Club departed from their usual large cast and concentrated on a small group of four men and four women, all in very good voice and with good stage presence. Another departure from their usual format was the choice of songs - not one is from a stage or film musical, which would be my choice, but they are lesser-known songs, certainly to me. This in no way detracts from the quality and enjoyment of the show which wowed the audience the evening I attended.
The format of Music Extravaganza consists mainly of solos with some duets, as well as songs by all the ladies (I Kissed a Girl and Not Fair - one of the highlights) or all the men (Rise and Fall) and the grand finale Karma Chameleon with the full cast (another highlight).
Particularly enjoyable were I'm Alive (Sylvia Tempest), Don't Know Why (Sarah Joubert), I'm Yours and Confession (Gareth Moerdyk), You Don't Know Me (Gordon Grant), I Surrender (Sue Watt), All Summer Long (Carl Parsonage, accompanied by two very sexy backup dancers, Chantal Saunders and Sarah Joubert). The show could indeed have benefited from more such imaginative backing offering more contact with the audience. A welcome and novel item in the 16 songs in the first half and the 14 after the interval was the ballet number River Flows in You by Chantal Saunders.
Standout duets were My Life Would Suck (Sue Watt and Sylvia Tempest), The Prayer (Sue Watt and Jerryn Fosteras) and Caruso (Gordon Grant and Jerryn Fosteras). Very popular was a surprise "guest" artist delivering the opening number of the second half Simply the Best - in more ways than one. It certainly was most popular and brought the house down.
The show is tightly directed by Jerryn Fosteras and Kevin Hillier, who was also responsible for the sound which generally was very well designed although I found a couple of the songs a bit loud, albeit not distorted. The small clubhouse has been transformed by the addition of a long ramp across the centre giving the cast greater mobility and proximity to the audience. This and the sumptuous backdrop to the stage brought a whole new level of class to the performance area. This walkway was a great challenge to the Lighting Designer and Ivor Bundock rose to the challenge, and more.
Not only were the singers in excellent voice but they were costumed most elegantly when required with one costume change after another adding even more class. Although the format did not lend itself to there being much choreography, what there was was nicely executed. – Maurice Kort
The 2009 end-of-year production by the Westville Theatre Club departed from their usual large cast and concentrated on a small group of four men and four women, all in very good voice and with good stage presence. Another departure from their usual format was the choice of songs - not one is from a stage or film musical, which would be my choice, but they are lesser-known songs, certainly to me. This in no way detracts from the quality and enjoyment of the show which wowed the audience the evening I attended.
The format of Music Extravaganza consists mainly of solos with some duets, as well as songs by all the ladies (I Kissed a Girl and Not Fair - one of the highlights) or all the men (Rise and Fall) and the grand finale Karma Chameleon with the full cast (another highlight).
Particularly enjoyable were I'm Alive (Sylvia Tempest), Don't Know Why (Sarah Joubert), I'm Yours and Confession (Gareth Moerdyk), You Don't Know Me (Gordon Grant), I Surrender (Sue Watt), All Summer Long (Carl Parsonage, accompanied by two very sexy backup dancers, Chantal Saunders and Sarah Joubert). The show could indeed have benefited from more such imaginative backing offering more contact with the audience. A welcome and novel item in the 16 songs in the first half and the 14 after the interval was the ballet number River Flows in You by Chantal Saunders.
Standout duets were My Life Would Suck (Sue Watt and Sylvia Tempest), The Prayer (Sue Watt and Jerryn Fosteras) and Caruso (Gordon Grant and Jerryn Fosteras). Very popular was a surprise "guest" artist delivering the opening number of the second half Simply the Best - in more ways than one. It certainly was most popular and brought the house down.
The show is tightly directed by Jerryn Fosteras and Kevin Hillier, who was also responsible for the sound which generally was very well designed although I found a couple of the songs a bit loud, albeit not distorted. The small clubhouse has been transformed by the addition of a long ramp across the centre giving the cast greater mobility and proximity to the audience. This and the sumptuous backdrop to the stage brought a whole new level of class to the performance area. This walkway was a great challenge to the Lighting Designer and Ivor Bundock rose to the challenge, and more.
Not only were the singers in excellent voice but they were costumed most elegantly when required with one costume change after another adding even more class. Although the format did not lend itself to there being much choreography, what there was was nicely executed. – Maurice Kort
HUMAN ELEPHANT FOUNDATION
Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Busi Mhlongo head for the KZN Music House to record together for the first time
On October 4 2009, internationally renowned sculptor Andries Botha was in the audience when multi-award winning singer Busi Mhlongo performed at the legendary Rainbow Restaurant in Pinetown. He was so moved by the performance and Mhlongo’s spirituality that the following week, he contacted Neil and Nicola Comfort of the Rainbow and presented a proposal to them.
The proposal related to the Human Elephant Foundation, an environmental awareness organization initiated by Botha. The Human Elephant Foundation is a visionary and collaborative organization that initiates, coordinates and facilitates discussion and innovative problem solving to create a better, respectful and sustainable world.
Besides the herd of lifelike elephants that Botha has created to spread awareness across the globe, another form of communication, namely music, was envisaged by Botha and his collaborators in the Foundation as being key to spreading the word. Another well-known and much loved Durban musician, Syd Kitchen, had already contributed a song entitled Human Elephant Song to the Foundation. Botha hoped that Mhlongo would also be able to contribute a song and asked the Comforts to help facilitate this.
Mhlongo immediately jumped at the opportunity and expressed her long-held desire to again team up with London-based producer Will Mowat, with whom she had last worked with on her multi award-winning 1998 release Urbanzulu. Besides his sterling work on what is today recognized as one of the greatest South African albums ever produced, Mowat is also noted for his work with Vicky Sampson and her album Zai that produced the stadium anthem African Dream; with Mango Groove; and as producer of Angelique Kidjo’s global hit Agolo. He did not hesitate in confirming his willingness to assist with the recording. Numerous phone calls and brain storming sessions later and Mowat proposed a meeting with three-time Grammy Award-winning act Ladysmith Black Mambazo (LBM) that, without a doubt, is the most globally recognized music brand from South Africa, from KwaZulu-Natal and from Durban – the birthplace of the Human Elephant Foundation. Their participation was confirmed with an unequivocal yes.
Just two months after the seed was first sown in Botha’s head at the Rainbow, these two iconic Durban-based acts headed into Studio 1 of the recently launched KZN Music House to create magic. The Music House is an initiative of the KZN Department of Economic Development that has provided the province with a state-of-the-art recording facility that is set to change the face of the music industry in KwaZulu-Natal. The facility is managed by Committed Artists for the benefit of all KZN-based musicians.
Auspiciously, this was the first-ever recording in the facility and Chief Engineer Richard Mitchell moved heaven and earth to accommodate it on this date, as the following day LBM headed for Johannesburg to record their 53rd album. The management of the facility will donate the studio time in celebration of the fact that the first recording will feature the names Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Busi Mhlongo. The hope is that the song that results from the chemistry between the artists will feature on future albums from LBM and Mhlongo. The hope is that this will be last time that acts such as LBM have to travel to Johannesburg to record. The goal is that the song will carry the message of the Human Elephant Foundation to a global audience. In another first, this will also be the first collaboration between Mhlongo and LBM.
Top Durban-based director and cinematographer Michael Cross, of Rogue Productions, was in the studio to capture the making of the song on film.
On October 4 2009, internationally renowned sculptor Andries Botha was in the audience when multi-award winning singer Busi Mhlongo performed at the legendary Rainbow Restaurant in Pinetown. He was so moved by the performance and Mhlongo’s spirituality that the following week, he contacted Neil and Nicola Comfort of the Rainbow and presented a proposal to them.
The proposal related to the Human Elephant Foundation, an environmental awareness organization initiated by Botha. The Human Elephant Foundation is a visionary and collaborative organization that initiates, coordinates and facilitates discussion and innovative problem solving to create a better, respectful and sustainable world.
Besides the herd of lifelike elephants that Botha has created to spread awareness across the globe, another form of communication, namely music, was envisaged by Botha and his collaborators in the Foundation as being key to spreading the word. Another well-known and much loved Durban musician, Syd Kitchen, had already contributed a song entitled Human Elephant Song to the Foundation. Botha hoped that Mhlongo would also be able to contribute a song and asked the Comforts to help facilitate this.
Mhlongo immediately jumped at the opportunity and expressed her long-held desire to again team up with London-based producer Will Mowat, with whom she had last worked with on her multi award-winning 1998 release Urbanzulu. Besides his sterling work on what is today recognized as one of the greatest South African albums ever produced, Mowat is also noted for his work with Vicky Sampson and her album Zai that produced the stadium anthem African Dream; with Mango Groove; and as producer of Angelique Kidjo’s global hit Agolo. He did not hesitate in confirming his willingness to assist with the recording. Numerous phone calls and brain storming sessions later and Mowat proposed a meeting with three-time Grammy Award-winning act Ladysmith Black Mambazo (LBM) that, without a doubt, is the most globally recognized music brand from South Africa, from KwaZulu-Natal and from Durban – the birthplace of the Human Elephant Foundation. Their participation was confirmed with an unequivocal yes.
Just two months after the seed was first sown in Botha’s head at the Rainbow, these two iconic Durban-based acts headed into Studio 1 of the recently launched KZN Music House to create magic. The Music House is an initiative of the KZN Department of Economic Development that has provided the province with a state-of-the-art recording facility that is set to change the face of the music industry in KwaZulu-Natal. The facility is managed by Committed Artists for the benefit of all KZN-based musicians.
Auspiciously, this was the first-ever recording in the facility and Chief Engineer Richard Mitchell moved heaven and earth to accommodate it on this date, as the following day LBM headed for Johannesburg to record their 53rd album. The management of the facility will donate the studio time in celebration of the fact that the first recording will feature the names Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Busi Mhlongo. The hope is that the song that results from the chemistry between the artists will feature on future albums from LBM and Mhlongo. The hope is that this will be last time that acts such as LBM have to travel to Johannesburg to record. The goal is that the song will carry the message of the Human Elephant Foundation to a global audience. In another first, this will also be the first collaboration between Mhlongo and LBM.
Top Durban-based director and cinematographer Michael Cross, of Rogue Productions, was in the studio to capture the making of the song on film.
PARLOTONES LIVE AT KRAKATOA
Popular indie rock band to perform at Sibaya Casino on December 27 and 28.
Hot off their recent world tour, The Parlotones are playing live at Krakatoa at Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom on December 27 and 28. This immensely popular indie rock band made history last month with a sell-out show at Johannesburg’s Coca Cola Dome, being the first SA band to headline at the venue. Their new album, Stardust Galaxies, was released at the end of October, went Gold within a week and Platinum within a month - the track Push Me To The Floor is receiving extensive air play and charting on radio stations around the country.
Known for their electric performances, this platinum selling band merges innovative ideas and sounds, creating a whirlwind of energy and rock which makes them one of the best live acts in the country. Consisting of front man Khan Morbee, drummer Neil Pauw, guitarist Paul Hodgson, and Glenn Hodgson on bass, keyboards and backing vocals, The Parlotones have shared the stage with musical greats such as Evanescence, Violent Femmes, Kings of Leon, UB40, Collective Soul, Staind and New Model Army, amongst others.
Heralded as South Africa's top selling rock band, with an ever growing fan base around the world, The Parlotones have numerous awards under their belt, including a 2009 SAMA Award for Best Music Video of the Year, a 2009 MK Award for Best Video, Best Animation and Best Serenade, a 2009 You Award for Music Star of the Year, as well the People's Choice Award for Best Music Act in 2008.
Due to their huge popularity, The Parlotones' gigs are always sold out, so early booking is advised. CrashCarBurn and The Black Hotels are the opening acts.
Performances take place at Krakatoa with the show starting at 20h00 (doors open at 19h00). Tickets R150 booked at Computicket on 083 915 8000 or through the Powerzone website www.powerzone.co.za. (Regret, no under 18’s.)
Hot off their recent world tour, The Parlotones are playing live at Krakatoa at Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom on December 27 and 28. This immensely popular indie rock band made history last month with a sell-out show at Johannesburg’s Coca Cola Dome, being the first SA band to headline at the venue. Their new album, Stardust Galaxies, was released at the end of October, went Gold within a week and Platinum within a month - the track Push Me To The Floor is receiving extensive air play and charting on radio stations around the country.
Known for their electric performances, this platinum selling band merges innovative ideas and sounds, creating a whirlwind of energy and rock which makes them one of the best live acts in the country. Consisting of front man Khan Morbee, drummer Neil Pauw, guitarist Paul Hodgson, and Glenn Hodgson on bass, keyboards and backing vocals, The Parlotones have shared the stage with musical greats such as Evanescence, Violent Femmes, Kings of Leon, UB40, Collective Soul, Staind and New Model Army, amongst others.
Heralded as South Africa's top selling rock band, with an ever growing fan base around the world, The Parlotones have numerous awards under their belt, including a 2009 SAMA Award for Best Music Video of the Year, a 2009 MK Award for Best Video, Best Animation and Best Serenade, a 2009 You Award for Music Star of the Year, as well the People's Choice Award for Best Music Act in 2008.
Due to their huge popularity, The Parlotones' gigs are always sold out, so early booking is advised. CrashCarBurn and The Black Hotels are the opening acts.
Performances take place at Krakatoa with the show starting at 20h00 (doors open at 19h00). Tickets R150 booked at Computicket on 083 915 8000 or through the Powerzone website www.powerzone.co.za. (Regret, no under 18’s.)
DEATH OF TONY DARRELL
Durban musician passes away on December 3.
Durban pianist Tony Darrell died in Durban on December 3. This is a tribute from friend and colleage Smelly Fellows:
Tony was born in Manchester, England, on April 20,1942. After school he did various jobs - butcher's delivery boy, builder's hod-carrier - all the while honing his craft in the hardest of schools - the Working Men's Clubs and bars of Northern England. He was a contemporary of many of the future stars of the 60s, in particular Graham Nash of The Hollies and Crosby, Stills,Nash and Young.
In 1972, he came to South Africa for a three-week contract with The Gooderson Hotels Group and loved everything so much that he stayed and had never returned. He was a popular entertainer on the national and local music scene and toured the major centres regularly, building up a vast fan-base. He was known for his frenetic performances and rather ribald sense of humour!
After years of touring he settled in Durban, performing in beachfront clubs and bars as The Tony Darrell Trio and, occasionally, Tony Darrell and the Survivors. He was also in great demand at birthday parties for the more mature music fans who revelled in the energy of Rock 'n Roll from the 50s and early 60s!
Tony was diagnosed diabetic and, over the past few years, his health deteriorated. Complications set in and he was no longer able to play his beloved piano. He passed away peacefully on December 3, 2009, and is survived by his wife, Wendy, and daughter, Spear.
Durban pianist Tony Darrell died in Durban on December 3. This is a tribute from friend and colleage Smelly Fellows:
Tony was born in Manchester, England, on April 20,1942. After school he did various jobs - butcher's delivery boy, builder's hod-carrier - all the while honing his craft in the hardest of schools - the Working Men's Clubs and bars of Northern England. He was a contemporary of many of the future stars of the 60s, in particular Graham Nash of The Hollies and Crosby, Stills,Nash and Young.
In 1972, he came to South Africa for a three-week contract with The Gooderson Hotels Group and loved everything so much that he stayed and had never returned. He was a popular entertainer on the national and local music scene and toured the major centres regularly, building up a vast fan-base. He was known for his frenetic performances and rather ribald sense of humour!
After years of touring he settled in Durban, performing in beachfront clubs and bars as The Tony Darrell Trio and, occasionally, Tony Darrell and the Survivors. He was also in great demand at birthday parties for the more mature music fans who revelled in the energy of Rock 'n Roll from the 50s and early 60s!
Tony was diagnosed diabetic and, over the past few years, his health deteriorated. Complications set in and he was no longer able to play his beloved piano. He passed away peacefully on December 3, 2009, and is survived by his wife, Wendy, and daughter, Spear.
BILLY SUTER ASSESSES A DECADE OF FILM
The Noughties has produced some truly marvellous, magical movies. As the decade creeps towards its close, Mercury arts editor Billy Suter calls back the past and compiles some personal favourites. (Courtesy of The Mercury)
The past decade has been one in which, on the film front, musicals, fantasy fare and animation made a major comeback and also broke new ground in their respective genres. It was also the decade in which South Africa raised its head at the Oscars – our first representation coming from Benoni beauty Charlize Theron , who won the 2003 Best Actress statuette for Monster. Then, the following year, we had Darrel Roodt’s compelling Aids drama, Yesterday, in the running for the award for best foreign language film, with Gavin Hood’s Tsotsi actually winning in that same category in 2005.
To compile a list of the finest films of the past 10 years would be too hard a task, especially with so much excellence in so many genres over the past decade. So instead, in providing some personal reflections, I’ve opted to look at film categories, starting with musicals, which came back with a vengeance in the Noughties, the decade opening with a film that paved the way for the big resurgence.
It was Baz Luhrmann’s groundbreaking, brilliant Moulin Rouge which, in 2001,waltzed off with Oscars for costume design, as well as set direction but which, unforgivably, lost the Best Picture statuette to the much lesser A Beautiful Mind. Starring a gorgeous Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor and Jim Broadbent, and featuring an audacious soundtrack of modern songs and superb choreography, Moulin Rouge is a stylish and highly stylised film about a poor poet who falls for a courtesan with whom he collaborates on a musical funded by a jealous duke who lusts after her.
It easily gets my vote as top musical of the decade, followed closely by Rob Marshall’s film version of the Kander and Ebb stage classic, Chicago, which won the Best Picture Oscar in 2002. In so doing, it became the first musical to take top honours at the Oscars since Oliver! 34 years earlier. Other musicals of note this decade were Lars von Trier’s audacious 2000 success, Dancer in the Dark (starring Bjork); the Oscar-winning Dreamgirls (2006) and, of course, the sunny Mamma Mia! (2008), which has eclipsed Grease as the most profitable film musical in history. One looks forward, in great anticipation, to Rob Marshall’s Golden Globe-nominated Nine, which is sure to also make the list of most memorable Noughties musicals.
Animation blossomed beautifully in the past decade, so much so, in fact, that a special Oscar for animated features was introduced in 2001, when it was won, and deservedly so, by the witty and novel Shrek, which has since spawned three sequels. Other standout animated features included Monsters Inc (2001), Spirited Away (2001), Ice Age (2002), Finding Nemo (2003), The Incredibles (2004), Happy Feet (2006), Persepolis (2007), Ratatouille (2007), Wall.E (2008) and Up (2009). But my vote for best of the lot is the French delight, The Triplets of Belleville (2003), a film by Sylvain Chomet, which lost the Oscar to Finding Nemo. The story of an old woman and her dog teaming up with the Belleville Sisters – an aged song-and-dance team from the days of Fred Astaire – to rescue her grandson, who is kidnapped during the Tour de France, the film is stylish, brilliantly animated and, featuring unusual music and no dialogue, hugely audacious. But what magnificent entertainment!
The finest comedy of the past 10 years? Standouts, for me, have included My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002), Love Actually (2003), Mean Girls (2004), Borat (2006), Little Miss Sunshine (2006), Knocked Up (2007), Juno (2007), Enchanted (2007) and The Hangover (2009).
My favourite, however, is Sideways, nominated for the Best Picture Oscar in 2004, when it lost to Clint Eastwood’s Million Dollar Baby. Alexander Payne’s Sideways is a delight, a story of friendship, love, sex and wine, involving two men reaching middle age with not much to show but disappointment. They embark on a week-long road trip through California’s wine country, just as one is about to take a trip down the aisle.
Spooky films? Hardcore gore was huge this decade and I am among those who sheepishly admits to having found Hostel and the first and second Saw movies compelling, while acknowledging the excessive violence. Also, I thought monster movie Cloverfield (2008) was intriguing and memorable.
My choice of horror highlight for the Noughties, however, is The Others (2001), a clever and captivating film starring Nicole Kidman as a woman who, living in a darkened old house with her two photo-sensitive children, becomes convinced her family home is haunted.
Fantasy and adventure films? There have been many wonderful successes this decade, including the string of superhero films (The Dark Knight takes the top spot), the audacious Sin City (2005), the X-Men and Pirates of the Caribbean franchises, and 2000’s exhilarating and beautiful Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Finest of the lot, though, simply has to be Peter Jackson’s celebrated Lord of the Rings trilogy. It is followed very closely by Benicio Del Toro’s magical and darkly disturbing Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) and the groundbreaking wonder that is James Cameron’s latest adventure, the sprawling Avatar, which takes special effects into a new realm.
Deserved of special mention for being in a class of their own, being weird mixes of fantasy, thriller, sci-fi and drama, are the mesmerising and unforgettable Donnie Darko (2001) and Memento (2000).
Documentary highlights? My favourites include Bowling For Columbine (2002), Super Size Me (2004), Paper Clips (2004), Fahrenheit 911 (2004), Grizzy Man (2005), Sicko (2007) and Man on Wire (2008). Most memorable of all, however, has to be the beguiling March of the Penguins (2005).
And so on to drama. Many goodies from which to choose here – among them Gladiator (2000), Almost Famous (2000), Monster’s Ball (2001), In the Bedroom (2001), Y Tu Mama Tambien (2002), Rabbit-proof Fence (2002), Far from Heaven (2002), The Pianist (2002), Whale Rider (2003), House of Sand and Fog (2003), Monster (2003), Mystic River (2003), The Passion of the Christ (2004), Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004), Crash (2005), Good Night and Good Luck (2005), Brokeback Mountain (2005), Little Children (2006), Babel (2006), Zodiac (2007) and No Country For Old Men (2007).
Unquestionably, for this reviewer anyway, the Brazilian powerhouse that was City of God (2002) is the decade’s highlight. Nominated for four Oscars, the film revolves around two boys who, growing up in a violent neighbourhood of Rio de Janeiro, take different paths: one becomes a photographer, the other a drug dealer.
Finally, most outstanding performer of the decade? Put on a high pedestal, please, Meryl Streep who this decade took the lead as the most Oscar-nominated performer of all time (15 acting nominations), presenting us with a diverse range of performances. She opened the decade appearing in the 2002 successes Adaptation, The Hours and (for television) the award-winning Angels in America (2003). Then came The Manchurian Candidate (2004), Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004), Prime (2005), A Prairie Home Companion (2005), The Devil Wears Prada (2006), Lions For Lambs (2007), Doubt (2008), Mamma Mia! (2008) and Julie & Julia (2009). Streep will next be seen in Nancy Meyers’s romantic comedy, It’s Complicated with Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin. Is there anyone who can even come close to her versatility and excellence? Long may she reign! – Billy Suter
The past decade has been one in which, on the film front, musicals, fantasy fare and animation made a major comeback and also broke new ground in their respective genres. It was also the decade in which South Africa raised its head at the Oscars – our first representation coming from Benoni beauty Charlize Theron , who won the 2003 Best Actress statuette for Monster. Then, the following year, we had Darrel Roodt’s compelling Aids drama, Yesterday, in the running for the award for best foreign language film, with Gavin Hood’s Tsotsi actually winning in that same category in 2005.
To compile a list of the finest films of the past 10 years would be too hard a task, especially with so much excellence in so many genres over the past decade. So instead, in providing some personal reflections, I’ve opted to look at film categories, starting with musicals, which came back with a vengeance in the Noughties, the decade opening with a film that paved the way for the big resurgence.
It was Baz Luhrmann’s groundbreaking, brilliant Moulin Rouge which, in 2001,waltzed off with Oscars for costume design, as well as set direction but which, unforgivably, lost the Best Picture statuette to the much lesser A Beautiful Mind. Starring a gorgeous Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor and Jim Broadbent, and featuring an audacious soundtrack of modern songs and superb choreography, Moulin Rouge is a stylish and highly stylised film about a poor poet who falls for a courtesan with whom he collaborates on a musical funded by a jealous duke who lusts after her.
It easily gets my vote as top musical of the decade, followed closely by Rob Marshall’s film version of the Kander and Ebb stage classic, Chicago, which won the Best Picture Oscar in 2002. In so doing, it became the first musical to take top honours at the Oscars since Oliver! 34 years earlier. Other musicals of note this decade were Lars von Trier’s audacious 2000 success, Dancer in the Dark (starring Bjork); the Oscar-winning Dreamgirls (2006) and, of course, the sunny Mamma Mia! (2008), which has eclipsed Grease as the most profitable film musical in history. One looks forward, in great anticipation, to Rob Marshall’s Golden Globe-nominated Nine, which is sure to also make the list of most memorable Noughties musicals.
Animation blossomed beautifully in the past decade, so much so, in fact, that a special Oscar for animated features was introduced in 2001, when it was won, and deservedly so, by the witty and novel Shrek, which has since spawned three sequels. Other standout animated features included Monsters Inc (2001), Spirited Away (2001), Ice Age (2002), Finding Nemo (2003), The Incredibles (2004), Happy Feet (2006), Persepolis (2007), Ratatouille (2007), Wall.E (2008) and Up (2009). But my vote for best of the lot is the French delight, The Triplets of Belleville (2003), a film by Sylvain Chomet, which lost the Oscar to Finding Nemo. The story of an old woman and her dog teaming up with the Belleville Sisters – an aged song-and-dance team from the days of Fred Astaire – to rescue her grandson, who is kidnapped during the Tour de France, the film is stylish, brilliantly animated and, featuring unusual music and no dialogue, hugely audacious. But what magnificent entertainment!
The finest comedy of the past 10 years? Standouts, for me, have included My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002), Love Actually (2003), Mean Girls (2004), Borat (2006), Little Miss Sunshine (2006), Knocked Up (2007), Juno (2007), Enchanted (2007) and The Hangover (2009).
My favourite, however, is Sideways, nominated for the Best Picture Oscar in 2004, when it lost to Clint Eastwood’s Million Dollar Baby. Alexander Payne’s Sideways is a delight, a story of friendship, love, sex and wine, involving two men reaching middle age with not much to show but disappointment. They embark on a week-long road trip through California’s wine country, just as one is about to take a trip down the aisle.
Spooky films? Hardcore gore was huge this decade and I am among those who sheepishly admits to having found Hostel and the first and second Saw movies compelling, while acknowledging the excessive violence. Also, I thought monster movie Cloverfield (2008) was intriguing and memorable.
My choice of horror highlight for the Noughties, however, is The Others (2001), a clever and captivating film starring Nicole Kidman as a woman who, living in a darkened old house with her two photo-sensitive children, becomes convinced her family home is haunted.
Fantasy and adventure films? There have been many wonderful successes this decade, including the string of superhero films (The Dark Knight takes the top spot), the audacious Sin City (2005), the X-Men and Pirates of the Caribbean franchises, and 2000’s exhilarating and beautiful Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Finest of the lot, though, simply has to be Peter Jackson’s celebrated Lord of the Rings trilogy. It is followed very closely by Benicio Del Toro’s magical and darkly disturbing Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) and the groundbreaking wonder that is James Cameron’s latest adventure, the sprawling Avatar, which takes special effects into a new realm.
Deserved of special mention for being in a class of their own, being weird mixes of fantasy, thriller, sci-fi and drama, are the mesmerising and unforgettable Donnie Darko (2001) and Memento (2000).
Documentary highlights? My favourites include Bowling For Columbine (2002), Super Size Me (2004), Paper Clips (2004), Fahrenheit 911 (2004), Grizzy Man (2005), Sicko (2007) and Man on Wire (2008). Most memorable of all, however, has to be the beguiling March of the Penguins (2005).
And so on to drama. Many goodies from which to choose here – among them Gladiator (2000), Almost Famous (2000), Monster’s Ball (2001), In the Bedroom (2001), Y Tu Mama Tambien (2002), Rabbit-proof Fence (2002), Far from Heaven (2002), The Pianist (2002), Whale Rider (2003), House of Sand and Fog (2003), Monster (2003), Mystic River (2003), The Passion of the Christ (2004), Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004), Crash (2005), Good Night and Good Luck (2005), Brokeback Mountain (2005), Little Children (2006), Babel (2006), Zodiac (2007) and No Country For Old Men (2007).
Unquestionably, for this reviewer anyway, the Brazilian powerhouse that was City of God (2002) is the decade’s highlight. Nominated for four Oscars, the film revolves around two boys who, growing up in a violent neighbourhood of Rio de Janeiro, take different paths: one becomes a photographer, the other a drug dealer.
Finally, most outstanding performer of the decade? Put on a high pedestal, please, Meryl Streep who this decade took the lead as the most Oscar-nominated performer of all time (15 acting nominations), presenting us with a diverse range of performances. She opened the decade appearing in the 2002 successes Adaptation, The Hours and (for television) the award-winning Angels in America (2003). Then came The Manchurian Candidate (2004), Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004), Prime (2005), A Prairie Home Companion (2005), The Devil Wears Prada (2006), Lions For Lambs (2007), Doubt (2008), Mamma Mia! (2008) and Julie & Julia (2009). Streep will next be seen in Nancy Meyers’s romantic comedy, It’s Complicated with Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin. Is there anyone who can even come close to her versatility and excellence? Long may she reign! – Billy Suter
Saturday, December 19, 2009
LION OF THE EAST
(Pic: A powerful scene from “Lion of the East”)Mbongeni Ngema revisits the life of struggle hero Gert Sibande and the Potato Boycott in his high-energy and thought-provoking musical. (Review by Caroline Smart)
Commissioned by Mpumalanga Province, Mbongeni Ngema’s latest musical Lion of the East, marks the 50th Anniversary of the Potato Strike which took place in Bethal in the Eastern Transvaal (now Mpumalanga) in 1959. It was spearheaded by Gert Sibande, a leader among farm workers who was committed to the plight of poor people in the rural areas. His name is entrenched in the history of the struggle as a legendary political and labour activist.
After having received high accolade in Mpumalanga for its premiere performances, Lion of the East is now running in the Playhouse Opera presented by The Playhouse Company in partnership with Committed Artists, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, Mpumalanga Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation and SABC 1.
Prisoners were sent to the Bethal farms for manual labour. Dressed in sacks, brutalised and living in squalor they were forced to dig for potatoes with their bare hands. Gert Sibande helped journalists, including Michael Scott from the Rand Daily Mail expose the slavery conditions and the expose was later pursued in Drum magazine in 1952 by Henry Nxumalo and Ruth First.
Gert Sibande received his title “Lion of the East” from a scenario similar to the biblical story of Daniel in the Lion’s Den. Beaten and broken by the police, he was left to die in a forest inhabited by lions. In what was considered a miraculous event, he emerged unscathed four days later, the lions having given up and departed after having sat and watched him for most of the time.
The storyline of Lion of the East commences as three journalists from Drum magazine approach the aged but feisty Ma Dlamini whose lover Zwelethu had been sent to Bethal farm, whereupon his toes had been cut off so that he couldn’t escape. In a stand-out performance, Seipati Sothoana gives a beautiful rendition of this character, a reminder of so many formidable women who have passed on. Women who would have battled with the injustices of apartheid - and all that went with it - but who never lived to see South Africa reach its democratic status.
As the three Drum journalists, Evelina Mahlangu (Mmakgosi Kgabi), Hluphekile Dlamini (Velephi Mnisi) and Christina Morgan (Marissa Fourie) drive the story. We meet Ma Dlamini’s granddaughter Emelina (Lorato Thekisho) and Ma’s shebeen owner neighbour Mampinga (Thabile Mzobe) as well as Gert Sibande himself – a strong impassioned performance by Bhoyi Ngema. There’s also the brutal owner of the farm Gert van der Westhuizen (Jaco van Heerden) and his sycophantic sidekick Ndlela (the ever-dependable Bheki Mqadi). Thandeka Magagula impressed with her soaring vocal numbers as Nomvula, the young Ma Dlamini, as did Siphosethu Mnisi as her lover, Zwelethu Mthimkhulu.
Over the past 30 years, Mbongeni Ngema has presented an impressive array of productions from Asinamali and Sarafina to The Zulu and 1906 Bhambada The Freedom Fighter. Lion of the East offers all the trademarks of an Ngema production – excellent direction, impeccable diction, good cast placing and impressive lighting as well as Sarah Roberts’ effective costume and sturdy scaffolding set design. He also pulls no punches in the fight scenes which are highly dramatic and credible. The 40 strong cast is supported by a 10-piece band and towards the end of the show, the audience got what it was waiting for - a powerful and passionate number from Velephi Mnisi.
I did hope that Ngema would divert a little from his standard dance presentation. The first half fulfilled my hopes in the sense that musical sequences had the singers placed around the stage and dance pieces were performed by smaller groups – and there were some good tap numbers. However, after interval we were back with the standard format – solid lines, staccato lyrics with abrupt phrase endings and fairly aggressive choreography which sees the disciplined dancers rendered fairly mechanical. And the inevitable white takkies!
However, that’s what his fans expect and that’s what he gives them to ecstatic response. So, I guess … “Don’t fix it, if it ain’t broke!” As Mbongeni Ngema described the show himself, it’s a “slice of history in an entertaining way … but at the end of the day, it’s showbiz!”
Lion of the East runs in The Playhouse Drama until January 3. Tickets R145 booked at Computicket or on 083 915 8000 or call 031 369 9540 (office hours). – Caroline Smart
Thursday, December 17, 2009
BOB & ROB AND THE CREEPY CAMPING TRIP
Once again Bob and Rob wrap educational message into fun entertainment for all ages. (Review by Caroline Smart)
Once again, as the likeable brothers Bob and Rob, Grant Jacobs and Rory Booth wrap an important educational message into fun entertainment for all ages in their new show Bob & Rob and the Creepy Camping Trip.
This is their third show on the same theme and it’s all about protecting the environment through controlling litter. The troublemaker here is Tokkie the Tokoloshe who has the power to hypnotise youngsters into leaving rubbish lying around so that they eventually get into trouble with their parents. Not sure if this is the right kind of thinking as it diverts the sense of responsibility but it leads to a lot of fun in a theatre format!
The initial press release indicated that there would be new songs, screen projections and puppets – however, the production only features a screen which portrays some of the popular children’s television cartoon shows as well as the scene where the boy’s mother challenges them to do without their technology “fixes” such as X-Box and Playstation for a week. Fired with enthusiasm, they set up a tent in the garden and set about their adventure without a television, cellphone or laptop in sight.
While audiovisual input is always very useful in a show with a small cast as it facilitates costume or scenery changes, the footage needs to be of a high standard in terms of camera angles and sound quality. If the idea was to present something quirky, they didn’t pull it off.
However, this doesn’t apply to the rest of the performance which was full of energy and bounce, the youngsters responding enthusiastically and readily to invitations to come on stage or sing along. Before the performance started, there were several piping voices around me insistently enquiring of their parents – not “When’s the show going to start?” but “When are Bob and Rob coming?” indicating that they have generated a good following among the little ones.
In this amusing romp, we see Grant and Rory disappear in and out of the tent – later appearing in different disguises as Tokkie and the languid Tamelda the talking tree (Rory) and the deliciously bossy film director Lizzie the ladybug (Grant).
There are enough wry humorous comments and clever quips to amuse the adults while the youngsters are enchanted by the carryings-on of these two talented young actors. Their energy is infectious; their focus is good and their intentions extremely well-supporting. I highly recommend this production for 45 minutes or so of fun and nonsense in this hectic period before Christmas and New Year!
Presented in association with TheatreBIZ at the Catalina Theatre, Bob & Rob and The Creepy Camping Trip runs daily at 11h00 until December 23 (seven days a week). The ticket price includes a boat ride around the harbour – make sure you take jerseys or anoraks as it can get chilly out on the harbour waters.
Bookings through Thandeka on 031 305 6889 or email tsibisi@mweb.co.za Tickets available online at www.strictlytickets.co.za or at www.catalinatheatre.co.za or at www.goingplacesSA.co.za / www.goingplacesSA.com.
The Catalina Theatre is still functioning thanks to support from Rainbow Chicken, National Arts Council and Ethekwini Municipality. - Caroline Smart
Once again, as the likeable brothers Bob and Rob, Grant Jacobs and Rory Booth wrap an important educational message into fun entertainment for all ages in their new show Bob & Rob and the Creepy Camping Trip.
This is their third show on the same theme and it’s all about protecting the environment through controlling litter. The troublemaker here is Tokkie the Tokoloshe who has the power to hypnotise youngsters into leaving rubbish lying around so that they eventually get into trouble with their parents. Not sure if this is the right kind of thinking as it diverts the sense of responsibility but it leads to a lot of fun in a theatre format!
The initial press release indicated that there would be new songs, screen projections and puppets – however, the production only features a screen which portrays some of the popular children’s television cartoon shows as well as the scene where the boy’s mother challenges them to do without their technology “fixes” such as X-Box and Playstation for a week. Fired with enthusiasm, they set up a tent in the garden and set about their adventure without a television, cellphone or laptop in sight.
While audiovisual input is always very useful in a show with a small cast as it facilitates costume or scenery changes, the footage needs to be of a high standard in terms of camera angles and sound quality. If the idea was to present something quirky, they didn’t pull it off.
However, this doesn’t apply to the rest of the performance which was full of energy and bounce, the youngsters responding enthusiastically and readily to invitations to come on stage or sing along. Before the performance started, there were several piping voices around me insistently enquiring of their parents – not “When’s the show going to start?” but “When are Bob and Rob coming?” indicating that they have generated a good following among the little ones.
In this amusing romp, we see Grant and Rory disappear in and out of the tent – later appearing in different disguises as Tokkie and the languid Tamelda the talking tree (Rory) and the deliciously bossy film director Lizzie the ladybug (Grant).
There are enough wry humorous comments and clever quips to amuse the adults while the youngsters are enchanted by the carryings-on of these two talented young actors. Their energy is infectious; their focus is good and their intentions extremely well-supporting. I highly recommend this production for 45 minutes or so of fun and nonsense in this hectic period before Christmas and New Year!
Presented in association with TheatreBIZ at the Catalina Theatre, Bob & Rob and The Creepy Camping Trip runs daily at 11h00 until December 23 (seven days a week). The ticket price includes a boat ride around the harbour – make sure you take jerseys or anoraks as it can get chilly out on the harbour waters.
Bookings through Thandeka on 031 305 6889 or email tsibisi@mweb.co.za Tickets available online at www.strictlytickets.co.za or at www.catalinatheatre.co.za or at www.goingplacesSA.co.za / www.goingplacesSA.com.
The Catalina Theatre is still functioning thanks to support from Rainbow Chicken, National Arts Council and Ethekwini Municipality. - Caroline Smart
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
DOLPHINS BY STARLIGHT
uShaka Marine’s Christmas show features orchestra, choir, vocalists, character presenters and dolphins. (Review by Shika Budhoo)
uShaka Marine World hosts ”Santa’s Summer Christmas Celebration” featuring an orchestra, a choir, vocalists, character presenters and dolphins all performing under the open sky.
Within the mighty Dolphinarium, a packed capacity pavilion witnessed the launch of Dolphins by Starlight, uShaka Marine’s Christmas show with a strong Christmas theme. The highlight of the show for all, involved the dolphin act and the megastar Gambit. Gambit is popular in this town for being the largest bottle-nosed dolphin in captivity. His skill and speed surpasses his fellow dolphin-performers. The show has acts to satisfy children as well as their parents.
A cute addition to the musical element brought out in a Christmas visual, was that on the large performance space that ran along the length of the Dolphinarium pool, the choir took the shape of a real life Christmas tree. The choir stood wearing green dresses with decorative patterns and formed the triangular shape of a Christmas tree. Very outstanding. The Christmas tree choir consisted of younger school-going age vocalists, and their professionalism and skill in the windy weather was duly noted as they comfortably performed to a capacity house. It was a spectacular vision, and their voices were superb heard crisply over the open air sounds of the night sky and surrounds.
Vocalists Samantha Peo and Njabulo Madlala opened the show with a strong classical display, they were followed by dolphins Ntombi, Khaya, Africa and Zulu in all their glory. They magnificently flipped and flopped, twirled and whirled, jumped and bumped and at times appeared on cue to the classical music played live by a mini orchestra and the Christmas tree choir. The kiddies will particularly enjoy the dolphins. This dress rehearsal, I noticed the children look on in awe as they watched the sleek grey bodies gliding effortlessly and skilfully through the water at their trainers’ signal. The children will be in high Christmas spirits when Twinkle and Gloria, a star and an angel, prepare them for the arrival of Santa to the Dolphinarium and all the crowd interaction involved keeps them on their toes for a while.
The presence of Santa Claus (Jimmy Lithgow) spreading goodwill and cheer alongside talented vocal artists (who included Durban Diva, Pume Zondi) accompanied by a superb orchestra and choir, with the talents of skilled marine life, created the warm fuzzy Christmas feeling that this season has to offer. One of the many songs performed by Pume Zondi All I want for Christmas is you was a highlight of my night, she has a voice that lifts the spirit.
I must add that if you’ve been to a Dolphin show at this dolphinarium before, the tricks performed by the wonderful sea creatures are similar to their old routine. It is the acts between and around the dolphins that vary from their normal show, with a strong classical and Christmas theme. Also carry a cushion to sit on, if you have a particularly sensitive bottom - seating is pavilion style.
Dolphins by Starlight runs from December 16 to 19 at 18h30 for 19h00. Tickets R95 (R75 for children under 12) available at Computicket or uShaka Marine World. For more information, contact 031 328 8000. - Shika Budhoo
uShaka Marine World hosts ”Santa’s Summer Christmas Celebration” featuring an orchestra, a choir, vocalists, character presenters and dolphins all performing under the open sky.
Within the mighty Dolphinarium, a packed capacity pavilion witnessed the launch of Dolphins by Starlight, uShaka Marine’s Christmas show with a strong Christmas theme. The highlight of the show for all, involved the dolphin act and the megastar Gambit. Gambit is popular in this town for being the largest bottle-nosed dolphin in captivity. His skill and speed surpasses his fellow dolphin-performers. The show has acts to satisfy children as well as their parents.
A cute addition to the musical element brought out in a Christmas visual, was that on the large performance space that ran along the length of the Dolphinarium pool, the choir took the shape of a real life Christmas tree. The choir stood wearing green dresses with decorative patterns and formed the triangular shape of a Christmas tree. Very outstanding. The Christmas tree choir consisted of younger school-going age vocalists, and their professionalism and skill in the windy weather was duly noted as they comfortably performed to a capacity house. It was a spectacular vision, and their voices were superb heard crisply over the open air sounds of the night sky and surrounds.
Vocalists Samantha Peo and Njabulo Madlala opened the show with a strong classical display, they were followed by dolphins Ntombi, Khaya, Africa and Zulu in all their glory. They magnificently flipped and flopped, twirled and whirled, jumped and bumped and at times appeared on cue to the classical music played live by a mini orchestra and the Christmas tree choir. The kiddies will particularly enjoy the dolphins. This dress rehearsal, I noticed the children look on in awe as they watched the sleek grey bodies gliding effortlessly and skilfully through the water at their trainers’ signal. The children will be in high Christmas spirits when Twinkle and Gloria, a star and an angel, prepare them for the arrival of Santa to the Dolphinarium and all the crowd interaction involved keeps them on their toes for a while.
The presence of Santa Claus (Jimmy Lithgow) spreading goodwill and cheer alongside talented vocal artists (who included Durban Diva, Pume Zondi) accompanied by a superb orchestra and choir, with the talents of skilled marine life, created the warm fuzzy Christmas feeling that this season has to offer. One of the many songs performed by Pume Zondi All I want for Christmas is you was a highlight of my night, she has a voice that lifts the spirit.
I must add that if you’ve been to a Dolphin show at this dolphinarium before, the tricks performed by the wonderful sea creatures are similar to their old routine. It is the acts between and around the dolphins that vary from their normal show, with a strong classical and Christmas theme. Also carry a cushion to sit on, if you have a particularly sensitive bottom - seating is pavilion style.
Dolphins by Starlight runs from December 16 to 19 at 18h30 for 19h00. Tickets R95 (R75 for children under 12) available at Computicket or uShaka Marine World. For more information, contact 031 328 8000. - Shika Budhoo
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