MASUGA

(Pic: Deborah van Niekerk and Caroline Birch photographed by Rogan Ward)

Masuga is an exhibition by Deborah Van Niekerk, Caroline Birch and Rogan Ward currently running at the KZNSA Gallery.

The concept for this project was born with Durban artists Deborah van Niekerk and Caroline Birch, and has its roots in the interest of contemporary South African cultural identities. Being white, female, South African and artists, Birch and van Niekerk are interested in the visual language of symbols and symbolism. More specifically, this extends into an interest in South African symbols, and how people react to them according to their inner identities.

In Masuga, the artists don maids uniforms as a symbol of the inner uniform people adopt (for example housewives, businessmen, school teachers, clergy, artists, etc.) and also as a symbol of change. With this project, the artists conclude that boundaries that once seemed clear-cut are no longer so: social, residential, financial and gender boundaries all seem to be in constant flux. Working with photographer Rogan Ward, the two artists chose the medium of photography as a way of documenting this transient calling of circumstance.

Masuga runs at the KZNSA until it closes at noon on September 5. The KZNSA Gallery is situated at 166 Bulwer Road, Glenwood, in Durban. More information on 031 277 1703, fax 031 201 8051 or cell 082 220 0368 or visit www.kznsagallery.co.za
The KZNSA Gallery is situated at 166 Bulwer Road, Glenwood, in Durban. More information on 031 277 1703, fax 031 201 8051 or cell 082 220 0368 or visit www.kznsagallery.co.za

URBAN–VERMIN

(Pic: Work by Michelle Silk is on show at KZNSA Gallery)

Michele Silk collages paper, scrap metal, plastic, tin cans, fabric and rubber into her oil, enamel and spray paintings. Further and more physical use is made of alternative tools such as scrapers, rollers and crayons. Initial investigation of waste has now grown into a mature and conceptual use of these throwaway fragments of our society. Silk notes that “This disposable aspect is a metaphor for the attitude of modern society. The recyclable element relates to renewal – a notion that reflects my … understanding of election and transformation.”

Her exhibition Urban–Vermin is currently running at the KZNSA Gallery in Glenwood. In keeping with her interest, this new body of work examines, with striking visuals and gentle empathy, the human condition of the street children in Durban. Silk further notes that this work explores the identity of the street child as a collective, and focuses on the parallels between the street children and the pigeons that inhabit the city. The acuity of this interest is finely honed by using materials and techniques that relate to the metropolis, on both visual and symbolic levels.

Urban–Vermin runs at the KZNSA until it closes at noon on September 5. The KZNSA Gallery is situated at 166 Bulwer Road, Glenwood, in Durban. More information on 031 277 1703, fax 031 201 8051 or cell 082 220 0368 or visit www.kznsagallery.co.za

RICHARD HART: LINGUA FRANCA

(Pic: work by Richard Hart)

Currently running at the KZNSA Gallery is Lingua Franca, an exhibition by Richard Hart.

Richard Hart's career as a graphic designer has been a 20-year love affair with letterforms, words, text and language. Lingua Franca takes this relationship into a gallery context and allows Hart to unhitch his craft from the imperatives of graphic design.

Freed from the need to communicate to a mass audience, Hart's work engages intimately, using materials and techniques far removed from the traditional media associated with graphic design. Lingua Franca uses sculpture, assemblage, drawing, painting, photography and installation to create a world of words that is by turns emotive, poignant, funny, provocative, clever, silly and absurd.

Lingua Franca runs at the KZNSA until it closes at noon on September 5. The KZNSA Gallery is situated at 166 Bulwer Road, Glenwood, in Durban. More information on 031 277 1703, fax 031 201 8051 or cell 082 220 0368 or visit www.kznsagallery.co.za

DBG ARTWORKS

Visitors to the Durban Botanic Gardens on September 5 will be delighted to find a display of original art by highly talented South African artists under the palm trees at the Lake. The artists come from the south coast, the Midlands, the north coast and many are members of various art groups around Durban. All the artwork will be for sale with more than 30 local artists taking part and offering a wide range of styles and subject matter. Participating artists have exhibited both locally and overseas and their work can be found hanging in private homes, hotels, galleries and offices around the world.

Having enjoyed the art exhibition, visitors should visit the Orchid Show in the hall at the Visitors Complex and take in the Bot Soc Indigenous Plant Fair to get ready to plant their spring and summer garden. Get Christmas shopping in early by selecting an unusual but very personal gift of an indigenous plant, an exotic orchid or an original piece of artwork.

DBG Artworks runs on September 5 from 09h00 to 16h00. More details on the Durban Botanic Gardens events calendar available from the Information Centre on 031 3091170 or visit www.durbanbotanicgardens.org.za

IAN VAN ZYL

(Pic: “Engulfed by Humanity" by Ian van Zyl)

Umhlanga artist Ian van Zyl has had a busy couple of months. After the frantic activity of the World Cup and the successful response he received to the 12 paintings he produced for the historic event, he went on to show a new body of work at the recent House and Garden Show. He is now working on another new collection of work highlighting the plight of South Africa’s wildlife, overpopulation and global warming.

Born in Kimberley, South Africa, Ian was raised on the family farms in the district. He started drawing and painting at an early age, inspired by the immense open spaces and wild animals that were part of his daily life. After completing his school education at Grey College with Art as a subject, he furthered his studies at the Johannesburg School of Art and is now an accomplished and sought-after fine artist.

Ian embarks on an extended field trip into the bush every year, often spending long periods alone into the remote parts of South Africa, Botswana and Namibia. It is here that he finds his greatest inspiration - these experiences and his love of wildlife and specifically the Kalahari is reflected in the sensitivity of his wildlife art and landscapes. His work hangs in many major corporate and private collections around the world.

He regularly exhibits in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg and has shown work in successful exhibitions in New York, Birmingham and at the prestigious auction of Wildlife Art held by Christies of London. Ian's wife Elizabeth also produces an exclusive range of photographic prints of his work, suitable for game lodges, hotels and corporate offices as well as private homes.

Ian welcomes visitors to his studio in Umhlanga – contact him on 031 561 1446, email artist@mweb.co.za or visit www.ianvanzyl.com

HARBOURING HISTORIES

(Pic: ”Untitled” by Donal Fitzpatrick - mixed media on handmade paper)

The Durban University of Technology (DUT) and Curtin University of Technology will present a joint exhibition of artworks on paper titled Harbouring Histories.

This exhibition arose out of a memorandum of understanding between the two universities and a visit to DUT in May 2009 by Prof Donal Fitzpatrick, Head of the School of Art and Design at Curtin. Prof Fitzpatrick gave the keynote address at the Faculty of Arts and Design Conference on Creative Research Outputs. Tony Starkey, head of Fine Art and Jewellery Design at DUT, suggested to Prof Fitzpatrick that the two departments hold a joint exhibition of staff work at the DUT and Curtin galleries.

This process was taken forward by Julian Goddard, Head of the Art department at Curtin and thus this exhibition on A3 paper was conceptualized. Staff members submitted works to three reviewers, Harry Hummerston and Brenda Ridgwell from Curtin and Dr Andrew Verster from Durban. Works accepted by the reviewers will be exhibited at the DUT Gallery in September and the Curtin University Gallery in December, 2010.

This is the first step in a long-term project to establish close ties between DUT and Curtin University in the areas of staff and student exchange, research and curriculum development to ensure that the department of Fine Art and Jewellery Design at DUT positions itself in a global context. Some 23 artists will have works on the exhibition.

Harbouring Histories will be opened by Professor Graham Stewart (Deputy Dean, Faculty of Arts and Design. Durban University of Technology) on September 1 at 18h00, after which the exhibition runs until September 15. The DUT Art Gallery is situated above the library on the Steve Biko Campus in Mansfield Road. For more information contact the Curator, Nathi Gumede, on 031 373 2207 or 082 2200 368 or email: nkosinathig@dut.ac.za

KZNPO SPRING SEASON

KZN Philharmonic’s next concert season commences on September 16.

The KZN Philharmonic’s World Symphony Series Spring Season, which features an exciting line-up of international and South African conductors and soloists, commences on September 16 and continues for eight weeks.

Commenting on the season Bongani Tembe, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra said: “After hosting a successful series of concerts during the FIFA World Cup, it is our pleasure to now also present a world class Spring Season. The orchestra continues to promote this sense of pride and celebration with our symphony season featuring accomplished artists of many nationalities, as did the World Cup, except our fixture is a collaboration where everyone emerges a winner.”

Renowned conductors Victor Yampolsky and Robert Maxym return to the City Hall stage, while the orchestra’s two resident conductors also take up the baton this season. Young Italian conductor Alessandro Crudele who has established himself as one of the leading conductors in Europe will be making his debut with the orchestra, taking to the podium for the final two concerts.

One of the highlights of the season is the celebration of Chopin and Schumann’s 200th birthday anniversaries. Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2 will be featured on September 23 and three weeks later, Schumann’s Spring Symphony.

The Spring Season also presents a number of talented pianists. First up is Russian Vassily Primakov, who takes to the stage on September 23, while South African piano duo, Cara Hesse and Laura Pauna, perform Mozart’s and Poulenc’s Piano Concertos for Two Pianos on October 7. Italian Mariangela Vacatello follows two weeks later and Korea’s Young-Choon Park completes the line-up on October 28.

World-renowned violinist Daniel Rowland, who returns to South Africa for the sixth time, performs Elgar’s Violin Concerto in B Minor, while cellist Jérôme Pernoo brings the season to a fitting close performing Offenbach’s Concerto Militaire for Violoncello and orchestra, for which he also composed the cadenza.

The “stars of tomorrow” are celebrated in the annual National Youth Concerto Festival where the cream of young South African musicians will have an opportunity to perform on stage with the KZN Philharmonic under the baton of resident conductor Lykele Temmingh. This year, the concert also features the KZN Youth Orchestra which will open the evening with a performance of Concert Overture No.2, a work composed by Roelof Temmingh, as well as musicians from the Botshabelo String Project, based in Bloemfontein.

Subscription bookings and renewals are available via the KZN Philharmonic offices with single ticket and subscription bookings also available at Computicket. Subscribers receive a 25% discount off the single ticket price and subscriptions start from just R480, while pensioners enjoy an additional 5% discount.

Furthermore patrons have access to safe and subsidised parking which is available at the Royal Hotel and once again extra security guards have been contracted by the KZN Philharmonic and will be placed in the surrounding areas of the Durban City Hall for the security and safety of our patrons.

For more information contact 031 369 9438 or log onto www.kznpo.co.za or click on the advert above.

MIKE ROSSI

Popular American saxophonist Mike Rossi makes a welcome return to Durban to perform at the Centre for Jazz & Popular Music, (UKZN). He is Professor in Jazz and Woodwinds at the South African College of Music, University of Cape Town and will perform with Mageshen Naidoo (guitar), Neil Gonsalves (piano), Philani Ngidi (bass) and Bruce Baker (drums).

The performance takes place on September 1 at 17h30 at the Centre for Jazz & Popular Music, UKZN. Tickets R25 (R10 students) at the door. More information on 031 260 3385.

YEHLA MOYA

(Pic: Mnqobi Khumalo - in pink jersey in front – with upcoming talented gospel singers)

Mnqobi Khumalo, director for the Crown Gospel Music Awards Choir, took time out with some of the country’s up and coming gospel talents recently during the recording of Yehla Moya (Come Down, Holy Spirit) at KZN Music House recently.

Yehla Moya will be the signature song for the prestigious SABC Crown Gospel Music Awards at the end of the year. The voices behind the amazing harmonies make up Connection, winner of this year’s World Gospel Powerhouse Talent Search.

Their live performance of Yehla Moya at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) on November 21 will be the curtain raiser for the 3rd SABC Crown Gospel Music Awards. This glamorous occasion honours the stars that have made gospel the biggest selling musical genre in South African music history.

For more information visit www.wgph.co.za or call 031 303 3520.

NEW-LOOK ACT WEBSITE NOW LIVE

The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) has launched a fresh new-look website. This provides applicants, participants and stakeholders with extensive information about ACT and the Trust’s programmes.

“In recent years the ACT brand has grown quite substantially and the website is a good articulation of this evolution. I am particularly pleased that we have been able to achieve this without compromising functionality,” says ACT‘s General Manager, Pieter Jacobs. The website features a super-user-friendly online application process for the ACT Development Programme, a media section featuring ACT’s announcements and calls for applications. The Downloads section is where guidelines, as well as the relevant forms can be downloaded.

The ACT Development Programme is open for applications on an ongoing basis. The funding cycles are specified on the ACT website. The call for applications for the ACT Festivals Programme is within the first three months of a new year, registration for the ACT Scholarship Programme opens in November and the call for nominations for the ACT Awards is circulated by mid-year. Applicants have a specified period within which applications can be processed.

“Stay updated with calls for registration, nomination or application by subscribing to ACT’s mailing list on the website. Visitors can also join ACT’s Facebook and Twitter groups via the site,” suggests Nomalanga Nkosi, Programmes Manager of ACT.

The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) is South Africa’s premier, independent arts funding and development agency. The primary aim of ACT is to increase the amount of funding available for arts and culture initiatives, and to apply these funds to innovative, sustainable projects that make a meaningful contribution to society. For more information visit http://www.act.org.za

SCHOOLS POETRY WRITING COMPETITION

14th Poetry Africa 2010 invites learners to submit poems by September 17.

The Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal) with principal funding from the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, will present the 14th Poetry Africa, International Poetry Festival from October 4 to 9, 2010.

Poetry Africa has a long-standing commitment towards nurturing a culture of reading and writing poetry, especially amongst the youth. To this end, the festival runs a schools programme which allows learners to interact with poets as well as a schools poetry writing competition. School visits bring established poets to schools to share their expertise while the poetry competition affords learners the opportunity to actively participate in this craft.

Learners should submit poems by September 17 2010 for the judges to make the final selection of winners. Entries received after this date will not be accepted.

There is no particular topic for the poems and they can be written in English, Zulu or Afrikaans. Poems must be written neatly or printed if possible. Illegible entries will not be considered. No more than two poems per pupil are to be submitted, with a maximum length of one A4 page per poem.

The learners with the best entries will receive complimentary tickets to attend the festival on the evening of October 8. An awards ceremony will be held where prizes will be given out, with the Mazisi Kunene Foundation awarding the prizes for the Zulu winners. Winners will also have the opportunity to read their poems. All winning entries will be displayed in the foyer of the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre for patrons to view.

Learners wishing to be involved in this competition should submit their poems, together with their school’s name, teacher’s name, and the school’s telephone number to the Centre for Creative Arts by no later than September 17, 2010. Entries may be e-mailed to cca@ukzn.ac.za, hand-delivered to the Centre, faxed to 031 260 3074 or posted to Poetry Africa, Centre For Creative Arts, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, 4041.

The evening events of Poetry Africa will take place from October 4 to 8 at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre (19h30), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, and at the BAT Centre on October 9. Workshops and seminars will be held in venues across Durban. For more information click on the Centre for Creative Arts advert (above) and move to the Poetry Africa page.

AWARD-WINNERS AT THE 31ST DIFF

Durban International Film Festival awards top films.

The winner of the Best Feature Film of the 31st edition of The Durban International Film Festival was The White Meadows (Iran). Directed by Mohammad Rasoulof, the film was lauded by the International Jury as a “timeless and poetic narrative”. “The film conjures up a landscape that is visually stunning and intriguing because it is both harsh and beautiful. It is an enigmatic and poignant political allegory and takes the viewers through a journey on life’s fundamental questions and beliefs,” the jury said. The Best Feature Film award carries a cash prize of R50,000. Cash prizes of R25,000 and R20,000 are also awarded to the winners of the Best South African Feature Film and Best First Feature Film respectively.

The Best South African Feature Film was awarded to Life, Above All; Chanda, directed by Oliver Schmitz. Calling it “beautifully filmed and masterfully edited, with astounding performances, the jury highlighted the film’s “universal resonance”. Thirteen year old Khomotso Manyaka who played the role of Chanda in the film was named Best Actress by the International Jury. “It was a natural and touching performance that movingly portrays the resilience, determination and integrity of her character,” the jury said.

The Best First Feature Film was awarded to Peepli Live (India), directed by Anusha Rizvi. The International Jury noted: “Peepli Live is an ambitious and well-realized film that deals with serious political issues in a witty and entertaining manner. It creates an enchanting world of colourful characters, images and music that engrosses viewers throughout.”

The International Jury comprised producers Aihara Hiromi (Japan) and Christoph Thoke (Germany) and South African academic, writer and producer Bhekizizwe Peterson.

Best Director went to Debra Granik (Winter’s Bone - USA) and Best Documentary to Waste Land (UK/Brazil) by Lucy Walker, Joao Jardim and Karen Harley. Waste Land was also voted Audience Choice Best Film by the DIFF audiences and in addition was awarded the Amnesty International Durban Human Rights Award, which is awarded to the documentary film that best reflects human rights issues. The award carries a cash prize of 2,500 euros.

Other awards included Best South African Documentary to The Cradock Four by David Forbes; Best Short Film to The Same Old Story (Spain) directed by Jose Luis Montesinos, and Best South African Short Film to In A Time Without Love by Mark Strydom.

The rest of the awards include: Best Actor - Sebastian Hiort af Ornäs as Sebbe in Sebbe (Sweden) for a sustained portrayal that sensitively captures the vulnerability and growing maturity of a young man.”

Best Cinematography went to Odyssey Floresfor Lola (The Philippines); Best Screenplay: went to Efthymis Filippou and Giorgos Lanthimos for Dogtooth. Special Jury Mention went to Uganda directed by Caroline Kamya. Special Mention Documentary was Mugabe and the White African (UK) directed by Lucy Bailey and Andrew Thompson and Special Mention Short Film was The Abyss Boys (South Africa) directed by Jan-Hendrik Beetge.

The Durban International Film Festival is organised by the Centre For Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal) with support by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (principal funder), National Film and Video Foundation, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Tourism, HIVOS, City Of Durban, German Embassy of South Africa, Goethe-Institut South Africa, Industrial Development Corporation, Commonwealth Foundation, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and Culture, and a range of other valued partners.

For more information click on the Centre for Creative Arts advert (above) and move to the Durban International Film Festival page or email diff@ukzn.ac.za or call 031 260 2506.

AT THE EDGE

(Pic:Jailoshini Naidoo)

Ronnie Govender’s At the Edge and other Cato Manor Stories will feature as part of the Shared History – the Indian Experience in South Africa which runs until the end of September.

Featuring Jailoshini Naidoo, now a veteran in this role, the production is directed by Sharupa Duttta

At the Edge and other Cato Manor Stories runs from September 8 to 12 at 19h30 I the Playhouse Drama. The production then moves to Johannesburg to have a season at the Market Theatre from September 16 to 26.

Booking for both productions is at Computicket.

THE WASTE LAND

T.S. Eliot’s seminal poem The Waste Land will be read by Pieter Scholtz, Margaret Logan and James Parker at the popular Mondays at Seven at St Clements on August 30. This will be followed by readings of selected poems by D.H. Lawrence

Thomas Sterns Eliot (September 26, 1888 – January 4, 1965) was an American-born English poet, playwright, and literary critic, arguably the most important English-language poet of the 20th century. The poem that made his name, The Love Song of J.Alfred Prufrock, is regarded as a masterpiece of the modernist movement and was followed by some of the best-known poems in the English language, including Gerontion (1920), The Waste Land (1922), The Hollow Men (1925), Ash Wednesday (1930) and Four Quartets (1945). He is also known for his seven plays, particularly Murder in the Cathedral (1935). He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1948.

David Herbert Richards Lawrence (September 11 1885 – March 2 1930) was an English author, poet, playwright, essayist and literary critic. His collected works represent an extended reflection upon the dehumanizing effects of modernity and industrialization. In them, Lawrence confronts issues relating to emotional health and vitality, spontaneity, human sexuality and instinct.

The Waste Land will be performed at Mondays at Seven at St Clements on August 30 from 19h00 to 20h00. St Clements is situated at 191 Musgrave Road on the righthand side a short way down Musgrave after the St Thomas Road intersection. Booking is advised on 031 202 2511.

THE HOUSE OF BERNARDA ALBA

Second part of Lorca festival directed jointly by UKZN’s Tamar Meskin and DUT’s Tanya van der Walt

Federico García Lorca’s The House of Bernarda Alba is the second part of this year’s Lorca festival following Blood Wedding in March. It is directed jointly by UKZN’s Tamar Meskin and DUT’s Tanya van der Walt and continues the collaborative project begun last year with the critically acclaimed FrontLines, which aims to bring staff and students from each of Durban’s Drama departments together.

Subtitled as a drama of women in villages in Spain, The House of Bernarda Alba, follows the events in the claustrophobic atmosphere of a house full of women, shut up for eight years of mourning. The recently-widowed Bernarda keeps her five daughters locked away from the world, exercising absolute control over their every move, but underneath the surface of their day-to-day life, the inevitability of the tragedy broods. The men, who represent both a threat and the promise of freedom, never appear onstage, but their absence looms large as catalyst in the catastrophic unfolding of events, in a story filled with love, lust, madness and betrayal.

Like Blood Wedding, The House of Bernarda Alba is a vehicle to investigate the subjects which fascinated Lorca: desire, repression, ritual, revenge, love, and family and the constraints and commitments of the rural Spanish community in which the play is rooted. Hauntingly beautiful and profoundly moving, this play is Lorca’s masterpiece and in it he evokes with passion and power the lives of repressed people everywhere in pursuit of freedom.

The production features a cast of 16 with set and costume design by Mervyn McMurtry and lighting design by Tina le Roux.

The House of Bernarda Alba runs in the Square Space Theatre, UKZN, from August 31 to September 5 nightly at 19h00. Tickets at the door or contact Claudette Wagner on 031 260 3133, or email wagnerc1@ukzn.ac.za

SHALL WE DANCE

The ever-popular Shall We Dance Ballroom and Latin American showcase – now in its 19th year – is in the Playhouse Opera for a short season from September 17. This glorious annual dance extravaganza features 100 of the region’s most exciting dancers as well as top award-winning industry professionals.

This year for the first time ever, Shall We Dance boasts a top international dance couple from London: Danny Stowell and Kate Moore. They have numerous awards to their name - they are ranked second in the ten dance championships internationally; third amateur Latin couple in the UK; UK closed youth ballroom and Latin American championships and UK ten dance championships. They have also been the youth ten dance representatives for the world European championships.

The other featured soloist couple hails from Cape Town and stole the show last year: Megan Lottering and Devon Snell are this year’s 2010 SA ballroom champs.

Shall We Dance – which this year falls into the city’s Celebrate Durban season - once more promises to delight audiences with its carefully-chosen eclectic mix of quality dance – all with an underlying ballroom and Latin American theme. Featured dances include Ballroom and Latin American dancing; hip-hop; modern; ballet; tap; Spanish, and American smooth.

Started in 1991, Shall We Dance is probably the longest annual production in Durban. It is presented by the Playhouse Company in association with the South African Dance Teachers’ Association and directed by tireless dance activists, Neville Letard and Caryl Cuzens.

The MC is once again Damon Beard and soloist is velvet-voiced singer Jaziel Vaugh’hann – known to many as “Jaz”. Jaz will sing two songs from his highly-acclaimed recently-launched first album, Heaven Only Knows: Angel and I Left My Heart in San Francisco There will be dancers from the Young Dancers Project from the Minette de Klerk Academy; Dance Basics; the Razmatazz Dancers; Mark Wilson Dance Academy; Neville Letard Dance School and Static.

An eclectic range of music will be used in the show – everything from Beyonce’s If I were a boy; to Chris Brown’s I Can Transform Ya; from the theme from The Pink Panther to Black Eyed Peas’ And Tonight’s Going to be a Good Night; from Shakira / Freshly Ground’s Waka Waka to Phantom of the Opera; from Sunset Boulevard to Nina Simone’s My Baby Just Cares for Me.

Shall We Dance runs in the Playhouse Opera from September 17 to 25, with seats available downstairs and in the loge only. Tickets R100 (R60 pensioners and scholars). Tickets R60 throughout for the September 24 Heritage Day matinee at 15h00 (no concessions). Book at Computicket.

THE FUTURE OF DANCE IN DURBAN

Talk by Dirk Badenhorst on September 9.

Dirk Badenhorst directs Mzansi Productions, a professional dance company, as well as outreach, International Exchange Programs in the field of ballet and dance. He is also the CEO of the Prestigious Bi-Annual Cape Town International Ballet Competition.

He will hold a meeting in Durban for all interested parties to look into the possibility of establishing a more permanent presence for classical ballet in the city of Durban and the province of KwaZulu-Natal. He would like to discuss the idea of bringing his dance company down to Durban twice a year to give students the opportunity to perform with Mzansi and take the advantage of learning all they can in their dance genre from this exposure.

This meeting serves to gauge the interest and to get feed-back from all those in the dance community and establish a working committee drawn from the ballet community as well as the business, supporters and audience, and marketing sectors.

The talk will take place on September 9 at Spiga Dora, 200 Florida Road, Durban at 18h30. Those wishing to attend the meeting should RSVP to 031 303 8737 or email: info@sasad.org.za

JOMBA! 2010

(Pic by Cédric Vincensini: “The Making of Spectacles” - Isabelle Rigat, Filibert Tologo, Foofwa d'Imobilité and Ruth Childs)

12th Contemporary Dance Experience from September 1 to 12. (also festivals)

For 12 days Durban will play host to a dazzling 12th edition of the international contemporary dance festival, JOMBA! One of four annual festivals hosted by the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Centre for Creative Arts, the JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience has become synonymous with cutting-edge dance theatre, and with principle funding from the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund capacitating the festival, this bumper event contains a programme of broad scope and appeal.

On the international front, JOMBA! 2010 presents dance works from the Netherlands, Switzerland and Reunion Island, alongside wonderful offerings from both Durban and nationally-based dance companies. Special guests include Johannesburg’s inimitable Moving Into Dance Mophatong who will grace JOMBA! with Sylvia Glasser’s award winning Threads. This work has been created in collaboration with poet Lebo Mashile and is a rare chance for Durban to witness this poet extraordinaire in action with one of South Africa’s premier contemporary dance companies in a momentous fusion of dance and spoken word.

Also from Gauteng is choreographer Sello Peso whose Ntsoana Contemporary Dance Theatre Company is known for its conceptually challenging engagement with political and social issues. For JOMBA!, he will perform his recently created Lime Light on Rites. This site specific dance work, performed in an outside environment of the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, explores the media exploitation of people’s emotions around funeral policies. Peso comments: “Death is big business in this country and there is great social pressure to have big funerals. This pressure is compounded through the advertising strategies that play on the poor and the weak, exploiting their grief”. Peso will also be offering a master choreographic workshop during JOMBA! to all young artists/choreographers interested in creating site-specific theatre work.

Supporting local dance is one of JOMBA!’s key missions and this year commissions to create new work have been awarded to three of Durban’s top dance makers - Desiré Davids, Vusi Makanya and Sifiso Majola. All three have a strong dance history behind them and step onto the JOMBA! New Works platform as seasoned and creative choreographers. The exciting New Works programme featuring these commissioned works will open the JOMBA! festival on September 1.

The 2010 festival also has a strong focus on international collaborations that highlight the great Hip-Hop and Breakdance legacies of Durban. In a city-to-city exchange between the harbour cities of Durban and le Port on Reunion Island, the internationally acclaimed BBoy Kenji presents the African premiere of A Contre Sud, a collaborative work with three dancers from Durban and one from Cape Town. Kenji also showcases his Reunionaisse Soul City crew in the red-hot piece Haine Terre Rieur. Over and above this, Durban’s incomparable Flatfoot Dance Company will collaborate with Dutch choreographer Daniel Renner and Dutch BBoy Rodney Kasandikromo, whose unique fusion of Breakdance, Hip-Hop and classical training is sure to impress and inspire local audiences and budding bboyz. Joining Flatfoot Dance Company in this unique JOMBA! collaboration are local Durban breakdancers Preston Kyd and Craig Katts. Renner’s unique style has won awards across Europe and it is a privileged delight to have him creating work for JOMBA!

Supported by Pro-Helvetia Arts Council of Switzerland, the witty and somewhat participatory dance theatre work, The Making of Spectacles, by Swiss choreographer Foofwa d’Imobilité, is a wry comment on the art form of choreography. In this dance theatre piece, the audience is invited to collaborate with the artistic team in order to compose a unique once off performance. The elements presented – dance phrases, dramatic scenarios, music, lighting design, and costuming – are carefully crafted in advance and offered as tools to the spectators/audiences for the creation of a dance to their taste. After playful, democratic voting, where humour is invited, the spectators/audiences can enjoy the synthesis of their group decisions. It is sure to have audiences in stitches!

Of special interest this year is JOMBA!’s collaboration with the Durban Art Gallery and a special edition of the popular RED EYE. Billed as Red Eye JOMBA! and curated by edgy art and dance guru David Gouldie, this event (September 3) also forms part of Celebrate Durban and will host over 60 artists, musicians and dance theatre makers all responding to the theme of ‘the body politic’. Come eat, drink and party and be prepared to be dazzled, amazed, baffled – and definitely have something to talk about!

JOMBA! also offers its popular dance development platforms of the Fringe and Youth Fringe. This year’s edition of the JOMBA! Fringe has attracted dancers and choreographers from all over South Africa offering a one night (September 6, Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre) kaleidoscope of new and experimental works. Thirteen works have been selected and provide a wide range of short contemporary dance works in the making. The JOMBA! Youth Fringe, hosted this year at Cato Crest/Umkhumbane’s Dorothy Nyembe Hall on September 5 at 14h00, is a free and open event for Durban’s youth dance groups to strut their stuff and dance just for the sheer joy of it! Sixteen youth groups have been selected and this is sure to be an afternoon of delights and some very beautiful young dancers.

JOMBA! will also host a wide range of master classes, open classes and workshops all free of charge to young, training and professional dancers in Durban. Visit www.cca.ukzn.ac.za for programme details, workshop schedules and venues.

The festival runs from September 1 to 12 at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre. Tickets R45 (R30 students, scholars and pensioners) with block bookings of more than 10 at R30 a ticket. Booking is at Computicket.

Red Eye JOMBA! tickets are R50 per person and only available at the Durban Art Gallery on the night September 3 from 18h00.

JOMBA! 2010 is made possible with support by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (principle funder), the National Arts Council, the City of Durban, HIVOS, Pro-Helvetia Arts Council of Switzerland, Karbardock, and other valued partners.

DAWN SELBY

Popular musical director and keyboard artist invited to do arrangements for show in Canada.

In 2009, popular musical director and keyboard artist Dawn Selby was invited to do orchestral arrangements for a show featuring the Guelph Symphony Orchestra in Canada. The repertoire consisted mainly of rock songs and the orchestra line-up includes a six piece band called Euphoric Flight and four front line singers.

The concert is being held again in September 2010 and Dawn has again been asked to perform with the orchestra. The Guelph Symphony Orchestra was founded in 2001. The concept was developed and implemented by the founding Musical Director, Simon Irving. It has grown from a chamber group to a full symphony orchestra with up to 50 instrumental musicians on stage, depending on the works that they have chosen to perform.

The area's best rockers Euphoric Flight along with the Guelph Symphony Orchestra players will perform some of the greatest hits of all time on September 25 at 20h00. Expect songs from Chicago, the Beatles, Bon Jovi, Wings, Kansas, Billy Joel, Heart and More -Also including an original song written by featured artist, Lynzie Kent!

For more information on Dawn Selby visit http://dawnselby.com

MOSHITO 2010

Book now for great early bird Moshito 2010 savings.

The 7th Moshito Music Conference and Exhibition Moshito 2010 takes place in the Newtown precinct from September 1 to 3.

The fee for the three-day event is R300 with group bookings of over 10 also available at a discounted R200 for the whole event. Those wishing to register at the conference can do so at the cost of R150 a delegate a day.

Delegates across all three categories have free access to the daily showcase live music events which will take place across the Newtown precinct during Moshito 2010 on all three days of the conference and exhibition.

Learners are encouraged to visit the extensive and informative Moshito 2010 Exhibition at a cost of just R20 (in school uniform). The Moshito 2010 Opening Day Cocktail Networking Event is open to all at a cost of R80 whilst the closing multi-artist Moshito 2010 World Music Concert is also accessible to the public at a cost of R100 at Computicket and R150 at the door on the night.

Moshito 2010 is an essential music industry event for anyone involved in the business of music or related industries. Further information and bookings through Lungi Mzizi at Moshito on 011 838 9145.

LIPS RENDEZVOUS

The theme for the next meeting of the Live Poets Society on September 1 is Freedom and the Guest Poet is an old and dear friend of LiPS, Harry Owen The inaugural Poet Laureate for Cheshire (UK), he moved to the Eastern Cape in January 2008. He is the author of four poetry collections: Searching for Machynlleth (2000), The Music of Ourselves (2004), Five Books of Marriage (2008) and Non-Dog (2010). He also hosts the hugely popular monthly open-mic poetry event called Poetry @ Reddits in Grahamstown, where he lives. Further details can be found at www.harry-owen.co.uk

The Live Poets Society meeting starts at 17h30 for 18h00 on September 1 at the Point Yacht Club –Victoria Embankment Durban. Admission is free.

SAMRO OUTLINES POSITION

The Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) is concerned about recent media statements attributed to Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

A regrettable impression has been created by certain reports – such as the article dated July 30, 2010, on The Public Eye website containing remarks attributed to Dr Mkhuseli Vimba of the DTI, and the Saturday Star/Weekend Argus article dated July 10, 2010, and quoting DTI Deputy Minister Thandi Tobias-Poloko and the department’s Director of Commercial Law and Policy, MacDonald Netshitenzhe.

The former report quotes Dr Vimba telling artists during a workshop in Bloemfontein that SAMRO does not pay artists their royalties, causing them to die paupers. The latter article, while not naming any specific collecting agency, accuses them of “secrecy” and “a lack of transparency” in paying artists their dues. Furthermore, the reports quote the DTI officials and the Deputy Minister as saying that a commission of enquiry has been established to compel societies to “open their books” so that artists’ complaints regarding unpaid royalties can be investigated.

These alleged utterances by the DTI are of extreme concern to SAMRO, firstly because the organisation prides itself on its transparent accounting and corporate governance standards and does not wish to be tarred with the same brush as societies allegedly exhibiting irresponsible behaviour; and secondly, because SAMRO has been constantly engaging with the DTI and no such issues have ever been raised.

SAMRO met with Deputy Minister Tobias-Pokolo in December 2009 at SAMRO’s request. The meeting was to brief her on SAMRO’s operations and a range of issues that had been in the media during the course of the year. No concerns were expressed relating to SAMRO at the time. In addition, Mr Netshitenzhe was invited by SAMRO to its AGM in November 2008, and again no such issues were raised. This is in addition to SAMRO’s ongoing interaction and correspondence with the DTI in forums such as Nedlac on, for example, current proposed legislation such as the Intellectual Property Laws Amendment Bill.

While we cannot speak for other collecting societies operating in the country, it is unfortunate that a generalised impression has been created by these reported utterances that all such agencies need to be “brought into line” through a commission of enquiry, which is also presented as a fait accompli. SAMRO has not been informed or consulted about any such probe; neither have we been made aware of its terms of reference, scope, mandate, the appointment of commissioners and operational arrangements.

While SAMRO does not have enough information to comment fully on the mooted commission of inquiry, we welcome and support any constructive initiative that is aimed at improving the circumstances of musicians. We therefore invite the DTI to engage directly with SAMRO on any matters of concern, for the greater good of our creators, authors and performers of music. - Nicholas Motsatse, CEO: SAMRO

DAVID KAU

100% Pure South African Hilarity! (Review by Shika Budhoo)

David Kau is in Durban for four nights at the Playhouse Drama this August 2010. Last night, I was extremely lucky to catch his opening night show of David Kau, I Should’ve Done These Jokes First. The show had a mind-blowing opening night, even though the auditorium was not filled to capacity, the Drama theatre was constantly filled with howls and loud cackles of laughter. Watching the show made for a great night out to relieve stress and let it all loose: expect your laughter to be hyena-like at times, that’s how funny this show is.

To get the crowd warmed up, opening the show with ‘amazement’, was local Durban magician, Mo Magic who had the audience captivated with his masterful illusions. Assuring the audience that what he does is not supernatural in anyway and that he doesn’t have a little tokoloshe or genie helping him, he started the ball rolling into his astonishing act where his superb skill and talent as a magician brought many exclamations of “haibo” from the audience. There were slight problems with his mic and he was sometimes inaudible, which I hope is just opening night glitches that I’m sure will be fixed for the rest of the run.

And then … David Kau! Simply put: He rocked the stage (and the audience) from his first word to his last! The comedy that he brings out of his interpretations of the current South African situation in all sectors of our country had the audience nodding in familiarity and laughing out loud. He picked on all, from the arts to economic to politics to education to sport to FIFA 2010 to familiar and everyday South Africanisms that we simply cannot ignore and most of the time has the potential to make us shake with laughter.

He has incredible connection with his audience. It was wonderful watching this comedian who spoke in a way that insisted you listen because he has such hilarious truth to his words. The shows I have attended recently in Durban tend to have been predominantly supported by one particular race or another, but on this opening night it was refreshing to see the show being supported by a multiracial audience who all seemed to enjoy it with equal delight. Some audience members literally fell off their chair clutching their stomachs laughing. This has got to be the best stand-up comedy show I’ve seen this year and you’ll be sorry if you miss it.

I urge you to go watch this show! David Kau is a truly informed talented comedian with great skill at making an audience scream with laughter. It is 100% local and 200% lekker!

David Kau, I Should’ve Done These Jokes First is running in the Playhouse Drama from August 25 to 28. Book at Computicket. -Shika Budhoo

MERCILESS

Veteran theatre and TV actor takes a nostalgic trip down memory lane on August 27 and 28.

Theatre and TV stalwart and comedian Vivian Moodley is taking a nostalgic trip down memory lane in his new show Merciless. Presented at the Supernova Theatre, Nu Metro Cine Centre at Suncoast Casino, the show comprises the funniest stand up comedy routines that have been performed by Moodley since the 1970s.

Having recently turned 60, Moodley feels it is time to remind his many fans of exactly how it used to be. “I always get asked ‘when are you going to make us laugh again’ and these sentiments are expressed by people I meet daily” says Moodley when asked why the ‘nostalgic trip’.

And why is the show called Merciless? Moodley replies that no-one and nothing is sacred when it comes to stand up comedy and everyone gets it in the neck and not always lovingly. “I feel that, having been married several times, I am highly qualified to speak on issues such as marital non-bliss, headaches and the like! I will also be performing a lot of new material as well, especially given that we have just found Jackie Selebi guilty as hell!”

The show will also feature Pranesh Maharaj, as the ‘Jack in the Box’ MC.

Merciless has two performances at the Supernova Theatre at Suncoast on August 27 and 28 at 20h00. Tickets R100. More information from Vivian Moodley on 084 760 1096.

WONKA’S GOLDEN TICKET

Wonka’s Golden Ticket is a forthcoming Durban Preparatory High School (DPHS) Centenary Production and features a senior primary cast of 70.

“This show will be a fabulous production featuring our uber-talented senior primary learners and a wonderful way to crown DPHS' Centenary Year!,” says Gillian Brunings of DPHS. “In your wildest dreams you cannot imagine the wonderful surprises that await YOU!”

Wonka’s Golden Ticket runs from September 15 to 17 at Durban Preparatory High School, 99 Gordon Road, Morningside. Doors open at 17h30 with curtain up at 18h30. Tickets R30 available outside the DPHS school hall from September 6 to 14 (between 07h30 and 08h30) or bookings through Gillian Brunings on brunings@dphs.co.za or 083 326 3257.

JOMBA!

Red Eye’s back to launch Jomba! 2010

Principally funded by The National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, JOMBA! joins forces for the first time with the innovative and cutting-edge concept of Red Eye at the Durban Art Gallery on September 3 at 18h00. Renowned for showcasing performance art, fashion, dance, music and everything in between, this special JOMBA! edition of Red Eye, which is part of the Celebrate Durban season, promises to dazzle audiences.

Featuring almost a hundred performers and based around the notion of "The Body Politic", artists from all genres of performance and art making have been commissioned and invited to generate work that explores both the heightened body political but also the more personal and intimate body. Choreographers, dancers, fashion designers, DJs, fine artists, tattoo artists, performance-based artists, bands and one or two rather edgy individuals all come together in the unique vision of curator David Gouldie who has promised audiences a night of site-specific interactive performances that they will never forget.

Audiences will arrive to a blocked-off Smith Street with the "I heart market" allowing the audience an opportunity to mingle and buy food and the odd trinket. All the while, mobile interactive dance performances will weave in and about the road; gumboot dancers, ballerinas and waltzing figures with trolleys and overhead, hanging mobile artworks suspended on cranes fill in the spaces around stages giving the audience a feast of visual stimulation.

“We ask the audience to wander through the various DAG gallery spaces in no particular order discovering performances and a never ending unfolding of surprises. We ask you to take the time to ponder the voices of the artists, enjoying the unexpected and leave feeling challenged,” says David Gouldie.

Some of the extensive list of performers and artists creating work especially for this Red Eye JOMBA! include Spit Munkey collaborating with Durban Music School, Bernice Stott, Jabu Siphika, Sanele Mzinyane, The fabulous Kevin Ellis, Liezel Prins, Mlondi Zondi, Warren Raysdorf, ewok, Sifiso Khumalo, Karen Logan, Mark Hawkins and Toni Morkel, and not forgetting Sandile Mkhize, Nkanyiso Kunene , Mxolisi Nkomonde and Umucyo Cultural Group Rwandan Dancers. The After-Party will be hosted by the Zulu lounge and will feature top Cape Town bands Plastics and Popskarr

The University of KwaZulu-Natal's Centre for Visual Art exhibition, which will be displayed in Gallery Four, will be an eclectic mix of very differing styles of art-making. The 18 artists displaying their work include:

- Printmakers such as Kim Forfar, who uses etching plate in a very unusual way, as can be seen in her piece entitled Invocation of the muse; Heather Pattenden who screen prints onto fabric in Bodybag and Ties that bind; Sharon McClelland who works with texture and embossing on paper in The body imperfect; Muziwandile Gigaba who works with the dialogue between two opposing prints in his The eye and crosses the full river and Natalie Fossey's screen print Marriage-a-la-Modem; The Inspection.

- Ceramicists such as Kim Bagley who creates fragmented, rock-like metaphorical vessels in her work Fondre; Elizabeth Ramsey who explores fragility in her paper clay and printmaking techniques entitled Otherness and Sharon Weaving's very unusual, purposely-slumped ceramics called Filter.

- Multi-media art: Rifka S. Kirsten with her multi-substance wire bras entitled restriction, Nic Crooks with his Paradox of Identity, which is comprised of his face vacuum-formed in various colours and Elizabeth Wang who combines multi-media with digital prints in Envelopes.

- Digital and interactive works produced on screen by the Digital Department within the university, as well as a work by Wesley Flanagan, displayed in a light box entitled Here we Stand.

There will be a strong fashion contingent featuring models from Ice Models and designers Jane Wolff, Dale McCarthy, David Fenn, Stephanie Duchenne, Lungile Mkhize, Michaella Goss and Dark Child.

Red Eye JOMBA! tickets are R50 per person and are only available at the Durban Art Gallery on the night of the September 3 from 18h00.

Making JOMBA! possible are a range of funders and partners. The National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund has come on board as principle funder for JOMBA!, with valued support from the National Arts Council, the City of Durban, HIVOS, Pro-Helvetia Arts Council of Switzerland, Karbardock, and other kind partners.

DONALD GORDON CREATIVE ARTS FELLOWSHIPS

Applications open for arts fellowships.

Applications are open until September 3 for the 2011 Donald Gordon Creative Arts Fellowships. The Fellowships will be taken under the auspices of the University of Cape Town’s Gordon Institute for Performing and Creative Arts (GIPCA), an innovative institution promoting new interdisciplinary creative research in the disciplines of Music, Dance, Fine Art, Drama, Creative Writing, Film and New Media, and in particular collaborations among disciplines.

Applications should be made by individuals who graduated after 2004 with master’s degrees or an equivalent in any discipline in the performing and creative arts. Each year-long fellowship must culminate in an interdisciplinary creative project of the fellow’s design. At least four fellowships are available of R120,000 each, and some provision will be made for material expenses where possible.

For application requirements or further information e-mail fin-gipca@uct.ac.za or visit www.gipca.uct.ac.za Applications close September 3, 2010. Recipients will be notified on October 3 and Fellowships begin on February 1, 2011.

RHYME & RHYTHM

On the occasion of the visit of Hon’ble Minister for Commerce and Industry, Government of India, Mr. Anand Sharma, in connection with the India Show and to commemorate 150th year of the arrival of Indians in South Africa, the Consul General of India, Durban will present a cultural evening. This forms a tribute to Indo-African friendship by Ms Maitreyee Pahari and troupe.

Titled Rhyme & Rhythm, it will take place on August 31 at 17h30 for 1800 at the City Hall, Durban.

DANCING FOR GOLD

(Pic: Tony Fourie & Samantha Ledingham will be among the competitors)

The South African Dance Teachers’ Association will present the Gold Cup on September 4 at Edgewood Campus Hall. Star-Grade Section starts at 13h00 (registration for competitors at 12h00) and the evening events start at 18h00 (registration for competitors at 17h00).

This annual competition is sure to be spectacular event with competitors dancing for Gold. Members of the general public are invited to watch as tickets will be available at the door.

This national competition is open to all beginner and competitive couples from all regions and any association. Entry forms are available on www.sadtakzn.co.za or contact Janelle Yunnie on 084 474 0531 or dancebasics@mweb.co.za or Neville Letard on 031 261 2946 for further details.

UNPLUGGED

For a limited three-week season, some of Durban’s finest musos, namely Barry Thomson, Andy Turrell, Marion Loudon and Calli Thomson, collaborate to produce two hours of pure, honest “unplugged” sounds.

“Join us in our “lounge” for some Spring-time “Kick-Back Therapy”, and we’re not talking bribes here,” invites the Heritage Theatre. “The group, together with the Heritage Theatre’s Gary McKenzie, have compiled a repertoire of some of the finest songs ever written to guarantee that you unwind, relax and sing along while enjoying the Heritage Theatre’s fine food and wine.”

Expect songs made famous by artists, including Jack Johnson, Norah Jones, Bruce Hornsby, Sting, Vanessa Carleton, America, Rod Stewart and The Eagles, as well as some of the all-time classic unplugged sounds of Layla, Romeo & Juliet and Boat On The River. All this with the Heritage’s original unplugged renditions of rock classics like Smoke on the Water and Fat Bottomed Girls.

To entice audiences out for an evening of pure escapism, The Heritage have introduced a Spring season of recession-busting ticket prices.

Unplugged runs at the Heritage Theatre in Hillcrest from August 31 to September 19. Tickets R150 from Tuesday to Thursday with Friday and Saturday tickets at R190 (R165 Sunday lunchtimes) include a two-course meal. There is also the “show-only” option of R100 per person. To book call the theatre on 031 7654197 or on line at www.heritagetheatre.co.za

TRIO HEMANAY

(Pic: Helen Vosloo, Malcolm Nay and Marian Lewin)

The Friends of Music will feature the well-known Trio Hemanay Trio on August 31. The trio is made up of Helen Vosloo (flute), Malcolm Nay (piano) and Marian Lewin on cello and their programme will include works by Piazzolla, Haydn, Hendrik Hofmeyr, Ravel, Damase, van Rensburg and Rutter

The performance takes place at 19h45 on August 31 at the Durban Jewish Centre, 44 KE Masinga Road (formerly Old Fort Road). Tickets R70 (R60 FOM members and R20 students/orchestral members) through Computicket or at the door. Safe parking is available. For more information call 031 202 7822 or log onto www.friendsofmusic.co.za

CRAFT HUNT

(Pic: Rukaiya Essa’s “KwaZulu-Natal Cacias")

The Tatham Art Gallery in Pietermaritzburg is on the hunt for the best crafts in KwaZulu-Natal. (Article by Witness arts editor Estelle Sinkins, courtesy of The Witness)

As part of a project, made possible through sponsorship of the National Arts Council (NAC), crafters of all disciplines are invited to bring their work to the attention of the gallery team, who will be undertaking field trips across the province over the next few months.

“The aim of this project is to provide a platform to highlight the variety and richness of contemporary craft production in KZN,” says Tatham director Brendan Bell. “There are two main criteria that we are prioritising: the first is contemporaneity – works must reflect a contemporary feel even if fused with traditional media. We are hoping to strike a balance between superbly crafted indigenous craft items and pieces that defy categorisation – craft that is totally new and innovative. The other requirement, and this is paramount, is outstanding quality. The promotion of excellence in all areas of craft is a primary motivation behind this project, so superb standards of work are vital.

The gallery also plans to document and record exactly what crafts are being produced in the province for its reference database; and aims to produce a catalogue of works linked to a craft exhibition, which will be held at the Tatham Art Gallery in March 2011. This exhibition and catalogue will attempt to benefit selected crafters through linking them to appropriate potential buyers.

Items selected for exhibition may also be considered for inclusion in the Tatham Art Gallery’s permanent collection as donations from the NAC, as a way of continuing to develop the gallery’s collection of craft and craft-art items.

“The promotion of sustainable income for crafters is not easy,” adds Bell. “Most are makers, not marketers, and they rely on various outlets for their sales. Some of these are formal, such as craft shops and projects, tourist retail outlets etc, and some are informal, such as roadside stalls and craft markets.”

Those interested in being part in the project should phone Kobie at 033 392 2819, Pinky at 033 392 2811 or Thulani at 033 392 2823. Messages for the team can also be left with Judy Jordan, curator of the Carnegie Gallery, at 034 328 7622 or via email at gallery@newcastle.gov.za. – Estelle Sinkins, Witness Arts Editor

JABULANI ENTERTAINER

The Reach for a Dream Foundation is embarking on a nationwide search for entertainers for their Jabulani Kingdom Hospital Project. The project is growing from strength to strength and is in need of professional performers. If you have experience in entertaining children, are available during the week with your own transportation, have the people skills to listen, be sensitive and caring, and you would be able to work in a hospital environment and get along with children, call Garth on 082 454 6843 or e-mail your CV to jabulani@reachforadream.org.za or fax it to 011 781 0136.

The Foundation will be recruiting in Johannesburg, Pretoria, George, Durban, Port Elizabeth, and Bloemfontein. Successful applicants need to be available for a week's training in mid-October 2010. Interviews will be taking place throughout August to mid-September.

Reach for a Dream fulfils the dreams of children facing life-threatening illness. On average, the Foundation fulfils three dreams a day nationally and reaches over 25,000 children annually through national projects such as Group Outings, Camp Sunshine, Queen For A Day and Captain Courage, and is based on a worldwide trend of using humour and laughter to improve health. Jabulani Kingdom is Reach For A Dream’s latest project.

For more information visit www.reachforadream.org.za or contact Sian Gutstadt, Reach for a Dream Foundation on 011 781 0133 or 083 668 6643, or email: sian@reachforadream.org.za or visit www.reachforadream.org.za

(NB: This is a professional venutre in the sense that artistes will be paid)

COLOURS OF DREAMS STAGED AGAIN

DUT’s Colours of Dreams picks up its season after the run was cut short last week due to strike action.

Durban University of Technology’s Drama Department presents the annual dance production, a season of contemporary dance entitled Colours of Dreams which is now being re-staged at the Courtyard Theatre at DUT campus this week from August 25 to 27.

This production revolves around different dreams, Pink, Red, Black, Grey, White, Green, and Yellow. Colours of Dreams focuses on a Journey or search for the truth “coming clean”, purity, healing, growth, newness which can be symbolic of death and new beginnings, individuality and space that define our inner being.

“The work represents freedom from the physical body, as we experience in sleep and while dreaming where we don’t use our physical bodies but instead use our mental and spiritual bodies to experience our dreams,” says the press material. “Most of these dreams relates to our current “lesson in life”, we are spirit/ soul having a physical dream, not the other way around. Have you ever felt like your life is like a play, and you are acting out some role that you don’t even understand, and each time you turn away from it, next time it will be more unpleasant until finally you are forced to acknowledge its importance for your growth?”

Directed by dance lecturer Mdu Mtshali, Colours of Dreams involves all 2nd and 3rd year dance specialists who specialize in Theatre Dance and showcases four works by Durban-based choreographers Musa Hlatshwayo, Mlekeleli Khuzwayo, Sandile Mbili and. Mdu Mtshali himself.

The Courtyard Theatre Management, DUT and the Department of Drama Studies, wish to apologise profusely for any inconveniences caused. The theatre and box office will reopen for these days. Patrons are asked to re-book with Lebohang Sibisi on 031 373 2194 / lebohangs@dut.ac.za

Colours of Dreams runs from August 25 to 27 at 19h00 in The Courtyard Theatre, Steve Biko Road. Entrance R20. More info from Lebohang Sibisi on 031 373 2194.

ARTHUR REED

(Pic: “Masai elder” by Arthur Reed)

Mixing engineering and magic!

Well-known professional magician Arthur Reed is an engineer by trade. He’s also a former Natal Amateur Ballroom and Jive Champion (1958- 1959) and helps out as a voluntary sound and lighting engineer to a ballet school.

He was Mechanical Engineer to the Locomotive and Car components design 1956-1983 and he built and ran a Mobile Disco called the Telstar from 1970 to 1985.

He’s a founder member South African Association of Therapeutic Hypnotists (1964) as well as the South African Association for the Conference Industry (1989) and the main founder member of the art meander, The 1000 Hills Experience. A past member of The Durban Chamber of Commerce he is also a member of the South African Tibetan Buddhist Society. Along the way, he is an illusion builder and mentor for the next generation of magicians and advisor for school plays.

He can claim to 35 years as a professional magician and is three times winner for the most entertaining Magic Act. With his wife Avril, he travels extensively performing in all the major cities in Africa and South Africa. In the process, he has turned his magic hands to art and has created oil paintings of the many tribes in Africa and the far east, which have crossed his. Arthur also carves Greenman Masks, dragons, wood craft and sculptures.

For the past 13 years Arthur has been restoring and repairing violins, and uses his knowledge of these stringed instruments to make miniature versions for his Gallery. The miniatures won First Prize at the Royal show in 1998 and can be seen in homes around the world.

Arthur Reed, The only Professional Magician in Natal is three time winner of the most entertaining act. Arthur, and his wife Avril, travel extensively performing at Cabaret, Stage Shows, Conferences and product launches for: SABC, Southern Life, Panasonic, AA Life, Toyota and Audi Agents. They have performed in all the major cities in Africa and South Africa.

Arthur was helped on his artistic way by none other than the late Tretchikoff. “I got help from him and his benefactor Leslie Riggall who used to live in Kloof,” he explains. “Leslie had bought ten of Tretchikoff's paintings after he landed in Cape Town after the war in 1946. I was shown all of the paintings and given a huge book of his paintings as a gift. I even had a chance to speak to Tretchikoff before he died. Leslie left South Africa when someone tried to break into his house, which is now known as The Makaraga Tea Garden.”

More information at www.arthurreed.co.za

FABULOUS 50'S

(Pic: Praline Ross, Jaziel Vaugh'hann and Kerry Lee Cherry)

The Rhumbelow Theatre presents Fabulous 50’s in association with Jaziel Vaugh’hann, Kerry Lee Cherry and Praline Ross. If you enjoyed the Platters, Dianna Ross and the Supremes, Nat King Cole, The Manhattans and the Temptations and even Abba… then this show is for you, offering a fascinating interpretation of the evolution of male and female groups from the fabulous 50’s to the current kings and queens of the music world.

Recording artist and musical theatre performer Jaziel Vaugh’hann, who released his debut album Heaven Only Knows earlier this year, teams up with Kerry Lee Cherry, a honey-voiced chikkita that could deceive even the biggest Beyonce fan with her vocal impersonations and Praline Ross, a marketing graduate and one of the leading vocalist from the famous Motown production by Hamish Kid.

Expect numbers such as Only You, Baby Love, Listen (theme from the musical Dream Girls) and Abba’s Thank you for the music.

Shows take place on September 3, 4, 10 and 11 at 20h00 with shows on September 5 and 12 at 18h30. There will be an early performance on September 12 at 14h00. 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. Booking is through Computicket or contact Roland on 031 205 7602 (h) or 082 499 8636, email roland@stansell.za.net or visit www.rhumbelow.za.net

BARNYARD BIG 5

(Pic: James Dobson, Ernie B and Tian Rautenbach with Ramaine Barreiro-Lloyd and Tarryn Hudson)

The Barnyard Theatre is preparing the tribute of all tributes to celebrate the music of five of the greatest pop icons of all time in one outstanding production.

The Big 5 will pay tribute to Elton John, Tina Turner, Rod Stewart, Michael Jackson and Madonna and opens at Gateway’s Barnyard Theatre at on August 31.

Imagine Elton, Tina, Rod, Michael and Madonna on one stage, in one show, singing the number one hits from the last six decades of pop music. These solo artists have dominated the charts to such a degree over the last 40 years, that The Barnyard felt it was essential to stage a special tribute to them!

The show is all about the showmanship and charisma that has elevated these stars to become icons in the rock ‘n roll annals and some of The Barnyard’s most accomplished artists have been lined up to bring the hits of The Big 5 to life. The show features a ten-piece cast with Tarryn Hudson as Madonna, Ramaine Barreiro-Lloyd as Tina Turner, James Dobson as Elton John, Tian Rautenbach as Rod Stewart, and Ernie B as Michael Jackson.

Patrons are alerted to dust off their dancing shoes and prepare for numbers like Billie Jean, Thriller, Crocodile Rock, Your Song and Simply The Best as well as Proud Mary, Maggie May, Sailing, Like A Virgin and Material Girl.

The Big 5 runs at The Barnyard Theatre at Gateway from August 31 to October 10. Tickets R120 pp from Wednesday to Saturday R85pp discounted specials Tuesday night and Sunday matinees). Bookings and enquiries on 031 566 3045, e-mail gateway@barnyardtheatres.co.za More information at www.barnyardtheatres.co.za

NOTES NOCTURNAL

(Pic: Tyron Cathey, Taryn Bowker, Greg Lee with Gareth Moerdyk at the back)

Latest show from Westville Theatre Club.

Did you ever wonder about “the things that go bump in the night?” asks the Westville Theatre Club. “Well, now is your chance to come and find out – vampires, ghosts, zombies, wonderful songs and wonderful dancing - this a show for everybody. Good entertainment, good company, good friends.

The Westville Theatre Club is to present Notes Nocturnal at the Westville Civic Centre from September 2 to 11 at 19h00 (show at 20h00) with a matinee on September 4 at 14h30. Patrons should take their own picnic and there is a cash bar with good prices.

Bookings through Haircraft on 031 266 5239 (closed on Mondays)

SHINE

Gospel music channel to travel South Africa in search of musical act.

Gospel music channel, ONE Gospel, has announce the launch of - Shine, a reality TV show that will travel the lengths and breadth of South Africa in search of the country’s next great gospel musical act.

Performers, who have dreamt of sharing the stage with phenomenal and successful musicians like Rebecca Malope and Joyous Celebration, now have the opportunity to showcase their talent. Soloists, bands, choirs or instrumentals all qualify to enter the competition that promises to capture the hearts of South Africans.

The auditions will start in Mamelodi, Pretoria on the 5th of August & the crew will travel to Soweto, Polokwane, Durban, Nelspruit and end in Cape Town in September.

The judges will choose two finalists from each region (12 in total) who will travel to ONE Gospel studios in Jo’burg to participate in the knock-out rounds. Every Sunday, performers will need to impress the judges and studio audience to stay in the competition. Three finalists will be eliminated at the end of each episode and in the final episode, judges and studio audience will vote for the overall winner.

The winner of this inaugural talent show will walk away with a Cash Grand prize, a CD and DVD recording deal from SouthStone Records and will headline at ONE Gospel’s first concert in December.

The first (1ST) episode will be broadcast on Sunday August 8, 2010 at 5pm on ONE Gospel, Channel 331, Only on DStv.

Shine auditions take place in Durban on September 9 and 10 in Umlazi. More information from Dineo Mahloele, ONE Gospel on 011 285 6001 or 084 299 6812 or email: dineom@urbanbrew.co.za

SQUEAKY TAKKIE STUDIOS

Squeaky Takkie Studioes have just opened their doors to the public, providing artists with an affordable recording solution and offering them a professional recording environment with the ability to express their creativity. Combining 10 years of experience (both local and international) with local talent, STS aim to use the studio to uplift and develop local artists around the country.

Now offering an opening special of just R1,500 per song. *This rate is inclusive of studio time, recording, sound engineer, mixing and mastering.

Squeaky Takkie Studios is also able to assist with jingles and spot recordings for advertising purposes. For a quote contact Jose Alves on 082 325 9569 / jose@unimelt.co.za or murry. Caetano on 072 630 5268 / murrycaetano@yahoo.co.uk or join their Facebook page to stay up to date with the latest information.

MOSAICS AT CORNER CAFÉ

The Corner Café in Brand Road, Glenwood, is hosting an exhibition of mosaics by Margie Jordaan and Donna Wooten. The exhibition runs until August 28. More information on 031 201 0291.

DEATH OF JUSTIN MCCARTHY

Justin McCarthy, owner and founder of the popular Groundcover Leather Company which is on the Midlands Meander, was killed tragically last month while he was cycling. The bicycle he was riding collided with a bakkie along the Curry’s Post Road and it appeared that the vehicle had been trying to overtake another car when the accident occurred. The driver was arrested at the scene.

Justin McCarthy leaves his wife Amanda and their four children.

Justin and Amanda founded Groundcover in 1990 and the company is notable for the high quality of its shoes, sandals and handbags. It also has Nguni skins and products. Contact 033 330 6092 or visit www.groundcover.co.za which gives the fascinating history of the leather shop’s building itself.

Apologies for this late obituary, but the information has only just reached artSMart’s notice.

WHERE THE MONEY IS

In the Sunday night movie slot, M-Net Stars (Channel 105) will screen Where the Money Is on August 22 at 19h35. The film stars Paul Newman and Dermot Mulroney and was directed by Marek Kanievska in 2000.

Henry Manning is an ageing bank robber who is admitted to a nursing home after suffering a stroke. Unable to move or speak, he just sits; until his nurse decides he’s faking. Carol tries to seduce him, but he doesn’t move a muscle. Then she does something a little more drastic. It works and Henry admits he was faking not being able to move. He expects her to turn him in. Instead, she makes a suggestion - teach me how to rob a bank!

HILARY AND JACKIE

In the Tuesday night movie slot, M-Net Stars (Channel 105) will screen Hilary and Jackie on August 24 at 19h30. Two musically gifted sisters, Hilary and Jacqueline, are reunited after their lives have taken different paths, when the one sister becomes seriously ill. The story follows their lives growing up in 1950s England. Both sisters show a remarkable talent for music, but by the time they reach maturity, Jackie has made music her career, while Hilary has opted for marriage and a family. Jackie becomes the most celebrated cellist of her time (Jacqueline du Pré), and Hilary feels some resentment – until Jackie is diagnosed with a disease that will end her career and ultimately her life.

Starring Emily Watson and Rachel Griffiths, this biographical film was directed by Anand Tucker in 1998.

MARRIED SINGLE OTHER

Screened on BBC Entertainment (channel 120 on DStv) on Tuesday evenings at 21h30 for the next five weeks is Married Single Other

Sexy, funny and painfully honest, this drama tells the story of three couples who are trying to work out exactly what a ‘couple’ is these days. Lillie and Eddie are unmarried but have been blissfully happy for 16 years and have two boys; grumpy teenager Harry and Joe, a 12-year-old with a high IQ. While Lillie wouldn’t change a thing, Eddie would like nothing better than their signatures on the marriage licence.

Clint has no problem getting exactly what he wants with women, and that is certainly not a second date. However, when he meets Abbey and she refuses to submit to his usual ways, he appears to have met his match. Can a leopard change its spots, particularly if that leopard is as addicted to beautiful women as Clint seems to be?

Dickie is Clint’s brother, but Dickie has none of Clint’s ambition, and although charming, is lazy and thoughtless. Babs’ work as a child psychologist comes in handy when it comes to dealing with her own husband. The connection between them is electric, powerful and lasting. Well, only lasting in the bedroom really. In all other parts of their lives they appear to be reading from very different pages.

Through love, passion, heartbreak and tragedy the six friends contemplate the meaning of ‘happily ever after’ and ponder the conundrum of always wanting what you just can’t have. Starring Shaun Dooley; Lucy Davis; Dean Lennox Kelly; Amanda Abbington; Ralf Little, and Miranda Raison.

STARS IN YOUR EYES

Danny Fisher appears at Pumpkin Theatre Club in Ballito.

After the success of Vintage Rocks! by Vintage Productions SA, the Pumpkin Theatre Club in Ballito now presents Danny Fisher.

Stars in your Eyes is described as "a one man show with a cast of hundreds!!”. Danny is a strong vocalist and comedian who does impressions of famous stars of stage and screen. In one evening you will see and hear him impersonate the likes of Ozzy Osbourne, Mick Jagger, Rod Stewart, Roy Orbison, Tom Jones, Meatloaf, Willie Nelson, Julio Eglesias, Bob Dylan, Benny Hill and even Nelson Mandela. Danny is known worldwide for being one of the world’s best Elvis Presley impersonators.

The programme song list includes Roy Orbison’s Pretty Woman, Only the Lonely and You Got It; Tom Jones’s Delilah and Sexbomb; and Nat King Cole’s Unforgettable. Also featured will be To All the Girls We’ve Loved Before by Willie Nelson and Julio Inglesias with Elvis Presley’s Suspicious Minds and Heartbreak Hotel.

The show run until September 4 every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evening at 20h00 and the doors to the theatre will open at 18h30 for patrons wishing to have dinner. Tickets R180 for the show and 3-course meal (R100 show only). A full bar service is available. Booking through Computicket or directly with the resort on 032 946 2121.

LAUNCH MY LINE

Next two weeks episode on fashion reality series.

Universal Channel’s first reality series, Launch My Line features ten well-known professionals who are highly regarded in their own field of expertise, but have always dreamed of having their own clothing line. These professionals are paired with ten established fashion designers who will help them execute their dream clothing line.

Episode 3 (August 24) -Walk on the Wild Side. The contestants get up close and personal with exotic animals to draw their inspiration for their next garment. While one designer must confront a phobia to complete the challenge, another team takes a walk on the wild side that might be too much of a risk. Who is spot on and who is fashion road-kill?

Episode 4 (August 24) - Bare Minimum. A great designer understands the human body and treats it like a work of art. In this episode, the designers are taken to an art gallery to look for inspiration to create asymmetrical eveningwear. But the remaining contestants are in for a surprise when they realize their inspiration is not from the art hanging on the walls, but from the nude models standing in front of them.

Launch My Line is presented on Tuesdays at 22h00 on the Universal Channel (DStv channel 108)

CASUAL DAY

“Laugh a little, give a little”

Casual Day will be celebrated on September 3 when each and every South African can “dress for laughs”. This fun-filled day provides people with the opportunity to show the world that they care about persons with disabilities for a donation of only R10.

“Casual Day is the biggest fundraising and awareness creating project for persons with disabilities in South Africa,” say the organisers. “Every year on the first Friday of September we ask people to dress differently than they normally would, and to wear the official Casual Day sticker to show their support.”

The following National Welfare Organisations are beneficiaries of Casual Day: The National Council for Persons with Physical Disabilities in SA (NCPPDSA); SA Federation for Mental Health; Disabled People South Africa (DPSA); Deaf Federation of SA (DEAFSA); Epilepsy SA, and the SA National Council for the Blind

These organisations represent about 400 different schools, homes and workshops for persons with disabilities. Every year more than 200 local welfare organisations participate in this project and raise funds for their own needs via the infrastructure of the project.

This year Casual Day encourages people to dress for laughs. Wear something funny, fancy or utterly ridiculous with your Casual Day sticker and join in on the fun. Laughter is infectious. The sound of roaring laughter is far more contagious than any cough, sniffle, or sneeze. When laughter is shared, it binds people together. So, celebrate life and be grateful for what you have by showing your support for persons with disabilities by wearing your Casual Day sticker on Friday, 3 September.

Convince your boss and colleagues to participate and collect R10 from everyone. Obtain your Casual Day sticker at a participating welfare organisation (listed on our website), any Absa Bank, any outlet of Game stores, Jet, Edgars, Boardmans, CNA or order online at www.casualday.co.za Decide on your outfit or simply wear your sticker on September 3 to show that you support persons with disabilities. Read something, listen to music, write an uplifting poem and go out into the garden and smell the roses. Find something to laugh about! More information on 012 663 8181, fax 012 663 8188 or e-mail:casualday@mweb.co.za or visit www.casualday.co.za

EWOK FOR ST. CLEMENTS

Hiphop poet Iain EWOK Robinson will present Pimp My Poetry on August 23 at the Mondays at Seven gathering at St Clements. This promises to be an entertaining evening of fresh poetic rhyming and reasoning which also celebrates the launch of Ewok’s new anthology of Spoken Word text.

St Clements is situated at 191 Musgrave Road on the right-hand side a short way down Musgrave after the St Thomas Road intersection. Sundays at Seven run between 19h00 and 20h00. Booking is advised on 031 202 211.

BADILSHA RADIO

Badilisha Live, held at the Durban City Hall recently attracted a diverse audience, ranging from aspiring poets to people who originally just had an interest but who are now avid supporters of the medium.

Badilisha Radio (not a typical radio station) has been developed to facilitate and provide poetry supporters, locally and internationally, with the platform to be inspired and to contribute to the growing anthology of podcasts. With poets contributing from all over the world, Badilisha Radio allows one to access, download and enjoy the array of poems gathered throughout the four-year lifespan of the Badilisha Poetry X-Change. Visit www.badilishapoetry.com to view the list of poets and their podcasts.

Some poets use the medium to communicate their experiences and emotions. Others use it as a tool to heal the body and mind. More information from Shafeeka Anthony on 021 447 3197 or 071 621 4164.

AFRICAN COOKBOY

First novel from 2009 EU Award-shortlisted author, David Dinwoodie Irving.

Seven books later, 2009 EU Award-shortlisted author, David Dinwoodie Irving has produced his first published novel, African Cookboy. In it, readers will meet Dhlamini “Shatterproof” Bhekuzulu, a wily tsotsi geeza if there ever was one.

The intricate networks of township crime are slowly unravelled as Shatterproof gives apartheid-era authority the finger and merrily exploits any loophole that catches his eye. A far cry from the usual predictable story of wretched tsotsi life, Shatterproof’s criminal endeavours are both devious and delightful.

Dithering between his need for redemption and his love for illicit scheming, between his shrewd business deals and his predisposition to get in trouble, Shatterproof has the same allure as the magnetic Tony from the television series The Sopranos.

Despite his best intentions of avoiding violence at all costs, his mampara of a philandering brother, Vilakazi, gets Shatterproof into a series of disasters. Yet his adoration for his straight-living wife sees Shatterproof relinquish his illicit scheming and he starts up a legal, yes legal restaurant, mfowethu, and things go well for a while. But when his previous tsotsi life comes knocking on the restaurant door, Shatterproof finds himself unable to resist…

David Dinwoodie Irving professes to have been “several utterly different people during the roller-coaster ride of life that has so far been granted to him”. He started life as what he calls a “very young, sports-mad, beer-drinking nobody”, whose proudest achievement at that point in his life was ownership of a two-seater 1948 MG TC, and progressed rapidly into surfing and globe-trotting with early inklings of a career as a writer.

After being married and then divorced, he renewed his interest in music and film and worked for several years as a professional musician and innovative film-maker.

African Cookboy.is published in paperback by Jacana Media EAN/ISBN-13: 978-1-77009-869-5. Recommended Retail Price R180.

KZNSA’S CINEMA THURSDAY

“Kikujirô no natsu” for KZNSA Gallery picnic screening on September 2.

Every first and third Thursday of the month, the KZNSA Gallery lawn transforms into a picnic theatre with a selection of international art-house, classic, foreign, experimental and generally interesting films.

The programme offers an eclectic mix of memorable films from across space and time for those who have a taste for the alternative. The goal of Cinema Thursday Picnic Screenings is to contribute to the development of a culture of film appreciation and filmmaking in Durban, and not for the financial gain of the organisers. However, there are running costs incurred by the KZNSA Gallery which they need help in covering, such as set-up costs and the security guard. A collection box will be passed around at the screenings for those who wish to place a donation.

On September 2, the movie will be the Japanese film, Kikujirô no natsu, directed in 1999 by Takeshi Kitano.

The press notice reads: “When young Masao, under the guardianship of his grandmother, finds himself feeling lonely and abandoned during his summer holidays, he decides to set out to find his long lost mother. His journey is intercepted by a friend of his grandmother, who sends her husband, Kikujiro, to accompany him on his journey. But as it turns out, the ex-Yakuza, bad-mannered man may be more of a child than Masao. Their excursion to the cycle races is the first of a series of adventures for the unlikely pair which soon turns out to be a whimsical journey of laughter and tears with a wide array of surprises and odd ball characters they meet along the way. This film is just wonderful.” NB: PG 13 (But mostly suitable for all ages)

Bring blankets, snacks and vino, and relive the era of the drive-in as the screen flickers under the starry sky. If the temperamental Durban weather threatens to rain on the parade, the screening will move inside to the tiered café seating.