Presented on May 14 at 19h00, Criminal Minds revolves around an elite team of FBI profilers who analyze the country's most twisted criminal minds, anticipating their next moves before they strike again. The Behavioral Analysis Unit's most experienced agent is David Rossi, a founding member of the BAU who returns to help the team solve new cases. The team is lead by Special Agent Aaron Hotchner, a strong profiler who is able to gain people's trust and unlock their secrets.
Other members include Emily Prentiss, the daughter of high-powered diplomats who used to work with Hotchner; Special Agent Derek Morgan, an expert on obsessional crimes; Special Agent Dr. Spencer Reid, a classically misunderstood genius whose social IQ is as low as his intellectual IQ is high; Jennifer "J.J." Jareau, a confident young agent who acts as the unit liaison for the team, and Penelope Garcia, a computer wizard who helps research the cases. Each member brings his or her own area of expertise to the table as they pinpoint predators' motivations and identify their emotional triggers in the attempt to stop them.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
SOUTHLAND SEASON 1
M-Net Action presents fast-moving drama.
Starting on M-Net Action on May 13 at 19h00, Southland is a fast-moving drama that looks at the lives of cops, criminals, victims and their families.
John Cooper is a seasoned Los Angeles cop, assigned to train young rookie Ben Sherman. Cooper's honest, no-nonsense approach to the job leaves Sherman questioning whether or not he has what it takes to become a police officer.
Cudlitz and McKenzie are joined by other cast members, including Regina King, who plays Detective Lydia Adams. Adams lives with and is the primary caregiver of her mother. Her partner, Detective Russell Clarke is an unhappily married father of three. Michael McGrady plays Detective Daniel "Sal" Salinger. Sal oversees fellow gang detectives Nate Moretta plays patrol officer Chickie Brown, a single mom who dreams of being the first woman accepted into SWAT.
Starting on M-Net Action on May 13 at 19h00, Southland is a fast-moving drama that looks at the lives of cops, criminals, victims and their families.
John Cooper is a seasoned Los Angeles cop, assigned to train young rookie Ben Sherman. Cooper's honest, no-nonsense approach to the job leaves Sherman questioning whether or not he has what it takes to become a police officer.
Cudlitz and McKenzie are joined by other cast members, including Regina King, who plays Detective Lydia Adams. Adams lives with and is the primary caregiver of her mother. Her partner, Detective Russell Clarke is an unhappily married father of three. Michael McGrady plays Detective Daniel "Sal" Salinger. Sal oversees fellow gang detectives Nate Moretta plays patrol officer Chickie Brown, a single mom who dreams of being the first woman accepted into SWAT.
COMEDY FESTIVAL
From May 3 at 21h30 on BBC Entertainment (channel 120 on DStv), BBC Entertainment continues its festival of the very best stand-up comedy.
The line-up in May features some of the UK and Ireland’s hottest comedy stars, including camp comedy star Alan Carr, whose live show, Alan Carr: Tooth Fairy Live, sees the comedian at his best at a sell-out live performance at the Hammersmith Apollo, where he talks about childhood and adolescence in his trademark frank and hilarious style.
Also on the bill is Irish funnyman Dara O’Briain. In Dara O’Briain Talks Funny, the comedian mixes top-drawer material with lightning fast improvisation to give his audience a hilarious night to remember.
Finally, British Comedy Award winner Sean Lock stars in his sell-out performance Sean Lock Live, delivering a masterclass in quick-witted observational comedy.
The line-up in May features some of the UK and Ireland’s hottest comedy stars, including camp comedy star Alan Carr, whose live show, Alan Carr: Tooth Fairy Live, sees the comedian at his best at a sell-out live performance at the Hammersmith Apollo, where he talks about childhood and adolescence in his trademark frank and hilarious style.
Also on the bill is Irish funnyman Dara O’Briain. In Dara O’Briain Talks Funny, the comedian mixes top-drawer material with lightning fast improvisation to give his audience a hilarious night to remember.
Finally, British Comedy Award winner Sean Lock stars in his sell-out performance Sean Lock Live, delivering a masterclass in quick-witted observational comedy.
PIERS MORGAN ON...
Three episodes of access-all-areas VIP tour on BBC Knowledge
Piers Morgan On... will run for three episodes from May 2 at 22h30 on BBC Knowledge (channel 251 on DStv) to continue every Sunday at the same time.
Piers Morgan gives viewers an access-all-areas VIP tour of some of the most glamorous locations in the world, offering a rare insight into the hotspots, people and extremes of the most desirable places on the planet. He heads to the iconic destination of Las Vegas to learn how the city is re-emerging from the impact of the credit crunch. There, he meets Hollywood legend Sylvester Stallone and millionaire heiress Paris Hilton, and discovers the very real threat of water shortages in the area.
In the Spanish holiday resort of Marbella, Piers takes a look at the contrasting worlds that co-exist in the Spanish port: the stunning opulence of the ‘golden mile’ where exclusive restaurants sell Champagne for 30,000 Euros a bottle, and the less exclusive sea-front bars where robberies and violence are rife.
In Shanghai, he samples the climate of raw ambition driving the rapidly expanding economic powerhouse to the brink of global dominance. But the pace of progress does not promise improved fortunes for all, as Piers discovers when he meets a family who were made homeless to make room for expansion.
Piers Morgan On... will run for three episodes from May 2 at 22h30 on BBC Knowledge (channel 251 on DStv) to continue every Sunday at the same time.
Piers Morgan gives viewers an access-all-areas VIP tour of some of the most glamorous locations in the world, offering a rare insight into the hotspots, people and extremes of the most desirable places on the planet. He heads to the iconic destination of Las Vegas to learn how the city is re-emerging from the impact of the credit crunch. There, he meets Hollywood legend Sylvester Stallone and millionaire heiress Paris Hilton, and discovers the very real threat of water shortages in the area.
In the Spanish holiday resort of Marbella, Piers takes a look at the contrasting worlds that co-exist in the Spanish port: the stunning opulence of the ‘golden mile’ where exclusive restaurants sell Champagne for 30,000 Euros a bottle, and the less exclusive sea-front bars where robberies and violence are rife.
In Shanghai, he samples the climate of raw ambition driving the rapidly expanding economic powerhouse to the brink of global dominance. But the pace of progress does not promise improved fortunes for all, as Piers discovers when he meets a family who were made homeless to make room for expansion.
BRUTAL TUNES IN PMB
Brutal Tunes from Music Revival on April 30.
The comical and wickedly funny Brutal Tunes with Anthony Stonier, Lisa Bobbert and Andrew Warburton on piano makes a visit to 35 Montgomery Drive in Pietermaritzburg, presented by Music Revival.
This intimate performance space provides a perfect foil to the hilarity and crazy antics of this show. Directed by Caroline Smart, Brutal Tunes was specifically designed to highlight the talents and excellent working rapport of this trio of performers. It is a music revue filled with comedy, clever (and brutal) lyrics and outrageous fun. It is madcap and macabre with a mixture of mystery, murder, mayhem and mirth mixed together for massive ‘musement! Working with the collective creative genius of lyricists/composers such as Noel Coward, Stephen Sondheim and Tom Lehrer, the show offers a great start to the weekend.
The performance takes place on April 30 at 19h30 at 35 Montgomery Drive, Athlone, and there is secure parking. Tickets R230 include cabaret performance and casual meal. BYO wine. Tables of four or more preferred. Booking essential through Music Revival on booking@musicrevival.co.za, 033 342-3051 or visit www.musicrevival.co.za for more information. (Warning: This is an adult show as the language can be fairly explicit)
The comical and wickedly funny Brutal Tunes with Anthony Stonier, Lisa Bobbert and Andrew Warburton on piano makes a visit to 35 Montgomery Drive in Pietermaritzburg, presented by Music Revival.
This intimate performance space provides a perfect foil to the hilarity and crazy antics of this show. Directed by Caroline Smart, Brutal Tunes was specifically designed to highlight the talents and excellent working rapport of this trio of performers. It is a music revue filled with comedy, clever (and brutal) lyrics and outrageous fun. It is madcap and macabre with a mixture of mystery, murder, mayhem and mirth mixed together for massive ‘musement! Working with the collective creative genius of lyricists/composers such as Noel Coward, Stephen Sondheim and Tom Lehrer, the show offers a great start to the weekend.
The performance takes place on April 30 at 19h30 at 35 Montgomery Drive, Athlone, and there is secure parking. Tickets R230 include cabaret performance and casual meal. BYO wine. Tables of four or more preferred. Booking essential through Music Revival on booking@musicrevival.co.za, 033 342-3051 or visit www.musicrevival.co.za for more information. (Warning: This is an adult show as the language can be fairly explicit)
COLLIN RULE & JASPAR LE PAC
The Jackie Horner Pub and Grill in Glenwood hosts laid-back crooner Collin Rule on April 30 from 19h00 to 21h00. On May 2, it’s the turn of Jaspar Le Pac with his Americana folk/rock sound from 13h00 to 15h00.
Entrance is free. Call 031 202 9192 to book. Also enjoy a great Sunday roast special for just R49 pp.
Entrance is free. Call 031 202 9192 to book. Also enjoy a great Sunday roast special for just R49 pp.
THE SOUTH JERSEY POM-POMS
The Phansi Museum in Glenwood will host The South Jersey Pom-Poms on April 30 at 19h30.
Admission R30 or bookings through Max on 031 206 2889 or 083 450 3270. There will be a cash bar and car guards on duty. Phansi Museum is situated at 500 Esther Roberts Road (formerly Frere Road) in Glenwood. More information on 031 206 2889 or 083 450 3270 or fax 0865 462482 or email: info@phansi.com
Admission R30 or bookings through Max on 031 206 2889 or 083 450 3270. There will be a cash bar and car guards on duty. Phansi Museum is situated at 500 Esther Roberts Road (formerly Frere Road) in Glenwood. More information on 031 206 2889 or 083 450 3270 or fax 0865 462482 or email: info@phansi.com
EFRAIN TORO
One of the world's most versatile drummer/percussionists for UKZN’s Centre for Jazz.
Efrain Toro, one of the world's most versatile drummer/percussionists, will perform at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s jazz centre. His unique approach to rhythm and education is a musical revolution in the making.
His career began in his native Puerto Rico and he later moved to the New England Conservatory. While in Boston, he studied drum set with Alan Dawson. He moved to Los Angeles in 1979, where he has played on countless film and TV scores. Efrain has also worked with a variety of great artists that included Stan Getz, George Benson, Los Lobos, Chicago, Placido Domingo and many others. Efrain has taught at the renowned Musician's Institute, California Institute of the Arts and UCLA. He has authored five books for musicians and artists that explain his theories and skills on topics like rhythm, hand-finger technique, Latin styles, and odd meters.
Efrain Toro appears at the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music on the UKZN’s Howard College campus on May 5 from 17h30 to 19h00 (doors open at 17h00). Entrance R25 (R10 students) and a cash bar is available.
Efrain Toro, one of the world's most versatile drummer/percussionists, will perform at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s jazz centre. His unique approach to rhythm and education is a musical revolution in the making.
His career began in his native Puerto Rico and he later moved to the New England Conservatory. While in Boston, he studied drum set with Alan Dawson. He moved to Los Angeles in 1979, where he has played on countless film and TV scores. Efrain has also worked with a variety of great artists that included Stan Getz, George Benson, Los Lobos, Chicago, Placido Domingo and many others. Efrain has taught at the renowned Musician's Institute, California Institute of the Arts and UCLA. He has authored five books for musicians and artists that explain his theories and skills on topics like rhythm, hand-finger technique, Latin styles, and odd meters.
Efrain Toro appears at the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music on the UKZN’s Howard College campus on May 5 from 17h30 to 19h00 (doors open at 17h00). Entrance R25 (R10 students) and a cash bar is available.
UKZN LUNCH-HOURS
The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Music Schools hosts regular free lunch-hour concerts in Howard Collage (unless otherwise stated) from 12h15 to 15h00.
May 3: KZN Youth Wind Band, made up of 50 talented young music students from diverse cultural backgrounds. Last year they took part in a prestigious music competition and youth music festival in Vienna where they were awarded first prize and brought home the coveted crystal trophy. Taking place at Jubilee Hall (OSCA), Princess Alice Avenue.
May 5: Hyderabad Siva (Chennai, India). Carnatic singer Hyderabad Siva, Villivakkam Raghuram (violinist) and Thillaisthanam R Suriyanarayanan (mrithangam and gangira artiste) will be visiting from Chennai, India. Howard College Theatre.
May 10: Yea Kyung Kim (violin) was the winner of the 2008 Classical Performers’ Competition. She will be performing Mozart’s Sonata in Bb for violin and piano and Beethoven’s Spring Sonata No. 5. She will be accompanied by Prof. David Smith. Howard College Theatre.
May 12: Sacred Song. This will be a concert of excerpts from Mendelssohn's Elijah featuring OSCA voice performance majors and the Opera and Choral Ensemble. They will be accompanied by Dana Hadjiev (piano). Howard College Theatre.
May 3: KZN Youth Wind Band, made up of 50 talented young music students from diverse cultural backgrounds. Last year they took part in a prestigious music competition and youth music festival in Vienna where they were awarded first prize and brought home the coveted crystal trophy. Taking place at Jubilee Hall (OSCA), Princess Alice Avenue.
May 5: Hyderabad Siva (Chennai, India). Carnatic singer Hyderabad Siva, Villivakkam Raghuram (violinist) and Thillaisthanam R Suriyanarayanan (mrithangam and gangira artiste) will be visiting from Chennai, India. Howard College Theatre.
May 10: Yea Kyung Kim (violin) was the winner of the 2008 Classical Performers’ Competition. She will be performing Mozart’s Sonata in Bb for violin and piano and Beethoven’s Spring Sonata No. 5. She will be accompanied by Prof. David Smith. Howard College Theatre.
May 12: Sacred Song. This will be a concert of excerpts from Mendelssohn's Elijah featuring OSCA voice performance majors and the Opera and Choral Ensemble. They will be accompanied by Dana Hadjiev (piano). Howard College Theatre.
CONTEMPORARY DANCE CLASSES
Flatfoot Dance Company to host classes at The Breathing Space.
The Breathing Space has announced the start up of adult contemporary dance classes hosted by Durban's inimitable Flatfoot Dance Company and senior dancer in the company S'fiso Magesh Ngcobo. Magesh has been working with Flatfoot since its inception in 2003 but has also made global detours having spent two years dancing all over the world in the award winning African Footprints. He is a much sought-after teacher and choreographer and combines a street style with some serious contemporary technique training; all while allowing you the freedom to enjoy yourself!
The classes are open to any dancer over 16 years and are aimed at allowing the new-to-dance dancer space to move and learn, as well as allowing a more seasoned dancer space to train and perhaps try out some new contemporary styles/ways of moving.
Classes running from 18h45 to 20h00 will be held each Monday at The Breathing Space and begin on May 10. Cost R45 per class (payment is made per class). More information from Clare on 082 875 6065 (week days/office hours).
The Breathing Space has announced the start up of adult contemporary dance classes hosted by Durban's inimitable Flatfoot Dance Company and senior dancer in the company S'fiso Magesh Ngcobo. Magesh has been working with Flatfoot since its inception in 2003 but has also made global detours having spent two years dancing all over the world in the award winning African Footprints. He is a much sought-after teacher and choreographer and combines a street style with some serious contemporary technique training; all while allowing you the freedom to enjoy yourself!
The classes are open to any dancer over 16 years and are aimed at allowing the new-to-dance dancer space to move and learn, as well as allowing a more seasoned dancer space to train and perhaps try out some new contemporary styles/ways of moving.
Classes running from 18h45 to 20h00 will be held each Monday at The Breathing Space and begin on May 10. Cost R45 per class (payment is made per class). More information from Clare on 082 875 6065 (week days/office hours).
HANDSPRING PUPPET COMPANY
(Pic: Cover of the publication)Richly illustrated record of this innovative company provides definitive guidebook for puppetry. (Review by Caroline Smart)
Although based in Durban, I have had the privilege of being able to see productions by the groundbreaking Handspring Puppet Company at the National Arts Festivals in Grahamstown. These include Woyzeck on the Highveld, Faustus in Africa, Ubu and the Truth Commission Il, Ritorno d’Ulisse and Confessions of Zeno and each time I’ve been blown away by the skilful puppetry, clever engineering, boundless imagination and breathtaking visuals created through the medium of theatre.
The process bursts the confines of standard theatre categories – is it visual art?, is it drama?, etc. - and creates its own norms. The puppets are respected for their own individuality with names like Puppet Topthorn (War Horse) and Puppet Johnson (Faustus in Africa) or The Miner (Woyzeck on the Highveld) and the massive Puppet Mehmet Ali (Tall Horse).
Handspring Puppet Company was founded by visual artists Basil Jones and Adrian Kohler in1981 to make work for an adult audience and giving themselves “two years to swim or sink”. Winning numerous accolades along the way, 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.
In 2007, Handspring’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.
Produced by David Krut Publishing and edited by acclaimed academic Dr Jane Taylor who works closely with Handspring, Handspring Puppet Company is the first full-length book on the company published in South Africa. It explores their work in adult puppet theatre, from Episodes of an Easter Rising in 1985 to War Horse and applauds the fact that they “have been responsible for a massive transformation of popular attitudes to this rather esoteric medium.”
While this beautifully presented publication will obviously interest those in puppetry and theatre as a whole, it will open a fascinating new world to anyone involved in model-making. The company has been very generous in sharing its creative process from sketches to final product detailing the various problems encountered. Anyone with a sculpture or engineering background will be intrigued by the internal workings and there are plenty of images to provide examples of the complicated infrastructure. Even a maquette by Adrian Kohler of an abandoned idea for the back legs of a horse for War Horse makes for an interesting photograph.
The book becomes a definitive guidebook for puppetry with its advice in terms of breathing, muscle tension, coping with assuming awkward postures and avoidance of repetitive rhythms. The intensity of the puppeteer’s commitment must never be allowed to overwhelm the intensity of the puppet’s performance.
Handspring avoids working with film and TV because the mediums won’t permit the puppeteers being seen. Their work is strictly theatrical believing that the magic lies in knowing that the puppeteer is integrated with the puppet, their faces and body language mirroring the emotions of their charges.
My favourite image is opposite the Preface and shows a superb moment from War Horse, as do most of the photographs of this production. But read on and become engrossed in the world of puppetry from the cases required to transport the puppets, details of costuming, characterisation of the puppets and mechanics of operation.
There’s a fun photograph of Adrian Kohler gleefully tugging the ear of The Hyena and later in full cry as he manipulates The Captain with Busi Zokufa. There’s pain and distress as a distraught Patrick O’Kane holds the fallen Topthorn. Puppets tower above their handlers in the 1988 production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Dawid Minnaar on hands and knees confronts the Dogs of War (Ubu and the Truth Commission). Basil Jones and singer Julian Podger raise Puppet Ulisse as he draws his bow below an animation by Kentridge. Even hanging backstage, the puppets retain a sense of life, as if they’re simply waiting for the next performance.
Handspring Puppet Company features essays by Jane Taylor as well as other theatre practitioners and writers who have collaborated with the company over the years. These include Adrienne Sichel, Adrian Kohler, William Kentridge, Gerhard Marx, Lesego Rampolokeng and Basil Jones. The book is published in soft cover (R480 - ISBN 978-0-9814328-3-0) and hard cover (R650 - ISBN 978-0-9814328-5-4) – Caroline Smart
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 on 011 880 5648 or visit www.davidkrutpublishing.com luke@davidkrut.com
NIGHT ON BROADWAY
Lana English, Shelley McLean and Robert Petersen to appear in concert with KZNPO in Pietermaritzburg.
Now you don't have to spend thousands of rands travelling around the country to enjoy music from the greatest stage musicals of our time. Spend an unforgettable Night on Broadway in the company of South Africa's premier orchestra - in Pietermaritzburg!
Phoenix Events and Entertainment presents the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra in A Night on Broadway on May 7 at 19h30 at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall. Enjoy music from the timeless Andrew Lloyd Webber classics Phantom of the Opera, Cats and Evita as well as highlights from blockbusters like Chicago, My Fair Lady, Les Misèrables, Grease and Oklahoma.
Accomplished South African singers Lana English, Shelley Mclean and Robert Petersen bring their unique vocal stylings to a programme that spans many generations, ensuring something to suit all tastes. The concert features the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Naum Rousine.
Lana English gained critical acclaim for her role as Christine in the South African The Phantom of the Opera and has a repertoire that includes Puccini and Verdi. The multi-talented artist will be seen at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown later this year in a production that she wrote, directs and stars in. Lana will perform All I ask of you from The Phantom of the Opera, I could have danced all night from My Fair Lady and On my own from Les Misérables.
For this concert, Shelley Mclean is certain to set the stage alights with her renditions of the title track to Mammia Mia, Don't cry for me Argentina from Evita and Maybe this time from Cabaret. Shelley charmed audiences at the 2009 Filmharmonics concert and returns to the PMB stage by popular demand. Her passion for music, as well as her considerable experience, endears her to both her audiences and the children she nurtures and inspires at Penzance Primary School.
Tickets range from R80 to R150 (R80 and R50 pensioner and scholar under 16 years) and bookings can be made at the Dulce Café at Parklane SuperSpar in Pietermaritzburg on 033 342 3487 or through Computicket on 083 915 8000 or www.computicket.com
Telephonic or online tickets booked through Computicket can be picked up at the courtesy table at the City Hall on the evening of the concert. Alternatively, tickets can be purchased from Cascades Checkers, Shoprite Symons Street, Scottsville Checkers and Howick Shoprite. Refreshments will be on sale. Safe and secure parking, monitored by security personnel, will be available at the PMB City Hall, Freedom Square, Tatham Gallery and on Church Street.
Now you don't have to spend thousands of rands travelling around the country to enjoy music from the greatest stage musicals of our time. Spend an unforgettable Night on Broadway in the company of South Africa's premier orchestra - in Pietermaritzburg!
Phoenix Events and Entertainment presents the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra in A Night on Broadway on May 7 at 19h30 at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall. Enjoy music from the timeless Andrew Lloyd Webber classics Phantom of the Opera, Cats and Evita as well as highlights from blockbusters like Chicago, My Fair Lady, Les Misèrables, Grease and Oklahoma.
Accomplished South African singers Lana English, Shelley Mclean and Robert Petersen bring their unique vocal stylings to a programme that spans many generations, ensuring something to suit all tastes. The concert features the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Naum Rousine.
Lana English gained critical acclaim for her role as Christine in the South African The Phantom of the Opera and has a repertoire that includes Puccini and Verdi. The multi-talented artist will be seen at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown later this year in a production that she wrote, directs and stars in. Lana will perform All I ask of you from The Phantom of the Opera, I could have danced all night from My Fair Lady and On my own from Les Misérables.
For this concert, Shelley Mclean is certain to set the stage alights with her renditions of the title track to Mammia Mia, Don't cry for me Argentina from Evita and Maybe this time from Cabaret. Shelley charmed audiences at the 2009 Filmharmonics concert and returns to the PMB stage by popular demand. Her passion for music, as well as her considerable experience, endears her to both her audiences and the children she nurtures and inspires at Penzance Primary School.
Tickets range from R80 to R150 (R80 and R50 pensioner and scholar under 16 years) and bookings can be made at the Dulce Café at Parklane SuperSpar in Pietermaritzburg on 033 342 3487 or through Computicket on 083 915 8000 or www.computicket.com
Telephonic or online tickets booked through Computicket can be picked up at the courtesy table at the City Hall on the evening of the concert. Alternatively, tickets can be purchased from Cascades Checkers, Shoprite Symons Street, Scottsville Checkers and Howick Shoprite. Refreshments will be on sale. Safe and secure parking, monitored by security personnel, will be available at the PMB City Hall, Freedom Square, Tatham Gallery and on Church Street.
SOWETO
Celebration and portrait of life in Soweto today.
In Soweto, to be published by Jacana Media in May 2010, acclaimed home-grown photographer Jodi Bieber has created an open-ended essay which is a celebration and a portrait of life in Soweto today. The importance of Soweto in the collective consciousness is hard to overstate. It registers as a place born of resistance, perhaps even embodying the South African struggle for freedom.
But the birth of Kwaito is attributed to Soweto, too. And beyond the grand narratives, there is and always was a proliferation of dancing, art and fashion in this place defined by its energy and cosmopolitan nature. Labelling and un-labelling, claiming and discarding, Sowetans have created Soweto anew – a phenomenon that is celebrated in this photographic publication which contemplates daily lived realities, where here, as elsewhere, South Africans are continually reinventing themselves and their urban space.
Jodi Bieber is the winner of the Prix de le l'Union Européenne at the Rencontres de Bamako, Biennale africaine de la photographie, November 2009. She has won eight World Press awards, a 1st Place in Picture of the Year International 2009 and numerous other accolades. Her first book, Between Dogs and Wolves: Growing up in South Africa, was released in five countries in 2006. She has worked on assignments for, among others, the New York Times (USA), Geo (Germany) and The Sunday Times Magazine (UK). She also works for non-profit organisations like Médecins Sans Frontières on special projects for booklets and exhibitions. Her work continues to be exhibited internationally. She is represented by the Goodman Gallery in South Africa and the Institute for Artist Management, based in Los Angeles, New York and London.
With an introduction by Niq Mhlongo, Soweto is published by Jacana Media in paperback. Recommended Retail Price R275 - EAN/ISBN-13: 978-1-77009-806-0
In Soweto, to be published by Jacana Media in May 2010, acclaimed home-grown photographer Jodi Bieber has created an open-ended essay which is a celebration and a portrait of life in Soweto today. The importance of Soweto in the collective consciousness is hard to overstate. It registers as a place born of resistance, perhaps even embodying the South African struggle for freedom.
But the birth of Kwaito is attributed to Soweto, too. And beyond the grand narratives, there is and always was a proliferation of dancing, art and fashion in this place defined by its energy and cosmopolitan nature. Labelling and un-labelling, claiming and discarding, Sowetans have created Soweto anew – a phenomenon that is celebrated in this photographic publication which contemplates daily lived realities, where here, as elsewhere, South Africans are continually reinventing themselves and their urban space.
Jodi Bieber is the winner of the Prix de le l'Union Européenne at the Rencontres de Bamako, Biennale africaine de la photographie, November 2009. She has won eight World Press awards, a 1st Place in Picture of the Year International 2009 and numerous other accolades. Her first book, Between Dogs and Wolves: Growing up in South Africa, was released in five countries in 2006. She has worked on assignments for, among others, the New York Times (USA), Geo (Germany) and The Sunday Times Magazine (UK). She also works for non-profit organisations like Médecins Sans Frontières on special projects for booklets and exhibitions. Her work continues to be exhibited internationally. She is represented by the Goodman Gallery in South Africa and the Institute for Artist Management, based in Los Angeles, New York and London.
With an introduction by Niq Mhlongo, Soweto is published by Jacana Media in paperback. Recommended Retail Price R275 - EAN/ISBN-13: 978-1-77009-806-0
DESPERATE HUSBANDS
(Pic: Koobeshan Naidoo reviews his married life!)Yugan Naidoo directs new production for Dingalings Productions.
How desperate can a married man be? Answers range from ‘desolate’ and ‘despondent’ to ‘inconsolable’ and ‘wretched’ sometimes even ‘suicidal’. If you ask any man in secret to describe his state of married life he will use one if not all the previous words. But if the wife is within hearing the words will range from ‘OK’ to ‘incredible’. Why the discrepancy? Why the secrecy? Why the issues? Why the intense fear? Why? Why? Why?
Koobeshen Naidoo, in his one-man play Desperate Husbands will attempt to answer these and many critical questions in an attempt to keep the divorce courts empty and marriage counsellors with fewer problems to deal with. In this comic look at relationships in the 21st century an attempt is made to resolve age old issues that have bamboozled philosophers, psychics and sociologists since time immemorial. He takes audiences through how the emancipation of women has led to the emasculation of the once proud and strong male species. Man now has to deal with his wife being promoted before him, earning more than him and being invited to play golf with the boss. This leaves the once-proud man at home peering into a recipe book, wooden spoon at hand and children tugging at his apron strings. How does this man now deal with his job as a stand-up comic, house husband, lover and father?
In 150 years the Indian male has gone from the leader of a joint family – the pompous head of the household – to a modest, humble man servant.
Desperate Husbands traces this development so that we become aware of this demise and attempt to restore this once proud peacock as the essential member of society he once was, or die in the process. To paraphrase Sir Winston Churchill, the epitome of a real man, Desperate Husbands will teach us to fight them in the bedrooms, to fight them in the boardrooms and in the kitchens. We will never surrender until every last one of us is emancipated or until the wives tell us to behave.
Koobeshen Naidoo has been in several comedies and productions over the last 10 years in various capacities viz director, writer and performer. The most recent productions include directing the radio drama Bloodlines (2009), Thunsil – the life story of Ronnie Govender (2009) and Dingalings at graaf – 9 to 5 (2009). Other interesting productions included Ronnie Govender’s The Lahnee’s Pleasure, cameo roles in Nothing but the Truth by John Kani and Mr Bones2 as well as the lead in Bombay Duck -The movie. Other stage productions include Chops, choons and spano dops, Dingalings 1 and 2 and There’s something about Dr Marie.
Yugan Naidoo is an experienced and accomplished director and has directed most of the Dingaling Production’s performances – including Chops, choons and spano dops and Dingalings 1 and 2, as well as There’s something about Dr Marie and Bad Girls Do Go To Heaven? Many of the prominent actors today have been under the directorship at some time in their experience and these include Krijay Govender, Leeanda Reddy, Keseran Pillay, Afzal Khan (Comedy Shop and There’s something about Dr Marie) Others include Jailoshini Naidoo and other members of Dingalings Productions – Senzo Mthethwa, Henry Ramkissoon, Pranesh Maharaj, Ravi Soobramoney and Kumseela Naidoo.
The world premier of Desperate Husbands will be held at Suncoast Supernova Theatre on April 28 followed by a run until May 2 with shows at 20h30 (Saturdays at 18h00 and 21h00 and Sundays at 18h00). Bookings through Kay on 083 793 9969.
2010 BRETT GOLDIN BURSARY
A Goldin opportunity for young actors as applications called for auditions for the 2010 Brett Goldin Bursary. Deadline April 29.
The Baxter Theatre Centre, in association with The Market Theatre, is calling for applications from young South African actors, from anywhere in the country, between the ages of 20 and 30, who wish to audition for the Brett Goldin Bursary for 2010. The closing date is 12 noon on April 29. Auditions will take place at The Market Theatre in Johannesburg on May 5 and 6, with call-backs and finals on May 7, when the winners will be announced at a special function later that day.
The Brett Goldin Bursary was set up immediately after the young actor and his friend, fashion designer Richard Bloom, both 28, were brutally murdered over the Easter weekend on April 16, four years ago, just days before he was due to leave for Stratford-upon-Avon. Goldin was due to perform the role of Guildenstern in the Baxter’s production of Hamlet, directed by Janet Suzman, which launched the prestigious Royal Shakespeare Company’s Complete Works Festival. The double murder sent shockwaves throughout South Africa and England.
The Royal Shakespeare Company, the Actors Centre in Johannesburg and the Baxter Theatre Centre established the bursary, which was kick-started by donations from respected South African-born actor Sir Antony Sher and Honorary RSC Associate Janet Suzman, to give other young actors the opportunity which Brett was denied, and to honour his memory in an appropriate manner.
The bursary is designed to enhance and fine-tune actors who are committed to the need and desire to expand their knowledge and acting ability of Shakespeare. Furthermore, it is essential that they are willing, on their return, to use the skills gained to enthuse and encourage others, towards a love and understanding of Shakespeare.
From the applications received, a shortlist of 20 will be made. They will be notified by April 30 and will be invited to audition on the aforementioned dates at The Market Theatre in Johannesburg. The 20 candidates must be available for the auditions and call backs on the said dates, and all costs involved with the process are for the respective actors’ own accounts. Six finalists will be selected on May 7 and the bursary winners will be announced that same day. Winners will be chosen according to their talent for Shakespeare performance, passion, commitment and overall suitability.
The two successful bursars will travel to the home of the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon, birthplace of the world’s most famous playwright, from June 18 to July 19. The work programme will include activities such as attending warm-ups, solo and company voice and verse classes, any Artist Development workshops rehearsals, technical rehearsals, as well as sessions with directors and assistant directors and the opportunity to attend Education Department workshops. The successful candidates will be based in the Artist Development Department and it is hoped that much of the learning experience will come from observation, discussion with personnel working in production, press and casting departments and through contact with other actors, directors and members of the RSC.
The selection criteria stipulate that the actors should be South African citizens, between the ages of 20 and 30 in June 2010, have an interest in classic theatre, have a valid passport and be able to fly to Stratford during the stated period, as dates are strictly not negotiable. For the audition actors are required to perform two classic speeches (one tragic and one comic) as well as being prepared to explain why they should be awarded the bursary.
All applications should only be sent to Nicolette Moses, Baxter Theatre Centre, by e-mail to nicolette.moses@uct.ac.za, fax on 021 650 5260 or hand delivered to the Baxter, Main Road, Rondebosch.
Omphile Molusi became the first recipient of the bursary in 2007 and in 2008 Thami Mbongo and Nicholas Pauling were chosen when the organisers decided choose two winners every second year. All three actors performed in the highly acclaimed The Tempest which marked the second collaboration between the Baxter Theatre Centre and the Royal Shakespeare Company last year.
For information on how to support the Brett Goldin Bursary Fund visit www.baxter.co.za under the heading “Fundraising.” For further enquiries about applying for the bursary contact Nicolette Moses on 021 680 3988 during office hours. All applications should be clearly marked and addressed to Nicolette Moses, on fax 021 650 5260, e-mail nicolette.moses@uct.ac.za or hand delivered to the Baxter Theatre Centre, Main Road, Rondebosch, by no later than 12 noon on April 29.
The Baxter Theatre Centre, in association with The Market Theatre, is calling for applications from young South African actors, from anywhere in the country, between the ages of 20 and 30, who wish to audition for the Brett Goldin Bursary for 2010. The closing date is 12 noon on April 29. Auditions will take place at The Market Theatre in Johannesburg on May 5 and 6, with call-backs and finals on May 7, when the winners will be announced at a special function later that day.
The Brett Goldin Bursary was set up immediately after the young actor and his friend, fashion designer Richard Bloom, both 28, were brutally murdered over the Easter weekend on April 16, four years ago, just days before he was due to leave for Stratford-upon-Avon. Goldin was due to perform the role of Guildenstern in the Baxter’s production of Hamlet, directed by Janet Suzman, which launched the prestigious Royal Shakespeare Company’s Complete Works Festival. The double murder sent shockwaves throughout South Africa and England.
The Royal Shakespeare Company, the Actors Centre in Johannesburg and the Baxter Theatre Centre established the bursary, which was kick-started by donations from respected South African-born actor Sir Antony Sher and Honorary RSC Associate Janet Suzman, to give other young actors the opportunity which Brett was denied, and to honour his memory in an appropriate manner.
The bursary is designed to enhance and fine-tune actors who are committed to the need and desire to expand their knowledge and acting ability of Shakespeare. Furthermore, it is essential that they are willing, on their return, to use the skills gained to enthuse and encourage others, towards a love and understanding of Shakespeare.
From the applications received, a shortlist of 20 will be made. They will be notified by April 30 and will be invited to audition on the aforementioned dates at The Market Theatre in Johannesburg. The 20 candidates must be available for the auditions and call backs on the said dates, and all costs involved with the process are for the respective actors’ own accounts. Six finalists will be selected on May 7 and the bursary winners will be announced that same day. Winners will be chosen according to their talent for Shakespeare performance, passion, commitment and overall suitability.
The two successful bursars will travel to the home of the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon, birthplace of the world’s most famous playwright, from June 18 to July 19. The work programme will include activities such as attending warm-ups, solo and company voice and verse classes, any Artist Development workshops rehearsals, technical rehearsals, as well as sessions with directors and assistant directors and the opportunity to attend Education Department workshops. The successful candidates will be based in the Artist Development Department and it is hoped that much of the learning experience will come from observation, discussion with personnel working in production, press and casting departments and through contact with other actors, directors and members of the RSC.
The selection criteria stipulate that the actors should be South African citizens, between the ages of 20 and 30 in June 2010, have an interest in classic theatre, have a valid passport and be able to fly to Stratford during the stated period, as dates are strictly not negotiable. For the audition actors are required to perform two classic speeches (one tragic and one comic) as well as being prepared to explain why they should be awarded the bursary.
All applications should only be sent to Nicolette Moses, Baxter Theatre Centre, by e-mail to nicolette.moses@uct.ac.za, fax on 021 650 5260 or hand delivered to the Baxter, Main Road, Rondebosch.
Omphile Molusi became the first recipient of the bursary in 2007 and in 2008 Thami Mbongo and Nicholas Pauling were chosen when the organisers decided choose two winners every second year. All three actors performed in the highly acclaimed The Tempest which marked the second collaboration between the Baxter Theatre Centre and the Royal Shakespeare Company last year.
For information on how to support the Brett Goldin Bursary Fund visit www.baxter.co.za under the heading “Fundraising.” For further enquiries about applying for the bursary contact Nicolette Moses on 021 680 3988 during office hours. All applications should be clearly marked and addressed to Nicolette Moses, on fax 021 650 5260, e-mail nicolette.moses@uct.ac.za or hand delivered to the Baxter Theatre Centre, Main Road, Rondebosch, by no later than 12 noon on April 29.
PLAYHOUSE COMMUNITY ARTS FESTIVAL
Playhouse Company to host community arts festival in May.
The Playhouse Company proudly hosts a Community Arts Festival in the Playhouse Loft from May 6 to 23, 2010. The festival is geared to offer a platform for artists and arts practitioners to stage their performance works in a professional environment.
Three productions, entitled Just Don’t, Getting Tested and Jesus What a Disgrace will be featured in the festival. Each work focuses on serious social issues, and combines elements of dance, music and drama.
“In staging this exciting Community Arts Festival, we are happy to fulfil a vital part of our mandate,” says Playhouse Company Chief Executive and Artistic Director, Linda Bukhosini. “This includes fostering developmental work within our arts community. To this end, we have engaged a team of professional mentors, specialists in the fields of stage craft, script writing, music, dance and choreography, to teach and guide the community artists we are working with, helping them to take their productions to the next level.”
The dynamic team engaged comprises Edmund Mhlongo (Project Director), Gcina Mhlophe (Script Writing Mentor), Faca Kulu (Music Mentor), Zinhle Gumede and Musa Hlatshwayo (Dance/Choreography Mentors), Thabo Mnguni (Drama Mentor) and Bheki Mbili (Company Manager).
Getting Tested, an Umgubho Trading production, is scripted by Joy Mphewana and is co-directed by Mphewana and Sandile Menze. It depicts four dancers who meet every day for rehearsals as they prepare to perform a show. Their talk revolves around men and Ntoh takes on the burden of keeping them quiet. Havoc arises when they realize that as much as they’ve been working together they don’t know each other well. After a huge row, they realize they have all come across similar tests in life. The production is performed by Nokuthula Zulu, Gcina Shange, Nana Bhona and Thandeka Mdlalose.
Conceived by Lucky Simayela, Mlungisi Mkhize and Vumani Khumalo, and directed by Simayela, Just Don’t is an Ekhaya Multi Arts Centre project based on real life experiences. The drama carries a cautionary tale. A group of prisoners follow the journey of Jesu, a young boy from a well-off family, who commits a petty crime stealing a cellphone as a birthday gift for his girlfriend. He lands in jail where he is raped by prison gangsters. Fighting for his life, he ends up paralyzed and HIV positive. The cast includes Ngcebo Cele, Sbongiseni Chamane, Vumani Khumalo, Phumlani Ngubani, Thandanani Qwabe, Mlungiso Mkhize and Lucky Simayela.
Co-directed by Musawenkosi Shabalala, Bongumusa Shabalala and Xolani Silindana, Jesus What a Disgrace is set in a mortuary. Dead people tell how they ended up there as corpses, or how they died. The narrative is carried by a mortuary employee who has worked with the dead for 25 years, preparing their bodies for their families. He ends up having bad dreams and not sleeping at night. The story is told through powerful images, monologues and music. The cast features Snelisiwe Radebe, Nomusa Mzobe, Zodwa Shange, Zinhle Mzobe, Nomkhosi Mkhwananzi, Thamsanqa Silindana, Thabani Gwala and Nomvulelo Myeza.
Admission to the Playhouse’s Community Arts Festival is free. Performances of Getting Tested are May 6 and 7 at 14h00 and at May 8 at 12h00 and 15h00. Jesus What A Disgrace will be performed on May 13 and 14 at 14h00 and on May 15 at 12h00 and 15h00. Performances of Just Don’t are on May 20 and 21at 14h00 and on May 22 at 12h00 and 15h00.
For more information or to book, call Silindile Phewa on 031 369 9456 or e-mail marketingexecutive@playhousecompany.com.
The Playhouse Company proudly hosts a Community Arts Festival in the Playhouse Loft from May 6 to 23, 2010. The festival is geared to offer a platform for artists and arts practitioners to stage their performance works in a professional environment.
Three productions, entitled Just Don’t, Getting Tested and Jesus What a Disgrace will be featured in the festival. Each work focuses on serious social issues, and combines elements of dance, music and drama.
“In staging this exciting Community Arts Festival, we are happy to fulfil a vital part of our mandate,” says Playhouse Company Chief Executive and Artistic Director, Linda Bukhosini. “This includes fostering developmental work within our arts community. To this end, we have engaged a team of professional mentors, specialists in the fields of stage craft, script writing, music, dance and choreography, to teach and guide the community artists we are working with, helping them to take their productions to the next level.”
The dynamic team engaged comprises Edmund Mhlongo (Project Director), Gcina Mhlophe (Script Writing Mentor), Faca Kulu (Music Mentor), Zinhle Gumede and Musa Hlatshwayo (Dance/Choreography Mentors), Thabo Mnguni (Drama Mentor) and Bheki Mbili (Company Manager).
Getting Tested, an Umgubho Trading production, is scripted by Joy Mphewana and is co-directed by Mphewana and Sandile Menze. It depicts four dancers who meet every day for rehearsals as they prepare to perform a show. Their talk revolves around men and Ntoh takes on the burden of keeping them quiet. Havoc arises when they realize that as much as they’ve been working together they don’t know each other well. After a huge row, they realize they have all come across similar tests in life. The production is performed by Nokuthula Zulu, Gcina Shange, Nana Bhona and Thandeka Mdlalose.
Conceived by Lucky Simayela, Mlungisi Mkhize and Vumani Khumalo, and directed by Simayela, Just Don’t is an Ekhaya Multi Arts Centre project based on real life experiences. The drama carries a cautionary tale. A group of prisoners follow the journey of Jesu, a young boy from a well-off family, who commits a petty crime stealing a cellphone as a birthday gift for his girlfriend. He lands in jail where he is raped by prison gangsters. Fighting for his life, he ends up paralyzed and HIV positive. The cast includes Ngcebo Cele, Sbongiseni Chamane, Vumani Khumalo, Phumlani Ngubani, Thandanani Qwabe, Mlungiso Mkhize and Lucky Simayela.
Co-directed by Musawenkosi Shabalala, Bongumusa Shabalala and Xolani Silindana, Jesus What a Disgrace is set in a mortuary. Dead people tell how they ended up there as corpses, or how they died. The narrative is carried by a mortuary employee who has worked with the dead for 25 years, preparing their bodies for their families. He ends up having bad dreams and not sleeping at night. The story is told through powerful images, monologues and music. The cast features Snelisiwe Radebe, Nomusa Mzobe, Zodwa Shange, Zinhle Mzobe, Nomkhosi Mkhwananzi, Thamsanqa Silindana, Thabani Gwala and Nomvulelo Myeza.
Admission to the Playhouse’s Community Arts Festival is free. Performances of Getting Tested are May 6 and 7 at 14h00 and at May 8 at 12h00 and 15h00. Jesus What A Disgrace will be performed on May 13 and 14 at 14h00 and on May 15 at 12h00 and 15h00. Performances of Just Don’t are on May 20 and 21at 14h00 and on May 22 at 12h00 and 15h00.
For more information or to book, call Silindile Phewa on 031 369 9456 or e-mail marketingexecutive@playhousecompany.com.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
OH BOY! BASSEY!
Tribute to Shirley Bassey at Rhumbelow.
The Rhumbelow Theatre presents Oh Boy! Bassey! in which Anthony Stonier and Junaid Cassimjee pay a glamorous, sparkling tribute to Dame Shirley Bassey.
“It is astounding that thus far in South Africa nobody has devised or presented any form of musical tribute to the legendary Dame Shirley Bassey,” says Anthony Stonier. “She has been and continues to perform worldwide to this day and has legions of fans globally.”
The idea behind Oh Boy! Bassey! is a simple one. By mixing the music of Shirley Bassey with the concept of a “boy band” the impression of any attempt to emulate or impersonate Shirley Bassey is removed. Two “boys” are the performers and apart from having voices as powerful as Bassey, that is where the similarity ends!
“The show is a glamorous, sparkling tribute to a glamorous sparkling star!” says Anthony Stonier. “We concentrate on the most popular songs she has performed over the past sixty years, giving some a fresh modern feel and leaving others as they were originally done. It must be emphasised that this is in no way a female impersonator show, hence the use of “boy” in the title!”
The show stars the ever-popular Anthony Stonier and up-and-coming Junaid Cassimjee who was seen in the adult pantomime Sinderella over the festive season.
Directed by Karen Campbell -Gillies with musical arrangements by Tim Pullen, Oh Boy! Bassey! highlights the memorable and wonderful music that embodies everyone’s favourite memories of this timeless star. Songs include a Bond medley, Something, Big Spender, This is my Life, What now my Love, Kiss me Honey Honey, Where do I Begin, Get this Party Started, I Who have nothing, Never Never Never and Solitaire, to name but a few.
Shows take place from May 7 to 9 and again from May 14 to 16 with performances at 20h00 (Sundays 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 phone Roland on 031 205 7602 or 082 499 8636 or e-mail roland@stansell.za.net or visit www.rhumbelow.za.net
The Rhumbelow Theatre presents Oh Boy! Bassey! in which Anthony Stonier and Junaid Cassimjee pay a glamorous, sparkling tribute to Dame Shirley Bassey.
“It is astounding that thus far in South Africa nobody has devised or presented any form of musical tribute to the legendary Dame Shirley Bassey,” says Anthony Stonier. “She has been and continues to perform worldwide to this day and has legions of fans globally.”
The idea behind Oh Boy! Bassey! is a simple one. By mixing the music of Shirley Bassey with the concept of a “boy band” the impression of any attempt to emulate or impersonate Shirley Bassey is removed. Two “boys” are the performers and apart from having voices as powerful as Bassey, that is where the similarity ends!
“The show is a glamorous, sparkling tribute to a glamorous sparkling star!” says Anthony Stonier. “We concentrate on the most popular songs she has performed over the past sixty years, giving some a fresh modern feel and leaving others as they were originally done. It must be emphasised that this is in no way a female impersonator show, hence the use of “boy” in the title!”
The show stars the ever-popular Anthony Stonier and up-and-coming Junaid Cassimjee who was seen in the adult pantomime Sinderella over the festive season.
Directed by Karen Campbell -Gillies with musical arrangements by Tim Pullen, Oh Boy! Bassey! highlights the memorable and wonderful music that embodies everyone’s favourite memories of this timeless star. Songs include a Bond medley, Something, Big Spender, This is my Life, What now my Love, Kiss me Honey Honey, Where do I Begin, Get this Party Started, I Who have nothing, Never Never Never and Solitaire, to name but a few.
Shows take place from May 7 to 9 and again from May 14 to 16 with performances at 20h00 (Sundays 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 phone Roland on 031 205 7602 or 082 499 8636 or e-mail roland@stansell.za.net or visit www.rhumbelow.za.net
ROCK BRITANNIA
Ballito’s Pumpkin Theatre Club presents new show.
Until the emergence of The Beatles in the early 1960’s, Great Britain seemed to lag behind the USA in the popular music race. However, in the years between 1962 and 1966 British performers literally invaded the States. Groups like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Manfred Mann and singers Like Dusty Springfield, Sandy Shaw and Tom Jones began to rule the American charts. So much so, that the US government placed an embargo on work permits to British artists, thus limiting the impact of British music in America.
Rock Britannia is the latest offering from the new Pumpkin Theatre Club at La Montagne resort in Ballito. It promises a rollicking, fun-filled, up-tempo show suitable for the whole family.
The show celebrates the gift of British popular music to the world and features music from the early days like Liverpool acts, The Beatles and Gerry and the Pacemakers, other early hit makers, Sandy Shaw, The Hollies and Manfred Mann up to the current stars in the form of Amy Winehouse, Duffy, Robbie Williams, Phil Collins and Sting, not forgetting the Rolling Stones, Elton John and Eric Clapton, who started in the 1960’s and are still going strong.
Rock Britannia runs until May 1 with performances on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with dinner served at 18h30 and the show starting at 20h00. La Montagne Resort is situated at 100 Compensation Beach Road, Ballito. Booking is at Computicket on 083 915 8000.
Until the emergence of The Beatles in the early 1960’s, Great Britain seemed to lag behind the USA in the popular music race. However, in the years between 1962 and 1966 British performers literally invaded the States. Groups like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Manfred Mann and singers Like Dusty Springfield, Sandy Shaw and Tom Jones began to rule the American charts. So much so, that the US government placed an embargo on work permits to British artists, thus limiting the impact of British music in America.
Rock Britannia is the latest offering from the new Pumpkin Theatre Club at La Montagne resort in Ballito. It promises a rollicking, fun-filled, up-tempo show suitable for the whole family.
The show celebrates the gift of British popular music to the world and features music from the early days like Liverpool acts, The Beatles and Gerry and the Pacemakers, other early hit makers, Sandy Shaw, The Hollies and Manfred Mann up to the current stars in the form of Amy Winehouse, Duffy, Robbie Williams, Phil Collins and Sting, not forgetting the Rolling Stones, Elton John and Eric Clapton, who started in the 1960’s and are still going strong.
Rock Britannia runs until May 1 with performances on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with dinner served at 18h30 and the show starting at 20h00. La Montagne Resort is situated at 100 Compensation Beach Road, Ballito. Booking is at Computicket on 083 915 8000.
PERRY’S NEW CD FEATURES LBM
Ladysmith Black Mambazo to feature on second CD from UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador to SA.
Professor Jimmie Earl Perry was recently appointed as the UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador to SA. His vision is to produce more shows and recordings to spread the message that education is the key to reducing HIV infection rates, as well as helping people living with HIV/Aids to manage their health.
Professor Perry will shortly release his second CD featuring Ladysmith Black Mambazo and is currently in New York to check-out the music scene in preparation for the next SA Artists for HIV Aids Awareness concert that will take place during the World Cup on July 5, 2010.
Aside from being an artist and stage performer, Professor Perry is the Director of the Educational Theatre and Arts Programme at the Africa Centre for HIV/Aids Management, which has organised and hosted the annual World Aids Day Gala Concert in Cape Town over the past five years.
Professor Perry was born in Alabama, and spent his childhood in Trenton, New Jersey, in the United States. He received classical, theatrical and gospel training at home, church and at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey. As a stage performer, he has travelled the world while starring in countless international productions, such as Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar, Miss Saigon and Starlight Express.
He first came to South Africa in 2004 and shortly afterwards decided to make Cape Town his home. Today he uses his talent and experience to advance the fight against HIV and Aids through the creative arts. He creates productions to educate people of all races, creeds and cultures in the prevention of HIV infection through testing and knowing one’s HIV status, as well as managing one’s health.
In 2006 he released his first South African produced CD called, Power of the dream- see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ce17d8XJbLw
Professor Jimmie Earl Perry was recently appointed as the UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador to SA. His vision is to produce more shows and recordings to spread the message that education is the key to reducing HIV infection rates, as well as helping people living with HIV/Aids to manage their health.
Professor Perry will shortly release his second CD featuring Ladysmith Black Mambazo and is currently in New York to check-out the music scene in preparation for the next SA Artists for HIV Aids Awareness concert that will take place during the World Cup on July 5, 2010.
Aside from being an artist and stage performer, Professor Perry is the Director of the Educational Theatre and Arts Programme at the Africa Centre for HIV/Aids Management, which has organised and hosted the annual World Aids Day Gala Concert in Cape Town over the past five years.
Professor Perry was born in Alabama, and spent his childhood in Trenton, New Jersey, in the United States. He received classical, theatrical and gospel training at home, church and at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey. As a stage performer, he has travelled the world while starring in countless international productions, such as Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar, Miss Saigon and Starlight Express.
He first came to South Africa in 2004 and shortly afterwards decided to make Cape Town his home. Today he uses his talent and experience to advance the fight against HIV and Aids through the creative arts. He creates productions to educate people of all races, creeds and cultures in the prevention of HIV infection through testing and knowing one’s HIV status, as well as managing one’s health.
In 2006 he released his first South African produced CD called, Power of the dream- see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ce17d8XJbLw
KZNPO LAUNCHES WINTER SEASON
Four weeks of KZN Philharmonic concerts provides fitting warm-up for Fifa Soccer World Cup.
The KZN Philharmonic Orchestra’s World Symphony Series Winter Season commences on May 13 2010. The season will run for four weeks every Thursday at the Durban City Hall at 19h30.
Commenting on the season Mr Bongani Tembe, Chief Executive & Artistic Director of the KZN Philharmonic said: “We are excited to be launching our World Symphony Series Winter Season 2010 programme, which begins just a month before the Fifa Soccer World Cup. The season provides a fitting warm-up for this global event and, like the spectacular stadia in our country, our Durban City Hall stage will host international visitors as well as local stars.”
The season opens with the prize-winning conductor Joseph Wolfe and brilliant pianist, Katya Apekisheva who will perform Beethoven’s dramatic Piano Concerto No.3. Also featured in the programme is Wagner’s Prelude from Die Meistersinger and Beethoven’s Symphony No.4.
Renowned conductor Giorgio Croci, who has conducted many prestigious orchestras including the Berlin Philharmonic, will join forces with the South African string team Suzanne Martens and David Snaith. Suzanne is a violin lecturer at the University of Stellenbosch and David is the KZNPO’s principal violist and they will be performing Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante for Violin and Viola.
On May 27, Croci returns to conduct a concert programme of operatic highlights. The City Hall stage will be graced by Manon Strauss Evrard, an exceptionally talented soprano who will make her Metropolitan Opera debut in Lulu in the 2009 – 2010 season. The programme features operatic favourites including arias from Verdi’s La Traviata, Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor and Gounod’s Romeo and Juliet.
The season comes to an end on June 3 with young and talented Dutch violinist Marlene Hemmer who appears thanks to the generous support of the “Interactions South African Netherlands” programme, which has a vision for powerful and innovative music productions inspired by the rich South African culture, as well as Music Centre The Netherlands who propagate and enhance the position of Dutch Musical life. Hemmer will perform Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy under the baton of popular guest conductor Arjan Tien. The concert also includes The South African premiere of Wagenaar’s Overture – Cyrano de Bergerac and Brahms Symphony No.1.
To enrich audiende’s symphony concert experience, the KZNPO hosts pre-concert talks in the Royal Hotel at 18h15, admission R30 includes light refreshments. Subscribers are entitled to special benefits so early booking is advised.
Safe and subsidised parking is available at the Royal Hotel on concert nights. Extra KZNPO security guards have been contracted and are placed in surrounding areas at the Durban City Hall to ensure that the symphony concert experience is a safe and secure one. For more information on the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra’s activities contact 031 369 9438/9404 or log onto www.kznpo.co.za or click on advert on main artSMart pages
The KZN Philharmonic Orchestra’s World Symphony Series Winter Season commences on May 13 2010. The season will run for four weeks every Thursday at the Durban City Hall at 19h30.
Commenting on the season Mr Bongani Tembe, Chief Executive & Artistic Director of the KZN Philharmonic said: “We are excited to be launching our World Symphony Series Winter Season 2010 programme, which begins just a month before the Fifa Soccer World Cup. The season provides a fitting warm-up for this global event and, like the spectacular stadia in our country, our Durban City Hall stage will host international visitors as well as local stars.”
The season opens with the prize-winning conductor Joseph Wolfe and brilliant pianist, Katya Apekisheva who will perform Beethoven’s dramatic Piano Concerto No.3. Also featured in the programme is Wagner’s Prelude from Die Meistersinger and Beethoven’s Symphony No.4.
Renowned conductor Giorgio Croci, who has conducted many prestigious orchestras including the Berlin Philharmonic, will join forces with the South African string team Suzanne Martens and David Snaith. Suzanne is a violin lecturer at the University of Stellenbosch and David is the KZNPO’s principal violist and they will be performing Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante for Violin and Viola.
On May 27, Croci returns to conduct a concert programme of operatic highlights. The City Hall stage will be graced by Manon Strauss Evrard, an exceptionally talented soprano who will make her Metropolitan Opera debut in Lulu in the 2009 – 2010 season. The programme features operatic favourites including arias from Verdi’s La Traviata, Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor and Gounod’s Romeo and Juliet.
The season comes to an end on June 3 with young and talented Dutch violinist Marlene Hemmer who appears thanks to the generous support of the “Interactions South African Netherlands” programme, which has a vision for powerful and innovative music productions inspired by the rich South African culture, as well as Music Centre The Netherlands who propagate and enhance the position of Dutch Musical life. Hemmer will perform Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy under the baton of popular guest conductor Arjan Tien. The concert also includes The South African premiere of Wagenaar’s Overture – Cyrano de Bergerac and Brahms Symphony No.1.
To enrich audiende’s symphony concert experience, the KZNPO hosts pre-concert talks in the Royal Hotel at 18h15, admission R30 includes light refreshments. Subscribers are entitled to special benefits so early booking is advised.
Safe and subsidised parking is available at the Royal Hotel on concert nights. Extra KZNPO security guards have been contracted and are placed in surrounding areas at the Durban City Hall to ensure that the symphony concert experience is a safe and secure one. For more information on the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra’s activities contact 031 369 9438/9404 or log onto www.kznpo.co.za or click on advert on main artSMart pages
PLASCON PRISM AWARDS
Creatives invited to enter competition aimed to ring in a new decade of South African design.
In 2010, the Plascon Prism Awards shines the searchlight on South African Design Style. The theme Adapt. Evolve marks South Africa’s spirited drive to survive, adjust, re-define and assimilate in a sea of change.
The annual Plascon Prism Awards are renowned for identifying promising design and architectural students. For the first time since its inception 11 years ago, it now widens its search for professionals already working to shape the face of South Africa through creativity, innovation, technology and colour. By opening a new division to the professional market in this milestone year, the awards ring in a new decade of South African design. They also encourage industry growth and champion the advancement of a contemporary South African design vernacular.
Professionals are called upon to submit work completed in the past 24 months - painted with Plascon - and which offer a true representation of adapting and evolving in a style that is distinctly South African. Meanwhile, design students are challenged to find their design cues in South Africa’s ability to adapt and evolve - to the environment and landscape, eclectic cultures, history and future - transforming an existing space or creating an entirely new one in a style that will ignite a contemporary South Africa. Their creative energy will further be fuelled by four powerful themes of Plascon’s 2010 Colour Forecast: Northern Exotica, Southern Spectacle, Western Desert and Eastern Promise.
The Student section is open to final-year interior design, architectural design and industrial design students. The Professional section is open to individuals who have worked in the architectural and industrial design industry and who are registered.
The two categories for entries are Commercial Projects (public spaces, offices, parks, stadia, retail developments and hotels) and Residential Projects (apartment blocks, estates, cluster developments and private homes).
Student winners will be selected by some of the country’s most influential design voices, including trend analyst Dion Chang, architect Mokena Makeka, fashion designer Malcolm Klük and designer Heath Nash. The professional category will be judged by a high-calibre panel of international IFI-representatives (International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers) and local experts. Entries will be evaluated on innovation, design of the space and aesthetics, use of the Plascon 2010 Colour Forecast and overall insight and application of the concept.
Finalists will have their entries displayed at Decorex Joburg, Gallagher Convention Centre, from August 5 to 9. The winners will be announced at an awards presentation ceremony on August 6, thereafter the work will be on display at the Plascon Concept Store.
The overall Professional winner will receive an all-expenses paid five day trip to 100% Design Shanghai, the leading networking platform for contemporary Chinese design products, held in the largest and most cosmopolitan city in China. Both category winners (residential and commercial) will have their winning entry professionally photographed for their portfolio and their work will be featured in the Plascon eBook.
The overall Design Student winner will receive an all-expenses paid five-day trip to 100% Design London. The winning student’s lecturer will also win a trip to 100% Design London. In addition the winning institution receives a R10,000 grant. The category winners will each receive R5,000, while their institution of study will each receive a Plascon Colour Hamper.
The closing date for student entries is May 31 2010 and for professionals it is July 1 2010. For more information on entry details and submission criteria visit www.plasconprismawards.co.za or contact Samantha van den Berg at 082 574 2014, tel 011 782 7748 or sam@tepg.co.za
In 2010, the Plascon Prism Awards shines the searchlight on South African Design Style. The theme Adapt. Evolve marks South Africa’s spirited drive to survive, adjust, re-define and assimilate in a sea of change.
The annual Plascon Prism Awards are renowned for identifying promising design and architectural students. For the first time since its inception 11 years ago, it now widens its search for professionals already working to shape the face of South Africa through creativity, innovation, technology and colour. By opening a new division to the professional market in this milestone year, the awards ring in a new decade of South African design. They also encourage industry growth and champion the advancement of a contemporary South African design vernacular.
Professionals are called upon to submit work completed in the past 24 months - painted with Plascon - and which offer a true representation of adapting and evolving in a style that is distinctly South African. Meanwhile, design students are challenged to find their design cues in South Africa’s ability to adapt and evolve - to the environment and landscape, eclectic cultures, history and future - transforming an existing space or creating an entirely new one in a style that will ignite a contemporary South Africa. Their creative energy will further be fuelled by four powerful themes of Plascon’s 2010 Colour Forecast: Northern Exotica, Southern Spectacle, Western Desert and Eastern Promise.
The Student section is open to final-year interior design, architectural design and industrial design students. The Professional section is open to individuals who have worked in the architectural and industrial design industry and who are registered.
The two categories for entries are Commercial Projects (public spaces, offices, parks, stadia, retail developments and hotels) and Residential Projects (apartment blocks, estates, cluster developments and private homes).
Student winners will be selected by some of the country’s most influential design voices, including trend analyst Dion Chang, architect Mokena Makeka, fashion designer Malcolm Klük and designer Heath Nash. The professional category will be judged by a high-calibre panel of international IFI-representatives (International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers) and local experts. Entries will be evaluated on innovation, design of the space and aesthetics, use of the Plascon 2010 Colour Forecast and overall insight and application of the concept.
Finalists will have their entries displayed at Decorex Joburg, Gallagher Convention Centre, from August 5 to 9. The winners will be announced at an awards presentation ceremony on August 6, thereafter the work will be on display at the Plascon Concept Store.
The overall Professional winner will receive an all-expenses paid five day trip to 100% Design Shanghai, the leading networking platform for contemporary Chinese design products, held in the largest and most cosmopolitan city in China. Both category winners (residential and commercial) will have their winning entry professionally photographed for their portfolio and their work will be featured in the Plascon eBook.
The overall Design Student winner will receive an all-expenses paid five-day trip to 100% Design London. The winning student’s lecturer will also win a trip to 100% Design London. In addition the winning institution receives a R10,000 grant. The category winners will each receive R5,000, while their institution of study will each receive a Plascon Colour Hamper.
The closing date for student entries is May 31 2010 and for professionals it is July 1 2010. For more information on entry details and submission criteria visit www.plasconprismawards.co.za or contact Samantha van den Berg at 082 574 2014, tel 011 782 7748 or sam@tepg.co.za
HIGHLAND & TRADITIONAL GAMES
(Pic: A group of young Scottish Dancers)The 4th Bell’s Fort Nottingham Highland & Traditional Games will take place on May 15 at the Fort Nottingham Fields in Nottingham Road, KZN Midlands.
Apart from the “athletic” element of the day which includes Tossing the caber (45kgs), Carrying the Weight (72kgs), Shot Put (26kgs), plus Tug o’ War, a kilted mile – a race up a steep hill and a special strong-man competition, there is a strong line-up of entertainment.
This includes KwaZulu-Natal Pipe Bands, a choir supported by the uMngeni Municipality, an Irish Dance competition, gumboot dancing, traditional Scottish Dancing, Border Collie herding and a horse and carriage display. There is a good range of food and a beer tent plus Bell’s whisky will be holding whisky tasting during the day. Children will be well catered for with a Jungle Gym, a Jumping Castle, a Slush Puppy stand and an Ice Cream Stall.
This year the festival includes the Little Scotland shop featuring kilts and everything Scottish plus the band Haggis and Bong will also perform. There is plenty of secure parking and Halfway Toyota is providing a shuttle service from the parking area to the fields.
Tickets R40 (R20 scholars) at the gate. More information from Brendan Grealy on 083 227 2376 or visit www.fortnottinghamhighlandgames.com
SA MINISTER’S NEW DEAL AT MIDEM
Programme of Cultural Cooperation for 2010 to 2012 signed between France and SA.
Bilateral discussions were held between the South African Minister of Arts and Culture and her French counterpart at MIDEM.on January 24, 2010, in Cannes, France. The two Ministers reviewed the current state of bilateral cultural cooperation, the rich, shared cultural history between the two countries, and identified several new areas of cooperation and agreed to sign a Programme of Cultural Cooperation for 2010 to 2012 as well as a new film co-production agreement.
The 3 year Programme of Cooperation will focus on joint projects in the fields of music, protection of heritage, design, publishing, digitization of culture, and the translation of books and texts to make them more accessible. The emphasis will be on sharing ideas, information and experiences, skills and technology transfer, capacity building and creating sustainable institution to institution links.
The French Minister and French public were invited to visit South Africa during the coming 2010 Fifa World Cup, especially when South Africa and France play against each other.
In a separate ceremony, the French Minister bestowed special recognition and French national arts and culture honours on prominent South African artists, Caiphus Semenya and Letta Mbulu, for their excellent and long-standing contribution to the global music industry.
Bilateral discussions were held between the South African Minister of Arts and Culture and her French counterpart at MIDEM.on January 24, 2010, in Cannes, France. The two Ministers reviewed the current state of bilateral cultural cooperation, the rich, shared cultural history between the two countries, and identified several new areas of cooperation and agreed to sign a Programme of Cultural Cooperation for 2010 to 2012 as well as a new film co-production agreement.
The 3 year Programme of Cooperation will focus on joint projects in the fields of music, protection of heritage, design, publishing, digitization of culture, and the translation of books and texts to make them more accessible. The emphasis will be on sharing ideas, information and experiences, skills and technology transfer, capacity building and creating sustainable institution to institution links.
The French Minister and French public were invited to visit South Africa during the coming 2010 Fifa World Cup, especially when South Africa and France play against each other.
In a separate ceremony, the French Minister bestowed special recognition and French national arts and culture honours on prominent South African artists, Caiphus Semenya and Letta Mbulu, for their excellent and long-standing contribution to the global music industry.
PG BISON 1.SIXONEEIGHT COMPETITION
Calling all interior design and architecture students – deadline August 13!
PG Bison is celebrating the 16th Anniversary year of its prestigious Student Design Competition and Awards in 2010 with a fanfare, including a new name - 1.sixoneeight (also known as the Golden Ratio); a new logo and a sprinkling of new judges who are all industry leaders and design gurus drawn from the world of interior design and architecture. The new brand concept is designed to appeal to a specific target market – students of architecture and interior design – while pushing traditional competition boundaries.
The theme for this year’s PG Bison 1.sixoneeight Competition, - Eat, Sleep, Bath, Cook and Live – has been conceptualized by competition partner @home.
Submission date for entries is August 13, 2010. The brief is as follows: @home needs a design for its concept “Store of the Future”, a look and feel for the next three to five years for this upmarket retail space. Entries need to answer the following: How do you use your design to excite and engage the Customer?; How does your design take the Customer on a journey?, and How do you entice the Customer, through design, to shop when homeware is considered a luxury and not a necessity?
First prize is a trip for the winning student and their lecturer to the 2011 Milan Furniture Fair: Valued at R40,000 pp, this includes return air tickets, accommodation, entry to the show and contribution to daily expenses). The winner will also receive an @home Gift Card for homeware and furniture valued at R15,000. Merit Award is an all-expenses paid trip to the 2011 Design Indaba in Cape Town valued at R12,000 which includes return air ticket, accommodation, car hire, entry to the show and contribution to daily expenses as well as an @home Gift Card for homeware and furniture valued at R8,000. The First Prize and Merit Award Prize are not exchangeable for cash
The third prize winner receives a R7,000 in cash and an @home Gift Card for homeware and furniture valued at R6,000 while the seven non-winning finalists will receive an @home Gift Card for homeware and furniture valued at R3,000.
In addition to these prizes, should @home use any element of any competition submission in the future design of any store, or in any other aspect of the business, the student/s concerned will each receive an @home Gift Card for Homeware and Furniture valued at R2,000. T&C apply.
Entry forms can be downloaded from www.1sixoneeight.co.za More information from the competition office by e-mail info@1sixoneeight.co.za or 073 257 8178; 011 646 1675 or fax 086 601 7479.
PG Bison is celebrating the 16th Anniversary year of its prestigious Student Design Competition and Awards in 2010 with a fanfare, including a new name - 1.sixoneeight (also known as the Golden Ratio); a new logo and a sprinkling of new judges who are all industry leaders and design gurus drawn from the world of interior design and architecture. The new brand concept is designed to appeal to a specific target market – students of architecture and interior design – while pushing traditional competition boundaries.
The theme for this year’s PG Bison 1.sixoneeight Competition, - Eat, Sleep, Bath, Cook and Live – has been conceptualized by competition partner @home.
Submission date for entries is August 13, 2010. The brief is as follows: @home needs a design for its concept “Store of the Future”, a look and feel for the next three to five years for this upmarket retail space. Entries need to answer the following: How do you use your design to excite and engage the Customer?; How does your design take the Customer on a journey?, and How do you entice the Customer, through design, to shop when homeware is considered a luxury and not a necessity?
First prize is a trip for the winning student and their lecturer to the 2011 Milan Furniture Fair: Valued at R40,000 pp, this includes return air tickets, accommodation, entry to the show and contribution to daily expenses). The winner will also receive an @home Gift Card for homeware and furniture valued at R15,000. Merit Award is an all-expenses paid trip to the 2011 Design Indaba in Cape Town valued at R12,000 which includes return air ticket, accommodation, car hire, entry to the show and contribution to daily expenses as well as an @home Gift Card for homeware and furniture valued at R8,000. The First Prize and Merit Award Prize are not exchangeable for cash
The third prize winner receives a R7,000 in cash and an @home Gift Card for homeware and furniture valued at R6,000 while the seven non-winning finalists will receive an @home Gift Card for homeware and furniture valued at R3,000.
In addition to these prizes, should @home use any element of any competition submission in the future design of any store, or in any other aspect of the business, the student/s concerned will each receive an @home Gift Card for Homeware and Furniture valued at R2,000. T&C apply.
Entry forms can be downloaded from www.1sixoneeight.co.za More information from the competition office by e-mail info@1sixoneeight.co.za or 073 257 8178; 011 646 1675 or fax 086 601 7479.
UMCEBO TREE SHINES AT DESIGN INDABA
(Pic: Maureen Graham; Bongani Luthuli; Mluleki Madlala and Siyakudumisa Mavume)The Umcebo Trust Eco Tree created by Umcebo Trust at uShaka was a great success at the recent Design Indaba in Cape Town.
“The tree was like a beacon at the Indaba and drew a wide cross section of people,” says a proud Robin Opperman, who is the director of Umcebo which focuses on creative pieces made from recyclable materials.
“This is our third year at the Indaba,” he goes on to say. “We go each year for a number of reasons. Firstly, it allows us to display our work and improve our profile not only as technicians, but also designers. Secondly, we are able to meet and network with a wide variety of organizations at a national and international level. Thirdly, it allows us to test the Umcebo Model, as we take crafters with us, and they are tested at all levels and we find out if we are truly empowering and developing people. Finally, we make contacts which we feed off for the rest of the year, in terms of orders and collaborations.
The visit was made possible by a mix of funding from the National Arts Council, TEP and Umcebo’s Core Funder, Old Mutual, and the contingent comprised Robin Opperman, three crafters, a 6m high Eco Tree and a brand new collection of chandeliers.
The Umcebo Trust Eco Tree is created by main designer Robin Opperman assisted by Mike McFadyean, a technical expert, a consulting engineer and a PVC Welder as well as three crafters. It measures 6.5m high and has a 2m square base. It has a core of recycled PVC pipes; a wire framework; a cladding of eco beads (made from 2l bottles), wine corks and the tops of bottles and leaves made from scrap wire and leftover beads. Umcebo is in the process registering the work in the Guinness Book of Records.
The Umcebo Trust Eco Tree is currently at the shop at uShaka and it is hoped that it will go to the House and Garden Show. “There is also a possibility that it will soon be sold to a Canadian Group,” says Robin. “They do music performances with children, which are themed around the environment and conservation. They are keen to come out here and perform around it with local children, take it back to Canada for further performance and then to locate it in a collection in a public museum. We are also in talks with eThekwini for warehouse space as a companion to our shop. We want to be able to display the tree there permanently, in between appearances and when we sell the tree to work on the 2011 piece.”
More information from Robin Opperman on 083 793 3408 or email: robin@umcebotrust.co.za or visit www.umcebotrust.co.za
DISNEY’S HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2: ON STAGE
(Pic: Appearing as The Wildcats: Victoria Graaf-Raw; Byron Praetor; Yaseen Noon; Jacqui Sims; Gemma Schumann; Delwin van Jaarsveld; Emile van Staden; Stephanie O’Connor; Bradley Dougans, and Joel Shepherd)Triple triumph at Westville Boys’ High (Review by Caroline Smart)
High School Musical: On Stage, based on a Disney Channel original movie, generated over 3,500 licensed productions of the first part in the series around the world, making the title one of the most popular available from Disney.
In 2007, Westville Boys’ High School became the first group in Africa to stage the first instalment of this franchise. Pieter Toerien and Hazel Feldman’s professional production followed in 2008. In association with DALRO, Westville Boys’ High now presents the second instalment which again offers strong opportunities for young singers and dancers.
Performed in the impressive R1m revamped hall, now named the Roy Couzens Theatre after an ex-Headmaster with a vested interest in fostering a culture of performing arts at the school, the opening night of High School Musical 2: On Stage represented a triple triumph for Westville Boys High. Firstly, the achievement of the show itself; secondly, the first performance in the new 450-seater theatre and, thirdly, the debut of the Theatre Band.
Director Leendert de Jager and musical director Luke Holder successfully staged Oklahoma! and Arthur Miller’s The Crucible. They have their work cut out with this production with its cast of over 50 learners drawn from the greater Durban area and a 12-piece band, let alone the technical requirements of a production this size.
The vivacious and energetic cast is well disciplined and Caeley van Doorn’s choreography is effective and vibrant. A new star is born in Gemma Schumann who plays Gabriella with a shining sincerity, charm and good musical ability, particularly with Gotta Go My Own Way. She is strongly supported by Emile van Staden who makes a good Troy, Kerryn Beattie as the ditzy self-centred Sharpay and Joel Shepherd whose dancing skills come to the fore in the role of Ryan. I was also very impressive with Delwin van Jaarsveld’s mature performance as Mr Fulton. The supporting roles are also well handled by Chad Danforth, Taylor McKessie, Jack Scott, Kelsi Nielsen, Zeke Baylor and Martha Cox.
The High School Musical 2: On Stage follows the summertime adventures of the Wildcats as they work as staff members at the Lava Springs Country Club. However, jealousy raises its ugly head and friendships are threatened. The musical numbers are well-handled, ably supported by The Theatre Band except for some glitches from the brass.
On opening night, the sound was seriously problematic but I understand that work is being done on this and it’s probably fine by now. It was a race against the clock to ensure that certain work on the theatre was completed in time for opening night and so allowances must be made. The backdrop artwork works well, representing today’s trend towards printed photographic imagery rather than painted sets.
Disney’s High School Musical 2: On Stage runs until May 1 from Tuesday to Saturday at 19h30 (matinees at 14h00 on April 26 and 27). Tickets for evening shows R50 (R30 scholars) and for matinees R30 (R20). Booking is essential and tickets are available from Westville Boys’ High School on 031 267 1330. – Caroline Smart
(NB: The Roy Couzens Theatre will be available for outside hire. Its capacity is 450 cinema-style seating and 200 in a supper theatre configuration where tables will be made available for outside hirers. The Theatre Band is part of the Durban Theatre Orchestra which is a subsidiary of the Durban City Orchestra- contact info@durbantheatre.co.za for details)
Thursday, April 22, 2010
JAMES WEBB
(Pic: “Ost” – sound installation, production still by James Webb - 2009)James Webb returns to the KZNSA for a solo show of recent work.
James Webb (b. 1975, Kimberley) has been working on both large-scale installations in galleries and museums as well as unannounced interventions in public spaces since 2001. His work questions the nature of belief in our contemporary world, often using exoticism, displacement and humour to achieve these aims. He has participated in exhibitions including This Is Now 2, L’Appartment22 (Rabat); Delusions Of Grandeur,” Unit B (Texas), and the 9th Biennale d’Art Contemporain de Lyon.
Le Marché Oriental (2008, Cinema Space) documents a two-minute intervention inside Cape Town’s disused Oriental Plaza, an Apartheid-era shopping mall designed to control Indian trade. On the 4th day of Ramadan, 2008, Sheikh Mogamat Moerat of District Six’s Zeenatul Islam Majid mosque was invited to sing the Adhan (call to prayer) inside the empty remains of the building a few weeks prior to its demolition to make way for luxury apartments.
Le Marché Oriental was commissioned for the Jozi & The (M)Other City Project curated by Carine Zaayman in August 2008 at the Michaelis Gallery, Cape Town. The work has been exhibited on This Is Now, 2 curated by Cécile Bourne Farrell at L'appartement 22, Rabat in January 2009 and the 3rd Arts In Marrakech biennale curated by Abdellah Karroum, November 2009. The film won second place in the Documentary Filmmaker’s Association My Town competition at the 2009 Encounters Film Festival. The most recent showing of the work was on Webb’s solo show One day, all of this will be yours (January 2010) held at Blank Projects, Woodstock, a few blocks from the original site of the Oriental Plaza.
Ost (2009, Park Gallery, KZNSA) is an audio recording of Auferstanden aus Ruinen, the national anthem of the late-Deutsche Demokratische Republik, sung a cappella by a lifelong East German resident within the defunct studio hall of the former party radio station in Nalepastrasse, Berlin. Ost was commissioned for Berlin: L’effacement des traces, an exhibition curated by Sonia Combe and Thierry Dufrene for the BDIC Musée d'histoire contemporain in Paris in September 2009.
Both of these works use voice and religious/political song to activate once relevant but now obsolete spaces. Together the works probe the way society deals with its history and present through its relationship to architecture, belief and memorials.
Ost runs until May 2 at noon. 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
TWELVE
Exhibition by participants in the third KZNSA Professional Practice Course.
Twelve is an exhibition just opened at the KZNSA that encapsulates the grouping of 12 stylistically diverse artists who have risen to the challenge of the Professional Practice Course offered by the KZNSA. This impressive body of work is the culmination of the practical component of this interactive three-month course, developed for those committed to a career in the arts and engagement in the professional art market.
The 12 represented artists include painters Wendy Bowman, Bronwyn Chelius, Michelle Chelius, Anne Cleveland, Jane Digby, Maureen Edgcumbe, Hilary Grant-Currie, Ana Pereira de Vlieg, Carey Simpson, Janet Solomon, Jill Sysum and fashion designer Joel Janse van Vuuren.
Of interest is not only the visualisation of the rapid growth many artists experienced during this intensive period, but also the revelation of the formative processes that support the thinking and preparation behind the development of these works.
Twelve runs until May 2 at noon. There will be an Artists’ Walkabout on April 25 and May 2 at 11h00. The Seminar of Artists’ Research Projects takes place on April 22 at 17h30.
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
Twelve is an exhibition just opened at the KZNSA that encapsulates the grouping of 12 stylistically diverse artists who have risen to the challenge of the Professional Practice Course offered by the KZNSA. This impressive body of work is the culmination of the practical component of this interactive three-month course, developed for those committed to a career in the arts and engagement in the professional art market.
The 12 represented artists include painters Wendy Bowman, Bronwyn Chelius, Michelle Chelius, Anne Cleveland, Jane Digby, Maureen Edgcumbe, Hilary Grant-Currie, Ana Pereira de Vlieg, Carey Simpson, Janet Solomon, Jill Sysum and fashion designer Joel Janse van Vuuren.
Of interest is not only the visualisation of the rapid growth many artists experienced during this intensive period, but also the revelation of the formative processes that support the thinking and preparation behind the development of these works.
Twelve runs until May 2 at noon. There will be an Artists’ Walkabout on April 25 and May 2 at 11h00. The Seminar of Artists’ Research Projects takes place on April 22 at 17h30.
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
ROCK CIRCUS
(Pic: Orlando Vargas is set to thrill the crowds)Rock Circus is one of the biggest and most challenging shows that The Barnyard Theatres have ever undertaken and it’s just opened at the Gateway venue
Featuring an extended stage and intricate set, Rock Circus is a show like no other where the ring master and local funny-man, Clinton Philander, introduces a live band, six decades of rock music, aerial acrobatics, and an array of circus performers.
Rock Circus sees the interior of The Barnyard Theatre at Gateway take on a circus theme and the atmosphere is mystic and electric. The three tables in the middle front of the theatre have been removed to allow for the extended stage above which the aerial acts, without doubt one of the highlights of the show, take place.
The show features the internationally acclaimed spellbinding aerial acts of Orlando Vargas and Natalie Roberts, who bring audiences a mesmerizing variety of silk and rope sequences. In 2004 Capetonian Natalie Roberts was invited by Cirque du Soleil to perform at the opening of the Oxfam International Youth Parliament in Sydney, Australia, in collaboration with artists from Chile, France, Canada and Australia. This is where she met Orlando Vargas from the Circo del Mundo group from Chile, who later followed her back to South Africa. In January 2006, this couple began to work together, and have been seen performing locally in Zip Zap Circus and Madame Zingara Theatre Of Dreams. They have been performing for The Barnyard Theatres and travelling the country in Rock Circus since it started its run in 2008.
Expect back-to-back rock numbers such as I Want To Break Free, Bat Outta Hell, Satisfaction, Like A Virgin, You Give Love A Bad Name, Purple Haze and My Sharona.
Joining Clinton Philander on vocals are Steph Botha and Yvette Barnard, backed by Andy Murray (guitar), Raymond Verster (keyboards), Rixi Roman (bass guitar) and Colin Heaney (drums). Joining Orlando and Natalie with the circus revelry are Shannon Webster with an aerial lyra act, as well as Marco Vargas and Exequiel Silva with juggling and fire-eating displays.
Rock Circus runs from April 20 April to May 30. Tickets R120 pp Wednesdays to Saturdays (R85 discounted specials Tuesday nights and Sunday matinees). Bookings and enquiries through The Barnyard Theatre on 031 566 3045, e-mail gateway@barnyardtheatres.co.za or visit www.barnyardtheatres.co.za for more information.
KZNPO PMB RESIDENCY
KZN Philharmonic Orchestra performing in the Pietermaritzburg area.
The KZN Philharmonic Orchestra visits numerous schools throughout the province and performs education concerts to thousands of learners annually. Residency Programmes take place twice a year and involve the Orchestra spending a week with local communities in various parts of the province, often in rural areas. During this time, the Orchestra performs school education concerts, choral workshops as well as community concerts featuring local artists and choirs. This provides the many people from the local community with an opportunity to see and hear the KZNPO for the first time. Previous residencies have included visits to Mkuze, Hluhluwe, Richards Bay, Nkandla, St Lucia, Kokstad, Matatiele and the University of Zululand.
This week the KZNPO is conducting a residency in the Pietermaritzburg area. The programme includes education at schools and community concerts during the evening. For the latter, the Orchestra will be collaborating with PMB-based choirs Mayibuye iAfrica, PMB Choral Society and Eyesizwe Adult Choir.
April 20: Education concerts: 11h00 at Sukuma High School and Zibukezulu Technical High School, and at 12h00 at Mehlokazulu Secondary School (at Sekuma High).
April 21: Community concert at 19h00 at Haythorne Secondary, Woodlands, with conductor Naum Rousine and soloists Lauren Dasappa and Elena Kerimova.
April 22: Education concerts: 12h30 at Russell Junior Primary and Khwezi Primary and at 13h00 at Sobantu High School.
April 23: Community concert at 19h00 at Sukuma High School hall with conductor Naum Rousine and soloists Wendy Moshutli (soprano) and Ntokozo Mhlongo (mezzo-soprano). Choirs performing will be the PMB Choral Society, Eyesizwe Adult Choir and Mayibuye iAfrika.
More information from Nompilo Mtshali of the KZNPO on 031 369 9438, fax 031 369 9403 or email: reception@kznpo.co.za
The KZN Philharmonic Orchestra visits numerous schools throughout the province and performs education concerts to thousands of learners annually. Residency Programmes take place twice a year and involve the Orchestra spending a week with local communities in various parts of the province, often in rural areas. During this time, the Orchestra performs school education concerts, choral workshops as well as community concerts featuring local artists and choirs. This provides the many people from the local community with an opportunity to see and hear the KZNPO for the first time. Previous residencies have included visits to Mkuze, Hluhluwe, Richards Bay, Nkandla, St Lucia, Kokstad, Matatiele and the University of Zululand.
This week the KZNPO is conducting a residency in the Pietermaritzburg area. The programme includes education at schools and community concerts during the evening. For the latter, the Orchestra will be collaborating with PMB-based choirs Mayibuye iAfrica, PMB Choral Society and Eyesizwe Adult Choir.
April 20: Education concerts: 11h00 at Sukuma High School and Zibukezulu Technical High School, and at 12h00 at Mehlokazulu Secondary School (at Sekuma High).
April 21: Community concert at 19h00 at Haythorne Secondary, Woodlands, with conductor Naum Rousine and soloists Lauren Dasappa and Elena Kerimova.
April 22: Education concerts: 12h30 at Russell Junior Primary and Khwezi Primary and at 13h00 at Sobantu High School.
April 23: Community concert at 19h00 at Sukuma High School hall with conductor Naum Rousine and soloists Wendy Moshutli (soprano) and Ntokozo Mhlongo (mezzo-soprano). Choirs performing will be the PMB Choral Society, Eyesizwe Adult Choir and Mayibuye iAfrika.
More information from Nompilo Mtshali of the KZNPO on 031 369 9438, fax 031 369 9403 or email: reception@kznpo.co.za
TUCKSHOP THE MUSICAL
(Pic:Lovie Ramas Rai as Mr Khan with the cast)New musical written by Pranesh Maharaj.
Tuckshop is a new musical about life in and around Mr Khan’s informal tuckshop on the border of Phoenix and KwaMashu. Written by Pranesh Maharaj, it will be staged for one weekend in the Playhouse Drama.
A funny but highly emotional look into the lives of a group of individuals in the community of Phoenix whose stories are connected by love and tragedy. Tuckshop promises to be highly entertaining with very reflective moments of life in a cosmopolitan and culturally complicated area like Phoenix. The play is produced and directed by Pranesh Maharaj with Riyash Misra as co-director.
Tuckshop features original music and choreography. The show includes a live band on stage featuring great musicians Richard Ellis (musical director) on guitar; Mike Mazzoni on drums; Zinhle Mthembu on percussion, and Lee Ngidi on bass. Choreography is by Melanie Kisten with a talented cast including: Anesh Dusrath, Yasmin Seedat, Lovie Ramas Rai, Tashmika Harilall, Salona Surjoo, Nthando Mncube, Ayanda Khanyile, Michelle Kisten, Nomonde Matiwane, Darshana Moti and production manager Ilasha Ramaloo.
A first for theatre in this genre, Tuckshop plays out like a Broadway musical. “The events of the story revolve around a tuckshop, which is run by Mr. Khan who acts as the voice of reason in the troubled world of the central characters,” explains Pranesh Maharaj. The question of extra-marital affairs, AIDS, domestic violence, inter-racial relationships and poverty is the order of the day and the music and dance aspects lighten the load in some places whilst in others it entangles the audience into the character’s emotions”.
The musical tells the story of a myriad if characters – like Sanjeev and Mala, living at the border of Phoenix and Kwa Mashu. Sanjeev is out of luck and spends most of his time in Lungi’s shebeen whilst Mala keeps the family going with an office job. They lost a baby at birth and have struggled to deal with the repercussions, yet life must go on … but will it?
Since 1994; a new democracy and free trade sprouted street vending and informal trade in South Africa. Such trade is rampant in most developing countries, and is a source of employment and income to a large percentage of households. Communities have also fostered new relationships with these traders and the opportunity to channel stories through them is open. Tuckshop is not a gossip hotspot but, apart from trade, an informal counselling station; cynically replacing the therapeutic barman with time to listen more than advise. The play as a musical was born out of this concept.
Pranesh Maharaj has written stage shows (Cassandra at No.77) and various radio dramas and has created a production company, Polart Productions, together with Anesh Dusrath in order to create new projects for budding artists. As their latest offering, Tuckshop takes a major leap forward in comparison to the work done previously.
Tuckshop will run in the Playhouse Drama from May 20 to 23 with performances from Thursday to Saturday at 20h00 with matinees on May 21 at 16h00 and on May 22 at 14h00 (Sunday at 18h00). Booking through Computicket or the Playhouse Box Office.
CHRISTOPHER DUIGAN: STEINWAY ARTIST
(Pic by Val Adamson: Christopher Duigan)Hats off to pianist Christopher Duigan who has just been accorded the honour of being named a ‘Steinway Artist’. As such, he joins the ranks of a select band of renowned pianists around the world.
Duigan is a considerable force in South African music circles, both as a fine solo artist, and as an unflaggingly creative and industrious music entrepreneur. He richly deserves the accolade of being honoured by the world’s leading piano manufacturers. Steinway includes on its roster legendary names stretching back from Ignaz Paderewski, Vladimir Horowitz and Artur Rubenstein, to Marta Argerich, Alfred Brendel, Lang Lang, Brad Mehldau, and many more.
In March 2007 Duigan shared the stage with the cream of South African pianists for the return of Steinway and Sons to South Africa. “We are delighted to welcome Christopher Duigan to our band of ‘local heroes’ as a member of the Steinway family,” says Deon van Vuuren, the owner of Pianoforte Steinway SA in Cape Town. Steinway & Sons has previously named five South Africans to its worldwide artist roster: Abdullah Ibrahim, Bheki Mseleku, Anton Nel, Charl Du Plessis and Jill Richards.
Widely regarded as one of South Africa’s busiest and most innovative concert pianists, Christopher Duigan has maintained an active performing schedule since his professional debut with Cape Town Symphony Orchestra in 1991. He has performed extensively with all leading South African orchestras including the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic, Cape Philharmonic and Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestras in a repertoire of more than 25 concerti. In 2006 he was invited to appear with the KZNPO in the opening concert of their World Symphony Series Winter Season. In recital, he has achieved a popular following through his innovative presentation and programming featuring a broad and eclectic taste in music.
International performances include those in London at St Martins in the Field, St James’- Piccadilly, South Africa House and at the Edinburgh Festival 2001 and 2003 where he was broadcast live on BBC Radio 3. Many of his live performances have been broadcast on SABC Radio and TV and his CD recordings are regularly aired on ClassicFM and Fine Music Radio. In March 2007, he shared the stage with the cream of South African pianists for the return of Steinway and Sons to South Africa. Engagements for 2009 included recitals at the Baxter Theatre in Cape Town and Endler Hall in Stellenbosch and concerto performances with the KZNPO.
Based in KwaZulu-Natal, he is committed to promoting classical music locally and further a field. As producer and impresario he is the director of the widely acclaimed Music Revival which he established in 1997 and now includes the Concert Series at the Hilton Arts Festival, the Franschhoek La Motte Classic Music Festival and performances by the KZNPO’s Concert in the Park as annual events. In addition, Music Revival presents numerous recitals and chamber music performances throughout KZN, Johannesburg and the Cape Winelands.
Through his groundbreaking work as Music Revival, he has been able to attract new audiences, build an unusually large and loyal following and re-invent many of the norms of concert performance especially with regard to presentation and programming. His crossover presentations combining virtuoso and popular classical repertoire with jazz transcriptions, ragtime, tango and film music have been particularly enthusiastically received. Music Revival has also offered numerous performance opportunities to some of South Africa’s leading young artists including sopranos Angela Gilbert and Bronwen Forbay, baritone Federico Freschi, a number of musicians and ensembles from the KZNPO including the Kerimov Trio, and classical guitarist James Grace.
Christopher Duigan studied at the then University of Natal with Isabella Stengel, the University of Cape Town with Lamar Crowson and Albie van Schalkwyk, leading to postgraduate study at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester with Brazilian virtuoso Arnaldo Cohen. In Manchester, he was awarded the Professional Performer’s Diploma and won first prize in the prestigious RNCM Recital Prize for Pianists. In addition, he has received the UNISA Overseas Scholarship Competition (1994), Crossly/Kramer Scholarships for International Study from UCT, 1st prize in the Adolph Hallis Piano Competition (1996), awards for the best South African pianist in the UNISA International Piano Competition (1996) and the Cape Town Symphony’s Joseph Lan Award for his performance of the Bartok Piano Concerto No 3 (1994). He has participated in master classes at Dartington Summer School with Stephen Kovacevich and at the Mozarteum, Salzburg.
Earlier this year Christopher Duigan presented Celebrating Chopin, a recital programme marking the 200th anniversary of Frederic Chopin’s birth, in more than 11 performances including those in Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Franschhoek, the Memorial Concert Hall at Hilton College and Johannesburg. He performed this programme in Pretoria for the ClassicFM Soirees in March. His programme will be reprised in four performances at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown in June.
Other major forthcoming performances include recitals in Durban at the Howard College Theatre in Durban and at the Franschhoek Literary Festival in May, concerto performances with the KZNPO in the City Hall Pietermaritzburg (August) and in the World Symphony Series in the City Hall, Durban.
For more information on Steinway & Sons pianos contact Pianoforte Pty Ltd – Sole Southern African importers – Bryn Van Wyk at bryn@pianoforte.co.za or visit www.pianoforte.co.za For more information about Christopher Duigan and his full schedule of concerts visit www.musicrevival.co.za
NEW BASA MARKETING MANAGER
Business and Arts South Africa has appointed Germaine Gamiet to the position of Marketing Manager from May 1. A Fulbright Scholar, he joins BASA from the East London Guild Theatre where he is Community Engagement Coordinator.
The 27-year-old Gamiet, who hails from the Eastern Cape, holds a Bachelor of Music (Performance) degree and a Masters in Arts and Administration (Performing Arts), focusing his research on “Building and Developing Healthy Communities through Arts and Culture in South Africa”. It’s this intimate understanding of how business and local governments can stimulate social and economic development through arts and culture that Gamiet believes will play a meaningful role in his new position.
“Business and Arts South Africa is one of those organisations that really is a solid example of what South Africa’s democracy has done right for arts and culture,” says Gamiet. “Their sustainability and accountability has always impressed me.”
Gamiet’s strong belief in partnerships between business and arts projects echoes Business and Arts South Africa’s mission statement “from seed, to strength, to sustainability”: “One of the most striking aspects that came from my Masters research in the US and here in South Africa was the difficulty arts projects have in articulating the value they bring to a business that may be supporting them,” he adds. “It’s challenges like these that Business and Arts South Africa is already engaged in and I am confident I can contribute positively to this.”
Business and Arts South Africa CEO, Michelle Constant adds: “Gamiet brings strong insight and understanding of the relationship between arts sponsors and projects, and will make a definite impact in the organization.”
Gamiet will oversee Business and Arts South Africa’s marketing portfolio, including playing a key role in the upcoming 13th Annual Business Day BASA Awards, supported by Anglo American, at the end of August.
The 27-year-old Gamiet, who hails from the Eastern Cape, holds a Bachelor of Music (Performance) degree and a Masters in Arts and Administration (Performing Arts), focusing his research on “Building and Developing Healthy Communities through Arts and Culture in South Africa”. It’s this intimate understanding of how business and local governments can stimulate social and economic development through arts and culture that Gamiet believes will play a meaningful role in his new position.
“Business and Arts South Africa is one of those organisations that really is a solid example of what South Africa’s democracy has done right for arts and culture,” says Gamiet. “Their sustainability and accountability has always impressed me.”
Gamiet’s strong belief in partnerships between business and arts projects echoes Business and Arts South Africa’s mission statement “from seed, to strength, to sustainability”: “One of the most striking aspects that came from my Masters research in the US and here in South Africa was the difficulty arts projects have in articulating the value they bring to a business that may be supporting them,” he adds. “It’s challenges like these that Business and Arts South Africa is already engaged in and I am confident I can contribute positively to this.”
Business and Arts South Africa CEO, Michelle Constant adds: “Gamiet brings strong insight and understanding of the relationship between arts sponsors and projects, and will make a definite impact in the organization.”
Gamiet will oversee Business and Arts South Africa’s marketing portfolio, including playing a key role in the upcoming 13th Annual Business Day BASA Awards, supported by Anglo American, at the end of August.
THE DICTIONARY
(Pic: Bhoyi Ngema and Khanisile Sibongile)Committed Artists Theatricals and the Drama and Performance Studies Programme of the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College Campus will present The Dictionary.
The Dictionary is based on an actual incident and was developed into an idea for a play by Bhoyi Ngema and the late Mpho Ngcobo. It tells the story of a young woman, MaMbhekeni, who is wife to her late father’s friend Mkhonto we Zinsizwa Mkhize through an arranged marriage. They live in rural poverty and she uses a dictionary to teach her children English. When BabaMkhize tries to sell the dictionary to purchase medicine for Skeyman, the ancestral bull, this leads to a clash between modern and traditional values within the family.
The theme of culture clash addressed in the story is also explored in the style of playing which mixes elements of realism with traditional storytelling. Madala Kunene as the Masikandi provides a musical soundtrack for the entire play, providing narration and adding moments of magical realism to the storytelling.
Mbongeni Ngema and Bhoyi Ngema approached Christopher Hurst to work on developing the script. This led to collaboration between Committed Artists Theatricals and the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the opportunity for students in Drama and Performance Studies programme to participate in the project.
The play will be performed in an isiZulu version for two performances followed by two performances in a ‘creolized’ version of isiZulu and English. This is intended to provide access to the play to an audience of non-isiZulu speakers while maintaining a theatrical truth about the play’s context. This experiment with language is inspired by similar experiments conducted by theatre-makers in Zimbabwe and Nigeria. It is a response to the commercial imperative of reaching a wider audience as well as further exploring the theme of cultural clash.
Performances in IsiZulu take place on April 29 at 12h00 and 19h30. Mbongeni Ngema, Director of Committed Artists Theatricals and President of KZN Music House, and Professor Joseph Ayee, Deputy Vice Chancellor and Head of College of Humanities, will both give a short address before the evening performance on April 29.
Performances in English/ isiZulu take place on April 30 and May 1 at 19h30 in the Square Space Theatre, Howard College Campus, UKZN. Tickets R30 (R20 students and pensioners) booked through Claudette Wagner (between 08h30 and 15h30) on 031 260 3133, fax 031 260 1410 or e-mail: wagnerc1@ukzn.ac.za
UNDER CONSTRUCTION SEASON II
Dance fusion show back by popular demandAcclaimed local dancer, Taryn Makaab, recently held a short run of her fast-paced dance fusion show, Under Construction, in The Zone at Suncoast Casino & Entertainment World. Such was the demand that Makaab brings the show back to Suncoast for a two-night run at the end of April.
Under Construction Season II is an energetic showcase of local dance talent, featuring 23 exceptionally talented dancers from Makaab’s Break-Thru Dance Company, launched last year. Choreography is by Makaab and Corrine de Beer.
It features an exhilarating fusion of ballet, contemporary, jazz, krumping, tap, hip-hop, African and beat boxing all in one show. These diverse dance sequences are interspersed with performances by SA’s number one beat-boxer, Nthuthuko "Drumkit" Majola, Durban’s krumping crew, Genesis and break dancers from the Floor Assassins.
Shows take place on April 30 and May 1 at 19h30 with a matinee on May 1 at 15h00. Tickets R100 (R90 under 18’s with proof of age). Tickets available from Break-Thru Dance Company on 072 082 4577.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
amazing starts
(Pic: “Aviary” - ceramic relief sculpture by Dikeledi Maponya – is part of a series with the same title)Sculpture, jewellery and ceramic works by DUT students.
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amazing starts is an exhibition at the DUT Art Gallery by students of the Durban University of Technology. The exhibition showcases works from two departments, Fine Arts and Jewellery design departments. Artworks to be exhibited comprise sculpture, jewellery and ceramic works.
The exhibition presents a glimpse about the calibre of students currently at the University and also what the industry can expect from the university going forward. For collectors and art patrons alike, amazing starts offers a platform to invest in what is to be the next generation of artists as most of the students if not all have demonstrated commitment and the ability to withstand pressure.
“All students produced amazing works and that is a quality needed from any artist to ensure a sustainable career in the arts,” says Curator Nathi Gumede. “The DUT Art Gallery is proud to host this exhibition and also to witness what is to be a start to a number of colourful careers.
For more information please do not hesitate to contact the gallery.
amazing starts runs from April 20 to 30. The DUT Art Gallery is situated on the Steve Biko Campus above the library. More information from Nathi Gumede on 031 373 2207, fax 086 6740 983 or cell 082 2200 368 or email: nkosinathig@dut.ac.za
DORITOS AD COMPETITION
Cash up for grabs for members of the public by rating their favourite Doritos Collisions ad.
Members of the public can win their share of R20,000 in cash – merely by rating their favourite Doritos Collisions adverts submitted by SA’s hottest young creative minds. Doritos has made four 15-second television adverts to promote its new Collisions flavours – Buffalo Wings & Cheesy Nachos, and Grilled Steak & Creamy Chilli – but the ads are only half-finished. Now it’s up to film and video students, and anyone else with a sharp mind and a creative eye, to finish them by adding another 15 seconds of filmed or animated footage – and then stand in line to partake in the R200,000 prize pot.
From April 19 until May 24, anyone who registers on www.15seconds.co.za or www.15seconds.mobi can rate the advert entries – and potentially score their share of a cool R20,000 in the daily draws. During that period, a daily random draw will take place, with each day’s winner receiving R500. Bonus draws will take place every Friday from April 23 to May 21.
Video whizkids can complete one of four Doritos Collisions ad intros: The House Party, Peeping Tina, Double Vision and an Anything Goes generic option, which can be viewed and downloaded at www.15seconds.co.za
All entrants have to do is produce an innovative 15-second ending that cleverly refers to the dual nature of Doritos Collisions. After uploading their video clip to the website, they can make use of social networking tools to promote it.
Pre-judging will take place from May 25 to 28 and final judging is on May 31. The four winners, who will be announced on June 4, will each receive R50,000 in cash. In addition, the best student and non-student submissions will be entered into the Loeries Student Awards, exposure that could provide a valuable kickstart to a career in advertising, design or film.
The closing date for video entries is May 24, 2010, so get chomping and brainstorming! In the meantime, from April 19 members of the public can visit the website or mobisite to check out the entries and start staking their claim on some serious cash.
Members of the public can win their share of R20,000 in cash – merely by rating their favourite Doritos Collisions adverts submitted by SA’s hottest young creative minds. Doritos has made four 15-second television adverts to promote its new Collisions flavours – Buffalo Wings & Cheesy Nachos, and Grilled Steak & Creamy Chilli – but the ads are only half-finished. Now it’s up to film and video students, and anyone else with a sharp mind and a creative eye, to finish them by adding another 15 seconds of filmed or animated footage – and then stand in line to partake in the R200,000 prize pot.
From April 19 until May 24, anyone who registers on www.15seconds.co.za or www.15seconds.mobi can rate the advert entries – and potentially score their share of a cool R20,000 in the daily draws. During that period, a daily random draw will take place, with each day’s winner receiving R500. Bonus draws will take place every Friday from April 23 to May 21.
Video whizkids can complete one of four Doritos Collisions ad intros: The House Party, Peeping Tina, Double Vision and an Anything Goes generic option, which can be viewed and downloaded at www.15seconds.co.za
All entrants have to do is produce an innovative 15-second ending that cleverly refers to the dual nature of Doritos Collisions. After uploading their video clip to the website, they can make use of social networking tools to promote it.
Pre-judging will take place from May 25 to 28 and final judging is on May 31. The four winners, who will be announced on June 4, will each receive R50,000 in cash. In addition, the best student and non-student submissions will be entered into the Loeries Student Awards, exposure that could provide a valuable kickstart to a career in advertising, design or film.
The closing date for video entries is May 24, 2010, so get chomping and brainstorming! In the meantime, from April 19 members of the public can visit the website or mobisite to check out the entries and start staking their claim on some serious cash.
KEENLYSIDE’S MESMERIZING HAMLET
(Pic by Brent Ness: Simon Keenlyside as Hamlet)Mesmerizing performance of British baritone Simon Keenlyside in the title role. (Review by William Charlton-Perkins)
Currently showing at Cinema Nouveau in the Metropolitan Opera’s Live in HD series, Ambroise Thomas’s rarely staged Hamlet is well worth experiencing, not least for the mesmerizing performance of British baritone Simon Keenlyside in its title role.
One of the great singing actors of our age, blessed with one of the most beautiful voices of his generation, Keenlyside has carved a niche in his career championing this often maligned 19th century operatic take on one of Shakespeare’s most complex creations. His performance, superbly filmed live onstage last month in New York, leaves one in no doubt as to his star power in winning over his audience. This is a multi-layered realization of a tortured soul which stays with you long after seeing and hearing him in action.
I was disappointed to find that Natalie Dessay, scheduled to sing Ophelia in this production, had been replaced at short notice due to illness by the German coloratura soprano, Malis Petersen. Ms Petersen’s commitment to her role, however, coupled with the beauty of her soft-grained instrument, is hard to resist. The ovation she receives at the end of her celebrated ‘Mad Scene’ is well deserved.
Jennifer Larmore, vocally and visually ravishing as Gertrude, Hamlet’s guilt-wracked mother, is simply magnificent. She exudes star quality every moment she is onstage. Every gesture, each facial expression, and every nuance of her burnished mezzo soprano, hits its target dead centre, constituting what is nothing short of a master class in great operatic performance.
James Morris as Claudius, the protagonist’s villainous step-father, ably fills out his role too, even if his once splendid bass is rather threadbare these days.
This swiftly paced production by Patrice Caurier and Moshe Leiser employs minimal but atmospheric use of sets and props. It moves seamlessly from one scene to the next, allowing the singers and the mercurial French maestro Louis Langree to carry the action forward unimpeded by time-consuming scene changes.
Catch this one while you can, tomorrow may be the last day of its run! – William Charlton-Perkins
KESIVAN & THE LIGHTS
Long-anticipated solo album from Kesivan Naidoo.
2009 Standard Bank Young Artists Award Winner for Jazz Kesivan Naidoo launched his long-anticipated debut solo album Kesivan & The Lights: Instigators of the Revolution earlier this month at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
The album is the culmination of Naidoo’s musical journey over the last 15 years and the band is a combination of some of his favourite musicians in the world.
Joining Naidoo (on drums) for the launch of the album was the virtuosic alto saxophonist from Stockholm, Johan Hörlén; Australian trombonist Adrian Mears, a leading light in the European avant garde; Reza Khota, steeped in Indian and Classical guitar; adventurous pianist Mark Fransman; one of Europe’s busiest bass players, Sweden’s Martin Sjöstedt; one of Sweden's most inspired tenor saxophone players, Karl-Martin Almqvist. The Lights were joined on stage by the legendary Feya Faku on trumpet.
Naidoo has made his presence felt strongly in South Africa over the past decade and has begun to carve himself an international reputation. His particular strengths are a transformatory energy on stage, a keen commitment to maintaining the integrity of his artistic expression, and a willingness to explore all musical genres in an effort to give voice to the music inside. Throughout his career he has performed with many great musicians such as Bheki Mseleku, Miriam Makeba, Zim Ngqawana, Feya Faku, Selelo Selota, Judith Sepumba, Errol Dyers, Hotep Galeta, Steve Newman, Carlo Mombelli and Bruce Cassedy.
His future aspirations include composing a concerto for jazz drums and orchestra and becoming the Minister of Arts and Culture of South Africa.
2009 Standard Bank Young Artists Award Winner for Jazz Kesivan Naidoo launched his long-anticipated debut solo album Kesivan & The Lights: Instigators of the Revolution earlier this month at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
The album is the culmination of Naidoo’s musical journey over the last 15 years and the band is a combination of some of his favourite musicians in the world.
Joining Naidoo (on drums) for the launch of the album was the virtuosic alto saxophonist from Stockholm, Johan Hörlén; Australian trombonist Adrian Mears, a leading light in the European avant garde; Reza Khota, steeped in Indian and Classical guitar; adventurous pianist Mark Fransman; one of Europe’s busiest bass players, Sweden’s Martin Sjöstedt; one of Sweden's most inspired tenor saxophone players, Karl-Martin Almqvist. The Lights were joined on stage by the legendary Feya Faku on trumpet.
Naidoo has made his presence felt strongly in South Africa over the past decade and has begun to carve himself an international reputation. His particular strengths are a transformatory energy on stage, a keen commitment to maintaining the integrity of his artistic expression, and a willingness to explore all musical genres in an effort to give voice to the music inside. Throughout his career he has performed with many great musicians such as Bheki Mseleku, Miriam Makeba, Zim Ngqawana, Feya Faku, Selelo Selota, Judith Sepumba, Errol Dyers, Hotep Galeta, Steve Newman, Carlo Mombelli and Bruce Cassedy.
His future aspirations include composing a concerto for jazz drums and orchestra and becoming the Minister of Arts and Culture of South Africa.
AUDITIONS FOR HAIRSPRAY
High school learners needed for Rainbow Young Performers Project 2010.
High school learners who can sing, dance and act, are invited to audition for Hairspray – this year’s Rainbow Young Performers’ Project. This will be the tenth annual Young Performers Project supported by Rainbow and will run at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from July 2 to 18.
Hairspray was a cult classic 1988 comedy film which showcased outrageous drag artiste Divine and which was revived in 2007 with a new film version starring John Travolta; Zac Ephron; Michelle Pfeiffer, Queen Latifah and Christopher Walken. It was adapted into a stage musical in 2002 which won eight Tony awards including Best Musical in 2003. Set in the early sixties, it tells the story of Tracy Turnblad in Maryland USA and her dreams of stardom and her challenges against racial segregation.
The creative team on Hairspray includes Themi Venturas and Charon Williams Ros. It is supported by Rainbow and co-presented by Performing Arts Network of SA (PANSA) the civic umbrella body for performing artists nationally.
Hairspray follows the last nine successful Young Performers musicals, Curtain Up, One Voice, Grease, Oliver, Fiddler on the Roof, The Wiz, Annie, School of Rock SA and Big River last year.
Auditions will take place on May 1 at 10h00 prompt at the Durban High School hall, Essenwood Road. Registration from 10h00 to 12h00. Auditionees should take water and refreshments as there will a long wait. Also wear comfortable clothes / gym gear and either dance shoes or pumps. Auditions will take up much of the day, so please be patient!! (parents - bring fold-up chair and book!)
The criteria is as follows: Auditionees must be between 12 and 18 years old / Grade 8 – 12 and be at high school. They must be able to sing, dance and act and have a passion for performing. They must prepare a short acting / singing / performance piece to present and must be available to attend weekend rehearsals till the show opens on July 2, thereafter available to do the show every evening and weekend from July 2 to 18.
Auditionees must be able to speak English. Those who have additional skills / talents – such as specialist dancing (tap, ballroom etc) or can play an instrument, should let the audition team know.
More information from Coordinator Ashleigh Bricknell (nee Pienaar), Project manager Young Performers Project, on youngperformersproject@gmail.com
High school learners who can sing, dance and act, are invited to audition for Hairspray – this year’s Rainbow Young Performers’ Project. This will be the tenth annual Young Performers Project supported by Rainbow and will run at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from July 2 to 18.
Hairspray was a cult classic 1988 comedy film which showcased outrageous drag artiste Divine and which was revived in 2007 with a new film version starring John Travolta; Zac Ephron; Michelle Pfeiffer, Queen Latifah and Christopher Walken. It was adapted into a stage musical in 2002 which won eight Tony awards including Best Musical in 2003. Set in the early sixties, it tells the story of Tracy Turnblad in Maryland USA and her dreams of stardom and her challenges against racial segregation.
The creative team on Hairspray includes Themi Venturas and Charon Williams Ros. It is supported by Rainbow and co-presented by Performing Arts Network of SA (PANSA) the civic umbrella body for performing artists nationally.
Hairspray follows the last nine successful Young Performers musicals, Curtain Up, One Voice, Grease, Oliver, Fiddler on the Roof, The Wiz, Annie, School of Rock SA and Big River last year.
Auditions will take place on May 1 at 10h00 prompt at the Durban High School hall, Essenwood Road. Registration from 10h00 to 12h00. Auditionees should take water and refreshments as there will a long wait. Also wear comfortable clothes / gym gear and either dance shoes or pumps. Auditions will take up much of the day, so please be patient!! (parents - bring fold-up chair and book!)
The criteria is as follows: Auditionees must be between 12 and 18 years old / Grade 8 – 12 and be at high school. They must be able to sing, dance and act and have a passion for performing. They must prepare a short acting / singing / performance piece to present and must be available to attend weekend rehearsals till the show opens on July 2, thereafter available to do the show every evening and weekend from July 2 to 18.
Auditionees must be able to speak English. Those who have additional skills / talents – such as specialist dancing (tap, ballroom etc) or can play an instrument, should let the audition team know.
More information from Coordinator Ashleigh Bricknell (nee Pienaar), Project manager Young Performers Project, on youngperformersproject@gmail.com
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