JOHN CLEESE, THE ALIMONY TOUR

(Photo credit: Vaughan Treyvellan)

For the first time ever, comedy legend - and “the most senile member of Monty Python” according to the press release - will be bringing his Alimony Tour to South Africa.

Best known for his idiosyncratic turns in Monty Python's Flying Circus and Fawlty Towers, John Cleese will bring his unique comedic perspective to audiences across South Africa.

Cleese has achieved a lot in his career which started as a sketch writer for BBC Radio’s Dick Emery Show and then The Frost Report. After this, stardom beckoned and Monty Python was created, with Cleese co-writing and starring in four series and three films. He went on to achieve further great success as the neurotic hotel manager Basil Fawlty in Fawlty Towers, which he co-wrote with his then wife Connie Booth. After huge UK success, John went on to crack the USA with A Fish Called Wanda (which he wrote and starred in with Jamie Lee Curtis).

The late 1990s saw the unstoppable Mr Cleese appear in the James Bond movie The World is not Enough and later Die Another Day. His latest film role was none other than the ‘The Guv’ in the popular South African film Spud. From writing to starring in plays, musicals, theatrical and comedy productions, to films and sitcoms, Cleese has done it all, and now it’s time for him to tell audiences about his jam-packed life.

Cleese says: "It is an evening of well-honed anecdotes, psychoanalytical tit-bits, details of recent surgical procedures, and unprovoked attacks on former colleagues, especially Michael Palin".

You can catch this intimate performance on October 21and 22 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (tickets from R350 to R500) and at the Teatro at Montecasino Johannesburg from October 25 to 29 (tickets from R295 to R500) presented by 567 CapeTalk and Talk Radio 702. Bookings now open at Computicket.

THE WRITE STUFF

This new and expanded edition of The Write Stuff written by Bittie Viljoen-Smook , Dave Dykman and Johan Geldenhuys, makes it even easier to communicate meaningfully and effectively. In addition, this handy reference is now even more user friendly owing to the simple layout and examples clearly shown in grey.

Expanded to include the concepts of plain language and globlish (or is it globish?) as well as many examples to facilitate understanding and application, this treasure chest of gems also helps you test your knowledge through a number of added activities, with answers at the end of the guide.

As business-writing style, tone, manner, conventions and best practice are constantly changing, The Write Stuff comes as a handy and concise update for everybody who writes. Everything is accessible through an expanded and easy-to-use index.

Bittie Viljoen-Smook has 30 years' experience in writing, mentoring and adult teaching of business English as well as in the creation, development and standardisation of financial terminology. He holds graduate qualifications in English, Afrikaans, Latin and German and postgraduate qualifications in English, Afrikaans and Applied Linguistics. He is an author, together with Dave Dykman and Johan Geldenhuys, of numerous publications, including a translations handbook, an English style guide and five business dictionaries that span more than 20 years and that are generally acknowledged as the standard for the industry. Dave, Johan and Bittie are regularly invited as guest speakers at language forums and radio talk shows.

The Write Stuff provides users of English with clear guidelines, supplies competent users with the tools they need to write even more effectively, and gives good writers the edge.

The Write Stuff: The Style Guide with a Difference (2nd Edition) retails at R157.95.

MARITAL BLITZ

(Ashwin Singh, Nesan Pather, Kajal Maharaj and Derosha Moodley)

LiFT Entertainment present a tour de force of comedy, dance drama and action in their first theatrical outing, Marital Blitz. Starring film and theatre actress Kajal Maharaj (Broken Promises, Isidingo, Spice 'n Stuff) and her husband actor, musician (Eighteen Eighteen) and author Nesan Pather, the play explores the murky waters of marriage and miscommunication.

Penned by the couple and veteran playwright Ashwin Singh (To House, Looney Lahnee Show, Spice 'n Stuff), Marital Blitz also stars actress Derosha Moodley, previously of Broken Promises fame.

Through misdemeanours, miscommunications and plain old misunderstandings, newlyweds Sanvir (Nesan Pather) and Shalini (Kajal Maharaj) must cope with the strains and stresses of a "comfortable" marriage, the responsibilities of their new life and Shalini's sneaking suspicion that her husband may be hiding something. Coupled with Sanvir's mysterious and hilariously eccentric boss Mr. Poona (Ashwin Singh) is his wife Auntie Dolly (Derosha Moodley) and Shalini's best friend, hairdresser Desree (Derosha Moodley). What on earth is Poona up to? Is the sweet Sanvir really up to something or is Shalini just being paranoid?

Marital Blitz puts marriage, misdemeanour and ridiculous conclusions into a concoction of action packed fun! Directed by Ashwin Singh, the play promises to keep audiences thoroughly entertained. Performances on August 12 and 13 at the Suncoast Supernova for 3 shows only! Book early to avoid disappointment by calling 031 328 3349/38 or Teleticket on 0861 24 6362

CABARET

( Pic by Val Adamson: Janna Ramos-Violante, Marion Loudon and Liesl Coppin with Belinda Henwood in front)

KickstArt will present its second Durban premier for 2011: a professional production Kander and Ebb’s famous musical, Cabaret.

This dark, classy, classic musical set in Berlin’s seedy Kit Kat Klub, 1931, revolves around cabaret performer Sally Bowles, a faded, jaded, good-time girl, (made famous by Liza Minelli in the 1972 movie) and her relationship with young American writer Cliff Bradshaw. Adding to the divinely decadent atmosphere is German musical theatre star Sascha Halbhuber making his South African debut as the sinister, sexy Master of Ceremonies, Emcee.

The production also stars Lisa Bobbert, Bryan Hiles, Charon Williams-Ros, Peter Court, Clare Mortimer, and Lyle Buxton. Janna Ramos-Violante, Liesl Coppin, Belinda Henwood, Marion Loudon and Jessica Sole form a bevy of Kit Kat girls described by director Steven Stead as being “so talented and hot that they could set the theatre alight, and may well do so!” They are supported by Darren King, Sean de Klerk and Marc Kay as a variety of dancers, sailors and thugs! And a gorilla.

KickstArt have once again assembled an outstanding production team to help realise this complex production: musical direction is by Evan Roberts, choreography by Janine Bennewith, set design by Greg King, costume design by Neil Stuart-Harris, lighting design by Tina le Roux and sound design by Megan Levy.

Cabaret runs from August 6 to 28 at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, with performances Tuesday to Saturday at 19h30 (Sunday at 18h00) with extra shows on Saturday at 14h30. Tickets R130 Tuesday to Thursday and the Saturday matinee. R150 for evening performances Friday to Sunday with special low price previews on 6th and 7th August. Book at Computicket.

A TASTE OF THOMSON - THE BEST OF

Barry Thomson takes centre stage at the Heritage Theatre, for two performances only on August 5 and 6 in a salute to artists who have had a direct influence on his life – musically and personally.

A Taste of Thomson has enjoyed four successful seasons over the years at The Heritage Theatre, and fills in for the current show, Johnny Be Good on this Friday and Saturday night. Barry performs with his long-time ace team of Dawn Selby (keyboards and vocals), Mali Sewell (drums) and Jason Andrew (bass) to showcase the music of a wide range of unforgettable artists.

"I have chosen songs that are instantly recognisable hits and some that are not … but they all have musical or lyrical worth. The audience, hopefully, gets a chance to know a little more about me, and even my own compositions,” says Barry.

Barry’s musical menu includes songs from Pink Floyd, The Eagles, Led Zeppelin, Gary Moore, Dire Straits, Grand Funk Railroad and Deep Purple. The show also features some of Barry’s original songs including Take It in My Stride and Walk a Mile.

As there are limited tickets available, early booking is advised. Bookings can be made on 031 765 4197 or online at www.heritagetheatre.co.za

JACKIE HORNER MUSIC

The Jackie Horner Pub and Grill at, celebrates Bok Day on August 5 with music by resident Craig Nash from 17h00 till late.

The weekend offers Karaoke Party time with Spider Murch on August 6 from 19h00 until late. The next day, August 7, the “Human Jukebox” Collin Rule entertains from 13h00 to 16h00 and there is a Sunday roast special for just R49.

On August 8, patrons can party with Spider Murch’s music and comedy show from 19h00. Ladies can celebrate Women’s Day on August 8 with a wine tasting from 18h00 and stand the chance of winning a case of wine.

Bookings on 031 202 9192. The Jackie Horner Pub and Grill is situated at 47 Helen Joseph (Davenport) Road, Glenwood.

XOLISA DLAMINI FOR SUNDOWNER

Durban’s widely admired young jazz vocalist Xolisa Dlamini takes the spotlight for the curtain-raiser gig to the 15h SA Women’s Arts Festival in Durban.

Continuing with the popular monthly Sundowners events at the Playhouse, the eighth gig in this courtesy entertainment series will be presented by The Playhouse Company as a stylish curtain-raiser to the 15th SA Women’s Arts Festival on August 5. So come and chill out after work, and be part of the cool vibe as you end your week with this hot-property young star in action.

Sultry songstress Xolisa Dlamini is set to deliver some sizzling sets of jazz favourites in the Playhouse’s Main Foyer between 17h30 and 18h30. Admission is free, and a cash bar will be open, along with the Playhouse Coffee shop.

MERSEYSIDE SWING JAZZ BAND

The Merseyside Swing Jazz Band offers music from Dixieland to the Swing Era at the Merseyside Pub & Tavern on August 6.

The group comprises Baron Herbst (keyboards); Sharon Salt (drums); Jill Murraybrown (bass guitar); Barry Varty (trumpet/valve trombone). Musicians are welcome to come and ‘Have a Blow’.

The performance takes place on August 6 from 12h00 to 15h00. The Merseyside Pub & Tavern is in Queensmead, Umbilo. Entry is free, there is a cash bar but no meals and the venue offers ample roof parking.

DAVID ORR & JEFF JUDGE

On August 5, The Church of the Ascension in Hilton will host a concert by organist David Orr and saxophonist Jeff Judge. In addition to solo organ music, there will be popular Baroque pieces such as Air on the G string (and arrangement of Bach's famous Air on a G String arranged for soprano saxophone and organ).

David and Jeff have given over 20 performances together in the last six years in many of the major centres in South Africa. The most recent of these was in May this year at St George's Cathedral in Cape Town where David is now Director of Music (www.sgcathedral.co.za). This performance is offered in support of their Church's organ fund. The German-Romantic Organ built by Laukhuff was installed in The Church of the Ascension in late 2007 and is one of Hilton's greatest musical assets.

The concert will take place at 19h00 on August 5 at The Church of the Ascension in Hilton. Tickets R75 at the door, but pre-bookings are advised on 033 343 3012 (weekday mornings 09h00 to 13h00). There is safe parking off Brindy Road directly behind the church.

WORLD METHODIST CONFERENCE PARADE

One of the public events at the World Methodist Conference is a public Street Parade and Rally through the streets of Durban on the Sunday afternoon.

The 20th World Methodist Conference will take place, for the first time in South Africa, from August 4 to 8 at the International Convention Centre Durban (ICC) in Durban.

On the afternoon of August 7, there will be a street parade through the streets of Durban culminating at the Durban City Hall involving delegates and guests. The public is warmly invited to participate in the procession.

The parade will be a public display and celebration adding Christ's joy and healing to the streets of Durban. The people of the city – and especially those from the Methodist/Wesleyan tradition – are warmly invited to take to the streets and make a joyful noise!

Participants are invited to gather at the main entrance ramp to the ICC between 14h00 and 14h30. It is suggested that participants use the ICC parking garage or nearby street or Workshop parking. Instructions for the parade route will be given at 14h30. The official parade commences at 15h00 and moves through the streets to City Hall. At City Hall, there will music and a message. The rally will be finished by 17h00.

For more info on the parade, contact Rev. Anna E. Layman Knox, Manning Road Methodist, on 031 202 8262, 073 570 8294 or email: Churchanna@mrmc.co.zawork /

LIPS RENDEZVOUS

On August 3, the Live Poets society (LiPS) will host Sarah Frost as the evening’s Guest Poet.

The 37 year-old single mother to a seven year-old boy, Sarah Frost works as an editor for Juta Legalbrief in Durban, South Africa and has been writing poetry for the past 14 years. She has completed an MA in English Literature as well as a module on Creative Writing, through UKZN. She has been published in various SA journals and some in the US.

Her first anthology, Conduit, was published by Modjaji Books in the first quarter of 2011. In June, she successfully launched her volume of Poetry Conduct at Ike’s Books.

The LiPS Rendezvous will take place on August 3 at 17h30 for 18h00 at the Point Yacht Club on Durban’s Victoria Embankment Durban. Admission is free. More information from Danny Naicker (LiPS convenor) on e-Mail:- dnaicker@metsond.co.za

COOKING FOR AN ALLERGY-FREE LIFESTYLE

A recipe book with a difference, written by a person with allergies for people with allergies. (Review by Cherry MacIldowie)

Tammi Forman is your quintessential Jewish mother who has a great love of cooking and feeding her precious family but here is the difference – she has a sensitivity to wheat and sugar and her three sons have various serious allergies that can be life-threatening.

Cooking for an Allergy-Free Lifestyle is a cookbook catering for the millions of people who have allergies as well as intolerances to various types of food. Instead of being deprived of breads, cereals, cakes and biscuits Tammi has devised recipes that are quick and as delicious as any dish containing conventional ingredients. The book includes 146 recipes with egg-, wheat-, gluten-, dairy-, nut-, yeast- and sugar-free options. However, you can also use cake flour and milk products if they are tolerated.

A couple of years ago, I had to go through a period of having to cater for my husband’s drastic diet regime, where just about everything was cut out and I found it to be a very scary experience – I wish that I had had access to this book then. I still like to cook gluten-free as much as possible and there are plenty of dishes to try in this book.

Registered dietician Nicki Urison and Dr Allan S Puterman MBChB(UCT), Fellow of the College of Paediatricians of South Africa, Fellow of the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology have both written glowing Forewords to Cooking for an Allergy-Free Lifestyle

Tammi Forman writes an introduction that gives a personal glimpse into her life and that of her family and she comes across as loving and sharing as well as being highly organised in that she bakes two batches at a time -one to eat and one to freeze so that last-minute play dates, school lunches or parties can be catered for. As she says “By returning to basics and simplifying our choices and our recipes, we can eat delicious food that maintain our good health … and not go broke or crazy in the process!”

There is a comprehensive section of “Substitutes” and the various Wheat and Gluten Free flours that are available which is very informative. If, however, you were to purchase all the flours you would need a lot of storage space! The Key is essential in the effective use of the book and indicates all the abbreviations for the ingredients e.g. DF indicates Dairy Free, etc.

Cooking for an Allergy-Free Lifestyle starts off with a chapter on breakfasts which includes cereals, smoothies, muffins and even a Brie and Mushroom breakfast pizza! In the salad section there are many I look forward to trying now that the warmer weather is approaching – Caramelised Pear and Blue Cheese sounds delicious and the accompanying photograph makes it very appealing to the eye as well. There are many different soup recipes which can be accompanied by any of the breads included in the ‘Breads’ section and the appealing snacks too.

The Mains section dishes include fish, chicken and meat choices, but also has Vegetarian options useful to me as my daughter is a vegetarian. The Rye Pizza with Tomato and Basil looks spectacular in the photo which adorns the front cover of Cooking for an Allergy-Free Lifestyle.

The chapter on Cakes and Bakes is important for those trying to treat children with severe allergies and here Tammi excels in pre-preparing what she calls ‘safe treats’ for her children to take to parties. There are many tasty-looking things to try - for instance, the Vegan Vanilla Cake, cookies and crunchies and yummy Chocolate cakes, seven in all in their own section!

At the end of the book the Miscellaneous chapter covers all sorts of interesting things which are easy and cost-effective to make. The iced tea, lemonade and ginger beer are excellent when entertaining. And things like Aroma Cream for sensitive skins, Bath salts, Aroma dough, Play Dough and even Furniture Polish which contains no irritants to worry folk with skin allergies or asthma. At the very back of the book there is a useful and encompassing Shopping List

Cooking for an Allergy-Free Lifestyle is beautifully presented with full-colour photographs by Matthys van Lill which will have your mouth watering before you even begin to cook.

Cooking for an Allergy-Free Lifestyle.is published by Random House Struik ISBN 978-1-77007-899-4. Recommended selling price R180. – Cherry MacIldowie

MAMMALS OF SOUTHERN AFRICA

An easy to use pocket sized book with a wealth of information on some 120 species of Southern African mammals. (Review by Cherry MacIldowie)

Mammals of Southern Africa by Chris and Mathilde Stuart is an ideal little book to slip into your pocket before setting off on your adventures around Southern Africa. Aimed at the local wildlife enthusiast and overseas visitors, it encompasses South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland and Lesotho.

The introduction indicates that there are more than 350 mammal species living in Southern Africa in a great diversity of habitat ranging from deserts, mountain ranges and areas of spectacular natural beauty and bounded on all sides by two great oceans – the Atlantic and the Indian.

Of the 120 varieties of mammals featured in this book, some are the well-known larger and more visible species, but also included are a few of the less-frequently seen animals such as the elusive aardvark and pangolin (I have yet to meet anyone who has ever seen either) and porcupine as well as bats and smaller rodents.

There is a detailed map and list of National Parks and Game Reserves to aid in the planning of your discovery of Southern Africa. The section on the Biomes is useful for identifying the vegetation of the various regions encountered along the way. “How to use this Guide” should be read as it gives pointers to the name of the animal, both the common English and scientific as well as those in Afrikaans, French and German. These are repeated in the Index for easy reference. Identification pointers, similar species, habitat, behaviour, tracks and maps and other relevant information; as well as tips on successful mammal watching.

Each animal has a page devoted to it offering concise information on key ID pointers, similar species, habitat, behaviour, diet, reproduction, longevity, calls, occurrence and measurements, distribution maps, silhouettes indicating size relative to humans and illustrations of tracks and droppings. Mammals of Southern Africa is divided into groupings, beginning with the primates, zebras, rhinos, hippos, giraffe and buffalo. On through antelopes, elephant and carnivores, including otters and the surprising number of different mongoose species. The cat varieties feature the African Wild Cat which looks like the moggy at home and the small spotted cat. A little-known, or for that matter, little-seen group are the sengis or elephant shrews and there are five types of bats covered. The section on rodents is comprehensive and includes the Greater Cane Rat, Fat Mouse and the cutest Spectacled Dormouse. Although I do think you would be very lucky to spot any of these animals. The last grouping covers a few marine mammals one may encounter along the coast line.

At the end of Mammals of Southern Africa there is a well-photographed Dung identification section. So when there is nothing of interest to look at, make a study of the droppings around the waterhole and the Track Comparison section will aid in identifying spoor left behind.

Although not a comprehensive guide to all mammals this is however a lightweight, useful and quick reference. All the photographs are clear and in full colour - remarkable for capturing those aforesaid elusive creatures.

Authors Chris and Mathilde Stuart are founders of the African-Arabian Wildlife Research Centre. They are well-known authors of numerous books including Pocket Guide Mammals of East Africa and Dangerous Creatures of Africa and have also published numerous scientific papers and popular articles on a wide range of topics.

Pocket Guide: Mammals of Southern Africa is also available in Afrikaans (Sakgids Soogdiere van Suider-Afrika: | ISBN 978-1-77007-886-4) and German (Taschenführer Säugetiere Südliches Afrika: ISBN 978-1-77007-887-1)

Mammals of Southern Africa ISBN 978-1-77007-861-1 is published by Random House Struik. Recommended selling price R100 – Cherry MacIldowie

DSC IN PINETOWN

On July 31 (today), the Durban Symphonic Choir conducted by Dr Ros Conrad with organist: Dr Christopher Cockburn will perform at St John's Anglican Church, 5 Payne Street, Pinetown.

Programme includes excerpts from Handel's Messiah, Bach's Magnificat and Rossini's Messe Solennelle, and lighter music like Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring. Also in the line-up are light numbers such as Bye Bye Blackbird, Down by the Riverside and In the Still of the Night.

The performance takes place from 15h30 to 16h45. Tickets R50pp in aid of Ukukhutaza AIDS Concern Group at the door and refreshments will be served after the concert. There is safe parking.

TREVOR THOMAS & ALISTAIR PETERS

Classical and jazz guitarists Trevor Thomas & Alistair Peters will be joined by special guest Richard Ellis (percussions) of Tru Colours on July 31 (this evening) at Olive and Oil Restaurant.

They will perform romantic classical, smooth jazz, Latin fusion along with some Spanish influence and top numbers from the 70s and 80s. the programme promises that the content is “groovy, bluesy, jazzy, rocky, funky and country!”

The group will perform from 19h00 to 21h00 on July 31 at the Olive and Oil Restaurant situated above Woolworths on the corner of Bulwer and Helen Joseph (Davenport) Roads in Glenwood. There is no entrance fee but patrons are encouraged to pay for the excellent meals on offer. Booking on 031 201 6146 or through Trevor on 072 820 9670 or email: ttsmusic@iafrica.com. Parking is secure in and out of vicinity.

UNLOCKEDKEYS

Sibu Mashiloane and his band Unlockedkeys perform at the Monday lunch-hour concert at Howard College Theatre on August 1.

“The inspiration to form this band came from an increasing repertoire of my original compositions and the unforgettable arrangements of songs from different artists both national and international,” explains Sibu Mashiloane. “In 2007, I then started introducing the composition and arrangement of jazz standards for my Honours degree recital which I had to give at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Not only did I get a distinction for the splendid recital, but the band attracted more work for jazz festivals, competitions and other music opportunities.”

Sibu’s music is inspired by the work of South African musicians; Bheki Mseleku, Andile Yenana and Bra Zim. Sibu is currently studying for his masters degree in full jazz performance, and is a part-time lecturer at the university. The name of the band, Unlockedkeys, reflects a desire to transcend the boundaries of genre and style and create music without limits. The band members are all noted for their sensitivity to music, originality, creativity and passion and - as well as Sibu Mashiloane (piano) - include Bongani Sokhela (bass), Paki Peloeole (drums), Linda Sikhakhane (saxophone) and Sakhile Simane (trumpet).

UnlockedKeys will perform at 12h15 on August 1 at the Howard College Theatre on the UKZN Durban campus. Entrance to Monday lunch-hour concerts is free. For information call 031 260 3353.

TONELES AT EMOYENI

Toneles is a guitar and vocal duo featuring Tony and Lester de Freitas embracing a broad variety of musical styles drawn from Rock, Blues and Jazz that appeals to a wide audience.

They will perform at Emoyeni Lodge on July 13.

A highlight of their live performances features the "Flamenco-Rock" sounds of their Spanish guitars that pays tribute to the exciting and energetic music of Rodrigo & Gabriella, as can be noted from the favourable response they received at the Launch of the new Pumpkin Theatre in Ballito last year.

The performance at Emoyeni Lodge on July 31 (today) starts at 12h00 and runs until 14h30. Relax in country atmosphere, good food, great music and cash bar. R120 includes a great three-course meal (R30 music only). There is an indoor venue in case of bad weather

Emoyeni Lodge is on District Road 113, off the N3 after Cato Ridge, only 40 minutes from Durban. Directions and map on at http://www.emoyenilodge.com Booking essential on 031 785 1740, or email reservations@emoyenilodge.com. For music enquiries contact 072 822 7988.

GRAHAMSTOWN AND BEYOND

(Pic by Val Adamson: Neil Coppen's "Abnormal Load" will appear at the Hilton Festival in September)

Many of the shows that contributed to this year’s 11 days of Amaz!ng at the National Arts Festival are spreading the arts-love to other venues and festival around the country.

From the Main theatre programme, Standard Bank Young Artist Neil Coppen’s Abnormal Load will be at the Hilton Arts Festival on September 13 and 14 before returning for a longer season at the Playhouse Theatre in April next year. The Abrahamse-Meyer Production of Shakespeare’s R&J will be playing that the Fugard Theatre Studio in Cape Town from July 25 to August 20. Their 2010 Main theatre production Richard III has been invited to be presented at the 8th International Shakespeare Theatre Festival in Romania next year.

The Market Theatre will host Greg Latter’s Death of a Colonialist (September 2 to October 16) and Sylvaine Strike’s The Table (August 2 to September 18). Purgatorio will be on at the Baxter Theatre, from July 7 to 30 while Sadako will play at the Out the Box Festival in Cape Town during September. The Last Pro will be at the Windybrow Theatre from July 20 to 31. Pieter Toerien will present History Boys (directed by Alan Swerdlow) at Theatre on the Bay from July 12 to August 6. Lara Bye’s production of Night, Mother will be at the Aardklop Festival during October.

From the Main dance programme, Cape Town City Ballet’s Swan Lake will be on at the Artscape from August 19 to 26.

The Arena production 8 minuets will be on stage at the Momentum Theatre of the State Theatre in Pretoria from August 2 to 28. Poisson, a play written by Juliet Jenkins and directed by 2010 Ovation Award winning director Christiaan Olwagen that appeared on the Arena programme this year, will also be playing at the Baxter Golden Arrow studio, from July 13 to 30.

The 2011 Standard Bank Ovation Award winners from this year’s Fringe festival will also be performing at various venues and other festivals around the country in the following few months.

Gold Ovation Award winner for Music, Chris Chameleon, will perform extensively at various venues and Festivals around the country. For more information on dates and venues see www.chrischameleon.com

Laurie Levine and Lize Wiid, who won a Silver Ovation award in the Music category, have various gigs in Cape Town, Pietermaritzburg and Durban, leading up to an album launch on August 25 at The Alexander Theatre in Johannesburg. They will then travel to the FORR music festival in Mozambique.

Shannon Hope, another Ovation Award winner in the Music category, will perform at various venues in Stellenbosch, Napier, Rondebosch and Knysna in July, as well as at the Oppikoppi Festival in August and the Hilton Arts Festival in September.

Free Voice Productions’ The Ogreling, which won a Silver Ovation Award in the Family Theatre category, will be on stage at the Out the Box Festival in Cape Town from September 3 to 11, and also plan a tour to schools and community centres in the Eastern Cape in September/October.

Stuart Lightbody will perform his Silver Ovation Award winning comedy Stuperstition at Kalk Bay Theatre in October.

Door (an Ovation Award winning collaboration between Ubom! Eastern Cape Drama Company and Jori Snell of Baba Yaga Theatre) will perform at the Mpumalanga Schools Festival in Secunda on August 4 and 5, at the Free State Schools Festival in Bloemfontein on August 11 and 12, as well as at the Out the Box Festival in Cape Town from September 3 to 11.

Nicola Haskins’ As Night Falls will travel to Aardklop National Arts Festival in Potchefstroom in October 2011. The production will also run at the Krêkvars Festival at Pretoria’s Masker Theatre on July 25, 27 and 30. Mafeking Road will run at the Intimate Theatre from October 18 to November 5.

...miskien (The Pink Couch) and the Gold Ovation Award winning (Dance) Anatomy of Weather (The Matchbox Theatre Collective) travel to the Amsterdam Fringe in September as part of the newly-established World Festival Alliance cooperative. ...miskien will also appear at the Aardklop Kunstefees in Potchefstroom from October 6 to 8. Fiona York appears in Rose, running at Kalk Bay Theatre until August 6.

A number of productions from across the Arena and the Fringe have been selected by a visiting group of European producers to be presented in Netherlands and the U.K. as part of the Afrovibes Festival. An announcement about the productions will be shortly announced by the Afrovibes Festival.

“The National Arts Festival has affirmed its reputation as a vibrant showcase for both national and international producers who are scouting for high quality South African work to be presented at their venues and festivals,” said Festival Director Ismail Mahomed. The next National Arts Festival will be held from June 28 to July 8, 2012, in Grahamstown.

The National Arts Festival is sponsored by Standard Bank, The Eastern Cape Government, The National Arts Council, The National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, The Sunday Independent and M Net.

MANDELA TRILOGY

(Pic by Val Adamson: The Three Mandelas: Thato Machona, Aubrey Poo and Aubrey Lodewyk)

A privilege indeed to see a production of this passion, power and quality. (Review by Caroline Smart)

How do you even begin to encapsulate Nelson Mandela’s life and times into a mere three hours?

If you are Michael Williams, respected and prize-winning author, opera director and well-known creator of indigenous operas, you create a production that is made up of three acts: Mandela’s youthful years in the Transkei (traditional choral); a jazz musical set in Sophiatown, and Mandela’s incarceration in three prisons culminating in his release (opera).

You then allocate those three parts to three different composers - Allan Stephenson, Mike Campbell and Peter Louis van Dijk, all highly respected in their field – and you engage the help of translator and cultural advisor Phumelele Tsewu. Add the resources of Cape Town Opera’s Voice of the Nation Ensemble, ensure you have a stunning soloist line-up and singers who can act and dance, a top class orchestra in the KZN Philharmonic conducted by Albert Horne and the result is the excellent Mandela Trilogy which opened in Durban last night for a three–day run.

Adding to the gloss is choreography by Sibonakaliso Ndaba, well-known to Durban contemporary dance lovers for her work with companies such as Phenduka, Flatfoot and Fantastic Flying Fish, as well as Michael Mitchell‘s set and costume designs. Then there’s Faheem Bardien’s lighting, not to mention Bryan Little’s film design which plays a strong role, particularly with an innovative process at the curtain call.

The sets are effectively designed on clean lines and include hanging panels portraying aloes, the use of an effective “ribbon” curtain in the Act 1, and – my favourite - miniature “sets” in huge boxes portraying rooms which give you the perspective of looking down on them from the ceiling.

The cast is well-chosen and there are no weak elements in either the principals, sub-principals or the chorus.

Strong performances came from the two Aubreys playing Mandela - Aubrey Poo as the young man and Aubrey Lodewyk as the older Mandela – both providing robust and credible interpretations of such an iconic figure. Thato Machona brought a fervency to the youthful Mandela and Tina Mene as Mother was always a delight. Other performances of note came from Tshepo Moagi as the Praisesinger, and Xolela Sixaba as the Chief. There was a beautiful duet with Aubrey Lodewyk and Derick Ellis, who produced the right kind of authoritative yet compassionate energy as Whiteman.

Playing the women in Mandela’s life at the time were Nozuko Teto (Evelyn), Gloria Bosman (Dolly) and Philisa Sibeko (Winnie). However, it is was inimitable Bosman who impressed most with her powerful stage presence, not to mention a particularly stimulating version of Phata Phata.

Of course, none of this would have been possible – as Michael Williams reminded us last night – without the source of inspiration himself. The one and only Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. There is a telling phrase in one of the songs as he reprimands Winnie for inciting violent action … “That is not my way”. Let us hope South Africans never lose sight of reconciliation through a peaceful process.

Presented by Cape Town Opera in collaboration with Rand Merchant Bank, funded by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund and supported by The Playhouse Company, Mandela Trilogy runs in the Playhouse Opera until July 31 with performances on July 30 at 15h00 and 19h30, and July 31 at 15h00. Tickets range from R100 to R165 (R85 to R150 for matinees) Booking is at Computicket.

A privilege indeed to see a production of this passion, power and quality. Don’t miss it – either here in Durban or when it runs at the Teatro at Montecasino in Johannesburg from August 13 to 19. For overseas readers, an international tour is planned for 2012! – Caroline Smart

SCHUKS TSHABALALA'S GUIDE

On M-Net Domestic on July 29 at 21h30, viewers can enjoy the antics of Leon Schuster, Tanit Phoenix and Alfred Ntombela.

Directed by Gray Hofmeyr in 1010, Schuks Tshabalala's Guide To SA sees Schuks Tshabalala and his friend, Shorty, commissioned by the 2010 tourism body to produce a movie as a visual guide and aid for foreigners coming to SA for the World Cup. With a diverse group of tourists to educate about the many weird and wonderful things about SA, they set up a series of gags to demonstrate what makes this country so unique.

13th AFRICAN RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

The annual African Renaissance Festival takes place at Durban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) on August 2, 4 and 5. The festival began 13 years ago in an endeavour to reignite Africa’s own belief in itself and in its potential to develop its own resources.

The festival, the only annual celebration of the African Renaissance principles on the continent, examines the theme ‘Connecting Africa’ from an infrastructural and economic perspective but will also debate issues around the connectivity challenges in tourism.

Delegates representing government and business, NGO’s; civic structures; entrepreneurs and local communities will converge on Durban to unpack and debate as well as pay tribute to the issues relating to how Africa navigates these relatively unchartered waters of accessing, developing and harnessing its own resources.

The festival comprises a Youth Conference on August 2, a two day conference on August 4 and 5 and a fundraising banquet on August 5, 2011.

The Youth Conference is being programmed by ‘Ignite’ - a newly-formed group of young business-people and entrepreneurs led by Durban Invest’s Lynette Ntuli and businessman Marc Rosenberg. The Youth Conference will grapple with challenges and opportunities that young people on this continent face with reference to Africa being the last truly emerging market. This conference is expected to attract 250 delegates from a variety of youth organisations.

During the two-day African Renaissance Conference experts and senior representatives from appropriate Southern African agencies and planning departments will present papers on the spatial planning around and development of economic corridors including various modes of transport, conversion from road to rail, development of coastal maritime connectivity, growth of the aviation industry and promotion of tourism in Africa on a country-to-country basis.

The conference will begin with a plenary session with Minister of Transport, Sbu Ndebele and Minister of Public Enterprise, Malusi Gigaba amongst other top speakers. Following this, sector-sessions for business and tourism will be held in the context of Connecting Africa. Sessions are being coordinated by the Durban Chamber of Commerce and the Department of Transport and Tourism KZN respectively. These sessions will culminate in a resolution session and final report to a plenary.

National Deputy Minister for Finance, Mr Nhlanhla Nene will address more than 500 guests at the fundraising banquet on August 5 and South African mistress of music and six-times SAMA-award-winner, Simphiwe Dana, promises to thrill with her -cool singing style.

For more information and the full African Renaissance programme, contact 031 266 9792 or email: reception@wozani.co.za

MADAME ZINGARA

Originally founded in 2001 by Richard Griffin, Madame Zingara was a capricious 80-seater restaurant nestled in the heart of Cape Town’s city centre. It was well known for its outlandish glitter-dusted service and Richard’s whimsical culinary creations.

Disaster struck in 2006 and the restaurant was burnt to the ground, Unable to rebuild what was lost, the Zingara family fought back and so the Theatre of Dreams was born – an enthralling travelling dinner cirque extravaganza housed in one of the last remaining antique mirror tents in the world. Enjoying full houses in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg, Madame Zingara transformed the concept of dining out in South Africa, earning many accolades and awards along the way.

Being a Cape Town based company, it seemed only right to put down roots and the Zingara Group has lovingly restored and resurrected landmark city restaurants. The Sidewalk Café, Café Mozart, Café Paradiso and The Bombay Bicycle Club which are now all proudly part of the Zingara family.

Madame Zingara’s stay in Durban comes to an end on August 13, a date which also marks the last performance of the Love Magic Tour before Victoria, the magnificent Spiegel Tent, moves to Cape Town with a brand new show celebrating 10 years of Madame Zingara’s success.

“South Africa has over the past 18 months fallen in love with the Madame’s Love Magic Tour,” says Madame Zingara’s managing director Richard Griffin, “but the time has come to start a new chapter. It’s fitting that we close the Love Magic chapter in Durban. The city has been so welcoming to the entire Madame Zingara family and we’re truly grateful for all the love and support we’ve received here.

“We are celebrating the Madame’s 10th anniversary this year,” he continues, “so when Victoria moves to her home base in Cape Town in late August, we will be putting together a new show filled with nostalgia and warm memories, that epitomises the magic Madame Zingara has brought to so many lives over the years.”

Madame Zingara is operating from the car park at Suncoast Casino.

WINDS OF CHANGE

(Photo by Melanie Janse: Camille Bracher appears in “Dance For A Cure)

During August (Women’s Month), South Africa’s leading dancers, singers and fashion houses will create spectacular one-night-only concerts in two South African cities. The events entitled Winds of Change will raise funds to vaccinate children against of cervical cancer.

The performances promise to be dazzling: Act 1- dancers of different genres interpret sections of Astor Piazzolla’s magnificent Four Seasons (Cuatro Estaciones Portenas); Act 2 - Dance Meets Fashion (dancers dressed by The Platinum Group: Jenni Button, Hilton Weiner, Vertigo, Aca Joe and Urban Degree) with live singers and musicians, directed by stellar choreographer Adele Blank. This culminates in the Grand Finale.

Featured dance companies in Durban include Siwela Sonke Dance Theatre, Just Dance, Move to Beat, Durban Soul Productions, Mhayise Productions, Surialanga Dance, Rhythmic Dance Studio, Mary Ann Salvage School of Ballet, Springwood School of Dance and Breakthrough Dance Company; and individuals such as Camille Bracher (now dancing with the Royal Ballet in London), Yolandi Olckers, Kitty Phetla, Salome Sechele, Jemina Bowring, Winsome Fuller, Jean & Gary Golding and Mxolisi Nkomonde. Amongst the vocal artists are Michelle Veenemans, Craig Urbani, Shelly Hinds and MC Mary-Anne Barlow.

The title and theme Winds of Change, talks to both the changing seasons and to change, initiating a positive shift. The events are the brainchild of Revelation – Dance for a Cure, a non-profit organisation which helps to supply a Nobel Prize-winning preventative vaccine to disadvantaged youngsters. Revelation - Dance for a Cure has hosted annual performances since 2008 and has so far raised R983,400 which has facilitated the immunization of 550 orphaned girls.

Winds of Change will be staged on August 5 at the Playhouse (Johannesburg’s Lyric Theatre on August 13). Tickets R180 booked through Computicket. All artists perform free of charge.

MTN JOYOUS CELEBRATION

South Africa’s number one gospel music ensemble Joyous Celebration celebrates 15 years of praise with its current six city national tour.

Titled My Gift to You, the 2011 Joyous Celebration tour is sure to get believers and worshippers begging for more. The concerts will feature a wide spectrum of songs delivered in vernacular languages as well as English and Afrikaans.

With this tour, Joyous Celebration also proudly announces its new sponsor MTN who will take them through the national celebration of My Gift To You.

“We are truly blessed to have MTN on board as our sponsor this year,” says Jabu Hlongwane, founding member of the gospel ensemble. “We feel that the partnership with MTN will help realise our collective vision and dream for this year’s celebrations.”

For Serame Taukobong, chief marketing officer of MTN SA, the sponsorship is a joyful reunion with an iconic South Africa musical talent. “We are delighted to be reconnecting with Joyous Celebration as its headline sponsor,” he says. “Our focus on supporting and developing various local musical genres within the South African industry has been strengthened with this sponsorship. We are looking forward to partnering with this hugely popular gospel ensemble as it spreads its joyous brand of music across the country. Using our MTN Play platform, we will promote the MTN Joyous Celebration sound to our customer base, while growing the MTN brand among a new fan base.”

My Gift To You has one performance at the ICC Arena in Durban on July 30 before moving on to the last stop of the tour in Bloemfontein in August.

More information on MTN Joyous Celebration concerts as well as the release of Joyous 15, Facebook page “Joyous Celebration Family” - for exciting news and ticket giveaways.

IMBOKODO WOMEN’S FESTIVAL

(Patti Nokwe and her late husband, Alfred Nokwe)

Next month, Stable Theatre will host the first of what is hoped to be the annual Imbokodo Women’s Festival to celebrate Women’s Day.

However, while Women's Day falls on August 9, Stable Theatre will set aside August 6 as an advance celebration in order to pay tribute to Patti Nokwe. A legendary opera trained singer, voice coach and mentor, she has given so much to the arts as a whole and this celebration will be in acknowledgement of her incredible and unfailing support of talented young musicians, singers, actors and actresses over the years.

Patti Nokwe is also the widow of another arts legend, the late Alfred Nokwe. Between them, they have made a huge contribution to the performing arts in KZN.

Black and gold is the central theme for the day. The line-up consists of acclaimed poet and storyteller Gcina Mhlophe who will be the featured performer of the day, alongside Durban’s famous all-women jazz band Heels over Head. Completing the programme will be comedienne Celeste Ntuli and Omama Boxolo who mix a fusion of acappella music with traditional dance and many more.

This will be a day filled with joy, laughter and sing-alongs for all women across all ages and lunch will be served. The Imbokodo Women’s Festival starts at 12h00 on August 6. Tickets at the door or booked through Bonang Shuping on 031 309 2513. For more information on Stable Theatre visit www.stabletheatre.co.za

POT POURRI

The Mondays at Seven programme at St Clements will host Pot Pourri on July 25.

This evening of poetry, music and art will include poems read by Jean-Marie Spitaels (from Dust on the Road) This is the second collection of poems published by Jean Cornet (pen name of J.M. Spitaels), but this time written in English. His first collection Craie Morte used Moliere’s language but in this one, the poet crosses the English channel as he did some 50 years ago as a teenager and explores the possibilities offered by Shakespeare’s language.

Dust on the Road starts with a translation in English of some of the poems of Craie Morte but offers the two versions, French and English, because, as the author explains in his essay on poetry, translating a poem is writing another poem. Copies of Dust on the Road will be on sale.

Also on the programme will be a pot pourri of French songs (Jacques Brel, Frieda Boccara, madrigals) and jazz guitar as well as an exhibition of art works.

St Clements is situated at 191 Musgrave Road on the righthand side a short way down Musgrave after the St Thomas Road intersection. Mondays at Seven run between 19h00 and 20h00. Booking is advised on 031 202 2511. There is no cover charge but there is a donations box to support presenters.

JACQUES DU PLESSIS

Astonishingly gifted young landscape artist, Jacques du Plessis, is currently presenting an exhibition of his works at Crouse Art Gallery in Durban.

Jacques was born on September 17, 1985, in Florida on the West Rand. He never had any formal art education but from a very young age he had the impressive ability to create art. At primary school he was well known for his ability to draw and his art talent. His parents moved to Hartebeesportdam where he matriculated in 2004 at Hoerskool Hartebeespoort.

After school for about two years, under the influence of acclaimed artist Christiaan Nice, du Plessis learned about painting and preparing paintings.

It was only in October 2007 that his first work was exhibited at an art exhibition. From the word go his work hit great popularity from the public and major art collectors. Now at the age of 24, it looks like Jacques will have a very long and prosperous future in the art industry.

Crouse is a tranquil and beautifully-lit gallery space in Morningside – a stone’s throw away from Windermere Centre. It showcases excellent works of art by inspirational South African artists.

Crouse Artdealers specialises in original SA art. They offer art by some our country’s most sought after artists like Anton Benzon, Errol Boyley, Hennie Niemand, Diane Erasmus, Bea, Este Mostert, Kobus Kotze, Luther Marais, Father Claerhout, Corne Weiderman, Andre De Beer, Christian Nice, Elga Rabe, Lienkie Lombard, Johan Smit, Chris Tugwell, Portchie, Charmaine Eastment, Nicky Chovu Chovu and many more. As well as South Africa’s most loved bronze artist, Llewellyn Davies.

Anton Benzon @ Crouse Art Gallery is owned by Michelle Dodds (who also runs the gallery) and Chris and Suzette Crouse. It is situated at 254 Lillian Ngoyi / Windermere Road in Morningside, Durban. Gallery hours are 09h00 to 16h00 weekdays and 09h00 to 12h00 on Saturdays. They are closed on Sundays. More information on 031 312 2315 or visit www.crouseartkzn.co.za.

BONE COLLECTOR

MNet Action will screen Bone Collector on July 30 at 20h30. Produced in 1999, directed by Phillip Noyce and starring Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie, the film is about a paralyzed forensics expert and a young policewoman must work together to stop a brutal serial killer.

INDIAN NIGHT AT ALLIANCE

(Pandit Debashish Bhattacharya)

On July 29, the Alliance Française de Durban will present a concert by Pandit Debashish Bhattacharya (Grammy-nominated Indian slide-guitar maestro) who will be supported by Dj Jeff with Bollywood music.

Pandit Debashish Bhattacharya evolves into a global inspiration in the arena of contemporary musical uprising. The musical journey is a counterpart to what remains a fond reminiscence of a child’s fancy with a Hawaiian lap guitar at the age of four. With the lineage of Gurus like Pandit Brij Bhushan Kabra and Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty the inspiration has gone beyond performance.

There will be a Welcoming Indian Warm Up from 19h00 to 20h00 offering a traditional Indian atmosphere as well as surprises and Pandit Debashish Bhattacharya will perform from 21h00. Tickets R50 (R25 Alliance members) available from the Alliance Française de Durban, 22 Sutton Crescent, Morningside (corner of Windermere Road). More information on 031 312 9582, fax 031 312 2864 or email: culture.afdurban@alliance.org.za or visit www.alliance.org.za

The Bollywood Film exhibition is running at the Alliance in association with the Durban Film Festival until August 15. (Gallery Hours Mon- Fri from 09h00 to 18h00, Saturdays 09h00 14h00)

DIFF LINE-UP

(A scene from “Black Butterflies”)

The 32nd Durban International Film Festival, supported by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (principal funder), National Film and Video Foundation, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Tourism and other valued funders and partners, is currently taking place in Durban.

It kicked off on July 21 with the World Premiere of the South African film Otelo Burning, directed by Sara Blecher.

Between July 21 and 31, the festival will be crammed with great films from around the world. Skoonheid, Oliver Hermanus’s groundbreaking film that caused a stir at the recent Cannes film festival, will have its first South African screening at the festival. DIFF will also present the World Premieres of Charlie Vundla’s noir film How To Steal 2 Million, John Barker’s thrilling heist flick 31 Million Reasons, Faith Isiakpere’s crime drama The Algiers Murders, Eldorado by new talents Shaldon Ferris and Lorreal Ferris, the hilarious comedy Taka Takata by Damir Radonic, and The Dream by Zuko Nodada. Making their African Premieres are Mukunda Michael Dewil’s psychological thriller Retribution and Paula van der Oest’s moving film about Ingrid Jonker, Black Butterflies.

DIFF 2011 includes the African Premiere of the year’s most anticipated film – Terrence Malick’s The Tree Of Life, which just won the Palme d’Or in Cannes. Other highlights include Woody Allen’s Midnight In Paris, which will close the festival, Bela Tarr’s The Turin Horse, Andrey Zvyagintsev’s Elena, Jose Padilha’s Elite Squad 2 – The Enemy Within, Takeshi Kitano’s Outrage, Michel Ocelot’s Tales Of The Night, SJ Clarkson’s Toast, Lee Chang-dong’s Poetry, and Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives.

African cinema will also be well-represented by Djo Tunda Wa Munga’s striking and unique Viva Riva! , Nigerian director Andrew Donsunmu’s visually beautiful Restless City, Justin Chadwick’s uplifting Kenya-set film The First Grader, and Ebrahim El Batout’s Hawi which first appeared in Durban as a project at the inaugural Durban FilmMart in 2010.

DIFF will focus on two national cinemas this year: India and Canada. Six films from the great Indian master Satyajit Ray will be presented, alongside daring new works by talented new Indian filmmakers. Leena Manimekelai will present the World Premiere of her film The Dead Sea and other Indian films include Onir’s I Am, Sanjoy Nag’s Memories In March, Kaushik Mukherjee’s Bengali hip hop film Asshole, and Aamir Bashir’s Autumn.

In a very strong year for Canadian cinema, DIFF will present Denis Villeneuve’s Oscar-nominated Incendies, the gritty drama Jo For Jonathan, Ed Gass-Donnelly’s Small Town Murder Songs, Xavier Dolan’s ravishing Heartbeats, and the quirky Familiar Ground by Stephane Lafleur. Canadian documentaries include Barry Steven’s Prosecutor, a fascinating look at the International Criminal Court, and Shannon Walsh’s St. Henri, The 26th Of August.

Germany is also well-represented at DIFF 2011 with Tom Tykwer’s Three, Pia Marais’ At Ellen’s Age, Ulrich Kohler’s Sleeping Sickness and the stunning documentary El Bulli – Cooking In Progress by Gereon Wetzel.

Local stories in the powerful documentary line-up include World Premieres such as Ryley Grunewald’s The Dawn of a New Day where healing is shown as being more than skin deep, Mickey Dube’s Sobukwe, A Great Soul about one of this country’s most influential, but unsung, heroes, the Keith Jones/Deon Maas music revolution collaboration Punk In Africa, and the Dara Kell/Chris Nizza collaboration Dear Mandela about innovative leadership emerging in informal settlements. Not to be missed, DIFF will present the African premiere of Mama Africa, the inspirational film about Miriam Makeba.

With the COP conference on climate change taking place in Durban later in the year, an exceptional range of conscientising environmental films is included in this year’s Eco-Lens focus. There is heated Irish village resistance to Shell in The Pipe; Blood in the Mobile shows how frightening mining conditions in the DRC produce material for our cellphones; and, fresh from Cannes, The Big Fix exposes corruption and cover-ups surrounding the Mexican Gulf oil spill. Countdown to Zero (by Lucy Walker whose Waste Land won big awards in 2010) is about nuclear weapons and challenges to disarmament, while Into Eternity covers nuclear waste storage. Eco-Pirate- the Story of Paul Watson is about this legendary defender of our oceans and its creatures (Paul Watson will attend the festival).

The riveting Sing Your Song is the story of Harry Belafonte from his music and film career to his involvement in civil rights and anti-apartheid movements. A special highlight will be Leonard Retel-Helmrich’s tracking of an Indonesian family in Position Among the Stars. This masterful film won top awards at both Sundance and IDFA.

Look out also for King Naki, a beautiful story of struggle and achievement set around horse-racing in the rural Transkei, the Cape Town film The Imam and I, and the Durban-shot Street Kids United.

The global financial meltdown is the focus of the 2011 Academy Award winning Inside Job, while John Pilger’s biting The War You Don’t See is a timely investigation into the media’s role in war. Other documentaries cover Bollywood, Robert Mugabe, the Black Power movement in America, organic agriculture, paraplegic musicians in Kinshasa, and West Indian cricket. Packages of short documentaries and short films are also on offer.

Opening with an outdoor screening on the beachfront on July 24, DIFF will host the Wavescapes Surf Film Festival for the 7th consecutive year – a six-day blast of red-hot wave action, surf stories and groundbreaking cinematography.

For film synopses, screening schedules and programme details on the 32nd Durban International Film Festival visit www.cca.ukzn.ac.za or click on the Centre For Creative Arts button advert at the top of this page.

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

FIELD BAND FOUNDATION

(KZN’s own PG Bison Buccaneers)

Since its founding 13 years ago, the Field Band Foundation (FBF) has grown tremendously into a mature and goal achieving non-profit organisation, whose dream is to dramatically impact the lives of South Africa’s economically challenged and often misguided youth through cheerful music and dance. With our incredible forthcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup performances, the FBF gains an opportunity to soar even higher and achieve global exposure.

FBF’s objective is to attract youth from socially and economically challenged communities. Through the magic of an exciting and creative activity the foundation can bring about positive change, giving students the ability to end their cycle of poverty and meaningfully shape a constructive future. The FBF Academy is the substructure on which the Field Band Foundation aims to fulfil each member’s emotional, spiritual and intellectual needs, targeting youth between the ages of 7 and 21 all from various socially and economically challenged parts of South Africa. Through the power of music, the FBF stimulates, excites and empowers the youth.

The many difficulties faced by members include the fact that 61.2% of their parents are unemployed, or living in child-headed households, as 1.8% of them do. Before joining the FBF, 92.7% of members had no access to arts or music and their average age is 15.5 years old. However, on a positive note, the FBF has expanded and now boasts 38 field bands countrywide with 4,000 members from 297 schools in 114 townships. With results such as these, the invaluable change to each member’s life is proof that the FBF is both very necessary and a success.

The FBF is fortunate to have a productive and close relationship with the Norwegian Band Foundation, (http://www.musikkorps.no) whose steady commitment over the years has had a massive impact; contributing to FBF’s overall growth as an organisation and greatly enriching the experience and lives of hundreds of children. This association allows the FBF to undergo continuous external evaluation, helping in providing a constant challenge and a standard to live up to.

The FBF was given the honour of playing a part in the 2010 FIFA World Cup celebrations, providing a fantastic opportunity for its members to be part of such a prestigious event.

“We passionately believe in the astounding impact that the discipline of music and dance has on our youth,” says FBF director Retha Cilliers. “With our field bands in full action over the World Cup period, we had a chance to show the world our youth’s amazing talent.”

The FBF Championships are a not-to-be missed event. This will take place Johannesburg Athletic Stadium in Gauteng on October 8. More information on 083 775 4348 or visit www.fieldband.org.za

VULEKA ART COMPETITION

Art.b – the Arts Association of Bellville has announced the 2011 Vuleka Art Competition. Vuleka, meaning ‘open’ is held annually and is open to any artist (18 years or older, who has not had a solo exhibition in the past three years), working in any medium.

Vuleka has a national footprint and is the third largest art competition in South Africa (behind ABSA L’Atelier and Sasol New Signatures). This competition supports emerging and established artists and encourages creativity, innovation and strong individual expression. Selected artists from the competition will have the opportunity to be part of an exhibition in the Art.b Gallery, which is well known for its versatile exhibition space.

The prize for the overall winner is a R20,000 cash prize sponsored by artist, Conrad Theys. Additional merit/category prizes will also be awarded.

Entry form can be downloaded from http://www.artb.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Vuleka-form-2011.pdf

Entries close on August 5, 2011, at 15h30. The entry fee is R40 per work and artists may enter as many works as they wish to. More information from the gallery on 021 918 2301.

DIFF AT ALLIANCE

(The image from the History of Bollywood poster)

Alliance Française de Durban in association with the Durban International Film Festival will host a number of events at their premises in Morningside.

July 27 – 18h30: Screening of The Sacrifice (Yoole) by Moussa Sene Absa in the Open Air Cinema following a welcoming French cocktail with the filmmaker in attendance. The movie is in French and English with English sub-titles Entrance is free, bring a blanket, Gluwein available. Created by Silver Bear-winning Moussa Sene Absa, this poetic documentary is a call for respect. The day after sopi (change), it is said that God applauded with thousands of hands, and the Senegalese people were proud. He said, “Here are two pots: one full of salt, the other of sugar…” The people began eating the sugar first and ultimately were left only with salt. Brigands, thieves, assassins and mercenaries sang a new anthem for the Nation.

July 18 to 31: Exhibition History of Bollywood by Ranjit Dahiya. An exceptional collection of 25 hand-painted canvases of Bollywood movies displayed in four galleries. Ranjit Dahiya is a communication designer and an artist smitten by the long and rich history of Hindi cinema. His last exhibition was held in La Rochelle France during 23 international film festival in July 2010. In 2009, Dahiya made a live canvas of an Amitabh Bachchan film on a grand scale of 32ft by 12ft height during the Salon du Cinema La Vilette which was inaugurated by the star himself .

Alliance Française de Durban is situated at 22 Sutton Crescent (off Windermere Road) in Morningside. For more information contact 031 312 9582 or fax 031 312 2864 or email: durban@alliance.org.za

MANDELA TRILOGY

Mandela Trilogy celebrates the vibrant variety of South African music while dramatising the defining moments that shaped Mandela’s life. From prisoner to President and from Nobel Laureate to revered statesman, Nelson Mandela is hailed across the globe as a treasured icon. The life of this great man who changed the course of South African history is a fascinating and inspiring tale, now told in this staged cultural showpiece.

Mandela Trilogy is Cape Town Opera’s musical tribute to the extraordinary life of Nelson Mandela, written by Michael Williams with music by Allan Stephenson, Mike Campbell and Peter Louis van Dijk. The production, which is on its South African tour, comes to Durban for four performances at the Playhouse. Thereafter, it moves to the Teatro at Montecasino, Johannesburg.

With the world’s eyes focused on South Africa in 2010, Michael Williams felt the time was right to create a large-scale stage work about the life of Nelson Mandela. Faced with such complex and significant subject matter, Williams settled on a multifaceted triptych structure, concentrating on three key periods in Madiba’s life, each composed in a different musical style.

The production opens with an oratorio dramatising formative moments in Mandela’s early years in the Transkei, as composer Allan Stephenson weaves traditional Xhosa songs into a classical framework. Mandela as revolutionary is brought to life in Mike Campbell’s jazzy Sophiatown act, before Peter Louis van Dijk’s final act examines the Robben Island years and the final walk to freedom.

Funded by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund and presented by Cape Town Opera and Rand Merchant Bank in association with KayaFM, Mandela Trilogy is a major home-grown work featuring an entirely South African 40-member cast and multiple award winning South African singer and recording artist, Gloria Bosman, in a leading role.

Gloria Bosman started her singing career in her local church choir and went on to share the stage with many local stars such as Sibongile Khumalo, Victor Masondo, Hugh Masekela and Vusi Mahlasela. This All Africa KORA Award Winner has performed to former presidents Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki.

Enthusiastically received in Cape Town in 2010, a revised version of Mandela Trilogy travels with the Voice of the Nation Ensemble and the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra in preparation of its international tour in 2012.

Mandela Trilogy runs in the Playhouse from July 29 to 31 and promises enjoyable entertainment for the entire family with added educational benefits for students. Performances on July 29 at 19h30, July 30 at 15h00 and 19h30, and on July 31 at 15h00. Tickets range from R100 to R165 (R85 to R150 for matinees) Booking is at Computicket.

25TH ANNIVERSARY!

Tony Lankester and Ismail Mahomed (CEO and Director respectively of the National Arts Festival) thank Caroline Smart for her unbroken 25 years of NAF coverage. Pics by Suzy Bernstein (NAF) and Peter Gardner (CS). Composite pic by Dominique Cortes)

artSMart editor Caroline Smart recently received a very pleasant surprise from Tony Lankester and Ismail Mahomed (CEO and Director respectively of the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown) in the form of a gift for her unbroken 25 years coverage of the NAF as a member of the media. This included the former D’ARTS Magazine produced by the Durban Arts Association, the radio programme Durban After Dark hosted by the late Monica Fairall on SAfm, and various Durban newspapers. She also covered many Grahamstown events during the years when she worked as a magazine producer for television arts programmes.

The main outlet for her coverage, though, is on a voluntary basis for this website and artSMart celebrates its 12th year of existence this year. She also writes a Durban column for the prestigious ClassicFeel magazine.

Director of the Festival, Ismail Mahomed, had this to say:

“Congratulations on scoring twenty-five years of consistently high standard reporting of the National Arts Festival.

Over these years you have given enormous exposure to a diverse group of artists. For many such artists, this kind of exposure is often one of the most important platforms to catapult their careers even further and to grow their audiences.

In recent years, you have also embarked on a programme to nurture younger writers to continue in your fine tradition of honest and structured reporting of the arts. This is an incredibly wonderful legacy that you are investing for the future growth of both the South African arts sector and for South African arts journalism.

I wish you continued strength as we look forward to the years ahead. Your passion to document and interpret the vibrant expressions of our artists whose work defines us as a nation is highly valued.”

The thank-you gift took the form of a beautiful ceramic bowl and lid, carefully housed in a colourful basket. Unfortunately, Caroline had left the Festival to return to Durban on the day of the media function when this presentation was to be made. Hence the composite picture above.

“I was truly stunned and very honoured,” says Caroline Smart. “It’s also very heartwarming to have received this acknowledgement of the work that I do. If I have achieved any success, it is mainly due to the hard-working and passionate arts practitioners in Durban and further afield in KZN. It was a very proud moment at festival this year to attend the world premiere of Neil Coppen’s Abnormal Loads and to see a Durban artist being acknowledged and acclaimed at such a high level.”

Caroline Smart is currently on a mission to see a stronger KZN component at the National Arts Festivals. The project is labelled Festival Wires and simply requires supporters of the festival to pass on festival press releases via email. For more information, contact her on enquiries@artsmart.co.za

BOLLYWOOD DOLL

(Pic by Val Adamson: Yarisha Rajcomar stars as Bollywood Doll)

Bollywood movies, theatre and live shows have never been done like this before. So says Imagination Unlimited which is set to produce Bollywood Doll at the end of August.

“Bollywood Doll can be best described as a tale of friendship, support and belief in life. It’s a first, for sure, as the audience is taken into a magical journey of one’s imagination through a setting that is not what it seems,” explains co-producer Vinay Panday. “A journey of a ragdoll in a toy shop and her discovery of finding herself and her true identity whilst not forgetting her roots and values. “

Bollywood Doll is a feel-good heartwarming story written by Yarisha Rajcomar (assisted by Clinton Marius) that promises to tug on the heartstrings and touch the emotions and feelings of all ages. Featuring Yarisha Rajcomar in the title role, the show will transport audiences young and old into a world of fantasy, offering a delightful and humorous tale of friendship, hope and dreams. There’s a message, too: “Bollywood Doll will make you appreciate where you come from.”

Playing off the theme of Bollywood, this colourful production has a universal appeal, allowing those new to Bollywood to enjoy the foot-tapping music, rhythm and dance of the industry, with popular songs from Bollywood from yesteryear and current hits.

Audiences can expect a striking set design complemented with attractive props as well as state of the art lighting with a dose of magic to offer a truly memorable experience. Costumes will be designed and manufactured in Juhu, Mumbai, assuring the public a fresh and new look to the theatre shows that are being done in South Africa.

Directed by well-known and award-winning Durban theatre personality, judge and reviewer, Caroline Smart, Bollywood Doll will include a visual feast of dance from international award-winning choreographer Nitin Dass (from Mumbai). Dass is a well-known name in the Bollywood industry having choreographed reality dance shows in India and numerous live shows as well as Bollywood stars such as Madhuri Dixit and Kareena Kapoor.

The cast also includes Farai Gwaze, Adi Paxton, Rikki Hastings and Sudhir Kuldip.

Bollywood Doll runs from August 26 to September 1 at the iZulu Theatre, Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom. Tickets R120 pp available from Computicket. More information from Imagination Unlimited on 031 811 0500 or 083 781 1082 or email: magination.sa@gmail.com

IDENTITY A-WAITS

(“The unknown”: mixed medium by Sihle Biyela, 2011)

A solo exhibition of paintings by hard-working up-coming artist Sihle Biyela titled Identity a-waits opens at the BAT Centre’s Democratic Gallery on July 27. Fresh from University, Biyela is ready to break the ground in the art making field. Without letting a lack of resources get in her way Sihle Biyela use every tool as a weapon. In this exhibition, she speaks mostly about self-discovery and how one’s identity evolves over time. Her technique is very close to collage but at the same time works well with her sketch drawings.

Announced as ABSA L’Atchers prestigious achievement finalist for 2011, Sphesihle Nonkanyiso Biyela was born on November 11, 1986, in the rural part of Zululand at Enseleni. Even though she grew up at Empangeni she went to a Christian primary school in Richards Bay. She matriculated at Grant Leigh at KwaMbonambi in 2004. Achieving a Distinction in the subject of art, she then studied Fine Art in Grahamstown. Graduating with a Degree in Fine Art in 2007.

Identity a-waits opens in the Democratic Gallery at the BAT Centre at 18h00 on July 27 and runs until August 26. The BAT Centre Trust is situated at 45 Maritime Place in the Small Craft Harbour, Durban. More information on 031 332 0451/2079, fax 031 332 2213 or cell 078 089 1040. For details of art exhibitions contact Nomusa Mtshali on 031 332 0451 or email visualarts@batcentre.co.za

ONE STEP FORWARD

(“conversation” - acrylic on paper by Everaldo Matonse, 2011)

A solo exhibition of paintings by Everaldo Matonse will be hosted at the BAT Centre from July 27.

One step forward is the title of a solo exhibition inspired by nature’s beauty that one can rely on finding in the city of Durban. Matonse’s multi-layered paintings depict sketch imagery of his surroundings and make strong reference to the American painter Jackson Pollock (1912-56), the commanding figure of the Abstract Expressionist movement.

Everaldo Matonse was born in Mozambique and his love for painting started in early childhood. As a self-taught artist, he experimented a lot with watercolours and pencil drawings and has now found a technique to make his own acrylic paint.

When he migrated from his land of origin in 2003, he came to South Africa with hopes of showing his works to the people he met. On his arrival, he was introduced to a number of artists and by 2005 had made his way to the BAT Centre where he currently works as a professional artist.

Everaldo Matonse had his first solo exhibition in 2006, going on to take part in the Refuge workshop and Women’s Day Collective Exhibition in 2007. In 2008, he appeared in the collective exhibition at artSPACEdurban and in the 2009 Collective Exhibition at Umkumbalo. He also appeared in the 2010 Collective Exhibition at the Durban Art Gallery.

One step forward can be seen in the BAT Centre’s Menzi Mchunu Gallery and will be opened by Musa Mncwabe on July 27 at 18h00, thereafter to run until August 28. More information on 031 332 0451. The BAT Centre is situated in the Small Crafts Harbour.

PARK GALLERY SHOWCASE

The Park Contemporary Gallery at the KZNSA will host a showcase of works from five artists on July 26.

The exhibition includes digital prints by Peter Engblom that explore the ripples that lie beneath the surface of the mind. Anthea Martin presents watercolour landscapes. There are large-scale charcoal drawings by Tori Stowe, prints by Cally Lotz, new work by Joseph Manana and monoprints and lithographs by Thami Jali.

Park Gallery Showcase will be opened on July 26 at 18h00 and all are welcome. The exhibition runs until August 20 alongside three other shows: Location, Phenomenal Engagement and Isomorphicintergrammar code switching (see separate articles)

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

ISOMORPHICINTERGRAMMAR CODE SWITCHING

The KZNSA’s Multi-Media Room will host an exhibition titled Isomorphicintergrammar code switching from July 26.

Lolette Smith, visual arts educator, junior lecturer and South African Sign Language interpreter, creates awareness of the existing elements of culture-bound languages within society. By tying together language codes and making the invisible visible, she enriches our understanding of communication. Visual language used by the Deaf is a meaningful spatial language, which conforms to all the syntactical, grammatical and morphological features of any spoken, verbal language.

Isomorphicintergrammar code switching will be opened on July 26 at 18h00 and all are welcome. The exhibition runs until August 20 alongside three other shows” Location, Phenomenal Engagement and Park Gallery Showcase (see separate articles)

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

PHENOMENAL ENGAGEMENT

(“ObjetsTrouvee” by Marlene de Beer - copper and silver with vitreous enamel)

The KZNSA’s Mezzanine Gallery will host an exhibition titled Phenomenal Engagement from July 26.

The exhibition is collaboration between Chris and Marlene de Beer, both lecturers in the Fine Art and Jewellery Design department at DUT. It shows and mingles their pre-occupations and, in the process, extends the boundaries of what is normally considered jewellery. One of the central issues that are explored is traditional perceptions of women. These explorations are done via jewellery design and printmaking and presented as installations.

Phenomenal Engagement will be opened on July 26 at 18h00 and all are welcome. The exhibition runs until August 20 alongside three other shows (see separate articles): Location, Isomorphicintergrammar code switching and Park Gallery Showcase.

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

LOCATION

(Pic by Angela Buckland: Goodness from Hammarsdale, dressmaker. Resident 38 years.)

The KZNSA’s Main Gallery will host an exhibition titled Location from July 26. Subtitled Block A, Thokoza Women’s Hostel, it is a new photographic installation by Durban photographer, Angela Buckland in which she presents 700 small photographs that together form a large-scale installation that depicts the beauty and intimacy of each hostel resident’s living space.

Location will be opened on July 26 at 18h00 and all are welcome. The exhibition runs until August 20 alongside three other shows: Phenomenal Engagement, Isomorphicintergrammar code switching and Park Gallery Showcase (see separate articles)

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

LINO

(“Sleeping Dalmatian” by Theo Vorster)

Limited edition hand-coloured, lino-cut prints by Cape Town artist Theo Vorster and selected ceramics by invited Kwa-Zulu Natal potters are the focus of an exhibition opening at Florida Road’s Artisan Contemporary Gallery next week.

“Vorster has added yet another dimension to the three-dimensional feel of lino-cuts”, said Artisan curator Sue Greenberg. “After hand printing on 300gsm 50% cotton paper, he then painstakingly hand-colours his work in acrylic to produce striking end results.”

Adding yet another dimension to this exhibition are ceramics by no less than 10 well-known Kwa-Zulu Natal artists.

These range from decorative works by Martha Zettler, Barry Dibb, Lynette Morris Hale and Carol Tullidge and the sculptural pieces of Clive Sithole, Elizabeth Balcomb, Carol Hayward Fell and Wendy Von Varendorf to the functional work of Corrie Hook, Catherine Brennon and Anne Schultz.

The exhibition opens at Artisan Contemporary Gallery on July 27 at 18h00 and runs through to mid-August. Artisan Contemporary Gallery is situated at 344 Florida Road. More information on 031 312 4364 or 083 301 5747, email: info@artisan.co.za or visit www.artisan.co.za

MICHAEL GREEN’S WINE NOTES #252

Ten interesting and delectable wines from foreign parts were on the list for our private tasting group when we met recently at the home of Vanda Davies and Dennis Banks.

Vanda and Dennis both work for Pernod Ricard South Africa, which was established in 1994 as the local subsidiary of one of the world’s biggest liquor companies. Pernod Ricard, based in France, has roots that go back 200 years. Today it makes and sells a wide range of wines and spirits. Jameson Irish whiskey, Absolut vodka, Beefeater gin, Chivas Regal Scotch whisky, Martell cognac, Mumm champagne are among their big names. The company employs 18,000 people in 70 countries.

It has launched a new international division called Premium Wine Brands, and at our tasting we sampled some of their products, red wines and white. They came from Spain, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand and were all of high quality, as our scoring in the blind tasting indicated. Scores ranged from 18 out of 20 (maximum) to 16,3. Anything above 16 is generally reckoned to be very good.

Top mark went to a white wine from New Zealand, the Brancott Estate Marlborough sauvignon blanc of 2010. New Zealand is famous for its sauvignon, and this wine from the South Island was a prime example: pale straw colour, gooseberry and melon aromas and flavours, and a modest 12.5 percent alcohol. Everybody liked it and everybody correctly identified it.

Hot on its heels in the scoring were the other white wines tasted: Jacob’s Creek Reserve chardonnay 2009 from South Australia, intense, fruity, buttery, with citrus flavours, 13,5 percent alcohol; and Graffigna Pinot Grigio Reserve 2007 from Argentina, citrus character with some tropical fruit, fresh-flavoured.

The pick of the reds, in our view, was another Jacob’s Creek wine, a 2007 shiraz with plum, fruit cake aromas and tastes and 14 percent alcohol. Somebody remarked that our palates were probably more attuned to Australian wines than to some of the more exotic items, and this was no doubt true. Another Jacob’s Creek shiraz, the 2008 vintage, also scored well.

Spain was represented by three reds from the Campo Viejo winery in the Rioja region in northern Spain. Campo Viejo is probably the best-known name among Spanish wines, and these three blended reds were all well received. They were the Campo Viejo Crianza 2007, the Rioja Reserva 2005 and the Rioja Gran Reserva 2003. They are blends of Spanish grapes which are not used in South Africa, the main one being a variety called tempranillo. Crianza means the wine has been barrel-aged for one year, Reserva mean two years in barrels, and Gran Reserva means two years’ maturation in oak and three years in the bottle.

A red from Argentina completed our quite formidable tasting list. This was the Graffigna Centenario Malbec Reserve 2009, a deep red, complex wine with spicy aromas and flavours of coffee, vanilla and toast. It comes from the San Juan wine region in western Argentina, not far from the border with Chile. The Graffigna winery was established in 1870 by an Italian immigrant named Santiago Graffigna.

These Premium Wine Brands wines are not sold in South Africa, not yet anyway. They are reasonably priced in overseas terms but the exchange rate is against us, and those we tasted would, I guess, probably cost R70 to R120 a bottle in South Africa. Maybe they can be imported at competitive prices. We shall see. – Michael Green