ABSA KOLLIG FESTIVAL

The popular Absa Kollig Festival brings the best of the Absa KKNK productions to the doorstep of Durban and surrounding areas, for the 16th consecutive year under the all-embracing theme of Afrikaans en All.

Recognised as one of the most exciting events in KwaZulu-Natal, this fun-filled event is hosted over four days, offering loads of family entertainment , drama, comedy, music shows, arts and craft stalls, food stalls and lots more. The famous “Hap & Tap” tent will have cold beers, cuisine of exceptional quality and live music performances by local artists.

In the Drama section there’s the hilarious comedy Rooikaart with Frank Opperman (September 1 at 20h30). Subsequent to the success of Die uwe Pottie Potgieter, Frank Opperman’s presents his new stage personality, Wally Koekemoer who expresses his random thoughts. Wally is the president of the local rugby club and is responsible for arranging the yearly prizegiving. However, he also has a number of skeletons in the closet and is trying to justify some of his actions in his own clumsy way. The more he explains, the more he stumbles over his own feet. will surely leave you smiling all the way home. (Tickets R100, R80 pensioners and under-16’s)

Howzit my Bra! (September 2 at 18h00). The hilarious Shimmy Isaacs will make you laugh till you cry and cry till you laugh! In this show, she manages to play with the emotions of the audience while telling the story of a brave woman’s fight against breast cancer. Suitable for Afrikaans and English audiences. (Tickets R75, R65 pensioners and under-16’s)

Liewe Heksie en die wals with Margit Meyer-Rödenbeck en Deon van Zyl (September 3 at 10h00). O shucks pixies, what is going to happen when Liewe Heksie takes part in “Blommeland’s” own Strictly Come Dancing competition? Wonder if she knows how to dance? What is going to happen when Levinia is tasked to protect the “Silwer-roos”? Will the “Geelheks” manage to get her paws on it and destroy all the flowers in “Blommeland”?. Liewe Heksie promised to protect the “Silwerpapawer” with her life. This is suitable for young and old alike. (Tickets R60, R50 pensioners and under-16’s)

My name is Ellen Pakkies with Vinette Ebrahim en Christo Davids from 7de Laan (September 3 at 13h00). Ellen Pakkies was one of the million invisible people, until suddenly her name was on everybody's lips and this quiet and respectable lady’s life and an act of murder became a court case that shocked the entire world. This is a gripping, touching and sometimes shocking story of a Cape Town woman whose life made international headlines after her drug addicted son drove her to murder. This is a celebration of survival, forgiveness and hope. (Tickets R120, R100 pensions. No under 16 - Language)

In the Music programme, there’s Kom Jol in Afrikaans (September 1 at 18h00). MoniQue is a girl with a twist. She is fresh, energetic, blessed with a dynamic voice and really enchants audiences. With ten years of experience she is well on her way to become the dancing queen. Karin K is a spontaneous, dynamic pop star with a sparkling stage personality. She writes most of her own songs and captivates audiences with her excellent music and love for the electrical and acoustic guitars. Karin K promises to entertain old and young, Afrikaans and English. (Tickets R80, R60 pensioners and under-16’s)

Fender Guitar Heroes (September 2 at 19h30). Supported by Glenwood Village Music, the show comprises compositions created on the famous Fender Guitar brand name. (Tickets R50, R40 pensioners and under-16’s)

Blarney Brothers (September 2 at 20h30). This highly popular group has the ability to entertain any audience with their unique blend of traditional and contemporary sing-along and dance-along music. (Tickets R65, R45 pensioners and under-16’s)

Unison (September 3 at 16h00) This is a funky, energetic duo from Cape Town that knows exactly how to entertain and to cause a storm. YOU magazine described Unison’s Allen and Margaux as South Africa’s own Roxette. They have legally covered a number of Roxette’s songs in such a way that even, 5FM listeners recently voted them an amazing 19 to 1 on the Old School-New School show. (Tickets R40, R30 pensioners and under-16’s).

Afrikaans is Tops (September 3 at 18h00) Adams is a South African actor, singer and producer and is best known for his work in association with David Kramer and the deceased Taliep Pietersen. He is well known for his variety of roles in the music productions, District 6, The Musical and Kat & the Kings. Born in the heart of the Cape Flats, in Mitchells Plain, he formed the boy band JAG In 1996 with three friends and his brother and they went on to toured the whole of South Africa. Today, Emo is a highly popular music artist/comedian and strongly promotes Afrikaans The preshow is presented by Arri Opperman and Mari Minnaar. (Tickets R130, R90 pensioners and R100 under 16’s)

Raak Rustig in Afrikaans (Relax in Afrikaans) – (September 4 at 11h30) Bobby van Jaarsveld requires no introduction, as he is overwhelmed by supporters wherever he goes. It almost seems as if he stepped out of a Hollywood film and sang his way into the hearts of his followers. He also played the lead in the movie Liefling. The preshow is presented by Touch of Class & Arri Opperman. Tickets R140 (R90 pensioners and R100 under 16’s)

The festival will also host the Absa/ Pinotage food & wine show and the newly introduced Experience Whiskey tasting

The Absa Kollig Festival runs from September 1 to 4 at the Port Natal School in Umbilo. There’s a special Music Combo offer: attend all the music shows in the Festival tent from Thursday to Sunday at a single price of R300 (R230 pensioners and under-16’s) Booking is at Computicket but pensioners tickets only available at Port Natal School.