THE HA!MAN

The HA!Man (Francois le Roux) is back in Durban for the first time presenting an "independent HA! Show" on September 4. This is his way of keeping his spontaneity-based art free from too much boxing-in, shaping each event along locally-built networks and collaborative friends developed over almost 20 years of performing.

Successful independent events have sprouted already in Cape Town (Baxter Concert Hall), Johannesburg, Washington DC and New York City. The venue for Durban will be the Howard College Theatre (kindly sponsored by UKZN) and the performance will be preceded by a short optional workshop for all those who want to release themselves in the spur of the moment, through music, movement, speech, writing and drawing.

Durban has seen the HA!Man in tiny bits over the years, doing house concerts, exciting improvisational collaborations with violinist Anton Cawthorn-Blazeby, popular appearances at the ABSA Kolligfees in 2007 and 2008 and a host of school performances and workshops, including the KZN Youth Orchestra. But his scope is really global, circulating annually through four continents, honing an art form that brings much needed originality and on-stage creativity.

The HA!Man will present his virtuoso and passionate cello playing, accompanied by original arrangements by himself, often with a potent story to tell. The idea is to establish an annual presence and build a cluster of activities around a core event. It is not easy to put the HA! Experience into words but the feelings it evokes and the inspiration it breathes is undeniably strong and personal. In the words of a recent audience member in Dallas, Texas: "incredible! unbelievable! an experience like never before.. thank you so very much!"

The workshop and show take place on September 4 with the workshop (optional) at 17h00 followed by the show at 19h00 at Howard College Theatre, UKZN (kindly sponsored by UKZN). Entry to both the workshop and is free and donations can be given afterwards (this is to retain the spirit of spontaneity even when it comes to money). Some guest performer surprises are quite likely, too. No bookings required and CDs, DVDs and spontaneous art on sale. More information on 031 260 3353 or visit www.hamanworld.com