A.R.T. SHOW

(Pic by JackieClausen: Work by Sara Anjargolian & Narineh Mirzaeian)

The A. R.T. Show art exhibition will open at the KZNSA Gallery on February 10.

An international exhibition, it looks at the current HIV/AIDS situation where theoretically there is wide-spread availability of treatment. How is the current reality affecting the lives of individuals and our society? This exhibition represents a variety of artworks examining both the triumphs and trials of this new phase in the AIDS epidemic.

The exhibition features a range of artists including: William Kentridge (SA), Andrew Verster (SA), Sara Anjargolian & Narineh Mirzaeian (USA), Daniel Goldstein (USA), Kim Berman (SA), Fritha Langerman (SA), Trevor Makhoba (SA), Lunga Kama (SA) and Gideon Mendel (UK).

Several collectives have also been commissioned to make work for the show. These include the Keiskamma Art Project, the Woza Moya collective and the Siyazama Project. Durban based designer Xavier Clarisse is constructing original display material.

The A.R.T. Show is curated by Professor David Gere, of Make Art/Stop Aids Foundation and professor at UCLA, and Carol Brown, of Curate.A.Space, an independent art curator based in Durban.

The show opened at the Tatham Art Gallery in Pietermaritzburg on World Aids Day, December 1, 2011, and ran until the end of January.

The launch of the exhibition will take place on February 10 when it will be opened by David Gere (UCLA) and will include a performance by Durban artist, EWOK. The exhibition then runs until March 4 after which it will travel nationally and internationally.

More information from curator Carol Brown (Curate.a.Space) on email: cbrown.durban@gmail.com

NIBS & GUY: KZN ALBUM LAUNCH

Internationally renowned guitarists Nibs van der Spuy and Guy Buttery will showcase their brand new duo show accompanied by the release of their first collaboration album, In The Shade of the Wild Fig. These two virtuosos collaborated on a series of shows in the early and mid-2000’s before their respective careers took off, both locally and internationally, with rigorous individual touring schedules.

In June 2010, their performing paths crossed for at the Rio Loco Festival in Toulouse, France, and this inspired a new combination of performances and sowed the seed for doing a full-length album together. After over a decade of writing, recording and touring together, Nibs and Guy finally found time to record their debut duo album, which showcases their mutual interest and deep love for world music and folk movements. It features numerous instruments such as the cuatro, mbira, tampura, sitar and various acoustic guitars. The album was recorded at the Peace of Eden studios in Knysna over a brief two day period in November and has exceeded both Nibs and Guy’s expectations.

The audience can expect some new compositions with old favourites and a few surprises. CD’s will be on sale.

The launch tour of In The Shade of the Wild Fig kicks off on February 3 at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre at 19h30. Tickets R90 (R50 for scholars UKZN, Durban) booked at Computicket or on 086 1915 8000. More information on 031 260 2296

Further dates include:
February 16 at 19h00 at Crawford North Coast, Watson Highway, Westbrook. Tickets R90 (R60 for scholars) through Bernadine on 032 943 2041
February 17 at 19h00 at Twinstreams, Mtunzini, tickets R100 (percentage goes to wildlife) through Kim on 035 340 2511 or email: tstream@wessakzn.org.za
February 19 at 16h00 at Upstairs @ Spiga D’ora, Florida Road, Durban, tickets R100 through Shayne on 083 260 3121
February 23 at 19h00 at Ashton International College, Ballito, tickets R90 (R50 scholars) through Tara on email: tara@h2onorthcoast.co.za
February 24 at 19h30 at The Schlesinger Theatre, Michaelhouse, Balgowan, Midlands, tickets R80 (R60 scholars R60) through 033 234 1314 or email: theatre@michaelhouse.org

HATS OFF TO JANE!!!

(Jane Linley Thomas and KickstArt publicist Illa Thompson)

East Coast Radio’s Jane Linley Thomas was given a box of astonishing hats collected from all over the world by avid listener Roy Bothma from Pietermaritzburg.

“I started to collect hats the same time that Dallas was on TV. Larry Hagman collected hats and that started me off as well. At the time I was in partnership in a travel agency in Broad Street and was lucky to do a lot of travelling since 1974. Hats were just a reminder to me where I had travelled to, there are no stories attached to the hats, but I do have many stories regarding my travels and adventures around the world,” explains Roy.

Roy sent the hats to Jane and asked her to pass them onto a worthy theatrical recipient. Jane has hosted a weekly theatre slot since 2004 so didn’t hesitate to contact top Durban theatre producers, KickstArt, to pass the hats onto them.

“I was so intrigued by Jane’s offer of a box of hats, and so overwhelmed with the treasures we found in it! We are constantly having to hire pith helmets and bowler hats from the State Theatre in Pretoria; now we are the proud owners of two such items in mint condition. To say nothing of the giant sombrero, authentic panama and denim Stetson. Honestly, for a theatre company, this is a mini treasure trove! Thank you so, so much! We accept the hats with much love and gratitude, and look out for the headgear on stage this year!” says KickstArt’s Steven Stead.

KicksArt is preparing for their first production of the year – Don’t Dress for Dinner, a nifty comedy farce about double adultery and gourmet cooking, which comes to the Elizabeth Sneddon theatre on UKZN campus from February 9.

A magnificent authentic-looking Roman helmet – bought while Roy was travelling in Italy – now enjoys pride of place in little Cooper Jet Thomas’s bedroom – a special gift to Jane’s family from Roy.

Jane Linley Thomas’s weekly theatre slot can be heard every Sunday morning at 09h40 on East Coast Radio.

DEATH OF REZA DE WET

Renowned South African playwright Reza de Wet died in Grahamstown on January 26. The following is the notice posted to the national arts website, Artslink.co.za:

“The de Wet-Reardon family wishes to thank all those who have held Reza in their thoughts and extended their condolences on these pages.

Reza de Wet passed away peacefully in her sleep at 08:00am yesterday, at her home in Grahamstown. De Wet was diagnosed with a particularly aggressive form of blood cancer or leukaemia in November last year. She received medical treatment locally and was cared for by immediate and extended family. Two days ago de Wet contracted a secondary infection of the lungs; which was the ultimate cause of her death.

With an open and philosophical approach she took leave of those close to her over the last two months. Thus a woman who was remarkable in life, drifted gently off surrounded by loved ones.

Her plays have been produced and performed around the world and prizes and awards for scripts added to her reputation as the most awarded South African playwright.

Theatre figure Professor Temple Hauptfleish wrote of Reza de Wet: ‘Reza de Wet is an internationally renowned playwright and a remarkable phenomenon in the South African theatrical landscape. Since her debut in 1981, de Wet has written plays of outstanding merit: compelling and imaginative works which are highly regarded by academics for their literary qualities and loved by audiences and performers for their sparkling vitality in performance’.

Reza de Wet is survived by Lindsay Reardon, her daughter Nina and two grandchildren. Details of memorial services will be posted in due course.”

KickstArt, KZN’s major theatre producer, presented Reza de Wet’s black comedy, Run to Ground, directed by Greg King at the now sadly defunct Kwasuka Theatre in 2003. The cast included Belinda Harward, Steven Stead, Franz Dobrowski and veteran actress Patti Nokwe. In June 2010, KickstArt presented Miracle, Steven Stead’s translation of de Wet’s Mirakel which ran for a successful season in the Square Space Theatre at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

On hearing of her death, Steven Stead commented that de Wet was “a unique and irreplaceable force in South Africa's literary and dramatic world. …Just like one of her characters, she slipped quietly out of this world on a bright, hot summer's day, leaving us disbelieving and dismayed. I hope her spirit is dancing among the thorn trees and aloes on the veld around Grahamstown. All love and respect to a great lady of letters and dreams.”

TRIBUTE TO GLYN TOWNLEY

(Glyn Townley, pic by Arthur Dixon)

Internationally renowned concert pianist Glyn Townley (Ivor Glyn Williams) passed away in Durban last week. Born on December 18, 1911, he celebrated his 100th birthday last December, making him one hundred years and one month old on the day he died.

The following is the tribute paid to him by his nephew, Alun Williams, at his 100th birthday party:

“Glyn Townley one of South Africa’s most distinguished musicians, was born in Durban in 1911 and was educated at the Durban High School. While still in his teens, he won the principal awards for piano playing in South Africa, afterwards proceeding to London where he continued his studies with the leading teachers of the day, among them Victor Booth, Herbert Fryer and the great Solomon

After gaining the LRAM and ARCM diplomas with distinction, he made his first London appearances to critical acclaim at the prestigious Grotrian and Wigmore Halls and soon began to build up an enviable reputation. This took him all over the world, playing on various radio networks and in many of the world’s leading concert venues such as The Royal Festival Hall in London and the Amsterdam Concertgebou in both recitals and concertos. The latter he has performed with many orchestras under the baton of such world-renowned conductors as Sir Henry Wood, Janos Furst, Piero Gamba and Hugo Rignold.

His wide and varied repertoire consists of 700 works including 35 concertos. In 1983, Glyn was the recipient of the Durban Critics Circle Award in recognition of a distinguished concert career of half a century and of his services to music. He has also made countless radio and concert tours of South Africa, his home country, and although now officially retired for some years, continued to play a great deal in a voluntary capacity and has given well over 600 recitals in retirement homes and villages in Durban.

Although he lives in Durban, Glyn has spent much of his life abroad, largely in England and Australia which are two of his other favourite homes. Whilst living in London, Glyn took up ice skating and won many medals, also for swimming and he is an accomplished ballroom dancer. He says that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. Glyn’s great passion is ships and he travelled mostly on cargo vessels in all shapes and sizes that took him to many exotic destinations around the seven seas.

Congratulations, Glyn, on achieving your 100th birthday. You have truly had a remarkable, distinguished, memorable and fulfilled century of which you must be deservedly proud.”

In accordance with Glyn Townley’s wishes, there will be no funeral. A private gathering was held in his memory by relatives and close friends.

EVERYTHING YOU WANT

Everything you want on a CD if you love the blues. (Review by Caroline Smart)

Last night, a packed audience at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre enjoyed an evening of top-class up-tempo and moody blues from the Tim Wells Blues Band as they launched their long-awaited CD, Everything You Want.

MC Iain Ewok Robinson got the audience into an upbeat mood and included a very amusing poem about a Smart Phone (I sympathise with his frustration with this piece of technology!). Guest artists Colin Peddie and Kerry Wood of Rise fame appeared in the first set with a selection of numbers from the soulful to the triumphant. I have great admiration for these two musicians and am always impressed by Kerry Wood’s sincere performance style.

Then it was on to the business of the evening. The Tim Wells Blues Band comprises Tim on vocals, Nux Schwartz on guitar, Peter Enslin on keys, Jason Andrew on bass and Steve du Plessis on drums with Colin Peddie as guest member. The band has an impressive history and deservedly so. It is a tight combo that works well together. The evening’s special guests were Tim’s old friends and colleagues, both well-known personalities on the music scene: Joseph Clark on harmonica and Brendan Jury on violin.

With staging/direction by Dean Bennewith, there were stunning lighting effects by Michael Broderick.

Nux Schwartz is the producer of Everything You Want which contains material largely written by Tim Wells. Only three of the 12 tracks are the band’s versions of “covers” or standards. A bonus track is a remix of one Tim’s songs Every Little Bit Counts featuring spoken word/rap by Iain Ewok Robinson which was performed live last night.

Emotional moments of the evening were two numbers on the CD: Silent, dedicated to Tim’s beloved brother Chris Wells who lost a valiant fight against cancer, and Van Morrison’s Into the Mystic which is dedicated to Durban’s legendary Syd Kitchen who died last year. Other numbers that impressed were Woke up this Morning, Come Back City Girl and Million One Reasons, the latter featuring the beautiful mournful tones of the viola from Brendan Jury.

Apart from being a fine musician and a multi-award winning actor, Tim Wells is also one of Durban’s busiest voice-over artists. Possessed of an inner smouldering energy and a powerful voice, he also proved that he’s still nimble on his feet with some fast-moving jive steps!

Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre director Jackie Cunniffe has a long association with Tim Wells and she produced the popular The Piano Men back in 1994 with Chris Letcher, Joseph Clark and Brendan Jury performing alongside Tim. There was a moment of musical magic at the end of the show last night when the latter three sang As Time Goes By, a number which appeared in The Piano Men. While Clark and Jury are now based elsewhere, these three artists have made a considerable contribution to fine music in Durban.

Everything You Want is obtainable through Tim Wells on Facebook or email tim@wells.co.za If you are a lover of good blues music it’s worth every cent at a cost of R100 and it is indeed - everything you want! – Caroline Smart

DESPERATE FIRST LADIES

(Pieter-Dirk Uys with Nowell Fine on the left and Evita on the right and the three awards he won in 2010)

Pieter-Dirk Uys still in top form. (Review by Caroline Smart)

Having already performed an extra show in the afternoon, put on at the last minute to cope with the demand for tickets, Pieter-Dirk Uys proved last night in Desperate First Ladies that his stamina is unfaltering and he’s still in top form.

Appearing in at least ten roles, he never leaves the stage. Chatting amiably while donning makeup where appropriate as well as wigs, hats and glasses, he pulls costumes from an array of beer crates to create the finished look. I was most envious of Nowell Fine’s deep-fringed shawl.

In reference to the show’s title, Uys first appears as a camp dress designer advising his various associates which outfits best suit each of President Zuma’s three wives.

Then as himself, he reminds audience of his gratitude to politicians, “black and white, right and wrong” for having given him a career for the last 38 years. “I don’t pay taxes, I pay royalties,” he quips as he invites audiences to join him in his journey of what makes his “bread and Botha”.

We meet two old favourites, Mrs Petersen, a woman from the Cape Flats, and Nowell Fine who has just been to a school reunion in Canada where most of her former classmates now live. These characters offer frank and often poignant perspectives from a Muslim and a Jewish viewpoint. Nowell (“Wake me when it’s OVER!”) Fine is firmly committed to South Africa: “I’d rather be murdered in my own bed than get up and make it myself,” she stoutly maintains.

Winnie Mandela comes in for much comment as “the mugger of the nation” and Uys confesses that he was sending her up at a major ANC function only to discover that she was sitting right in front of him! Then there’s a chilling reminder of the grasping nature of Grace Mugabe in a parody of “Old MacDonald Has a Farm” as “Grace Mugabe Wants that Farm”.

Then it’s time for Bambi Kellerman, Evita’s estranged sister, who became “one of Europe’s grand horizontals”. In a passionate call for safe sex, she explains the importance of practising how to use a condom and its feminine counterpart so that mistakes can’t happen. Then comes Mother Theresa complete with butterfly wings, talking on a cellphone from heaven. Amongst the fun and nonsense, her message is to live life to the fullest.

The voice of Archbishop Desmond Tutu introduces the legendary Evita Bezuidenhout, looking elegant as always, in a stylish purple coat with a high collar. She introduces us to the baby boy she has now adopted. It’s … Julius Malema!

Uys is fearless, often biting, and invariably hilarious. He turns edutainment into an adult art form. He poses the question that if the Media Protection Bill is passed, would he then not be allowed to continue with his shows on the basis that he’s disclosing state secrets? He is passionate about his country and will do whatever he can to keep its people from all walks of life in a positive frame of mind. As gales of laughter greet many of the jibes he makes at political ignorance and social stupidity, he shrugs: “You couldn’t make it up!”

Pieter-Dirk Uys won no less three awards in 2010 – a Teddy Award at the Berlin International Film Festival, a Naledi Lifetime Achievement Award for his creation Evita, and a Fleur du Cap Award for Best Cabaret starring Bambi Kellermann.

Pieter-Dirk Uys’ will bring his new show Adapt or Fly to the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre in March. Book now to avoid disappointment! – Caroline Smart

TIME OF THE WRITER COMPETITION

The Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal) will host the 15th Time of the Writer international writers’ festival from March 19 to 24. Supported by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (principal funder) and other funders and partners, the festival will bring together leading local and African authors, offering a valuable opportunity for the public to gain insight into the creative processes and perspectives which inform their writing.

Evening readings, book launches and discussions will take place at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban. Wide-reaching day activities, including school visits and writers workshops are spread across Durban and surrounding areas as part of the festival’s ongoing effort to promote and nurture a culture of reading, writing and creative expression, particularly among the youth.

Time of the Writer invites learners from Grades 8 to 12, to submit material for the short story writing competition to be held in conjunction with the festival. Learners are invited to engage creatively with a topic of their choice. Submissions are due no later than March 1. Entries must be fictional stories and not critical essays. A maximum of 5 pages (preferably typed) are to be written in English, Zulu or Afrikaans. Illegible entries will not be considered.

Winners will be awarded cash prizes and given complimentary tickets to attend the festival, where they will be awarded their prizes. Prizes include cash and book vouchers contributed by the Mazisi Kunene Foundation and Adams Campus Booksellers. Learners who would like to be involved in this competition should submit their stories, together with the name of their school, teacher’s name, and the school telephone number, to the Centre for Creative Arts. Entries may be hand delivered to the Centre, e-mailed to cca@ukzn.ac.za or faxed to 031 260 3074.

For more information on the festival or the competition, please contact the Centre for Creative Arts on 031 260 2506/1816 or email cca@ukzn.ac.za or visit our website: www.cca.ukzn.ac.za

Time of the Writer 2012 is supported by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (principal funder), Department of Arts and Culture, City of Durban, French Institute of South Africa, Pro-Helvetia Arts Council of Switzerland, Goethe Institute of South Africa and City of Durban.

DUT DOUBLE BILL

The Durban University of Technology (DUT) will treat theatregoers to a double bill of Meet Bro Six-Two and The Milk Factory today (January 27) at 14h00 at the Courtyard Theatre. Both productions were seen at the Musho! Festival earlier this month.

Written and directed by DUT drama graduate Samson Mlambo, Meet Bro Six-Two is a one man show featuring Wiseman Mncube who completed his DUT Drama Studies final year in 2011. Mncube brings the character to life with extraordinary skill. He recently received one of the most sought-after awards at the 2012 Musho Festival when he walked away with Best Actor/Performer. Further kudos was accorded in the standing ovation his performance elicited from the audience. The play also received an Audience Award at the festival. Meet Bro Six-Two draws attention to unemployment, an underlying cause of the high crime rate in the country. It tracks the life of Bro Six-Two, his experiences and adversities and how he resorts to crime to make ends meet. Bro Six-Two’s story symbolizes the everyday issues facing South African youth. It also reminds the audience of one crucial element – empathy.

The Milk Factory, produced by DUT’s Drama Department in conjunction with Emuhle All Artists is a 25-minute African play made especially for a South African audience. The title was adopted from a script by Simphiwe Vililahle submitted to the director and Emuhle All Artists owner, Bongani R. Baai. The script evolved a new plot, new characters, new action, new themes, new sets and costumes, new scripting mechanisms and new audiovisual considerations by Baai and Genbia Hyla. In adherence to the festival’s criteria the entire story is told through two actors, Siyamthanda Mdluli and Mzamo Mkhombe.

Co-director and Drama Studies Department HOD, Professor Deborah Lutge said this was an exciting ‘work in progress’. The themes of accountable leadership, the question of integrity that surrounds authority, and the notion of retaining tradition were poignant and attracted her to work within the play. The shift from human actors to masks and rod-puppets was challenging, however it gave diversity to the techniques incorporated in the story.

The story unfolds in a village setting. The intermarriage of a Chikwah king and a Gqukhwe Queen leads to a power struggle over a milk factory and consequently the ownership of cattle is questioned and the blame of the theft is shifted to the Rharhambo arch enemy whom the audience never meets.

“The implications have real political connotations,” explained Lutge. “AmaRharhambo represent the colonials, the Sangoma represents tradition and Indlovukazi represents the individual. AmaChikwah and amaGqukhwe represent the unification that led to independence as well as the schisms created by greed, while the masks represent the voiceless.”

The project forms part of a DUT Drama Studies Community outreach project in partnership with the Twist Theatre Development Project, of which Lutge is a board member. The Twist initiative is aimed at developing talent in KwaZulu-Natal communities and attempts to straddle the artistic divide between communities, academics and industry practitioners.

The double bill takes place today (January 27) at 14h00 at the Courtyard Theatre on DUT Steve Biko campus in Mansfield Road. More information from Lebo on 031 373 2194.

EK SIEN ‘N MAN

(Dann-jaques Mouton)

The Theatre - St Anne’s College will present Ek Sien ‘n Man, featuring Dann-jaques Mouton for one performance only on February 2.

Devised and adapted from life stories and experiences by Dann-jaques Mouton, various characters are thrown together by circumstance. They naively think they are in total control of their lives, yet someone proceeds to unravel right in their midst. Mouton depicts the places and brings to life each quirky character, magically transforming shape, mood and moment. Some characters are thoughtless; some humourless; some powerless; yet all the characters think they can see clearly. In the classic style of physical theatre this production reveals a strong emphasis on visual and physical performance.

Mouton will simultaneously conduct the Form 4 Dramatic Arts Residency at St Anne’s College. This involves teaching four intensive practical classes a day, over five days, in order to give the girls skills in physical and visual performance for their future use in creating and developing practical work for Drama.

Mouton graduated from UCT in 2009 with a Diploma in Theatre and Performance and was awarded the class medal for bilingual acting in his first and third year respectively. He performed at Maynardville in 2009’s As You Like It, directed by Geoffrey Hyland. He performed there again in 2010 as the Soothsayer in Marthinus Bason’s production of Antony and Cleopatra. Since then he has been working with Magnet Theatre under the direction of Mark Fleishman. He has been part of two original productions created at Magnet: Die Vreemdeling, which toured along the N7 and to KZN; and Autopsy which premiered at the Aardklop Festival in 2010.

Ek Sien ‘n Man will take place on February 2 at 19h30 at The Theatre - St Anne’s College, Hilton. Tickets R60 (R40 concessions) booked on 033 343 6100.

DHS PERFORMING ARTS COMPETITION 2012

The Durban High School Performing Arts Competition is an annual event, designed to showcase the talents of the boys at this school. They enter of their own accord in three categories: music, dance and drama. They move through a series of selection processes and the finalists perform for the public in Seabrooke’s Theatre. Adjudicators in the professional arena decide who the winners are in the various categories.

The event is of a very high standard and the variety of talent that is on display is always audience-pleasing and proves the diversity that is present at this school.

The dates for this year’s performances are February 14 and 15 (adjudication night) at 19h00 at Seabrooke’s Theatre. Booking has opened and tickets are R40pp and available by e-mailing colin.chapman@durbanhighschool.co.za Seating is unreserved.

TRIBUTE TO THAMI CELE

(Pic by Val Adamson. Thami Cele)

Internationally renowned playwright and director/producer, Mbongeni Ngema, pays tribute to one of his most talented actors, Thami Cele, who died last week.

“When I first met Thami, he was a professional boxer way back in the 70’s. He was also an actor and we became friends. This was right at the beginning of my acting career. He was in one of my first plays, Too Harsh in which he was the main actor He was brilliant. He was a big guy, very well built and he had a huge presence on the stage.

“After that, I went to Johannesburg to join Gibson Kente and we parted company,” Ngema remembers. “While I was doing Woza Albert, I wrote Asinamali and we were reunited in the early 80’s because he was one of the five original cast members. Asinamali was presented here in South Africa, then went on to Broadway and performed all over the world after that. He was one of those brilliant stage actors you never forget. I will miss him greatly as part of the Committed Artists family.”

The artSMart review by Caroline Smart of Asinamali’s season at The Playhouse in 2004 describes Thami Cele as always being a very compelling performer and a delight to watch.” The storyline deals with five inmates of Leeuwkop Prison and as the play progresses, they describe the circumstances that brought them to their incarceration. It’s hard to single out any one actor as this is such a well-constructed and presented ensemble piece but individually they all shine.”

The funeral will take place on January 28 at 10h00 at the Assemblies of God in Clermont, after which his body will be laid to rest in the Ashley Cemetery in Pinetown.

ROYAL BALLET'S O'HARE FOR CTIBC

An outstanding panel of judges will assess 50 entrants from South Africa and the world in the upcoming Cape Town International Ballet Competition next month.

The third Cape Town International Ballet Competition (CTIBC) has announced an impressive jury for the 2012 competition which takes place in Cape Town from February 27 to March 4. The panel includes Kevin O’Hare, director-designate of The Royal Ballet who takes up his appointment as director of the legendary British ballet company later this year.

Also serving on the jury for the first time will be Dr Ramona da Sáa, Director and Professor, National Ballet School of Cuba; Leticia Müller, former ballerina of Birmingham Royal Ballet, UK and PACT Ballet, SA; and Lynn Wallis, Artistic Director of the Royal Academy of Dance, London. Returning judges are Septime Webre, Artistic Director of The Washington Ballet, Washington DC; Hae Shik Kim, Professor Emeritus, Korea National University of Arts, Chairman of the Korea Ballet Festival and Chairman of the Korea World Dance Day; Mario Galizzi, Artistic Director, Ballet de la Plata, Argentina; and SA-born Charla Genn, Faculty Member, Julliard School, New York.

These major international ballet personalities will assess professional and non-professional dancers from South Africa and around the world who will soon be jetting into the Mother City to compete for gold, silver and bronze medals and substantial monetary prizes. For the first time in the history of the biennial CTIBC, male and female participants will be judged separately in both the classical and contemporary sections. There are 50 entrants this year, from SA and the Republic of South Korea, Argentina, Armenia, Russia, the USA, Brazil, Australia, China and Cuba, ranging from 15 to 28 years of age.

To further enhance the standard of the competition and the entrants, the CTIBC co-operates with the South Korea International Dance Competition, the Geneé International Ballet Competition, several top ballet institutions in Cuba and the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) among others.

In line with his association with the YAGP, Dirk Badenhorst, CEO of the CTIBC, has announced that a South African candidate of his choosing will be given the opportunity to compete in the YAGP in New York next April. The CTIBC will award the dancer a return air ticket to New York at the final Gala performance that will bring the competition to a close on March 4.

For the Junior Division dancers are 15 to 18 years of age and for the Senior Division 19 to 28 years of age. Competitors may appear either as soloists or couples (pas de deux). More than 40 dancers from South Africa and abroad have expressed an interest in participating in the CTIBC which is set once again to be a thrilling dance event, high on the City’s cultural calendar.

Elimination rounds take place on February 28 and 29 and March 1 at 19h00. Tickets R40. The Final is on March 2 at 20h00, with tickets R65 to R225. The winners will be announced at the Gala performance on March 3 at 20h00.

Due to the enormous popularity of the Gala at previous competitions, a second gala has been added on March 4 at 15h00 at which the CTIBC winners and distinguished international and SA ballet stars will perform and the SA candidate to compete in the Youth America Grand Prix will be announced. Tickets R90 to R300 with booking via Computicket, Artscape Dial-A-Seat on 021 421 7695 and 0861 915 8000 or visit www.ctibc.com

The Cape Town International Ballet Competition is supported by the City of Cape Town and the Chiappini Trust.

THE REAL GROUP

(Morten Vinther, Emma Nilsdotter, Anders Edenroth, Katarina Henryson, Anders Jalkéus)

"Terrific, all of it!" raved The London Times about their recent UK concert. Now music lovers in KZN can thrill to the experience of hearing the internationally celebrated Swedish acapella singing sensation, The Real Group, live in concert, with the acclaimed Kearsney College Choir on February 9.

In music circles, The Real Group Swedish acapella phenomenon needs no introduction. They are held as one of the most respected and best-selling vocal acapella groups in the world. Kearsney College has been given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to host and collaborate with this five-piece vocal ensemble on their first concert tour to South Africa.

The group is famous for their arrangements of well-known pop and jazz songs and have recorded over 15 albums during the last 15 years. Their following is growing at an accelerated rate and it is expected that Durban audiences will be no different.

The group boast five of the best singers in the business, all with perfect pitch and able to sing practically anything, from imitating a tuba to a piccolo flute or a distortion guitar, and “scatting” at an alarming pace to the most difficult of harmonies. The ensemble tours all over the world, giving approximately 280 performances per year. They have recently returned from Korea and performed in Scandinavia for the Christmas season.

The programme will include a capella arrangements of songs by Michael Jackson, the Count Basie Band, Mozart, Britney Spears and Bach, among others. The Kearsney College Choir will open the show to publicize and create awareness of their upcoming tour to the World Choir Games and the United Nations in the USA.

The concert will take place at the City Hill Church, Hillcrest, on February 9 at 19h00. Reserved seats are R130, unreserved R70 (students / pensioners discounts available for both prices). Block bookings at R50pp available for groups of more than 30. Book now through Computicket outlets, or call 0861 915 800 or book online at www.computicket.com

For more about The Real Group log onto www.therealgroup.se

DEATH OF THAMI CELE

(Pic by Val Adamson: Thami Cele as he appeared in the 2004 Playhouse production of "Asinamali")

Renowned Durban actor Thami “Mshefane” Cele who impressed audiences in South Africa and in other parts of the world, died last week. He was a member of the award-winning musical drama Asinamali, directed by Mbongeni Ngema.

The MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Ntombikayise Sibhidla-Saphetha, has appealed to all stakeholders in the music industry to ensure that artists do not die penniless. She was speaking in Clairmont today during her visit to Cele’s family.

“At the time of his death, Cele was instrumental in mentoring young artists in the Clairmont area. Showering praises as artists in Clairmont, we must strive to emulate Cele who left a stamp of excellence in everything he did,” she said.

Expressing her deepest condolences to the family, the MEC described Cele as a revolutionary who used art to fight the apartheid regime. “We are all saddened by his untimely death and his talent will be sorely missed, particularly by the young artists he was mentoring in the township,” she added.

Sibhidla-Saphetha urged artists to work closely with the KwaZulu-Natal Music House, a public entity whose primary mandate is to record and document South African music especially the indigenous music that is representative of the diverse South African cultural heritage.

She also made a call to young artists to utilise government institutions that are tasked to support them if they encounter any challenges. South Africa has seen many famous artists who have died poor and neglected.

The funeral service of Cele will be held at the Assemblies of God and his body will be laid to rest at Ashley Cemetery in Pinetown.

Tribute and funeral date and time to follow.

DEATH OF GLYN TOWNLEY

(Glyn Townley with concert pianist Moira Birks, pic by Arthur Dixon)

Well-known concert pianist, Glyn Townley, has died in Durban, after an illustrious and fulfilled career. He had turned 100 in December.

Educated at Durban High School, he had been a part of the Durban classical music scene for many years. Tribute to follow.

DON’T BURST MY BUBLÉ

(Jonothan Didlick)

Durban’s home-grown, Jonothan Didlick, returns to Durban after a year-long contract with The Barnyard Theatre and Sun City to present a selection of songs by one of his favourite and most influential performers, Michael Bublé.

Michael Steven Bublé; born September 9, 1975, is a Canadian singer. He has won several awards, including three Grammy Awards and has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide.

Just as Bublé has been influenced by his grandfather’s musical preference, Jonothan quotes as his influence, his father, John Didlick, of The Gee-Jays, as his musical inspiration.

Jonothan has performed in numerous shows at The Heritage Theatre including Johnny Be Good, In the Summertime, Come Fly with Me, Let’s Party, the award winning King and Queen, (set for a return to the Heritage stage in February and March of 2012), Who’s your Daddy, Rock Legends 2, as well as appearances in Let’s hear it for the Boys, Let’s Twist Again and Blondes on Deck at uShaka’s Upper Deck.

“While my peers were listening to the popular groups and singers of the 90’s and 2000’s, I was dabbling into the genius and harmonies of the likes of The Beatles and Queen and the big band swing sound of the then, up-and-coming, Michael Bublé.” he says.

Jonothan is joined on stage by three young and leggy ladies, to add the glitz and glamour to the laid-back atmosphere that is evident at Bublé’s Vegas-styled stage appearances.

Audiences can expect to hear classic hit songs like Feelin’ Good, Sway, Come Fly with Me, Mack the Knife, Save the Last Dance for Me, For Once in my Life, Crazy little Thing called Love and Everything, plus many more favourites.

Don’t Burst My Bublé runs at The Heritage Theatre in Hillcrest for a short one-week season from January 24 to 29. Ticket R190 pp Wednesday to Saturdays (R165 pp Tuesday evenings and Sunday lunch time) include a good quality two-course meal. A non-dining, “show only” option is also offered at R100 pp

There is one promotional special on January 25 when tickets for the meal and show are available on a buy-one-get-one-free basis. Bookings on 031 765 4197 or http://www.heritagetheatre.co.za/

DON’T DRESS FOR DINNER

(Bryan Hiles, Jailoshini Naidoo, Tim Wells, Clare Mortimer, Nhlakanipho Manqele and, standing, Janna Ramos Violante)

Coming up next from multi-award-winning KickstArt, is Don’t Dress for Dinner, a nifty comedy farce about double adultery and gourmet cooking that promises to have audiences crying with laughter and begging for more!

In a stylish private game lodge somewhere near the Kruger Park, Bernie is hoping to entertain his chic Johannesburg celebrity mistress, Suzy, for the weekend. He has arranged for a cordon bleu cook to furnish gourmet delights, is in the process of packing off his wife, Jackie to her mother’s for the weekend, and has even invited along his best friend Rob as a suitable alibi. It’s foolproof. What can possibly go wrong…?

Of course, everything does! It is, in fact, the perfect recipe for an evening of hilarious confusion as Bernie and Robbie try to escape the ire of the ladies by improvising at breakneck speed.

The glamorous production fields an all-star local cast, headed by Tim Wells as the naughty ladies’ man Bernie, and Bryan Hiles as his hapless best friend Rob. Two of Durban’s best and best-loved actresses, Clare Mortimer and Jailoshini Naidoo, play Bernie’s wife and mistress respectively, while the super-talented Janna Ramos-Violante plays the spunky Afrikaans chef, Suzette. Her husband, the slightly sinister George, is played by exciting young actor and winner of Best Male Newcomer at this year’s Mercury Durban Theatre Awards, Nhlakanipho Manqele.

Don’t Dress for Dinner will be directed by Steven Stead, designed by Greg King, with lighting by Tina le Roux.

It will run at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from February 9 to 26, with performances Tuesdays to Saturdays at 19h30 and on Sundays at 17h00. There are also Saturday matinees at 14h30. Tickets R130 (R100 students and pensioners). Special Gala Valentines Performance February 14 – tickets at R160 include a glass of sparkling wine upon arrival. (No discounts available.) Booking at Computicket.

However, block bookings and sold performance enquiries through Ailsa Windsor on 083 250 2690 or 031 201 2831 or fax 086 671 4564 or email ailswn@mweb.co.za

THE ART MUSEUM

(The cover of the book)

Published by Phaidon and conceived and edited by Phaidon Editors, The Art Museum is an imaginary museum housing the finest art collection ever assembled.

Unrestricted by the constraints of physical space its rooms display around 3,000 paintings, sculptures, frescos, photographs, tapestries, friezes, installations, performances, videos, woodblock prints, folding screens, ceramics and manuscripts that tell the history of world art.

This is the only museum to house Leonardo’s Mona Lisa, a collection of Rembrandt’s finest self portraits, Velázquez’s Las Meninas and Picasso’s Guernica as well as ceramics from China, Hokusai’s woodblock prints, gold artefacts from Peru, paintings from the caves at Lascaux and works by Cy Twombly and Brice Marden.

With colour-coded galleries, wall texts in each room that clearly explain the movement, culture or theme contained within, and explanatory labels for each work, The Art Museum is spacious, easy to get around, educational, inspiring and an exceptional visual feast.

Open 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, this is the world’s first truly accessible art museum.

Created and curated by Phaidon, The Art Museum is 420mm by 320mm and has 992 pages with 3,000 colour illustrations. The Art Museum is an imaginary museum that you can “walk” through and admire the many works of arts in its pages. From paintings to ceramics, woodblock prints to gold artefacts, this museum has everything. It costs just under R1,000 and is available at major book stores. More information on email: jpieters@bookpro.co.za

UNSIGNED ONLY

The International Songwriting Competition (ISC), one of the world's largest songwriting competitions, has launched Unsigned Only, a new, unique international music competition. Designed for solo artists, bands, and singers who are not signed to a major record label, Unsigned Only's goal is to find an outstanding, talented performing artist: a band, singer, or solo artist...a newcomer or veteran...raw or polished - the "gem" that needs to be discovered. Unsigned Only is looking for the total package. Judging criteria includes vocals, performance, songwriting, and originality.

Completely separate and distinct from ISC, Unsigned Only is a fresh and novel approach to other music competitions. Not only does it offer great prizes, recognition, exposure, and the chance to be heard by a group of judges consisting of high-profile recording artists and industry professionals, but it also takes it a step further and puts the Grand Prize winner in direct, personal contact with the influential record label executives who are the ultimate decision makers. For the first time ever, a music competition offers the Grand Prize winner the unprecedented opportunity to be mentored by a group of record company presidents, A&R reps, and more. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for an artist to directly network with the top echelon of record company professionals and get guidance, advice, feedback, and networking opportunities.

The founders of Unsigned Only, Jim Morgan and Candace Avery, talk about the new venture: "We are pleased to introduce a new music competition of this calibre to artists throughout the world. Having worked with a wide variety of artists over many years, we know that what artists want most is access to record label professionals. However, it is virtually impossible for most up-and-coming artists to have direct access to this elite and elusive group of decision makers. So, Unsigned Only is offering the unprecedented opportunity for the Grand Prize winner to network with and be mentored by a prestigious group of record label executives. This has never been done before, and we are excited about the possibilities it affords the Unsigned Only winner."

The judging panel includes 3 Doors Down; Manchester Orchestra; Cyndi Lauper; Robert Smith (The Cure); Jeremy Camp; Craig Morgan; Kelly Clarkson; Steve Lillywhite (Producer); Matt and Kim; St. Vincent; The Mountain Goats; Josh Jackson (Co-Founder and Editor-In-Chief, Paste Magazine); Scott Lapatine (Founder, Stereogum); and more to be announced.

The Grand Prize Winner will be awarded $5,000 in cash (plus additional prizes) and one-on-one mentoring by an elite group of record company executives. First Place and Second Place winners will also be selected in each category.

Entries are being accepted now until March 5, 2012. Winners will be announced in July, 2012. Categories include: AAA (Adult Album Alternative), AC (Adult Contemporary), Christian Music, Country, Folk/Singer-Songwriter, R&B/Hip-Hop, Rock, Pop/Top 40, and Vocal Performance.

All entries must be original music except for the Vocal Performance category which accepts original or cover songs. Judging criteria in the Vocal Performance category will be based solely on the quality of the vocals, thereby allowing singers who do not write their own songs the opportunity to enter.

More information from Candace Avery at cavery@unsignedonly.com For entry and general information, visit http://www.unsignedonly.com

CAVERSHAM MOSAIC MURAL

(Gabsile Nkosi, taken in 2006)

To end the year with celebration, a mosaic mural was begun at Caversham Press in the KZN Midlands in honour of the late artist and printmaker Gabi Nkosi and the Masabelaneni Centres.

“This is our way of acknowledging the legacy of the people in our lives and our ability to create tangible evidence of their inspiration in us,” says Caversham’s Malcolm Christian.

Well-known artist Bronwen Findlay helped teach the process to the Caversham Team and a group of young mentees from Lidgetton and surrounding communities. This seemed natural and appropriate as she was one of the first artists to work at Caversham Press in the 1980’s and had taught Gabi as a school girl, being instrumental in her coming on a Caversham residency in 2001.

The image, which combines one of Gabi’s prints entitled Caversham as I see it and the symbols from the CreACTive Centres, was designed by Sbu Mvelase, Caversham’s digital specialist. It is intended that the mural will be completed by May 2012, on the fourth anniversary of Gabi’s death.

SEARCHING AFRICA

Searching Africa by award -winning author David Robbins has been published by Porcupine Press.

After the return of South Africa to the international family, it became possible for David Robbins to travel regularly in other parts of Africa. He had at last, he said, been released from the bondage of apartheid into his broader home. The result of this release is Searching Africa, containing over 20 travel narratives that take the reader from the continent's expiring settler south to the Sahara and beyond. While his explorations were still in progress, Robbins published his successful Aspects of Africa (Viking and Penguin), which comprises exactly half the material now assembled. When Aspects was first published, one critic alluded to 'the mindbending and bewildering complexities of a continent marked by natural grace on the one hand and genocide on the other'. (Yves Vanderhaeghen in The Natal Witness)

Through graphic descriptions and revealing encounters, Searching Africa charts the progress of this award-winning writer through such countries as Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Zaire (now DRC), Malawi, Zanzibar, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda (shortly after the genocide and subsequent invasion), Uganda, Brazzaville Congo, Gabon, Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone (during the civil war), Ivory Coast, Mali, Senegal, Mauritania and Morocco, searching not for 'solutions' to Africa's 'problems' but simply for the tactile experience of being at close quarters to the dramas and pains of contemporary Africa's profoundly wrenching transition.

David Robbins has received numerous awards for his writing, beginning with a CNA Literary Award in 1986 and culminating 24 years later with a Lifetime Achievement Literary Award supported by the South African Department of Arts and Culture. He is widely regarded as a writer of significant insight and ability. He began publishing in 1985. His books include travel and short fiction, as well as some biography, history and socio-political analysis

Searching Africa is published by Porcupine Press, ISBN: 978-0-9869979-1-4 Recommended retail price R249. The book is available in most Exclusive and Estirol bookshops nationwide.

EISH BUT IS IT ENGLISH?

An interesting and compelling wander into the history of South African English. (Review by Caroline Smart)

Freelance editor and writer Jeanne Hromnik has worked in South African publishing for many years as a book editor, commissioning editor and manuscript reader.

Inspired by the often irate comments regarding the usage of English on John Orr’s popular SAfm radio programme, Word of Mouth, Hromnik set about discovering what is distinctive about South African English or “can there be many grammars?” Noting that in South Africa we speak English a little differently, she adds that: “This depends, too, on which part of the “we” we belong to.”

Often appearing on Word of Mouth is South African language guru Rajend Mesthrie, a professor of linguistics at the University of Cape Town. He has published A Dictionary of South African Indian English, Introducing Sociolinguistics, World Englishes and Language in South Africa. Hromnik put her project to him and he agreed to support it and EISH but is it English? came into being.

Hromnik’s introduction is fairly academic. However, once Mesthrie takes over the book turns into an interesting and compelling wander into the history of South African English. His knowledge is extensive and his explanations are fascinating of how the Dutch and African languages of South Africa have shaped some of the country’s informal grammar.

The chapters have intriguing headings, such as: Cooree home go (historical firsts); He was busy dying (Grammar with a difference); The robot’s not working again (Making sense of the vocabulary), and He has a headache in his toes (The English of Indians).

The latter is a delight as it discusses the history and patterns of speech that have grown through the years since 15,000 Indians arrived in Port Natal as indentured labourers over 150 years ago. Historical records note that only about 2 percent initially knew English so it would have been a daunting process for them, on top of the challenges of living in a strange new land. The patterns of speech, especially in KZN which has the largest community of Indians outside of India, are rich with humour and unique descriptive qualities. Sadly, these are dying out with the widespread influence of television. Fortunately, Professor Mesthrie has preserved hundreds of words and sayings in A Dictionary of South African Indian English.

Tuning into radio or television interviews with politicians or notable personalities these days, one often discovers new words creeping in. Perhaps they dream them up in Parliament? The tendency seems to be to add “ial” or “ion” at will – maybe to make the word sound more impressive? Listening to a chat show the other day, my sister heard “many multifactorials”. What’s wrong with “many different factors”?

EISH but is it English? is published by Zebra Press ISBN 978-1-77022-152-9. Retail price R180. It’s a must for anyone interested in the English language and its usage in South Africa. – Caroline Smart

THE TREE WHISPERER

(The cover of the book)

As Pieter Scholtz admits himself, The Tree Whisperer is a considerable departure from the books he normally writes, as it combines autobiographical detail with fantasy. He admits that at one stage he tried to write himself out of the story but this proved fruitless.

A well-known director and writer, he has written and published no less than 27 plays for young audiences in a series entitled Plays for Young Africa. An Emeritus Professor Drama from the University of Natal (now UKZN), he is the former head of the University’s Department of Drama Studies and its Open Air Theatre is named after him. He received the Amstel Playwright of the Year award in 1979 and again in 1980 for the first two plays in his Tambootie series.

In 2004 his first book of short stories, Tales of the Tokoloshe, was published by Struik and it went into reprint a year later. Struik also published The Demon of the Curry Powders in 2006.

Many of Pieter Scholtz’s plays were performed in the University’s Open Air Theatre, before he founded the sadly now-defunct Kwasuka Theatre in Greyville where hundreds of youngsters delighted to the fun and magic of his writings.

While still incorporating a sense of magic, The Tree Whisperer is semi-autobiographical and focuses on three trees that are important in his life. Into his well-ordered existence comes a free spirit who calls herself Angel. Forthright, impish, mischievous and disarming, she sends up his age and predictable behaviour. She has a deep secret. She also seems to have a purpose which involves him.

The story moves from Ixopo to Durban to Eshowe. We move amid Forest Knobwoods, Fluted Milkwoods, Giant Ironwoods. He connects leprechauns, tokoloshes and the Anglo-Boer war. He teaches Angel about Jung and syncronicity. She teaches him to communicate with trees. He helps her make peace with her biological parents.

The Tree Whisperer is the latest in a list of books Pieter Scholtz has published under his own imprint, Horus Publications. It is an engaging but also a thought-provoking tale that will appeal to anyone with a feel for magic and an affinity to trees. In my carefree childhood in Kenya, I spent most of my daylight hours up whatever tree I could climb, enjoying the secret leafy hideaway so I can relate to Angel’s character.

The book is dedicated to Pieter’s late wife, the much-loved and respected dancer and choreographer, Jilian Hurst. Whether intended or not, Angel embodies Jilly’s outlook and her same ironic sense of fun.

The Tree Whisperer is available at Adams at Musgrave Centre at R110.. ISBN 978 062 050 8605. – Caroline Smart

CLOSER TO THE FIRE

Debut album an anthem to survival and hope. (Review by Caroline Smart)

Krystle T (Krystle Temmerman) recently released her debut album Closer to the Fire. Also an actress with a flair for comedy, she was recently seen as one of the Ugly Sisters in the Playhouse Company’s festive season production of Cinderella.

Resigning from her day job for Idols in 2009 and making Top 35, Krystle started the journey of making an album while performing in musical plays and supper shows. Her dreams of getting her album recorded hit numerous glitches and delays until she found the right team at Face Studios In Westville with John Ellis as producer and doing bass, Greg Bedford as engineer and guitarist; Josh Klynsmith on drums and Tammy Saville on back-up vocals.

The title track Closer to the Fire was prompted by a comment by a friend to sit closer to the bonfire at her housewarming. The lyrics represent her frustration of the time in managing a theatre and the pain of coming out of a relationship.

The first number on the album, the upbeat Happy (“Is that a crime?”), is my favourite and sets the scene for the rest of the tracks to come. They all talk of survival, of moving on and staying true to oneself.

Go On is what Krystle T calls “My Angry Song!” and focuses on the response to catching out your loved one cheating on you. It ends with a delicious shout of triumph!

The Lesson was written for a 13 year-old pupil of Krystle’s when she was a music teacher. It offers a message of hope and encouragement to trust in the future.

You’ll Know is a duet with Melanie Lowe who wrote the piece which offers advice and encouragement on a chosen path.

Melanie Lowe and Krystle Temmerman will perform from February 9 to 12 at the Stirling Theatre in the Italian Club in Durban North (along Fairway near the Beachwood Golf Course). Tickets R80pp. Take your own picnic or snacks but the venue offers The Italian Club’s optional a la carte menu for patrons wishing to eat, and a fully stocked bar at affordable club prices. There is plenty of secure parking. Bookings 076 786 1127 or email bookings@stirlingtheatre.co.za (Regret no credit card facilities) More information at www.stirlingtheatre.co.za

Krystle T is now signed to Mellow Music Record Label. See http://www.mellowmusic.co.za – Caroline Smart

NOEL & GERTIE, IN LOVE AGAIN

The Schlesinger Theatre at Michaelhouse is to present Noel & Gertie, In Love Again, a musical cabaret written by Paul Spence who performs alongside Cat Simoni

The scene is a cocktail bar in Jamaica, in the 1960’s. A rather bored Noel Coward, ‘Master’ of English comedy, is unexpectedly reunited with his former co-star; the incomparable, gorgeous Gertrude Lawrence. In the brief, deliciously funny encounter that follows, Noel and his blithe spirit and divine muse, the mischievous Gertie, relive their greatest stage successes, reminisce about their glory days – and sing the songs that made them the toast of the West End, Broadway – and the entire theatre world.

Unforgettable songs like A Room With A View, Mad About The Boy, I’ll See You Again, Some Day I’ll Find You, The Stately Homes of England, Don’t Let’s Be Beastly To The Germans, Mad Dogs and Englishmen, London Pride - and the wickedly funny ‘honeymoon scene’ from Noel’s smash hit, Private Lives.

With experience that stretches from London’s Ritz Hotel to the Royal Shakespeare Company at Stratford-upon-Avon, Cat Simoni and Paul Spence are delighted to bring you an enchanted evening, touched by the comedic genius of two of the world’s greatest theatrical talents.

Noel & Gertie, In Love Again has one performance on February 3 at 19h00. A complementary tea will be served at interval. Tickets R80 (R60 scholars and pensioners) booked through 033 234 1314 or email: Bookings: theatre@michaelhouse.org

KZN PHILHARMONIC FREE CONCERTS

Join the KZN Philharmonic for a free sundowner concert featuring highlights of the forthcoming Summer Symphony Season. This is the perfect opportunity to introduce children to classical music concerts and is short enough for younger members of the family as well.

These free concerts are aimed at introducing families to the KZNPO’s World Symphony Series. The concerts carry no entry fee and will last for just one hour. The programme will include highlights from the Summer Season.

The concerts will take place as follows:

February 2: Glenwood High School, 1 Nicolson Road, Glenwood
February 8: Hillcrest Primary School, c/r Hospital and Emoyeni, Hillcrest
February 9: Westville Boys High School, Wandsbeck Avenue, Westville

Doors open at 17h30, concerts start promptly at 18h00 and last for one hour. For further information contact the KZN Philharmonic office on 031 369 9438 or mail kznpo@kznpo.co.za

RED FOR KZNSA MEMBERS

Expect to see over 100 artworks exploring the theme RED at this year’s KZNSA Members Exhibition. Also featured will be an installation performance of competitive body builders as human statues wearing ‘blingkinis’ by designer Cathrine Fleur.

The Members' Exhibition offers generous prizes in memory of Joan Emmanuel, a long-standing member of the KZNSA and passionate supporter of the visual arts. There is a R10,000 first prize, a R5,000 second prize, and a R2,500 third prize. There is also a R1,500 prize for the most innovative interpretation of the theme and R1,000 awarded as a merit prize. The First, Second and Third prizes will include a R250 voucher for the purchase of quality stretched canvases courtesy of Classic Canvases.

This year's invited guest judges are: Andrew Verster, Maria Soares and Richard Hart. KZNSA Gallery curator Bren Brophy facilitates the judging process.

RED is currently running at The KZNSA Gallery 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

ARTISAN UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

(New owner Ingrid Lotter Smith at the entrance to Artisan)

Although January 1, 2012, saw a change of owners at the Artisan Gallery, the ethos and character will remain much the same. Artisan will continue to showcase the very best of South African hand-crafted art.

The new owner is Ingrid Lotter Smith, who is well known in art and educational circles and as a calligrapher. At a time when many businesses and particularly galleries are closing their doors, Ingrid and her husband, the well-known artist John Smith, have a great deal of confidence and pride in the artists of South Africa. World class work is being produced and a gallery such as Artisan brings this work to the attention of the public and tourists.

The work includes the full spectrum from beautifully crafted Zulu ukhamba, the finest in designer silver jewellery, ceramics and porcelain, as well as sculpture, paintings and prints. There is something for everyone in this custom-designed gallery.

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

MNET DOMESTIC

Coming up on the M-Net Domestic Channel:

January 21 at 18h00: Megamind (2010). This animated movie is directed by Tom McGrath and stars the voices of Will Ferrell, Jonah Hill and Brad Pitt. Super villain Megamind's dreams have come true when he conquers the city's protector Metro Man gaining control of Metro City. But when a new villain is created and chaos runs rampant, the world's biggest "mind" might actually save the day.

January 22 at 17h00: Susan Boyle: An Unlikely Superstar. This is the TLC documentary special which looks into the life and career of Susan Boyle. Susan was a breakout hit when she went viral, and became one of the biggest selling artists of all time. She remains a very private person, and we now get to see a side of her that has never been seen before.

January 22 at 20h05: Inception (2010). This action movie is directed by Christopher Nolan and stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Ellen Page. Dom Cobb is a skilled thief, the absolute best in the dangerous art of extraction, stealing valuable secrets from deep within the subconscious during the dream state when the mind is at its most vulnerable. Cobb's rare ability has made him a coveted player in this treacherous new world of corporate espionage, but it has also made him an international fugitive and cost him everything he has ever loved.

January 23 at 15h00: Repeat of the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards coverage

January 28 at 21h00: Burlesque (2010). This musical drama is directed by Steve Antin and stars Cher, Christina Aguilera and Alan Cumming. Ali is a small-town girl with a big voice who escapes hardship and an uncertain future to follow her dreams to LA. After stumbling upon The Burlesque Lounge, a majestic but ailing theatre that is home to an inspired musical revue, Ali lands a job as a cocktail waitress from Tess, the club's proprietor and headliner.

January 29 at 20h05: Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011). This action adventure movie is directed by Rob Marshall and stars Johnny Depp, Penélope Cruz and Ian McShane. When Captain Jack Sparrow crosses paths with the enigmatic Angelica, he's not sure if it's love - or if she's a ruthless con artist who's using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. When she forces him aboard the Queen Anne's Revenge, the ship of the legendary pirate Blackbeard, Jack finds himself on an unexpected adventure in which he doesn't know whom to fear more: Blackbeard or Angelica, with whom he shares a mysterious past.

HAPPY CLAPPER TO HILTON

(Aaron McIlroy)

Aaron McIlroy’s The Happy Clapper runs at the Hilton College Theatre for a brief season from January 26 to 29 following highly successful runs in Durban and the Eastern Cape.

Co-written and directed by Patrick Kenny, the show poses the question: What are people’s perceptions of Biblical characters? Are they Charlton Heston, coming down a mountain in a dodgy outfit? “The intervention of the media has long played a role in skewing people’s perceptions of Christianity,” says Durban actor Aaron McIlroy, who cites movies such as Steven Spielberg’s The Prince of Egypt, and a host of others, as creating a glossy but fictitious perception of the people who populate the Bible. “The Bible is full of many of the greatest stories ever told. Often enough they have been told badly, so I thought: why don’t I have a shot at telling them badly, too?”

The Happy Clapper speaks alike to those who follow other beliefs, as it does to members of the Christian faith, offering a broad scope of perspectives that aim to enlighten and entertain while treating religious matters in a robust if sometimes tongue-in-cheek light.

“We need to lighten up, and not be so judgemental in dealing with our fellow humans,” says McIlroy. “We can do this by bringing a sense of integrity to our dealings with each other, while at the same time looking at the subject matter that preoccupies us in our worship. We think we are ‘in the know’, while often we are actually clueless. There is so much more than we think there is to gaining a true depth of knowledge. Seen from the outside, there is a stigma attached to being a so-called ‘Reborn Christian’. But how weird is it, actually?”

The Happy Clapper sets out to defuse the myths surrounding charismatic Christians. The first half of the show opens with a run through the Old Testament, courtesy of Mr McIlroy donning the persona of a well-honed Rabbi who is on home turf, sharing elements of his own personal history, so to speak. Following this, the actor morphs into Bluff inhabitant, Gary van Vuuren, who’s a fundi at unlocking all matters pertaining to the New Testament. Trying to put across a complex concept such as The Trinity, he assures us “it’s more than just a girl’s name”. “Gary’s the perfect example of fools rushing in where angels fear to tread,” says McIlroy. “Only, he cracks it more often than he knows. Just when you think he’s heading for the rocks, he nails it right in the centre.”

The show continues with McIlroy’s ubiquitous alter-ego, the ever-popular Veejay, surfacing to offer a guiding hand on how to negotiate your way around the potential hazards of traversing the evangelical Christian world. In his inimitable fashion, Veejay deals with the application of Christianity. As ever, he keeps things really grounded, commenting on those critical taboos that sometimes preoccupy the Church: Sex, Booze and Money.

The Happy Clapper has only three performances at the Hilton College Theatre: January 26 and 28 at 19h30 and January 29 at 14h00. Tickets R85 (R60 teachers and scholars). Early booking is advised on 033 383 0126, or by email at tickets@hiltoncollege.com

TRIBUTE TO MARTIN BURNETT

(Pic by Deanne Donaldson: Installation by Martin Burnett)

Artist Dee Donaldson pays tribute to a friend and colleague.

My students and I shared a studio at ArtSPACEdurban with Martin for many years.

When Martin first moved to ArtSPACE (and before I had met him face to face) … I arrived one morning to find a row of pristine white tables in the studio. There were white shelves with carefully-placed objects on them: Shoes, old suitcases, satchels … contents unknown … His side of the room looked like a very white and very ordered museum. White chairs. A white easel with white coat on it … a white canvas …

Mr Burnett, I thought, must be one of those intimidatingly neat artists … who only works in white! I’d better clean up my side of the room!

Sitting down to write some words for Martin, a quote by British author Jeanette Winterson keeps coming to mind. Expanding on the process of art making she says “I live in the space between chaos and shape “

The Museum upstairs grew. Objects began, at first unnoticeably, to overflow their white boundaries … and off the shelves. Martin arrived most mornings, with more and more treasures that the city had discarded.

I don’t know many people who inhabit the city quite like Martin did. He knew it. He uses its buses and its taxis, he talked to people, exchanged recipes on public transport. He wandered through the roads and alleys. He noticed pretty much Everything.

I know there are others, who have been on a mini road-trip with Martin to photograph an abandoned couch or the remains of a burnt building, an unhinged gate or the surface of a wall - at 12:48 - because that’s when “the light’s just right …” Or loaded some extremely large insect-infested wooden vestige into their car while he lovingly examined and stroked its surfaces and exquisitely eaten lines.

The white museum, however, was being taken over, consumed, covered … inch by inch (an intriguing and somewhat scary performance in itself). The evolution from ‘shape’ into inevitable ‘chaos’…

To talk about collage or mixed media would seem too dry to describe Martin’s process. When he assembled or grouped things together; a poetic dialogue began between texture, words, fragments, colours, tones and shapes. Stories about time, personal histories and forgotten things emerge, … There was the sensitivity of Martin the painter in the arrangements, but also very often, the evidence of his lovely sense of humour. To have seen the world this way is a rare and beautiful thing.

Our studio was always part chaos and part shape … Installations of red, white, yellow, green, purple or blue would blossom out of the centre of it all. Martin was always there with a cup of coffee for me on the days I had class. He was always eager and generous in the sharing of his knowledge and skills with all of us. He knew when we were out of sugar and whose birthday it was. He brought me Marigolds and organized the studio … He was a central part of the family we have upstairs at ArtSPACE.

My generous, complex friend you will be So missed for ALL your qualities by ALL of us. I hope it’s “easier to be an artist” where you are…I know how hard you said you found it here … so often.

Rest in Peace. Much love - Dee

SEND THE FIRE

(Send the Fire in performance)

Martin Sigamoney has drawn on Durban’s finest to put together a 10 piece live band, including a smoking hot brass section. This experienced team of musicians is a real treat for the Heritage Theatre and patrons are urged to catch it in its final week at this Hillcrest supper theatre venue.

Martin has included Durban musicians from all walks of life, from well-known Durban trombone player Mario Monteregge. Now in his 70's, he is most well-known for heading up Durban band Music Unlimited all through the 80’s and 90’s.

The band comprises Martin Sigamoney (vocals & saxophones); Marion Loudon (vocals); Mark Royeppen (keyboard); Mageshen Pillay (guitar); Mario Monteregge and Jason Naidoo (trombone); Gabriel Joseph and Khulekani Bhengu (trumpet); Bruce Baker (drums) and Jill Murraybrown (bass). They perform hits from the old style evergreens like Volare and Il Mondo to current hits from Freshly Ground and even UB40, Phil Collins, Elvis and Frank Sinatra.

Tickets R190 pp Wednesday to Saturdays (R165 pp Tuesday evenings and Sunday lunch time). Prices include two-course meal. A non-dining, “show only” option is also offered at R100pp. Heritage Theatre is situated at the Heritage Market in Hillcrest. Bookings can be made on 031 765 4197 or online at http://www.heritagetheatre.co.za/

JUST JINJER

Internationally acclaimed South African band Just Jinjer are preparing to rock The Barnyard Theatre at Gateway again, with one show only on January 27. Currently in production for their new album, they will deliver old favourite songs that put them on the map both locally and abroad, as well as a showcase of the new songs that they have been preparing for the world.

Just Jinjer are the most successful rock band ever in South Africa, having sold more that a quarter of a million albums. The band - made up of Durban-based Ard Matthews (vocals and guitar), Brent Harris (drums and vocals) and Denholm Harding (bass and vocals) - returned to their home country in 2009 after being based in Los Angeles for eight years.

Over the last decade, Just Jinjer has performed and toured with U2, Counting Crows and Def Leppard, and most recently INXS among many others, performing for hundreds of thousands of fans in venues all around the world from the UK to Dubai.

Just Jinjer’s debut album, All Comes Round, became one of the best-selling rock albums in South African history. Their second album, Something for Now, reached gold status in only three weeks from release. Both albums achieved platinum status. Their albums Greatest Hits (2001) and Just Jinjer (2006) reached gold status. Their last album, Milk and Honies, was released in South Africa in December 2009 and also enjoyed much success and acclaim.

Audiences can expect to hear previews of their new material along with a mix of their old favourites such as Shallow Waters, Father and Farther, Like You Madly, their cover version of Sugarman, Paradise In Summertime, Here’s To You, For All We Know, Time Of Your Life and What He Means To Me.

Just Jinjer's power and alluring appeal is fuelled by well-honed and heartfelt musicality, a commitment to communication on a genuine emotional and cerebral level — music that touches the heart, body, mind and soul — and a dedication to their musical mission that is virtually unstoppable.

The Barnyard Theatre at Gateway offers a laid-back environment where patrons are able to enjoy food and drinks before and during the show seated at tables and counters, and can meet the bands in the bar after the show to buy paraphernalia and get autographs.

Just Jinjer perform on January 27. Tickets R160 pp and seating will be as for normal shows, with no standing room. Book through The Barnyard Theatre on 031 566 3045 or e-mail gateway@barnayrdtheatre.co.za for enquiries and further details.

DESPERATE FIRST LADIES EXTRA SHOW

(Evita Bezuidenhout, rumoured to be the next Mrs Zuma!)

South African theatre doyen Pieter-Dirk Uys and his alter-ego, Evita Bezuidenhout, will be back at The Barnyard Theatre at Gateway after a long absence with a brand new show, Desperate First Ladies, for three performances only on January 25 and 26 (two shows already sold out).

After a recent performance in Los Angeles, the reviewer simply stated, “Uys dons false eyelashes and presidents listen.” In Desperate First Ladies, Evita Bezuidenhout graciously shares the stage with a chorus line of other outspoken and iconic women from all walks of life, including Cape Malay DA firebrand Mrs Petersen; the former first lady of Libya, Madame Gaddafi; Mother Teresa, who is manning the telephone exchange in heaven; the kugel Nowell Fine; and Evita’s blonde and dangerous sister and the black sheep of the family, Bambi Kellermann.

Pieter-Dirk Uys will bring his trademark satirical commentary into the mix, which remains as serrated as ever after almost four decades of sending up political ignorance and social stupidity. He always thanks politicians, black and white, right and wrong, for giving him a career for the last 38 years, as well as the government of the day for writing his material.

From the era of PW Botha – his bread-and-Botha – to the present Zumocracy with its three first ladies (or will it be four?), he is still inspired by the madness in our politics. Nothing has changed. On stage with many characters familiar and some once feared, Uys goes on a great comedy trek of South Africa, to remind us where we come from and encourage us to celebrate where we are going to, with laughter and optimism.

South Africa, now in its 18th year of democracy, has a generation of young voters who were born after apartheid was officially terminated in 1994. Today’s icon is often the imprisoned and banned enemy of the past who is now the hero of yesterday, and those old white icons that were once on the stamps and the coins, are seen as the politically-incorrect has-beens of today.

Put an icon like Mandela next to an aikona like Verwoerd. Once they were vice-versa. How could we so meekly have agreed when politicians told us that Mandela’s picture was not to be seen for 27 years? Are we going to allow government to again hide their corruptions behind the veils of secrecy and state security? Today there must be much laughter, sometimes bitter, often relieved, at the memories of those days of dictatorship. It took 40 years for us to liberate ourselves and start again. Apartheid will never come back under the same name, but bad politics is clever enough to reinvent itself, and humour against fear is a great weapon of survival.

Pieter-Dirk Uys won no less three awards in 2010 – a Teddy Award at the Berlin International Film Festival, a Naledi Lifetime Achievement Award for his creation Evita, and a Fleur du Cap Award for Best Cabaret starring Bambi Kellermann. Uys still thanks politicians of all hues and persuasions for “giving me a career for the last 38 years, as well as the government of the day for writing my best material”.

Pieter-Dirk Uys’ Desperate First Ladies runs at The Barnyard Theatre at Gateway with evening shows on January 26 and 27. However, these two performances are sold out. To meet public demand for an additional show, there will be a late afternoon performance on January 26 at 16h00 (with the theatre opening at 15h00), and the tickets are R130 per person.

Bookings essential through The Barnyard Theatre on 031 566 3045, e-mail gateway@barnyardtheatres.co.za or visit www.barnyardtheatres.co.za for more information

THOMAS SANKARA

(Thomas Sankara)

Bluestockings present a movie on the “Che Guevara” of Africa on January 27.

The publicity material reads as follows: “If anyone has ever wondered about the fate of the world because of politicians’ meddlings and dire stasis that commerce and politics induces in the human life, and if anyone has ever wondered what we would do with ourselves and our system of living amongst one another should these inane politicians ever be ousted by public revolt, we invite you to please come and watch a video about a man who has undoubtedly given a small measure of hope to Africa, even if his identity has been swept under the thick woolly carpet of disinformation out there.

“bluestockings bioscope will show a movie about Thomas Sankara, a revolutionary leader, and president of Burkina Faso, a small, relatively-unknown country in North Africa. Thomas Sankara came into power via military coup d’état, not entirely because he wanted to, but because the people of his country loved the charismatic leader that he was. However, in doing so he brought about changes in his country that are so revolutionary, and so “for the people”, that the French government of the time decided that he must be destroyed, for fear that his intelligent approach to governance may be contagious to the civilized world.

“Sankara and 12 of his aides were assassinated in October 1987. This movie promises to be an inspiration … a story of revolution, empowerment to the people, and the limitless possibilities of what is possible through intelligent governance from a leader that may have actually cared for his people…!”

The Thomas Sankara movie will be shown on January at 19h30. Bluestockings is situated at Dan Pienaar Road, Kloof. Entry R20 (Dinner R50 by pre-order only) Bookings through Narene on 082 659 3628.

ACT DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS

The ACT Development Programme, funded by Nedbank Arts Affinity, is open for applications on an ongoing basis.

The current funding cycle comes to a close on January 31, 2012. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) website at www.act.org.za to submit applications online. The outcome of applications submitted by the end of January will be announced on March 15.

The funding cycles for 2012 are as follows:

Cycle 1: February 1– May 30, 2012, with the final outcome being available by June 25, 2012
Cycle 2: May 31– September 30, 2012, with the final outcome being available by November 13, 2012
Cycle 3: October 1– January 31, 2013, with the final outcome being available by March 15, 2013

The Development Programme has been designed to enhance the continued development of arts and culture in South Africa and provides support for artistic excellence in creative production, professional development and training for the youth in the form of once-off grants.

Requests in support of the first phase of the creation of innovative, cutting edge new work are considered. Craft, Dance, Music, Theatre, Literature, Visual Art and New Media initiatives are eligible. New Media is limited to research. Development-related grants for new work and grants to supplement large production budgets for an existing film project will not be considered.

Applications for grants for development of creative practitioners, arts managers or professional arts organisations are also considered for support through the programme. Efforts that would develop technical skills related to creative production (especially in new technologies), arts administration and management, arts marketing, publicity and public relations, arts fundraising and short-term internships (at professional arts organisations in South Africa) will be considered for support.

The Development Programme is also aimed at youth development. Grants for training young people under the age of 25 are made available and Craft, Dance, Music, Theatre, Literature and Visual Art projects and programmes are invited to apply for support.

The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) is South Africa’s premier independent arts funding and development agency. To received updates follow ACT on Twitter at https://twitter.com/#!/actorgza or like the Trust’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Arts-Culture-Trust-ACT/162339817162875

The Nedbank Arts Affinity programme is one of four multi-award winning programmes. Since inception it has raised over R15 million in support of 670 arts, culture and heritage projects countrywide. Donations to the Nedbank Arts Affinity programme are made at no cost to the client through donations on credit cards as well as savings, current and investment accounts. To become involved and make a difference in supporting arts and culture in South Africa visit any Nedbank branch or call 0860 DO GOOD (364663). For more information visit www.nedbankarts.co.za