DYLAN THOMAS AT ST CLEMENTS

Rajesh Gopie’s Shake, Rattle And Payrole, due to be presented at St Clements tonight (February 27), has been postponed and will now be presented in March.

Pieter Scholtz, Margaret Logan and James Parker will read two pieces written for radio by Dylan Thomas: Return Journey and Holiday Memory.

These two pieces show the full range of this tempestuous and meticulous artist who once cheerfully claimed that he had beast, angel and madman within him.

Return Journey : In February 1941, Swansea was bombed by the German Luftwaffe in a “three nights’ blitz”. Castle Street was just one of the many streets in Swansea that suffered badly, the rows of shops, including the Kardomah Café, were destroyed. Thomas later wrote about this in his radio play Return Journey in which he describes the café as being “razed to the snow”. Return Journey was first broadcast on June 15, 1947, having been written soon after the bombing raids.’

Holiday Memory: August Bank Holiday. “A tune on an ice-cream cornet. A slap of sea and a tickle of sand. A fanfare of sunshades opening. A wince and whinny of bathers dancing into deceptive water. A tuck of dresses. A lark of boys. A silent hullabaloo of balloons.”

St Clements is situated at 191 Musgrave Road on the right-hand 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.

ADAPT OR FLY

Master satirist Pieter-Dirk Uys will be doing a “world tour” of South Africa with his latest show, Adapt or Fly, which comes to the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre on UKZN campus from March 6 to 18.
Adapt or Fly! Mrs Evita Bezuidenhout, Kidi Amin, Pik Botha, Nowell Fine, Mrs Petersen, the old Krokodil, Madiba and the dancing DA are coming to the rescue! In a time of depression, recession, fear and anger, what is better and more healing than a good laugh at the expense of those who depress, recess, frighten and annoy us?

Pieter-Dirk Uys celebrates 2012 as a year of radical change in South Africa through political paralysis. From the hundred million rand ANC centenary celebration in January, right up that long winding road to end up again in Mangaung for the ANC December Congress, the ruling party will be too busy fighting each other for personal wealth and political power to bother themselves about running a country up or down.

“Adapt or die” was said by Prime Minister P W Botha, when he announced his proposed revisions of apartheid policies as a prelude to the 1981 General Election which was still for whites only. Uys started his onslaught against the politically-correct racist regime at the Market Theatre, then toured the entire country and overseas with his show.

Adapt or Dye was the first local video – a recording of a Market Theatre performance in 1982 - to be introduced through hire-shops and those few outlets that had the courage to make the comedy available. That was its essence: humour.

Some 30 years ago, Uys started his total onslaught against careless, corrupt and unacceptable politics. Apartheid might officially be dead today, but the careless, corrupt and unacceptable political crooks and clowns are still dancing centre-stage.

His new show will be a personal political comedy-trek along a familiar long tiptoe to freedom, through the minefields of racism and sexism that have always made up the tarmac of our political freeway. Laughter at fear has always been Uys’s trademark, from the darkness of his first one-man show in 1982 Adapt or Dye, to the dazzling kaleidoscope of rainbow colours in his new 2012 show Adapt or Fly.

Uys is joining his chorus-line of characters that include a motley medley of past National Party leaders (DF Malan, JG Strydom, HF Verwoerd, BJ Vorster, PW Botha and FW de Klerk), balanced with the more familiar quartet of ANC Presidents from Nelson Mandela, via Thabo Mbeki, through Kgalema Motlanthe to Jacob Zuma and beyond. The Malema nickname ‘Kidi Amin’ does come to mind.

Kugel Nowell Fine enjoys her 35 years as the ultimate Jewish African Princess with a look at her now in her 70’s, as well as a glance back at the 1985 Nowell, young, blonde and deep in a liberal white struggle with her maid Dora. And then there is, of course, Evita Bezuidenhout waiting to embrace her new job as chairperson of the proposed Media Tribunal.

It is said when history repeats itself, it can take tragedy and turn it into farce. So banish the blues. Come and enjoy the blacks, whites, browns, yellows and ‘others’ that make up this unique country of our dreams. As long as we can laugh at our fear, we are still in charge of our future.

Adapt or Fly was also inspired by politics. At the height of the Malema-speak of nationalization of mines and land-grabs of farms which frightened many people into near-panic, a spokesperson for the ANC Youth League was heard to suggest that if whites did not like the fact that the youth would take over South Africa, then they could go somewhere else: ‘Adapt or fly!’

Adapt or Fly - 30 years after Adapt or Dye. The World Tour of South Africa kicks off at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre where it will run from March 6 to 18, before it moves to Johannesburg, Cape Town and on to the 2012 Grahamstown National Arts Festival.

Performances nightly at 20h00 (Sundays at 15h00) Tickets R140 booked at Computicket or 0861 915 8000 or at www.computicket.com (R95 low price preview on March 6 at 20h00)

VANSA PHOTOSHOP WORKSHOP

The Visual Arts Network of South Africa (VANSA) is to host a Photoshop workshop created to equip the participants with Photoshop skills.

The workshop is divided into two consecutive days, an introductory lecture and hands-on lecture. The workshop is designed for beginners and Photoshop users who want to utilize it in a more artistic sense.

The first day will include an introductory presentation of basic Photoshop techniques and the second day will include a practical approach, whereby the participants will be creating a poster with the assistance of the facilitator. Take along a laptop, preferably one that has Photoshop, as this will make the practical easier.

Notes and tutorials will be supplied to the participants to assist them.

The workshops will be facilitated by Nivesh Rawatlal, a Photoshop lecturer at CTI and a freelance Graphic designer. Fees R200 (R100 for VANSA members) and booking is only confirmed by payment to VANSA ideally through EFT (forward proof of payment to kznadmin@vansa.co.za)

Banking Details: Nedbank - Savings Account, Acc 2301373878, Musgrave branch.

Booking closes on March 9, 2012

The workshop takes place on March 10 and 11 from 10h00 to 15h00 at The Collective, 48 B Florida Road, Morningside, Durban. All are welcome. Bookings or more information from Thembeka Teekay Ngcemu, VANSA KZN Administrator, on 073 469 6407 or 031 303 4891 or email: kznadmin@vansa.co.za or visit www.vansa.co.za

STUDIO UNIVERSAL HIGHLIGHTS

Coming up on the Studio Universal channel on DStv are several Hollywood hits:

March 7 at 20h00: Pulp Fiction starring: John Travolta, Uma Thurman and Samuel L. Jackson. The lives of two mob hit men, a boxer, a gangster's wife, and a pair of diner bandits intertwine in four tales of violence and redemption.

March14 at 20h00: Jackie Brown starring: Pam Grier, Samuel L. Jackson and Robert Forster. A female flight attendant becomes a key figure in a plot between the police and an arms dealer.

March 21 at 20h00: Kill Bill Volume 1 starring: Uma Thurman, David Carradine and Daryl Hannah. The Bride wakes up after a long coma. The baby that she carried before entering the coma is gone. The only thing on her mind is to have revenge on the assassination team that betrayed her - a team she was once part of.

A WALK IN AN AFRICAN LANDSCAPE

Make an outing of it this Sunday morning and experience an insightful venture into art and music with a guided tour of the new South African Landscapes in the Lorna Ferguson Room of the Tatham Art Gallery in Pietermaritzburg.

Tatham Art Gallery director Brendan Bell discusses and gives insight into this selection of work chosen from the permanent collection of the Tatham Art Gallery. This is followed, in the same venue, by pianist Christopher Duigan playing a concert of music by JS Bach.

Bach famously, as a young man of 20, walked (from Arnstadt to Lübeck – though a European landscape) more than 400 km to hear the legendary Dieterich Buxtehude play the organ. The immense vitality and abstract patterning of Bach’s music is echoed in the great landscapes that adorn the gallery walls. The music of this performance features dance rhythms of suites in the English and German style (Partitas Nos 1 & 2) as well as arrangements of his popular Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring and Sheep May Safely Graze.

The special event combining a gallery walkabout of the Tatham Collection with a concert performance is the first of a number of similar events to be presented through the year. It is a wonderful introduction to the Tatham Art Gallery Experience.

The South African Landscapes experience takes place on February 26 at the Tatham Art Gallery in Pietermaritzburg with the Walkabout at 10h30 (free) and the concert at 11h30 (tickets R50). There is secure parking and The Tatham Coffee Shop will be open for coffee from 10h00 to 1300. Booking essential on email: booking@musicrevival.co.za (preferred) or 033 342 3051.

KZNPO CONCERT FEBRUARY 23

(Sivan Rotem)

Sizeable audience enjoys memorable performance from KZNPO and soloist. (Review by Michael Green)

A programme of Beethoven, Mozart and Rossini drew a sizeable audience to the Durban City Hall for the second concert of the summer season of the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra.

The admirable Omri Hadari was again on the podium, and again he drew full value from the orchestra in a concert of outstanding music. He is a vigorous, emotional type of conductor, and he obviously has a close rapport with the players. This was abundantly clear in the first item, Rossini’s Semiramide Overture, performed with obvious enjoyment by conductor and players.

The soloist of the evening was Sivan Rotem, a soprano from Israel, a tall, stately figure with an accurate, controlled voice well suited to the Mozart songs she performed. These were arias from The Marriage of Figaro and Cosi fan tutte, and, best of all, the motet Exsultate, jubilate. Orchestra and soloist excelled in this sublime religious music. Prolonged applause brought forth an encore, a robust Spanish-Hebrew song, attractive but ill-matched, I thought, with the exquisite sounds that had preceded it.

After the interval came one of the great masterpieces, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 in A major. Which of Beethoven’s nine symphonies is the best? The one you are listening to at that moment, I suggest. Most people would probably put No. 7 among the top three or four. Its relentless, driving rhythms carry the hearer along in an almost hypnotised state, especially in the haunting second movement.

The orchestra responded to this magnificent music with a memorable performance that was acknowledged with an ovation at the end. Compact discs, television and radio may be excellent, but this concert was proof again that there is no real substitute for a live performance. - Michael Green

VANSA KZN SOCIAL EVENINGS

The Visual Arts Network (VANSA) KZN will host social evenings on the last Friday of every month at the Collective in Florida Road from 16h00 to 19h00.

These evenings will include activities such as discussions and debates on issues affecting the visual arts industry, particularly in KZN. All are welcome.

The next social evening takes place on February 24 from 16h00 to 19h00. More information from Thembeka Teekay Ngcemu, VANSA KZN Administrator, on 073 469 6407 or 031 303 4891 or email kznadmin@vansa.co.za or visit www.vansa.co.za

MORGAN MAHAPE

(Morgan Mahape shows off his work at uShaka Marine World. Pic: S&A Marketing)

Morgan Mahape is a 29-year-old artist from Umlazi in Durban.

He began sculpturing in 2005 and realized that he could take this medium to a professional level by doing sculptures of logos for companies in Durban in an interesting way. This was motivated after a trip to uShaka Marine World where he noticed that there was no artistic representation of their logo anywhere in the park at the time. He thus began the sculpturing process of the logo that was inspired by the experience in the Aquarium at uShaka Marine World.

The background of the sculpture is a simulation of the sea and is made from zinc and individually-made ribbons to give the sea effect. The sculpture portrays the shark springing out from the water with the company logo hanging from the shark. The materials used for the shark include a chain from ordinary wire which was used to cover the skeleton and the rest is crafted from wood, zinc and the fins were the finishing touch, made of wax.

The company logo was made with plastic and the name is cut from zinc and a steel rod is bent to hold the plastic in shape. uShaka embraced this work of art when Mahape presented it to them and it was placed in the Village Walk for the public to admire.

To find out more about the artwork or to place corporate orders, contact Morgan Mahape on 073 297 3923.

NEW HYSTERIA

(Pascal Koch, Seth Parkin and Aury Livingstone)

New Hysteria will perform as the main feature band at Mojo’s at The Riverside Hotel on March 2 as one of the GreenBox Productions featured bands and artists which can be seen at the venue over the next few months

Hosted and co-ordinated by Bookendz and Friends on behalf of Mojo’s and the Riverside Hotel, these popular Friday night events (which take place on the last Friday in the month) has created a great amount of interest within the local music arena. The perfect place to wind down with family and friends after a heavy week, there is a cash bar and delicious and affordable menu to choose from whilst entrance is free but tables are strictly on a first come first serve basis so you don’t want to be too late.

New Hysteria were formed almost three years ago by Seth Parkin and Aury Livingstone and later joined by Pascal Koch making up this tight and talented threesome. The Westville Boys High School students quickly developed a sound which would astound audiences across the board. The boys, then 14 years old, appealed to most of the older age group as they performed classics from the likes of The Eagles, Creedance Clear Water Revival, Queen, Jimi Hendrix, Live, Maroon 5 and more.

As they matured - not only as individuals but also as artists - so did their music and they “came into their own” as it were, penning most of their own songs and establishing their own signature sound. Unlike most boys and bands of 16, this music is mature and lyrically appealing and is not just another head-banging mess from a stage.

They won every category in the 2010 Kearsney Collage Battle of the bands –which not only set them up as a fully equipped band with regard to equipment, but also afforded them their first opportunity to perform at the 2012 Splashy Fen festival. They will perform at Splashy again this year and can be seen on the Splashy 2 Stage at 14h00 on April 7.

“It is clear this band is outstanding and perhaps the obstacle of school is not such a bad thing although for the present, is somewhat limiting in terms of musical opportunities realised, because as their manager it remains imperative that I ensure their schooling comes first and three different sets of parents and household rules are observed,” says their GreenBox Productions Manager Tanya van Agthoven Marais.

Completing their first full album at Lyd Studios with Producer Ruben Thomas in his Winston Park studio is ongoing as end of year 2011exams became a priority just as the last tracks were to be laid down. However a few sample tracks will be available for short CD compilation which they hope to sell at Splashy Fen this year even though the release of the full CD will take a little longer.

New Hysteria will perform at Mojo’s, Riverside Hotel, on March 2. The band can be booked for corporate, private events and festivals through their Management and Publicist Tanya van Agthoven Marais on 082 747 9738 or Tanya@greenboxproductions.com

HENSLEY & ROWLAND

(Toni Rowland and Ken Hensley)

Legendary Rocker Ken Hensley of Uriah Heep fame has just arrived in Durban where he will be producing Durban songstress Toni Rowland’s second album in Sesalos Studios in the Upper Highway area .

Hensley and Rowland have worked together on her previous album unfolding which was produced in his own studio in Alicante, Spain.

“Toni is an inspiration and a true talent and it is an honour to work with her and mentor her in whichever way I can - this is why it was such a pleasure for me to travel to Durban to work with her again her own home town, “ Hensley says.

He added that it was also his great honour to be able to have her share the stage with him on March 17 when he performs his one night only, limited ticket show at the New Life Church Auditorium in Gauteng before flying out again the following day. Hensley will then resume his own personal performance engagements and commence preliminary preparations through his own management for Toni’s own European Tour.

More information from Tanya van Agthoven Marais on 082 747 9738 or tva_pr@global.co.za

PANSA KZN CO-ORDINATOR

The Performing Arts Network of South Africa (PANSA) is a dynamic networking organisation that builds links between individual performing artists and organisations, lobbies for support for the arts from government and business, and runs exciting performance projects.

The PANSA KZN Region is looking for a Regional Co-ordinator with the following skills:

- Excellent communication skills
- Good networking skills
- General office administration skills
- Project management skills
- Basic financial skills such as the preparation and implementation of a budget
- Computer literate in the following programmes: WORD and EXCEL
- Familiar with a variety of social media applications such as FACEBOOK, TWITTER etc.
- Mobility, and able to work and travel independently after hours and on weekends
- In addition, spoken and written knowledge of an African language would be useful.

Interested applicants should submit their Curriculum Vitae (before February 29) by e-mail to Joanne Hayes on kzn@pansa.org.za

Successful short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview by March 7. The remuneration package and contract length are negotiable.

ACT CALLS FOR LISTING SUBMISSIONS

In December 2011, the Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) announced a new partnership with UJ Arts & Culture at the University of Johannesburg which looks set to generate many positive spin-offs for the industry.

One of the primary undertakings of this joint venture will be the establishment of an annual Arts & Culture Conference, aimed at critically unpacking some of the crucial issues facing the individual artists, cultural workers and arts organisations that comprise the South African arts and culture sector. In providing a platform through which to address pertinent industry issues, it is hoped that mobilisation will take place towards the sharing of a common voice.

The mandate of the Arts & Culture Trust is to facilitate the sustainable development and growth of the arts, culture and heritage in South Africa, actualised through mutually beneficial partnerships between the corporate, public and cultural sectors.

In keeping with these ideals, one of the key value components of the conference will be the initial publication of the SA Arts & Culture Listing, a comprehensive national database of stakeholders in the South African arts and culture industry that will to be distributed to participants as part of the conference collateral. The Listing aims to extend and strengthen partnerships between various participants in the industry. Arts industry stakeholders – from corporates to community groups – are strongly encouraged to submit their details for inclusion in the directory.

The closing date for submissions is March 15, 2012.

The database will be managed on an ongoing basis by the Arts & Culture Trust, and will be made accessible to members of the sector on request, in exchange for a nominal contribution to the Trust. Interested parties should follow this link to submit their details, to be a part of this valuable industry initiative: http://tiny.cc/rwo38

The inaugural ACT | UJ Arts & Culture Conference, to be held in the UJ Arts Centre Theatre on the Kingsway Campus, will take an in-depth look at the state of arts and culture in South Africa by providing a platform to engage in discussion around topics of significance for the sector. Further details will be released shortly.

A limited number of sponsored registrations will be made available to arts, culture and heritage practitioners from outside Gauteng. ACT will administer these applications as well as the conference registrations, which will open once the programme has been announced in March.

PLAYHOUSE ARTS CO-ORDINATOR

The Playhouse Company is looking to fill the position of Arts Co-ordinator. The successful applicant will be responsible for the following:

Key Performance Areas: Source artists for shows; co-ordinate the schedules for artists; monitor the execution of the project; maintain database of artists, and co-ordinate logistical issues related to the portfolio.

Suitable applicants will be expected to meet the following minimum requirements: a minimum of 3 to 5 years working experience in any of the following disciplines - Speech and Drama, dance, communication and marketing.

Relevant Qualifications include:
- - A knowledge in Co-ordinating projects/events preferably in the Performing Arts
- - Advanced level of computer literacy (MS Office).
- - Excellent track record in administration, planning and organising
- - Ability to work and deliver under pressure
- - Ensure high quality output
- - Ability to work independently without constant supervision
- - Attention to detail is imperative

Candidates from previously disadvantaged groups are encouraged to apply. Send detailed CV to Phumzile Mkhize, hrassistant@playhousecompany.com no later than March 2, 2012.

LIPS RENDEZVOUS

The next meeting of the Live Poets Society (LiPS) takes place on March 7.

“If you are a writer or a poet and are experiencing Writers Block Syndrome due to the heat wave, then you need laughter therapy,” says LiPS convener, Danny Naicker. “Adrian Gostick and Scott Christopher in their book The Levity Effect” explain the benefits of fun and humour and how it helps you to become productive and creative. If you can laugh all the way to the bank then it’s time to fill your pockets with laughter and make your way to an evening of poetry with the Live Poets Society.”

The guest poet for the month of March is Kobie Korf, a newcomer to the poetry scene who is making waves with her work. She presently works from a small office doing everything related to domestic labour laws. Prior to moving to Durban a good 14 years ago, she worked as a nutritional advisor after completing a diploma in nutrition. However, her real calling was as a librarian and for many years she worked in this field in Mpumalanga and Limpopo.

The Heart of Nelson Mandela was her first published work. In Afrikaans and English, it is accompanied by a CD which contains her voice in the poetry as well as those of Durban actors Caroline Smart and Thomie Holtzhausen.

Korf thinks of herself as a “word-farmer” and uses any spare time to write. She has had her poetry published on the internet and is presently trying to get the book made available in e-format.

The LiPS Rendezvous will take place at the Point Yacht Club on Durban’s Victoria Embankment on March 7 at 17h30 for 18h00. Admission is free. More information from Danny Naicker on 083 282 0865 or e-mail:- dnaicker@metsond.co.za

TRUE COLOURS

Due to shine through at uShaka on February 25, True Colours is a multi-cultural band that features three of Durban’s top performers: Rory Booth, Brendon Mendes and Idols favourite, Josslyn Hlenti. This trio sings their own original music but also brings new life to pop/R&B hits such as Halo, Man down, Ego, I Wanna Be the Only One, Apologise and True Colours.

True Colours will perform with DJ Spike on February 25 between 11h00 and 17h00 at Wet ‘n Wild. Enjoy the exhilarating water slides plus see True Colours perform, all at the cost of entry into Wet ‘n Wild of R110 (R85 children) or a combo entry at R149 (R110 children).

For more information contact uShaka Marine World on 031 328 8000 or visit www.ushakamarineworld.co.za

LOYISO GOLA FOR SUNCOAST

Laugh your way through the Life & Times of South Africa’s funny man Loyiso Gola when he takes to the stage on March 2 and 3 at the SunZone at Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World.

With a groundbreaking weekly television show on e.tv and eNews that is taking South Africa by storm, Loyiso Gola recently celebrated his 10th anniversary in South African comedy with a show titled Life & Times. His runs at Suncoast will also serve as the KZN launch of his DVD of the same show.

With his sharp wit, unmistakable charm and thought provoking comedy style, Loyiso Gola has been enthralling, mystifying and entertaining audiences for an entire decade. His first one man show – Loyiso Gola for President – enjoyed runaway success, earned him rave reviews and served to announce his arrival as one of the country’s best comedians.

As a result, he went on to win a South African Comedy Award for Best Breakthrough Comedy Act in 2007, was later nominated for the Best Comedian of the Year Award at the Stars of Mzansi Awards and more recently in the same category at last year’s inaugural Comics Choice Awards.

Loyiso’s journey in the mirth-making business has been a 10-year odyssey of madness. During this time he has performed alongside the best South Africa has to offer as well as shared the stage with the best comedians in the world, such as Russell Peters, Jimmy Carr, Pablo Francisco, Jim Jefferies, Paul Rodriguez, Mark Curry and Brandon Burns, to name a few.

He has experienced life, developed his craft and evolved as a comedian while the country has navigated through some interesting times, socially, economically and politically.

In Life & Times, an older more enlightened and insightful Gola will bring to the stage some of his celebrated material amassed over a decade of performance which will also be interwoven in a narrative that will include content about the events and people who have shaped the country and the world we live in over the past 10 years.

Mike Dowsley MD of Suncoast says, “Suncoast is proud to be associated with high profile celebrities such as Loyiso Gola. This exemplifies the vision of Suncoast being one of the best entertainment hot spots in Durban”. This show is also proudly supported by the eThekwini Municipality as part of their commitment to bringing premium entertainment to the region and further developing home grown talent.

Life & Times runs at SunZone at Suncoast Casino on March 2 and 3. Tickets R150 pp for VIP seating (R120 for general admission). Tickets available at Computicket and at the Suncoast Box Office. Seating is reserved.

BHAVRANG

(Manesh Maharaj)

The Kala Darshan Institute of classical music and dance is to present Bhavrang, a Kathak dance recital by Guru Shri Manesh Maharaj, on February 25 in Chatsworth.

Originating in the temples of Northern India and later flourishing in the courts of Mughal emperors, Kathak is distinguished by intricate rhythm, graceful pirouettes and evocative expression. Its complex footwork and breath-taking spins have made it one of the world’s most cherished classical dance styles.

Bhavrang explores the technical brilliance as well as the expressional aspect of Kathak. It is a journey through various moods and emotions set against vibrant rhythms, retaining the spiritual essence of Kathak.

The solo recital will take place on February 25 at the Ved Mandir (Aryan Benevolent Homes), Unit 6 (Chatsworth) commencing at 18h00. Admission is free. Live music accompaniment will be provided by students of Kala Darshan: Ketan Surjuprosad (tabla); Reshma Raghunath & Seendira Maharaj (vocals); Trishana Sookrim (harmonium) and Bhavta Harrielall (padhant).

For further information please contact 082 422 6865.

IMBOKODO

(Thobeka Ntanzi, Lungelwa Radebe and Noluthando Kubheka)

Riveting DUT dance piece by Mdu Mtshali. (Review by Philisiwe Sithole)

Recently performed at the Durban University of Technology’s Courtyard Theatre before it appeared on the recent Dance Umbrella festival in Johannesburg, Imbokodo is a riveting and moving dance piece. It is choreographed by DUT Drama Studies Dance lecturer Mdu Mtshali with 3rd year students of the DUT Drama Studies programme.

Featuring poetry by Genbia Hyla and Sifanelesibonge Mtshali, the piece is mainly about the scrutiny of abuse towards women. It’s also about women peeling their skin in securing their place in society - women are being raped almost every second in South Africa. The piece profoundly emphasized the pain they go through and also exemplifies that a rapist could be any one - a lover, a friend, a gangster…

There is a collaboration of spoken word in the piece just emphasizing vocally the process of rape. I find the piece is separated into two worlds. In the first part, a naked figure (April Mkhize) dances in an abstract form creating an image of women who are raped but die inside because they do not voice their experiences. Instead, they cocoon themselves in a little corner as a protecting shield.

The other section was more technical and directed a duet (TK and Ntando) which presented women facing the abuse together and making a choice of revealing their status and doing something about their rape.

There is minimal lightning in the piece, reflecting the darkness of the subject matter. There is reflection of shadows in the piece to emphasize the pain.

The cast includes Lungelwa Radebe; Zinhle Khanyile; Thobeka Ntanzi; Noluthando Kubheka; Sifanelesibonge Mtshali; Charles Zulu; Londiwe Ngwazi; Ntonhle Mtolo and Professor Nqakula.– Philisiwe Sithole

SUE KEMP WORKSHOP

The Green Gallery will host Sue Kemp, one of South Africa’s most accomplished, best known and successful artists in a four-day workshop in Durban in June.

Sue is an influential teacher having taught in all mediums for over 20 years, initially in Johannesburg and more recently in George where she continues to run workshops and lessons from her new studio and home.

“Peaceful and tranquil surrounds will add to the ambience of the workshop,” says artist Nicole Susan Pletts who is organising the workshop. “Knowing Sue and writing from experience, hard work and fun will be the order of the day with a sense of accomplishment being your end reward.”

The workshop will run from June 4 to 7 from 09h00 to 16h00 at 1 The Rushes, HoylakeVillage, Mount Edgecombe Country Club. Fees R2,200 pp (R1,000 deposit on application) include a light lunch tea and coffee, one table. All art, materials, cleaning agents and references should be supplied by the artist. The course is limited to a maximum 16 students

Booking will be on a first come first served basis. To secure a booking a R1,000 deposit should be paid on application to: The Green Gallery - Standard Bank – Umhlanga Ridge Branch – Account No 252101659. Note the deposit becomes non–refundable with effect from May 1 and the balance of the booking fee should be received by May 20 to secure your place.

For more information visit www.nicoleplettsfineart.com

ISAAC SITHOLE TRIBUTE EXHIBITION

(“Feel the beauty of colours” by Isaac Sithole)

The African Art Centre invites the public to the opening of an exhibition which pays tribute to one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most prolific woodcarvers, Isaac Sithole. The much-loved artist passed away after a short illness on February 7. Hlengi Dube who has worked with Isaac for more than twenty years will pay tribute to Isaac’s life and the contribution he made to art in KZN at the opening on February 29.

Born and raised in Maputo, Mozambique, Isaac was introduced to the traditional technique of woodcarving by friends in his neighbourhood when he was 12 years old. In 1990, at the age of 16 Isaac moved to South Africa with a friend and immediately linked up with other young artists in the community. Shortly after moving to Durban, he joined the BAT Centre where he worked as a professional, fulltime woodcarver.

In 1992, Isaac was exposed to the technique of woodcut printing, a medium he continued to embrace. Isaac said it was his experience as a sculptor which advanced his affinity and love of working and experimenting with woodblock printing. In approximately 1998, Isaac started exploring the technique of colour reduction woodcut techniques, which entails cutting away at the woodblock each time a new colour is printed.

Isaac exhibited at a number of galleries in South Africa. In Durban, these included the Durban Art Gallery, the African Art Centre and the BAT Centre's Democratic Gallery. His work is represented in numerous private and corporate collections including the Tatham Art Gallery, the Durban Art Gallery, and the Killie Campbell Museum. He was also responsible for the artwork which adorns the central food court at the Liberty Midlands Mall in Pietermaritzburg. These murals are enlargements of his woodcut prints.

The African Art Centre has sold and promoted Isaac’s works since 1990. All proceeds from sales generated at the exhibition will go to his family to assist in covering the cost of the funeral and other expenses.

The Isaac Sithole Tribute Exhibition opens on February 29 at 17h00. For additional information call the Director of the African Art Centre on 031 312 3805 or the Development Officer on 031 303 4634.

SOULFUL SYNTHESIS

(Sivan Rotem)

The next concert in the KZN Philharmonic Summer Season on February 23 is titled Soulful Synthesis. Conducted by Omri Hadari, it offers a classical cornucopia of beautiful and exciting works. The concert consists of some familiar and seldom-heard pieces by Rossini, Mozart and Beethoven, and features soprano Sivan Rotem in her debut with the orchestra. The evening opens with the overture to Rossini’s opera Semiramide.

Mozart dominates the remainder of the first half. Sivan Rotem opens the set with two arias from popular operas. The first – Deh vieni non tardar – hails from Le nozze di Figaro. In this aria, Susanna (who is engaged to Figaro) sings of her love, which Figaro mistakenly thinks is directed at the Count in this masterpiece of misdirection. The second aria comes from Cosi fan tutte, another collaboration with Lorenzo Da Ponte. Another story featuring mistaken identities, Cosi fan tutte essentially concerns the testing of the faithfulness of lovers. Una donna a quindici anni is an attempt by the scheming maid Despina to encourage some naughty flirtation.

The second half of the concert will feature a work that Beethoven considered one of his finest, and many are inclined to agree. The Symphony No. 7 offers something for everyone; from the majesty of its opening introduction to the soul-stirring second movement and the raw energy of the first, third and fourth movements, it is an exuberant work that will cap our concert on an exhilarating note.

The concert takes place in the Durban City Hall on February 23 at 19h30 (doors open at 18h30). Patrons wishing to purchase tickets at the door should arrive early to avoid delays and queues at Computicket.

The pre-concert talks held in association with Friends of Music have moved to the Albany Hotel (follow signage from the foyer). Entry fee R30 includes tea, coffee and sandwiches. The speaker for February 23 will be Ted Brien.

Safe and subsidised parking is available at The Royal Parkade – R10 flat rate for the evening. Some 30 additional security personnel are positioned in and around the City Hall, Royal and Albany hotels to escort patrons to and from the vehicles.

Booking for the concerts and the pre-concert talks is at Computicket.

Other pre-concert events include the 2012 series of Concert Conversations with Dr David Plylar at the UKZN which will take place on Thursday evenings at UKZN at 17h30. Transport will be provided from the university for students wanting to attend the concert after the talk.

Relax and unwind at Quarters Florida Road on Thursday evenings after work – enjoy a cocktail and snacks served from 17h30 and socialise with other concert goers. Meet orchestra staff, musicians and, on occasion, the visiting conductors and soloists. There is a complimentary shuttle service from Quarters to and from the Durban City Hall.

For more information click on the KZNPO banner advert at the top of this page.

GODFREY JOHNSON WITH HORNS

Multi award-winning cabaret performer Godfrey Johnson will present his new one-man show at the Hexagon Dive in Pietermaritzburg for a short run from March 1 to 3, after a succession of sold-out shows in Cape Town and Durban.

Godfrey Johnson With Horns includes hilarious tales of gyms, health, food, fashion; captivating songs and a healthy dose of comedy and pathos. Sex Pistols in the style of Noel Coward, musical jokes and many more hilarious moments. The show includes songs by Brel, Coward, Porter, Pet Shop Boys and new material by Johnson. The audience will also have the chance to choose their favourite songs as Johnson works his human juke box routine.

“The whole point of the show is just to make the audience laugh. It’s not so much a stand-up comedy show, but more of a sit-down comedy show,” he jokes.

In 2007, Johnson won The Fleur du Cap Award for best performance in a cabaret and has been nominated twice for his one man show, Flirting with Coward and The Shadow of Brel, both directed by Sanjin Muftic. In 2010 he performed with Pieter-Dirk Uys in award-winning Bambi Sings the FAK and other struggle Anthems at The Fugard Theatre.

Johnson has performed over 20 one-man shows and has appeared at every arts festival in South Africa as well as performing in Montreal, Amsterdam and London. He has starred in numerous films, television programmes and musicals, most recently David Moore's Once Upon a Road Trip and Robert Silke's The Satyr of Springbok Heights. He also directed the musical The Cape Town Show in 2010 and 2011.

Godfrey Johnson With Horns runs at the Hexagon Dive, UKZN, Pietermaritzburg, from March 1 to 3 at 19h00 for 19h30 (doors open at 18h50). This takes the form of a picnic evening so patrons are invited to take their own food, but no drinks as there is a cash bar. Tickets R95 pp (tables seat 10). Bookings on e-mail hexagon@ukzn.ac.za or 033 260 5537.

ARTISTS SUBMISSIONS TO BLUES FESTIVAL

Blues artists who would like to be considered for a slot at the Durban International Blues Festival 2012, should submit the following information and items to the organisers:

- A full press kit with cuttings, press ready photographs and a long and a short biography of the band or Artist. This should take the form of hard copies, a CD or both. Photographs should be a minimum of 200DPI, but we would prefer 300DPI.

Also a CD of your latest recordings and some idea of the fee that you would like to be paid as well as any other costs

These should go to: The Programme Director, Durban International Blues Festival, 40 Madeline Road, Morningside, Durban 4001 or email: will@mweb.co.za

Submissions will be open from February 12 and close on July 31.

For more information on the Festival itself contact the Publicity Director, Tanya van Agthoven Marais, on 082 747 9738 or email: tva_pr@global.co.za

elegant fetish

elegant fetish is an holistic ART Initiative for the Durban Community described as “a Breath of L.I.F.E. (Landmark Initiative For Everybody) ART Fund, promoting our International Future”.

The project involves live cartooning, performance ART and local Design/Hand-crafts – all mixed with a stroll through the canals listening to the sounds of Durban and enjoying café-style meals by catering legends.

elegant fetish takes place on Saturdays from 16h00 to midnight at the Fetish Cocktail Lounge, The Sails, 14 Timeball Boulevard on the Point Waterfront in Durban. Promote your ART @ affordable prices – booking enquiries for stalls and all other displays to dbnelegantfetish@yahoo.com

Any other enquiries to Bryan on 084 099 4249.

GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG

(Deborah Voigt as Brünnhilde)

Opera Live fans have been delighted by the extraordinary fifth season of the Met Opera currently screening exclusively at Cinema Nouveau and select Ster-Kinekor Theatres. The next unforgettable production is Richard Wagner’s Götterdämmerung, from March 2.

“Due to the success of our previous Opera Live productions, we have extended the screenings to include select Ster-Kinekor Theatres in addition to the Cinema Nouveau sites, reaching as wide an audience as possible. Our successful attendances reinforce the fact that opera is widely appealing to our local market and we are confident that Götterdämmerung will keep audiences mesmerised this March,” says Raksha Singh of Ster-Kinekor Theatres.

Götterdämmerung (Twilight of the Gods) is the last in Richard Wagner's cycle of four operas titled Der Ring des Nibelungen (The Ring of the Nibelung or The Ring, for short).

The prologue is set on the Valkyries' rock. Three Norns* spin the rope of Fate, recalling Wotan's days of power and predicting the end of the Gods. When the rope breaks they descend in terror to their mother, Erda, goddess of the earth. At dawn Siegfried and his bride, Brünnhilde, emerge from their cave (Zu neuen Taten). Though fearful that she may lose the hero, she sends him forth to deeds of valour. As a token of his love, Siegfried gives Brünnhilde the magic Ring he took from Fafner, and she gives him her horse Grane in exchange. Passionately they bid farewell as Siegfried sets off into the world (Rhine Journey) and so the opera continues.

(*Taken from Norse mythology, The Norns are female beings who rule the destiny of gods and men)

The Met Opera production is conducted by Fabio Luisi and hosted by Patricia Racette. Götterdämmerung stars are Deborah Voigt (Brünnhilde); Wendy Bryn Harmer (Gutrune); Waltraud Meier (Waltraute); Jay Hunter Morris (Siegfried); Iain Paterson (Gunther); Eric Owens (Alberich), and Hans-Peter Konig (Hagen). The running time is approximately 7 hours, including three intermissions.

The other opera productions to look forward to this season are: Verdi’s Ernani (March 16); Massenet’s Manon (April 27), and Verdi’s La Traviata (May 4).

The film will be released in KZN at Cinema Nouveau at Gateway and Ster-Kinekor at Shelly Beach.

www.sterkinekor.com| Mobi-site: www. sterkinekor.mobi |Ticketline: 082 16789 | Facebook: Ster-Kinekor Theatres | Follow us on Twitter: @SKTheatres

ABNORMAL LOADS

(Mothusi Magano with Allison Cassels in the background)

Neil Coppen’s sensational dramatic comedy a must-see in Durban

Standard Bank Young Artist Award winner for Drama in 2011, Neil Coppen’s latest stage work has its Durban premiere season at The Playhouse from March 16 to 31, before transferring to the Market Theatre in Johannesburg in April.

The new play by the creator of the widely admired dramas Tin Bucket Drum and Tree Boy, Abnormal Loads is presented by Think Theatre in association with The Playhouse Company, with support by the Catalina Unltd, Arts and Culture Trust and The National Arts Festival.

This critically acclaimed work, which swept the boards when it opened the 2011 National Arts Festival in Grahamstown, is set in a fictional battlefield town in the once war ravaged valleys of Northern KwaZulu-Natal. It has been described as a breath-taking amalgamation of ghost story, love drama, historical epic and dark comedy…a lyrical (at times bloody) praise-poem to the Province of KZN and its myriad of characters and cultures.

The play’s protagonist is Vincent Bashford, a mixed-race descendent of the town’s founding father, who grows up alongside his conservative colonial grandmother, Moira, on a small-holding outside of the town. After 29 years spent in relative isolation, Vincent begins to dream of an escape. Spurred on by his new friend, Katrien Joubert, the rebellious 16-year-old daughter of the NG Kerk dominie, and Moira’s domestic worker, Prudence, the three youngsters begin to unravel a series of secrets and events that connect them across time, memory and history.

With a narrative that whisks audiences through two centuries of South African history, Abnormal Loads presents a theatrical universe where the past runs in tandem with the present. The play takes an irreverent look at how history is misconstrued to suit the individual’s needs, while offering a humorous reflection on the many contradictions and complexities of life in small town South Africa as events shift seamlessly from the grandeur of a battle-field in 1879 to the intimacy of the bedroom in 2011.

Written and designed by Neil Coppen, the production is directed by Coppen and Jana Ramos Violante. It features a multi-talented cast comprising some of the country’s finest talent, including Allison Cassels, Mothusi Magano (of Totsi and Plein Street fame) and Jenna Dunster (Isidingo), with Fortunate Dhlomo, Ntombikayise Gasa, Nhlakanipho Manqele, Clinton Small, Thomie Holtzhausen and Nosipho Bophela.

Once again Coppen has collaborated across disciplines and mediums to bring his new work to life. Movement, sound, music, multi-media and shadow combine to create a arrestingly original theatrical experience.

Lighting design by Tina le Roux and sound design by Tristan Horton offsets an original score by Gary Thomas. The production’s Heliograph Hill is designed and built by Xavier Clarisse. Audio visuals are by Vaughn Sadie and additional period costuming by Julia Wilson and Neil Stuart-Harris. Military uniforms are by courtesy of The Dundee Die Hard re-enactment group.

Abnormal Loads runs in The Playhouse Drama from March 16 to 31. Previews are on March 16 at 19h30 and March 17 at 14h30. Opening night is March 17 at 19h30. Performances during the run are Tuesdays to Saturdays at 19h30, with 14h30 matinees on Saturdays and Sundays (no evening shows on Sundays). No show on Wednesday 21st (Public Holiday). The production offers powerful socio-historical perspectives for school learners, and two morning schools performances will be given on March 22 (no evening show).

Early booking for this hot-property production is strongly advised. Call Computicket on 0861 915 8000 or book online at www.computicket.com. Alternatively call Playhouse box office hotline 031 369 9540 (office hours). For school bookings and group bookings call Margie Coppen on 083 251 9412.

WOZA, ALBERT!

Michaelhouse’s Schlesinger Theatre is to present Woza Albert! written by Percy Mtwa, Mbongeni Ngema and Barney Simon.

Woza Albert! is one of the plays for which South African theatre is best known internationally. Its physical style of storytelling was to inspire and influence theatre companies around the world – and it is one of the best examples that define South African theatre in all its vibrancy, innovation and humanity.

This celebrated and much-loved South African classic asks what would happen if Jesus Christ (Morena) came back to South Africa during apartheid. This lively satire of the absurdities of apartheid provides a showcase for the talents of two dextrous actors, who play a range of ordinary characters on the street.

The first part of the play sets the scene, attacking the pass laws that prevented black South Africans from moving and working freely. Similarly, it sketches in a few short minutes the semi-slavery that was imposed on manual workers by bosses who could fire them if they got too independent.

However, there is always a rich vein of humour even in the worst adversity. The use of clown’s noses from the apparently subservient blacks to distinguish the elite Afrikaners - including the Prime Minister – was one of the features to make this play famous. The short, impressionistic sketches begin to move from background scenes of generally downtrodden life to interviews with individuals about the impending visit of Morena – who inaugurates his Second Coming by flying to South Africa courtesy of SAA.

The second half of the play becomes considerably darker and more resonant. Now Jesus is in the country and his life is replayed in the apartheid context. He is first welcomed then imprisoned. When he is taken to Robben Island, his escape is easy as he walks back across the bay to Cape Town. This retelling of a familiar story in a new context becomes devastating by the end, shedding light on both the Bible and apartheid South Africa.

The new season of Woza Albert! features Mncedisi Shabangu and Hamilton Dlamini and is directed by Prince Lamla whose production, Coal Yard, won the Zwakala Festival and had a highly successful ran at the Market Theatre.

Woza Albert! runs in the Schlesinger Theatre at Michaelhouse from March 1 to 3 with performances on March 1 at 11h00 and 19h00; on March 2 at 15h00 (which includes a lecture by Malcolm Purkey and on March 3 at 19h00. Tickets R100 (R80 scholars and pensioners) booked through email: theatre@michaelhouse.org or on 033 234 1314

BOESMAN & LENA

(Caitlan Kilburn as Lena and Rory Booth as Boesman)

Athol Fugard’s classic story of two coloured people trapped in a struggle for freedom and dignity set during apartheid South Africa, is to be staged at the Catalina Theatre, Wilsons Wharf for a season designed primarily as a study aid to high school learners

Directed by Daisy Spencer and starring Rory Booth and Caitlan Kilburn in the title roles, with Mthokozisi Zulu as “Outa”, this production takes place in the course of a single evening, following Boesman and Lena’s story as they journey across the mudflats of the Swartkops River near Port Elizabeth, carrying all their belongings, as they have been uprooted from their home which has been bulldozed by the white authorities in order to drive them and other blacks and coloureds in the segregated settlement further away from their white neighbours.

Fugard described an encounter he had that influenced the creation of Boesman and Lena: on a hot August day in 1965, Fugard and two friends were driving along a rural road when they saw an old woman trudging along with all of her worldly possessions tied up in a bundle on her head. They stopped and offered her a ride. She cried at their unexpected kindness, and during the fifteen-mile trip to a farm up the road, she told them about the death of her husband three days earlier and her nine missing children.

If Fugard and his companions hadn't stopped to offer her a ride, she would have followed her plan to sleep in a stormwater drain that night and continue her long journey the next day.

Boesman and Lena premiered in Grahamstown at the Rhodes University Little Theatre in 1969 with Fugard himself in the role of Boesman and Yvonne Bryceland as Lena. Glyn Day, a white actor, played the part of Outa in blackface. When the curtain rang down at the end of the play there was a moment of silence and then followed round after round of applause from the distinguished first-night audience. The cast took eight curtain calls.

Daisy Spencer says this about the current production: “If you have ever had the fortune of meeting a coloured person, I’m sure you will agree that we are a very special, amusing and interesting race. Yet as unique as we are, we are constantly conflicted by our lack of a sense of belonging. We metamorphosise into whomever we need to be to entertain the people we are surrounded by, which often leaves us unsure of who we really are. Yes, race is one of the themes Boesman and Lena highlights, but far beyond this, Athol Fugard presents two people whose pain and suffering is as stark as their surroundings, made worse by man's cruelty to man - the secret pain we all inflict upon each other in our closest relationships. It is a struggle to find the strength it takes to break free from what holds one back from finding out who one really is, and more importantly, what one's value is”.

Presented by Catalina UnLtd, Boesman & Lena runs from February 27 to March 16 at Catalina Theatre. Public performances Fridays and Saturdays at 20h00 (Sundays at 18h00) and for School Groups weekdays at 11h00. Tickets R75 (R60 pensioners). Schools R45 per scholar (one teacher free for every 10 scholars). Bookings on www.strictlytickets.com or 031 305 6889.

The Catalina Theatre is still functioning thanks to the generosity and support from Rainbow Chicken Farms, the Ethekwini Municipality and the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund.

www.classicsa.co.za

www.classicsa.co.za, South Africa’s foremost website for classical music celebrates its 2nd birthday this month.

Since its launch two years ago, this formidable website has become the leading mouthpiece for classical music in South Africa, informing its users of breaking news on a daily basis in the classical music world, keeping them up to date with who’s who on the local music scene, as well as events and concerts.

To date, www.classicsa.co.za has published over 100 weekly Focus On features, engaging a broad selection of South Africa’s top classical musicians e.g. tenor Johan Botha, conductor Gerard Korsten and répétiteur Brenda Rein, as well as talented young South African musicians breaking into the international classical music circuit, e.g. soprano Pretty Yende, baritone Njabulo Madlala, pianists Ben Schoeman and James Baillieu. This column also offers the opportunity to pay tribute to those who have made vast contributions to the South African classical music industry, e.g. Mimi Coertze, Nellie du Toit, and Emma Renzi, Marian Lewin, Thomas Rajna and Barry Smith.

In the daily News and Reviews column, the website keeps its pulse on news in the industry – current competitions, awards, achievements, auditions and important happenings.

With nearly 6000 concerts and events listed over the past two years, music lovers from all over the world can benefit from the What’s On calendar, which offers a comprehensive diary of which concerts and events take place around South Africa on a daily basis.

The extensive directory on the site offers all classical music practitioners in South Africa the opportunity to advertise their services, which in turn allows the website’s users to engage directly with musicians, teachers, music shops, piano tuners, etc.

Newsletter subscribers of the site have the opportunity to win exciting prizes each month. This could be tickets to some of the top concerts in the country, or season tickets to symphony orchestra seasons. Additionally, Classicsa Page on Facebook provides a lively and interactive forum for friends of the website to share their views on published features, as well as photo albums capturing music lovers seen at concerts and events.

Founder Louis Fouché says that apart from providing a centralized platform for classical music and its many different components, the aim of www.classicsa.co.za is ultimately to make classical music more accessible to a much broader community, specifically younger and emerging audiences. “Contrary to general perception, the classical music industry in South Africa is extremely vibrant and of great social importance, and we want to reflect this on the site with a fresh approach. The key to the sustainability of classical music in our country therefore is to inform, communicate, and to create dialogue in order to work towards a new support base.”

For more information visit www.classicsa.co.za or email: info@classicsa.co.za

MILTON AND FRIENDS

The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music at the University of KwaZulu-Natal is to present Mozambican-born guitarist, composer and arranger Milton Chissano and his quartet on February 22.

Milton Chissano is a classically trained guitarist who studied Jazz and Popular music at UKZN in Durban. Milton has done countless collaborations with musicians from South Africa and Mozambique and he has performed in France, Swaziland and Namibia as well as most parts of South Africa.

Milton and Friends features Milton Chissano on guitar, Jeff Robinson on flute and saxophone, Mduduzi Mthethwa on bass, and Sibusiso Zondi on drums. The band has an exciting repertoire that includes traditional music, Afro-Jazz, Afro-Latino and tropical jazz.

The performance takes place on February 22 at 18h00 (doors opens at 17h30) at the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music (CJPM), Level 2, Shepstone Building, UKZN. Tickets R30 (R20 pensioners/R10 students). Bookings on 031 260 3385 or email Zamat1@ukzn.ac.za A cash bar will be available.

DEADLINE FOR DIFF ENTRIES

The 33rd edition of the Durban International Film Festival will take place from July 19 to 29, 2012.

Supported by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (principal funder), the National Film and Video Foundation, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Tourism and other valued funders and partners, the festival will present over 200 screenings of films from around the world, with a special focus on films from South African and Africa.

Screenings will take place throughout Durban including township areas where cinemas are non-existent. The festival will also offer an extensive seminar and workshop programme featuring local and international filmmakers. 2012 will also see the return of Talent Campus Durban and the Durban FilmMart.

The festival calls for entries from around the world. Feature films, short films and documentaries are all welcome. The festival does have a competition component.

The deadline for entries is March 16, 2012, for short films and documentaries and April 6, 2012, for feature films. Early submissions are encouraged.

For more information click on the Centre for Creative Arts button advert at the top of this page or visit www.cca.ukzn.ac.za or email diff@ukzn.ac.za

THE ARTIST

(Jean Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo)
Forever changing the way we look at motion pictures, The Artist is a reminder of why we love the movies, and Cinema Nouveau offers an exclusive opportunity to watch this Oscar nominated film over a month before its official release date on April 5.

In celebration of the 2012 Academy Awards, Cinema Nouveau theatres across the country will host special pre-release screenings of The Artist all day, nationally, on February 26, the same day as the actual Academy Awards take place in Los Angeles.

The Artist itself is a silent film and was produced in black-and-white. It has received wide praise from critics across the globe and premiered at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival where lead actor Jean Dujardin won the Best Actor Award. The film was also nominated for six Golden Globes, the most of any film from 2011, and won three: Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy, Best Original Score, and Best Actor - Motion Picture Musical or Comedy. In January 2012, the film was nominated for 12 BAFTAs and 10 Academy Awards.

The Artist has become Hollywood’s ‘most loved film’ this season and is a French comedy-drama directed by Michel Hazanavicius. Starring French actor Jean Dujardin as George Valentin and Bérénice Bejo as Peppy Miller, The Artist takes place in Hollywood between 1927 and 1932, and focuses on a declining film star (George Valentin) and a rising dancer and actress (Peppy Miller) as silent cinema falls out of fashion and is replaced by talking pictures.

The Artist will be screened in Durban on February 26 all day at Cinema Nouveau – Gateway.

For more information visit www.sterkinekor.com| Mobi-site: www. sterkinekor.mobi |Ticketline: 082 16789 | Facebook: Ster-Kinekor Theatres | Follow us on Twitter: @SKTheatres.

THE LIVING DEAD

(Writer and director Siya Mthembu)

A few days ago, I managed to catch a performance of The Living Dead at Ekhaya Multi-Arts Centre (EMAC) in KwaMashu. Despite its somewhat morbid title, this is a very vibrant spiritual piece with a strong social message. There were many young people around me and it was evident from their reactions that they fully understand the play and were in sympathy with its sentiments.

Written and directed by Siya Mthembu, The Living Dead won first place in the 2011 IsiGcawu Drama Festival which is run by a partnership of the Twist Theatre Development Projects and the KwaMashu Community Advancement Projects (K-CAP) and hosted at EMAC. It was then selected by the Gauteng Department of Arts, Culture, Sport & Recreation to perform at the Ishashalazi National Festival which forms part of Gauteng’s Heritage Month celebrations.

Now extended to 45 minutes, the play will return to EMAC to appear at the 2012 IsiGcawu Drama Festival.

The curtains open to reveal a group of seated shrouded figures with ropes tied to their hands, indicating their sense of entrapment. The various objects scattered around - a bundle of plastic, a large black rubbish bin, a toilet and a stormwater drain - take on a more critical identity on reading the notices posted around which advertise an abortion clinic.

The story is about Pinky and Senzo (played by Xoliswa Mkhwanazi and Sthembiso Mpungose) who are Grade 10 students at the same school. Sthembiso is something of a player with many girlfriends. However, he gets into a relationship with Pinky and she becomes pregnant. Guilty and feeling trapped, Sthembiso denies fatherhood of the baby and tells Pinky he wants nothing more to do with her. In desperation, she has the baby aborted. As she moves away from the bucket into which she has dumped the foetus, it climbs out to take up its new existence.

We now leave the world of the living behind and move into the domain of the spirits of aborted babies. They exist in a “no man’s land” in a “living death”. This is a novel dramatic approach and Siya Mthembu is using the process of providing each aborted child (foetus) with an identity as part of his anti-abortion message. Each foetus has its own story to tell and there is a strong implication that, because they are so close to the living, they have the capacity to guide and channel those on earth towards a better life.

Xoliswa Mkhwanazi and Sthembiso Mpungose impressed, particularly in the opening moments of the play when she playfully creeps up behind him and hugs him. Their emotions in their sheer joy of contact and later reconciliation displayed a maturity and depth beyond their youthful years.

The rest of the cast includes Sthembile Biyela, Ayanda Khanyile, Smangele Magoso, Lungani Majola, Wonder Makhanya, Khanyisile Masuku, Anele Mkhize, Qinisile Ndluli and Sanele Zulu. However, four of the cast members remain offstage, providing an evocative backdrop of song.

The Living Dead will appear at the 2012 National Arts Festival under the banner of the Nquthu Arts Programme. At the moment, it is still a work in progress but those going to Grahamstown should watch out for it on the Fringe Festival. I believe it will have grown considerably. – Caroline Smart

Click on the banner at the top of this page for information on the National Arts Festival

GODFREY JOHNSON AT RHUMBELOW

(Godfrey Johnson)

Johnson pays homage to the musical narrative geniuses of Brel and Coward. (Review by Caroline Smart)

What better way to cool down after a stressfully humid Durban day than to spend an evening in the efficiently air-conditioned Rhumbelow Theatre enjoying Godfrey Johnson pay homage to the musical narrative geniuses of Jacques Brel and Noel Coward?

In From Coward to Brel, The songs of Noel Coward and Jacques Brel, Johnson performs highlights from his Fleur du Cap nominated shows, The Shadow of Brel and Flirting with Coward, both directed by Sanjin Muftic.

Opening with I Went to a Marvellous Party, he sauntered among the tables casually interacting with the audience. This rendition was a little too casual for me and required more of the Coward bite. However, his Masochism Tango delighted me as did Nina and A Bar on the Piccola Marina.

The line-up requires a constant change of mood and style from Port of Amsterdam and Marieke to Mad Dogs and Englishmen and Mrs Worthington – some even infused with an amusing Afrikaans flavour. He brought an aching tenderness to Coward’s I’ll Follow My Secret Heart and Brel’s If You Go Away (based on his Ne me quitte pas)

It must have been a daunting process to make a selection for this programme - Coward alone wrote over 300 songs. When the songs of these two legendary singer/songwriters are presented in a scenario such as this, it’s an impressive reminder of the quality of their work. None of the mindless lyrics so often prevalent today, but songs with words and eloquence. This is demonstrated in Johnson’s choice of what he considers the most beautiful song from each: Coward’s If Love Were All and Brel’s Seasons in the Sun (English adaptation of Le Moribond)

Adding little quirky touches of humour to his performance, Johnson is a highly accomplished pianist and I was impressed by his capacity to play with his body turned to the audience. I’m a touch typist so I don’t have to look at the keyboard but a piano keyboard is a whole heap wider!

Rhumbelow Theatre has wisely invested in a very fine lighting system and control board, allowing a wide range of settings to enhance the simple image of one man sitting at a piano. This was particularly noticeable in Brel’s Carousel.

From Coward to Brel has performances on February 19 at 18h30 and on February 25 at 20h00.

Johnson also performs The Johnson Jukebox which can be seen on February 24 at 20h00 and February 26 at 18h30. This claims to be the only show in South Africa where the audience can choose the entire programme which means that every night there’s a different line-up.

The venue opens 90 minutes before show for picnic dinner. Tickets R100 (R150 season ticket for both shows). Take along food picnic baskets and braais will be available. There is limited secure parking and booking is essential. A cash bar is available (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises). Rhumbelow Theatre is situated in Cunningham Avenue off Bartle Road.

Booking is through Computicket or contact Roland on 031 205 7602 (h) or 082 499 8636, email roland@stansell.za.net or visit www.rhumbelow.za.net – Caroline Smart

KZNPO CONCERT: FEBRUARY 16, 2012

(Mirijam Contzen)

KZNPO scores resounding success with its first concert of 2012. (Review by Michael Green)

Presenting a programme of French music, much of it with a Spanish flavour, the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra scored a resounding success in the Durban City Hall with its first concert of 2012.

Omri Hadari, the Israeli conductor who has appeared here many times, was on the podium again and he extracted some glorious sounds from the 70-member orchestra.

The soloist was the German-Japanese violinist Mirijam Contzen, who had created a great impression when appearing two days earlier at a Friends of Music concert in Durban. With the orchestra, she performed Edouard Lalo’s five-movement Symphonie espagnole, written in 1874, really the only work by which this composer is remembered today.

It is lovely music, with an outstanding part for the solo violin, and the audience gave Mirijam Contzen a prolonged and well-deserved ovation. Her playing was exceptional, especially in the many lyrical passages.

The concert opened with Ravel’s Alborada del gracioso, Morning song of a jester, a brilliant representation of Spanish music, guitars and all.

The main item of the evening was Hector Berlioz’s long and spectacular Symphonie Fantastique, written in 1830. The composer labelled it “Episode in the life of an artist” and said that it told the story of an artist in the depths of despair because of hopeless love.

The music is romantic, noble, pastoral, bizarre and macabre (as I mentioned in a pre-concert lecture, it is the only music I know of that depicts an execution on the guillotine).

The orchestra gave a splendid performance of this massive masterpiece, ending in a blaze of sound that brought the listeners to a pitch of enthusiasm.

There was a large audience, the number swelled, I guess, by a generous allocation of “paper” (complimentary tickets). One hopes that some of the newcomers will return on a permanent basis. - Michael Green

BASA GRANT FOR OTHELLO PARTNERSHIP

BASA Supporting Grants spotlight a range of business and arts partnerships. The latest Supporting Grants once again spotlight the diverse range of businesses and arts organisations that are in partnership on specific projects.

The funding recipients of the fifth cycle of Supporting Grants in the 2011/2012 financial year include Durban’s Think Theatre’s Othello, a Matric Shakespeare setwork production 2012 sponsored by the University of Johannesburg.

Other recipients include Immuno-Vet Services cc, Old Mutual Theatre on the Square for the Classical Lunch Hour Concert Series, Stephan Welz & Co., Sanlam: Corporate Collector’s support for the mounting of the Gerhard de Leeuw and Friends: Centenary Exhibition.

Also receiving a Business and Arts South Africa Supporting Grant in this cycle is Rand Merchant Bank’s partnership with Dance Forum’s Dance Umbrella and the Dance Xchange Development Programme, SAMRO’s support of the 11th SAJE Jazz Conference.

Business and Arts South Africa’s Supporting Grants are an important way for business and arts partnerships to secure additional funding for projects. The grants support both financial sponsorship given to an arts project by a business as well as support in kind, which can take the form of product, time and expertise from a company or institution. Indeed, many of those businesses who have supported arts projects with in-kind support over the past few years have gone on to become nominees in the annual Business Day BASA Awards, supported by Anglo American.

Arts organisations are encouraged to make use of this funding mechanism to enhance marketing spends, and particularly to assist in leveraging their relationships with corporate sponsors, towards growing mutually equitable partnerships.

Applications for the final cycle of funding for the 2011/2012 financial year are due by February 27, 2012. For assistance with the application process e-mail grants@basa.co.za or call 011 447 2295.

FOM: MIRIJAM CONTZEN & BRYAN WALLICK

Players reveal the music’s charms and beauties with great skill and insight. (Review by Michael Green)

Two young virtuoso performers presented a programme well off the beaten track when they played for the Friends of Music at the Durban Jewish Centre.

The German-Japanese violinist Mirijam Contzen and the American pianist Bryan Wallick have in recent years established, independently, big international reputations, and they offered a connoisseur’s concert to an enthusiastic audience. They are both tall and slender, and they make an interesting contrast in styles. She has an uninhibited, joyful, flamboyant approach to playing the violin. He is an upright, rather restrained figure at the keyboard, but with hands and fingers that meet every challenge of the music.

The four items on the programme would, I think have been unfamiliar to many of the listeners, and the players revealed the music’s charms and beauties with great skill and insight.

They opened with Mendelssohn’s Violin Sonata in F major, a work that testifies to the fluent melodic gifts of this composer (who was, incidentally, Queen Victoria’s favourite composer). After a period of relative neglect, Mendelssohn seems to be gaining in critical esteem these days, and rightly so. This sonata, written in 1838, remained unpublished for more than a hundred years until the violinist Yehudi Menuhin revived it in 1952. It is a delightful work, cheerful, positive, effervescent, and the players extracted full value from it.

Debussy’s Violin Sonata is a late work, completed in 1917, only a year before the composer’s death from cancer at the age of 55. It has been criticised as being rather sterile, the work of a fatigued and dying man, but it has much of interest, especially in the eloquent slow movement.

Schumann’s Sonata in D minor, Op. 121, is another late work, dating from 1851 (the composer died in 1856, in a mental home). It is tuneful and expertly laid out for both instruments. I liked best the third movement, a set of gracious variations based on a pizzicato theme introduced by the violin.

Finally we were given a brilliant account of Ravel’s Tzigane, an unusual and successful essay in Hungarian gypsy music by this essentially French composer. Mirijam Contzen had ample opportunity to display her abilities in the long solo passage at the beginning and she did so triumphantly.

There was an encore: the Melodie (Dance of the Blessed Spirits) from Gluck’s opera Orfeo ed Euridice, written in 1762. It came like a draught of cool spring water. - Michael Green

FOM acknowledges the support of the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund.

MIKHAEL SUBOTZKY

(Pic by Suzy Bernstein)

Mikhael Subotzky (30) is a man of few public words. The 2012 Standard Bank Young Artist Award winner for Visual Art prefers to let his striking photographs do the talking.

“It is a great honour. I am very grateful for the opportunity and honoured to follow in the footsteps of the artists who have previously been given the award,” said Subotzky.

Born in Cape Town Subotzky is currently based in Johannesburg. His work has been exhibited widely in major galleries and museums, and his prints are in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art, New York, the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, the South African National Gallery, Cape Town, the Johannesburg Art Gallery, and FOAM (FotoMuseum Amsterdam).

“Mikhael Subotzky's technical, aesthetic and academic explorations have seen him become one of the world's exciting photographers,” said Brenton Maart, National Arts Festival committee member for Visual Art. “He uses photography to make images that are both nuanced constructions of colour and light, and also scholarly studies of the peculiarities of South African communities. The young artist establishes the boundaries of his subject matter and, within these confines, delves into fraught and loaded social spaces.”

A few of Subotzky’s recent awards and grants include the 2011 Discovery Award at Rencontres de la Photographie Arles, the 2009 Oskar Barnack Award, the 2009 Lou Stouman Award, the 2008 W. Eugene Smith Memorial Grant, the 2008 ICP Infinity Award (Young Photographer), and the 2007 KLM Paul Huf Award.

In early 2008, Subotzky moved to Johannesburg. He has subsequently continued with two long-term projects which are of independent concern, but which have both been influenced by his new context: the backdrop of the city of Johannesburg.

These two projects are presented by the Goodman gallery as works-in-progress, and will both be realised as full exhibitions and publications in the coming years. The first, for which Subotzky was awarded the 2008 W. Eugene Smith Memorial Grant, is a continuation of what has already been a five-year interest in crime, social marginalisation, and the public and private institutions of punishment and security. This investigation started in 2004 with Die Vier Hoeke (The Four Corners), and was continued in subsequent years with the Umjiegwana (The Outside) and the Beaufort West series. In this exhibition, Subotzky presents new works which extend these series into new environments. Loosely focusing on the lifestyle of fear in South Africa, these works explore both the reality and the concept of security in contemporary society. Presented mainly at the Goodman Gallery’s new project space at Arts on Main, they include new large-scale photographs, as well as older photographs which are exhibited here for the first time.

His second new body of work is being made in collaboration with British artist Patrick Waterhouse. Subotzky and Waterhouse met while on residency together in Italy. They started collaborating in mid-2008 on a project that is geographically located in Berea’s Ponte City building. Combining photography, historical archives, found objects, and interviews, the work spans the pre-history of the building, its spectacular decline, and recent attempts at its transformation. The building is cast as the central character in a tangled narrative which reflects Johannesburg’s magnetic pull on the social and mythical lives of those who come to the City of Gold from all over the country and continent.

Subotzky was included in New Photography 2008: Josephine Meckseper and Mikhael Subotzky at the Museum of Modern Art, New York. His first monograph, Beaufort West, was published the same year and his work has been widely exhibited and collected.

When asked what audiences can expect from Mikhael Subotzky in Grahamstown next year, the response was a mysterious: “A few surprises.”

The Young Artist Awards were started in 1981 by the National Arts Festival to acknowledge emerging, relatively young South African artists who have displayed an outstanding talent in their artistic endeavours. These prestigious awards are presented annually to deserving artists in different disciplines, affording them national exposure and acclaim. Standard Bank took over the sponsorship of the awards in 1984 and presented Young Artist Awards in all the major arts disciplines over their 28-year sponsorship, as well as posthumous and special recognition awards. The winners feature on the main programme of the National Arts Festival, Grahamstown and receive financial support for their Festival participation, as well as a cash prize.

The 2012 National Arts Festival runs from June 28 to July 8 in Grahamstown. For more information, click on the banner advert at the top of this page which links to the NAF site.

KELEBOGILE (PEARL) BOIKANYO

(Pic by Suzy Bernstein)

Kelebogile (Pearl) Boikanyo’s (24) rise in the South African opera world has been nothing short of remarkable. This year, she hits another high note with winning the Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Music 2012.

“This award means a lot to me, obviously because I am young and I am excited to be recognised in my own country. I love what I do and, it also keeps me on the right track,” said Boikanyo. “I am confident that with enough hard work, I will have a bright future. When I am on stage, it is because I love what I do and I do it with passion. I do not expecting any recognition, but this award tells me that people realise and appreciate good arts.”

Boikanyo was born in 1987, in Pretoria. She attended Hebron technical and commercial high school, where she graduated at the age of 16 and gained entry into Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria with a scholarship to study a BA in Performing Vocal Arts.

This young soprano made her professional singing debut with the international South African superstar, tenor Johan Botha, in Opera Africa's Opera Extravaganza in 2007, while still a vocal arts student at the Tswane University of Technology. In 2008 she dazzled as the High Priestess in Verdi's Aïda, and made her international debut as Queen Silomo in the Zulu opera Princess Magogo at Oslo's Den Norske Opera, before playing Echo in Richard Strauss's Ariadne auf Naxos at the Royal Opera de Wallonie in Liège, Belgium.

Boikanyo said that her “defining moment”, where she knew that singing was what she wanted to do with her life, happened in 2004 when she won the national soloist competition at the Tirisano School's Choral Eisteddfod competition for the third year in a row. “It was my last year for this competition and after winning it, I just wanted to sing, although I never knew what it entailed,” she added. Aged 15, she was the first student from the North West Province to win this prize, and it also marked the first time in the history of this competition for the North West to win. In 2006, the same year when she won her first SAGMA competition, she also won the South African Student Price Competition for all Opera Schools in the Country.

In 2010, she excelled as Musetta in Opera Africa's La Bohème and as a soloist in Beethoven's Ninth Symphony with the JPO. Since then she's received accolades for singing the finale of Mahler's Fourth Symphony with the JPO as well as her portrayal of Micaëla in Opera Africa's production of Bizet's Carmen and Susanna in The Marriage of Figaro earlier this year. As part of the OA/JPO collaboration, she was heard again in the soprano solos in the orchestra's performances of Mozart's Great C Minor Mass in October, 2011.

“The year (2011) has been a great year and I am proud to be a winner, not only in my professional life but also as an individual. The future is bright and I will keep working harder to fulfil my goals. I look forward to working together with Standard Bank and I can’t wait for the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown,” said Boikanyo.

“I have heard Kelebogile in several productions recently and she has been the star of the show,” said conductor Richard Cock, National Arts Festival committee member for Music. “She has a wonderfully clear, strong voice which, combined with her fine acting ability, puts her on a par with international artists and makes her a worthy recipient of the SBYAA. I really look forward to her concerts in Grahamstown.”

Boikanyo is a member of the Opera Africa Studio and has been appointed as an Opera Africa Associated Artist from 2012. She is sponsored by the Maponya Group.

“As a young artist, it does not matter what field you are in. If you give the best at what you do and put in all your effort, good things will happen. Your work will give other people joy,” said Boikanyo.

The Young Artist Awards were started in 1981 by the National Arts Festival to acknowledge emerging, relatively young South African artists who have displayed an outstanding talent in their artistic endeavours. These prestigious awards are presented annually to deserving artists in different disciplines, affording them national exposure and acclaim. Standard Bank took over the sponsorship of the awards in 1984 and presented Young Artist Awards in all the major arts disciplines over their 28-year sponsorship, as well as posthumous and special recognition awards. The winners feature on the main programme of the National Arts Festival, Grahamstown and receive financial support for their Festival participation, as well as a cash prize.

The 2012 National Arts Festival runs from June 28 to July 8 in Grahamstown. For more information, click on the banner advert at the top of this page which links to the NAF site.

AFRIKA MKHIZE

(Pic by Suzy Bernstein)

Durban-born 2012 Standard Bank Young Artist Award winner for Jazz, Afrika Mkhize, started playing the piano at the age of six.

“I was surrounded by music at birth and never stopped loving it,” said Mkhize about his journey into jazz. “To win this award simply means that some individuals have been watching me for a number of years. This also means that there is appreciation for my work. My expectation is to continue working with confidence, since I now know that there is positive support,” he added.

At age 11, Mkhize was enrolled at the Funda Centre Music School in Soweto to study classical piano. At only 15, he was accepted at the National School of the Arts to further his classical musical studies, and in 1999, he enrolled at Pretoria Technikon to further his interest in Jazz, Composition and Arranging.

“Afrika Mkhize represents the exciting new face of South African jazz,” said Alan Webster, National Arts Festival committee member for Jazz. “Steeped in South Africa’s musical heritage, he displays a fresh, international perspective that places South African jazz in a new perspective. He is a pianist with serious jazz chops who has the versatility to play music from across the spectrum, from African grooves to hip-hop to straight-ahead jazz, and in any company,” Webster added.

During his school years, Mkhize was involved in arranging music for small ensembles and performing live with musicians in the Johannesburg jazz circuit. After completing his studies, Mkhize began working as a music producer, producing award-winning albums for Tlali Makhene, Themba Mkhize, Sibongile Khumalo, Kabelo from TKZ, Nokukhanya Dlamini and Miriam Makeba.

Mkhize has worked as a musical director and pianist for the late Miriam Makeba, and also contributed arrangements on her request for the Roma Philharmonic Orchestra in Italy. He has performed with numerous renowned artists, including Dorothy Masuka, Khaya Mahlangu, Zim Ngqawane, Musa Manzini, Vusi Khumalo, Sibongile Khumalo, Judith Sephuma, Oliver Mtukudzi, MXO, Marcus Wyatt, Zama Jobe, Papa Noel from France, Melanie Scholtz, Jimmy Dludlu, Allou April and TK. He has also recently recorded on Vusi Mahlasela and Nkanyezi Cele’s latest album.

In 2010 Mkhize arranged music for the Johannesburg Philharmonic Harmonic Orchestra featuring Abigail Kubeka, Dorothy Masuka, Mara Louw and Zenzi Lee, for a tribute to women in the arts at the State Theatre, hosted by the Department of Arts and Culture.

In November 2010, he scored arrangements for the Jazz Meets Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Prince Lengoasa. He is currently scoring full Big Band Arrangements for his favourite pianist, the late Bheki Mseleku, in his honour.

“One of the ways of understanding a nation and its culture is through music. This means that Standard Bank should continue developing and nurturing young artists as this makes our heritage and culture much richer and able to uplift the human spirit. I wish that other individuals or entities could follow the same example as Standard Bank,” said Mkhize. “Over the years the SBYAA has chosen the most talented, skilled and hard working musicians to be the recipients of this award. Some of the recent winners are close friends of mine, and it makes me feel honoured to be in the company of the previous winners.”

The Young Artist Awards were started in 1981 by the National Arts Festival to acknowledge emerging, relatively young South African artists who have displayed an outstanding talent in their artistic endeavours. These prestigious awards are presented annually to deserving artists in different disciplines, affording them national exposure and acclaim. Standard Bank took over the sponsorship of the awards in 1984 and presented Young Artist Awards in all the major arts disciplines over their 28-year sponsorship, as well as posthumous and special recognition awards. The winners feature on the main programme of the National Arts Festival, Grahamstown and receive financial support for their Festival participation, as well as a cash prize.

The 2012 National Arts Festival runs from June 28 to July 8. For more information, click on the banner advert at the top of this page which links to the NAF site.