The MACS Quilt Challenge Yesterdays News – Tomorrow’s Promise will run in the Schreiner Gallery at the Tatham Art Gallery in Pietermaritzburg from December 12 to February 10.
This unusual exhibition was initiated by artists from the Midlands Arts and Crafts Society (MACS) to artists and crafters to make a quilt with a difference.
The Tatham Art Gallery has invited artists and crafters to repeat the challenge by making A4 size quilts using interesting and innovative ideas, ranging from paper to metal. The theme for this challenge is Yesterday’s News – Tomorrow’s Promise.
Submission date is October 31 and the quilts can be submitted at MACS House, 23 Haldane Road Pelham Pietermaritzburg, between 09h00 and 16h00.
There is no entry fee. Participants need to give their name, contact details, title of work and selling price. For all artworks sold, a modest commission will be divided between the Tatham and MACS. Each quilt must have a hanging mechanism. There will be no selection. However; spatial constraints may force the Gallery to exclude some of the work.
For more information contact Kobie Venter at 033 392 2819 or Jutta Faulds at 033 386 6500. The submission form can be requested at macszine@yahoo.com
Friday, August 31, 2012
WALKABOUT: YOU & ME
Running in the Mezzanine Gallery of the KZNSA is you & me – a Series of First Times, (formerly known as the Cherry Poppin' Project), described as a very sexy exhibition by Skullboy who has been collecting the stories of anonymous participants' sexual debuts for over a year.
This was done via small forms left with drop boxes in clubs and bathroom stalls, focusing on the +- 18 to 35 alternative crowd who would most likely frequent the clubs surveyed. The exhibition presents art works that message visually the stories from anonymous participants about their 'first times'. PG 18.
There will be a walkabout of the exhibition tomorrow (September 1) at 14h30. All are welcome. Limited edition You & Me books will be on sale.
The KZNSA Gallery is situated at 166 Bulwer Road, Glenwood, in Durban. More information on 031 277 1703, fax 031 201 8051 or cell 082 220 0368 or visit www.kznsagallery.co.za
This was done via small forms left with drop boxes in clubs and bathroom stalls, focusing on the +- 18 to 35 alternative crowd who would most likely frequent the clubs surveyed. The exhibition presents art works that message visually the stories from anonymous participants about their 'first times'. PG 18.
There will be a walkabout of the exhibition tomorrow (September 1) at 14h30. All are welcome. Limited edition You & Me books will be on sale.
The KZNSA Gallery is situated at 166 Bulwer Road, Glenwood, in Durban. More information on 031 277 1703, fax 031 201 8051 or cell 082 220 0368 or visit www.kznsagallery.co.za
BEYOND THE MIND
Certainly an astonishing and mystifying show. (Review by Keith Millar)
So, what exactly is a Mentalist? I googled that question and the answer seems to be that it refers to an entertainer whose performance appears to be based on psychic abilities, featuring the knack to read minds, alter the state of matter, foretell the future and see distant and hidden objects.
Well, Gilan Gork used all those tricks and more to keep his audience in the Playhouse Drama Theatre thoroughly entertained. Gilan is a charming young man who has a easy and friendly style and as a result builds a good rapport with his audience. This is just as well because as the show is fully interactive with “randomly selected volunteers” are involved in all the various segments of the production. In fact, Gilan goes to great lengths to ensure that the participants are randomly selected. Great fun is had as balls are bounced around the audience, votes are cast via SMS’s, and at one point even a game of musical chairs takes place.
These volunteers are then involved in all the activities which take place on the stage. For example an audience member was hooked up to a machine and her lucid dreams are projected in 3D on a big screen for all to see.
A game of celebrity mentalist is played where a young lady, in this instance, was given the opportunity to unlock her own mind-reading abilities and to correctly deduce the thoughts of three other randomly selected audience members.
Gilan also played a game where a vicious looking spike is hidden under one of five polystyrene cups by an audience member. He then smashes the cups one after the other, hopefully not impaling his hand in the process. He apparently succeeded in not doing himself a damage but I must admit the tension was too much for me and I had to close my eyes at this point.
Then there was the metal bending. Various items of kitchen cutlery were selected from the audience and Gilan, apparently using the power of his mind, proceeded to make them bend in full view of everyone and projected on the big screen. Unhappily, the fork I took along is still dead straight and ready for use at mealtime.
The show is not without its problems. Considerable use is made of music and audio visual effects. Unfortunately there technical glitches and these distracted from the presentation. The pictures on the big screen, which were an important part of the show, were very dark and difficult to see. Another problem for me was the laborious and tedious way in which the “volunteers” were selected. This took far too long and as a result the show ran for nearly three hours.
Is it magic or is it the power of the mind? I don’t know. You will have to see the show to decide for yourself. It certainly is astonishing and mystifying .
Beyond The Mind, directed by Renos Spanoudes, will also be presented at the Lyric in Johannesburg on October 5 and at the Theatre On The Bay in Cape Town from November 7 to 24. – Keith Millar
So, what exactly is a Mentalist? I googled that question and the answer seems to be that it refers to an entertainer whose performance appears to be based on psychic abilities, featuring the knack to read minds, alter the state of matter, foretell the future and see distant and hidden objects.
Well, Gilan Gork used all those tricks and more to keep his audience in the Playhouse Drama Theatre thoroughly entertained. Gilan is a charming young man who has a easy and friendly style and as a result builds a good rapport with his audience. This is just as well because as the show is fully interactive with “randomly selected volunteers” are involved in all the various segments of the production. In fact, Gilan goes to great lengths to ensure that the participants are randomly selected. Great fun is had as balls are bounced around the audience, votes are cast via SMS’s, and at one point even a game of musical chairs takes place.
These volunteers are then involved in all the activities which take place on the stage. For example an audience member was hooked up to a machine and her lucid dreams are projected in 3D on a big screen for all to see.
A game of celebrity mentalist is played where a young lady, in this instance, was given the opportunity to unlock her own mind-reading abilities and to correctly deduce the thoughts of three other randomly selected audience members.
Gilan also played a game where a vicious looking spike is hidden under one of five polystyrene cups by an audience member. He then smashes the cups one after the other, hopefully not impaling his hand in the process. He apparently succeeded in not doing himself a damage but I must admit the tension was too much for me and I had to close my eyes at this point.
Then there was the metal bending. Various items of kitchen cutlery were selected from the audience and Gilan, apparently using the power of his mind, proceeded to make them bend in full view of everyone and projected on the big screen. Unhappily, the fork I took along is still dead straight and ready for use at mealtime.
The show is not without its problems. Considerable use is made of music and audio visual effects. Unfortunately there technical glitches and these distracted from the presentation. The pictures on the big screen, which were an important part of the show, were very dark and difficult to see. Another problem for me was the laborious and tedious way in which the “volunteers” were selected. This took far too long and as a result the show ran for nearly three hours.
Is it magic or is it the power of the mind? I don’t know. You will have to see the show to decide for yourself. It certainly is astonishing and mystifying .
Beyond The Mind, directed by Renos Spanoudes, will also be presented at the Lyric in Johannesburg on October 5 and at the Theatre On The Bay in Cape Town from November 7 to 24. – Keith Millar
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
SIBU MASHILOANE
The School of Arts: MUSIC at the University of KwaZulu-Natal will present Sibu Mashiloane (Jazz Piano) in his MMus Performance Recital on August 31.
Sibu Mashiloane is the founder of popular Durban band “Unlockedkeys” and is a part-time lecturer in the School of Music at UKZN. He will be performing his recital themed A Musical Excursion in Coltrane Harmony. His style of playing and composing is inspired by musicians such as Andile Yenana, the late Bheki Mseleku, and the late Zim Ngqawana, McCoy Tyner, Herbie Hancock and John Coltrane.
The band members are Sibu Mashiloane (piano), Paki Peloeole (drums), Ildo Nandja (bass), Linda Sikhakhane (saxophone) and Sibusiso Mkhize (trumpet) – all musicians noted for their sensitivity to music, originality, creativity and passion.
The recital will take palce on August 31 at 18h00 (doors opens at 17h30) at the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music (CJPM), Level 2, Shepstone Building. Admission is free. More information on 031 260 3385 or email: Zamat1@ukzn.ac.za
Sibu Mashiloane is the founder of popular Durban band “Unlockedkeys” and is a part-time lecturer in the School of Music at UKZN. He will be performing his recital themed A Musical Excursion in Coltrane Harmony. His style of playing and composing is inspired by musicians such as Andile Yenana, the late Bheki Mseleku, and the late Zim Ngqawana, McCoy Tyner, Herbie Hancock and John Coltrane.
The band members are Sibu Mashiloane (piano), Paki Peloeole (drums), Ildo Nandja (bass), Linda Sikhakhane (saxophone) and Sibusiso Mkhize (trumpet) – all musicians noted for their sensitivity to music, originality, creativity and passion.
The recital will take palce on August 31 at 18h00 (doors opens at 17h30) at the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music (CJPM), Level 2, Shepstone Building. Admission is free. More information on 031 260 3385 or email: Zamat1@ukzn.ac.za
TRIBUTE TO MARGARET HICHENS
Well-known Pietermaritzburg thespian, Margaret Hichens, died in Howick this week after a short illness. (Tribute by Murray McGibbon)Margaret Hichens was born in Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire on December 12, 1938, and emigrated to the then Rhodesia aboard the Carnarvon Castle on its last voyage as a troop ship before being re-commissioned as a passenger liner. Upon her arrival in Cape Town, her family undertook a three night train journey, arriving in Salisbury on her tenth birthday.
She attended Bishopslea Anglican Junior School, and later Girls’ High School in Salisbury. After leaving school, she worked for the United Kingdom Trade Commissioner. She married George Hichens (former Director of Transport for the Pietermaritzburg Municipality) in 1959. In 1970 the couple emigrated to South Africa and lived in Vereeniging and Tzaneen, before relocating to Pietermaritzburg in 1977.
In Vereeniging, she became an active member of the Stewarts and Lloyd’s Amateur Dramatic Society (SALADS) and appeared in numerous productions there, including Wait Until Dark, King’s Rhapsody, Blithe Spirit, Towards Zero, On Monday Next, Charley’s Aunt and As Long as They’re Happy.
After settling in Pietermaritzburg, she became a regular performer in productions for the Natal Society Drama Group at the Cygnet Theatre. Roles there included The Aspern Papers, Big Bad Mouse, A Christmas Carol, Breath of Spring and Go Bang Your Tambourine.
I met Margaret in 1977 when she auditioned for a role in my production of Blithe Spirit at the Cygnet Theatre. Despite not being cast in the show, we became firm fiends and enjoyed a very close, 36 year friendship. She appeared in Murder Among Friends at the Cygnet and Equus at the Hexagon, both for Presto Theatre Productions. She was a founder member of The Presto Theatre Club and remained its secretary until the organization disbanded in the mid 1980’s. She and her husband threw legendary cast parties, which decades later are still remembered with great affection. For many years, she was NAPAC’s Pietermaritzburg representative and accompanied many coach tours to the Natal Playhouse.
She and her husband George were devoted Christians and regular attendees of the Cathedral of the Holy Nativity in Pietermaritzburg. After George’s untimely death, she married her former brother in law, Rev. Anthony Hichens from the United Kingdom and settled in Hilton before retiring to Howick a few years ago.
Margaret was a delightfully enthusiastic, exuberant personality with a huge heart. She worked tirelessly for the AIDS Committee established at the Cathedral in Pietermaritzburg, while maintaining an active interest in her grandchildren, water colour painting and theatrical pursuits. In 1988 she directed Bar and Ger for the Loft Theatre Company’s retrospective on South African Drama, and in 1993 accepted an invitation to appear as Dora Strang in my production of Equus for NAPAC, now The Playhouse Company.
She is survived by her husband Anthony, son David, daughter Julia and several grandchildren. – Murray McGibbon
(Murray McGibbon is Professor of Theatre and Drama, Indiana University, USA and former Director of Drama for NAPAC and The Playhouse Company.)
AFROMIX
Michaelhouse invites audiences to come and join in the celebration of French Island dance and music in this high octane show.
Created in October 2011 in Reunion Island, this performance art production toured to major festivals and venues, and received praise from audience, press, and performing arts industry professionals. Afromix promises the Umuti, the ancestral remedy that can heal the world's madness, through a poetic journey across the four elements, water, earth, wind and fire
Afromix is a cross-cultural exchange project between artists and cultures of Reunion Island and South Africa, led by a Durban-based production company.
The performance will take place in The Schlesinger Theatre at Michaelhouse on September 2 at 14h00. Tickets R50 booked on on 033 234 1314 or email: theatre@michaelhouse.org
Created in October 2011 in Reunion Island, this performance art production toured to major festivals and venues, and received praise from audience, press, and performing arts industry professionals. Afromix promises the Umuti, the ancestral remedy that can heal the world's madness, through a poetic journey across the four elements, water, earth, wind and fire
Afromix is a cross-cultural exchange project between artists and cultures of Reunion Island and South Africa, led by a Durban-based production company.
The performance will take place in The Schlesinger Theatre at Michaelhouse on September 2 at 14h00. Tickets R50 booked on on 033 234 1314 or email: theatre@michaelhouse.org
HONK! JUNIOR
(Kiara Teunissen, Emma Divine, Anna Teversham with Kirsten Lee at the back. Photo courtesy of Ocean Driven Media)Honk! Junior is a musical for the whole family based on the much-loved children's story The Ugly Duckling"
Honk! Junior tells the story of a little duckling that isn’t quite like the others. Along his rollicking and sometimes scary journey to find his “home,” Ugly not only discovers his true beauty and glorious destiny, but also finds love and acceptance in all its forms.
Since it first hatched in 1993, Stiles & Drewe’s musical Honk! has been a worldwide stage sensation that has been seen by over five million people and winged its way around the world in over 8,000 productions. Honk! has won multiple awards including the 2000 Olivier Award for Best Musical (beating The Lion King and Mamma Mia for the prize). Witty, hilarious, and deeply moving, Honk! Junior will treat audiences to equal amounts of laughter and tears. Its charm, humour and message of tolerance is perfect for every audience.
This show is staged by the local performing arts school, Rising Star Academy. This is the second year the Academy has opened its doors to students and non-students to perform on a professional stage. Honk! Junior will feature a cast of 25 talented young performers, from Durban and surrounds, aged 10-18 years.
Production director Gillian Brunings indicated that the show has a strong message regarding the acceptance of people’s differences. “Being different can be hard,” said Gillian. “This production shows kids and parents that differences can be beautiful and, no matter what “someone out there loves ya warts and all”, to quote a line from the show.”
Honk! Junior runs at Seabrooke’s Theatre, Durban High School, from September 5 to 8 at 19h30 with further performances on September 9 at 13h00 and 17h00. Tickets R70 booked on 031 277 1570 or seabrooke@durbanhighschool.co.za
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
EAGLES - TAKING IT EASY
(Shaun Dragt)The musical tribute Eagles - Taking It Easy opens again by popular demand on August 28 at The Heritage Theatre.
The show, which covers the musical meteoric rise to fame of the Eagles band, during the early 70’s and 80’s and includes numbers such as Hotel California, Tequila Sunrise, Lyin’ Eyes, Get Over It and Heartache Tonight, played to packed houses last year.
Featuring a seven-piece band, the show is the closest thing to going to a real Eagles concert. Expect also to hear Take It To The Limit, One Of These Nights, Life In The Fast Lane, Love Will Keep Us Alive and The Long Run, as well as one or two songs from their latest album, Long Road out of Eden.
This music offering is directed by Dawn Selby and in true Eagles style, features four front line guitars in Barry Thomson, Andy Turrell, Riaan Jacobsz and Shaun Dragt. Andy also features on pedal steel and Mali Sewell on drums.
Eagles - Taking It Easy runs at The Heritage Theatre in Hillcrest from August 28 to September 23. There are three "preview" specials on August 28, 29 and 39 where patrons can get the show and a three-course meal for only R165pp.
Normal tickets prices are R195 pp from Wednesday to Saturday and R165 pp on Tuesday evenings and Sunday lunch-times for the show and a two-course meal. There is also a “show only” option for R100.
Bookings can be made on 031 765 4197 or online at www.heritagetheatre.co.za
NEW ADDITIONS TO CLASSICFEEL
Classicfeel, South Africa's leading arts and culture magazine, proudly announces two exciting new developments.
The arts and culture world is currently buzzing with the various events taking place as part of the France-South Africa Seasons 2012 & 2013. The Seasons, as part of a high-level bilateral exchange between the two countries, is staging an array of happenings ranging from music and visual arts to film and theatre, as well as tourism and business.
Classicfeel Magazine is an official media partner to this undertaking, which is set to continue until the end of 2013. Starting with the August 2012 issue and carrying on into the following year, Classicfeel will feature exclusive content on the various events and personalities involved in the Seasons. Read more in upcoming issues, as well as on the newly re-launched website.
Recently redesigned to bring it in line with the magazine's new look, which first hit the shelves earlier this year, the new Classicfeel website is now up and running. In celebration of the re-launch, Classicfeel is offering the website’s first 50 visitors a chance to win free CDs. To see Classicfeel's new online home, and to be in line for this great giveaway, go to www.classicfeel.co.za
The arts and culture world is currently buzzing with the various events taking place as part of the France-South Africa Seasons 2012 & 2013. The Seasons, as part of a high-level bilateral exchange between the two countries, is staging an array of happenings ranging from music and visual arts to film and theatre, as well as tourism and business.
Classicfeel Magazine is an official media partner to this undertaking, which is set to continue until the end of 2013. Starting with the August 2012 issue and carrying on into the following year, Classicfeel will feature exclusive content on the various events and personalities involved in the Seasons. Read more in upcoming issues, as well as on the newly re-launched website.
Recently redesigned to bring it in line with the magazine's new look, which first hit the shelves earlier this year, the new Classicfeel website is now up and running. In celebration of the re-launch, Classicfeel is offering the website’s first 50 visitors a chance to win free CDs. To see Classicfeel's new online home, and to be in line for this great giveaway, go to www.classicfeel.co.za
THEO BOPHELA CHARITY BENEFIT
The Rotary Club of Durban Bay will present Theo Bophela's Charity Benefit Variety Concert on August 30.
The line-up includes the Melvin Peters Quintet, The Amazing Greys Musicians, The Fernandez Flamenco Troupe and UKZN Opera and Choral Society (OSCA).
The performance takes place on August 30 at 19h00 for 19h30 at the Durban Jewish Centre. Tickets R75 with all proceeds going to Masisizane Community Service Centre in Inanda. Booking and more information on email: morag@mlconsulting.co.za
The line-up includes the Melvin Peters Quintet, The Amazing Greys Musicians, The Fernandez Flamenco Troupe and UKZN Opera and Choral Society (OSCA).
The performance takes place on August 30 at 19h00 for 19h30 at the Durban Jewish Centre. Tickets R75 with all proceeds going to Masisizane Community Service Centre in Inanda. Booking and more information on email: morag@mlconsulting.co.za
Monday, August 27, 2012
BEYOND THE MIND
(Gilan Gork)World-acclaimed mentalist Gilan Gork is travelling the country with his astonishing new show, Beyond the Mind, directed by Renos Spanoudes. Following his sold-out shows at the beginning of the year, it debuts in Durban for three nights only in the Playhouse Drama.
Members of the audience can expect to be taken on a journey where they can observe his highly-developed mental and intuitive abilities as well as feats they never thought possible. He will also inspire them to discover the ability of unlocking their own ability and capability.
His art is unique, exceptional and mysterious. How else can you explain Gork bending metal with his mind, reading thoughts and even predicting thoughts before they happen?
“I believe that it is important to help my audiences recognise the real potential within themselves,” comments Gork. “The new show is totally interactive, and one audience member from each show will have the opportunity to unlock their full potential as I will guide them to achieving their own mentalism feat of reading the minds of three randomly selected people in the audience.”
From recreating 3D lucid dream-like experiences from the likes of the movie Inception to demonstrating his remarkable mind reading abilities, Gork’s new show will take audiences on an entertaining and inspiring trail, which is woven with showcasing the power of the mind with his remarkable performance.
“Aside from being able to bend metal with his mind, he can read minds and even make predictions. While on SABC’s 3 Talk, viewers called in to say their old broken clocks and watches were working again. Who needs Simon Baker (The Mentalist) when we have our real life version? And he oozes charm while astonishing all with his abilities,” said reviewer Debashine Thangevelo.
Gilan Gork – Beyond the Mind runs in the Playhouse Drama from August 28 to 30 at 20h00. Book at Computicket on 0861 915 8000 or online at www.computicket.com.
Or visit http://online.computicket.com/web/event/beyond_the_mind/653389944/0/49140291.
For a preview of Gilan Gork’s astonishing repertoire, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2qhuThAI9I or his website at www.gilangork.com
JOMBA FRINGE
(Musa Hlatshwayo, this year’s JOMBA! New Works Grant winner, will conduct a free workshop)The JOMBA! Fringe forms part of the annual JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience which celebrates its 14th anniversary this year. Running from August 29 to September 9, it is presented by the Centre for Creative Arts, University of KwaZulu-Natal.
This year JOMBA! Fringe welcomes participation from Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pietermaritzburg and Durban and takes place on September 3
JOMBA! Fringe takes place on September 3 at 19h30 at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre. The YOUTH FRINGE will be held on September 8 at 14h00 at the Dorothy Nyembe Hall in Cato Manor/Umkhumbane. Both of these platforms open spaces to new dance makers, and always prove to be enlightening indicators of new emerging dance and choreographic talent.
Dance practitioners should not miss the series of free dance workshops with the leading choreographers Vincent Mantsoe, PJ Sabbagha, Philippe Pelan (of Theatre Taliipot) and Durban’s Musa Hlatshwayo. Participation is limited so advance booking is essential; call 031 260 2506.
Pick up a JOMBA! brochure at promotional outlets or visit www.cca.ukzn.ac.za for programme details
Organised by the Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal) the JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience is supported by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (principal funder), HIVOS, City of Durban, The French South Africa 2012-2013 Season, and the National Arts Council.
JOMBA! 2012
(Vincent Mantsoe, who is to premier a new solo work. Pic ©Lynn Chaulieu Kolver)Twelve days of dance await contemporary dance lovers with the 14th JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience presented by the Centre for Creative Arts, University of KwaZulu-Natal which runs from August 29 to September 9.
With principle support from the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, this year’s festival invites dance lovers and the public to explore exceptional performances, workshops led by leading choreographers, and opportunities to engage some of the world’s top dance makers as they “Talk Dance” after various performances.
JOMBA! fiercely holds onto its status as one of the few remaining dedicated spaces in South Africa where dance and choreography remain nurtured and supported, and continues to offer world class dance theatre that challenges audiences; asking that they come to the myriad festival offerings (performances, workshops and classes) with the intention to be shocked, surprised, entertained and above all, to celebrate a beautiful and critical art form.
As part of the France South Africa 2012-2013 Seasons exchange, JOMBA! plays host to a large contingent of French and Reunion dance companies and artists. From France comes the renowned Michel Kelemenis offering special dance theatre for young (and young at heart!) audiences. His Henriette & Matisse is a visually breathtaking work that dives into the art work of French painter Henri Matisse. Line and colour clash on stage in a dance work that is sure to delight audiences of all ages.
JOMBA! continues its rich collaborations between numerous South African artists and their Reunion Island colleagues. This includes the welcome return of Theatre Taliipot who two years ago brought Durban to their feet in their bold dance work Ma Ravan. For JOMBA! 2012, they present a collaboration with South African dancers that looks into San mythology. Titled !AÏA From cave to sky this stunning and highly visual dance work creates a dialogue about our origins, about life and the tenuous relationship between human beings and nature.
Johannesburg’s PJ Sabbagha and his Forgotten Angle Theatre Collaborative join forces with Reunion’s Eric Languet, in a meeting between dancers and choreographic styles that is sure to be a talking point of JOMBA! Entitled somewhere, out there, life was screaming, their piece is an existential journey into the nature of modern life, and whose use of lights and animation will certainly set precedents for choreographers to come!
Perhaps most unique for this year’s JOMBA! is a four-way collaboration between Dutch choreographer Jens van Daele, Durban’s much loved Flatfoot Dance Company and the musical ensemble Batida, that features both Swiss and French musicians. In a thrilling and very contemporary version of Stravinsky’s 1913 Le Sacre du Printemps, this opening night collaboration will blow audiences away with sheer force and power. Van Daele has titled his versions of Sacre, A spring (two) matter and while it honours our collective memory as dancers and musicians over the past 100 years with this music (and its rich dance history), it also tells of the struggle of positive and negative human beings in their struggle in thinking and acting. Maybe the old narrative of sacrifice to allow Spring to come, takes a deeper more internal contemporary meaning in Van Daele’s version?
Providing a prominent space for local South African artists is paramount to the vision of JOMBA! and this year, two of the country’s foremost dance makers in the form of Vincent Mantsoe and Jay Pather have been invited. Both return to Durban to showcase visions of dance that have seen them win numerous local and international awards. South Africa’s iconic Vincent Mantsoe premieres a new solo work called skwatta - an emotive journey dealing with poverty and informal settlements in South Africa. Mantsoe’s style of moving and creating has earned him a reputation as one of the world’s most eminent contemporary African dance makers.
Siwela Sonke Dance Theatre’s Jay Pather fuses text, video, installation and dance in a manner that gets audiences to look at themselves and the very nature of dance performance in different ways. Never shy of challenging an audience with his visually engaging dance work, Pather offers Caesar, interrupted where we see a dancer waiting to perform the role of Brutus in Qaphela Caesar, a production based on Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. As it begins to emerge that the original production is not going to happen, the original themes of masculinities, betrayal and unrequited ambitions bleed in and out of reality. The work becomes a meditation on suspension, inertia and deflation.
JOMBA!’s much prized New Works Grant for 2012 has been awarded to Durban’s Musa Hlatshwayo. Celebrated for his insightful intersection of both rural and urban stories, Hlatshwayo’s dance work looks to be another highlight of this year’s festival. Titled ABA(KA)NTU, it is the third and final work of his two year trilogy that seeks to study issues around Nguni identity. This last piece of the trilogy (also a work that can stand alone) seeks a possible definition of what being ‘umuntuongumnguni’ (a Nguni person) means nowadays from a perspective informed by renowned historians such as Credo Mutwa.
Organised by the Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal) the JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience is supported by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (principal funder), HIVOS, City of Durban, The French South Africa 2012-2013 Season, and the National Arts Council.
All performances take place at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre. Book at Computicket or at the theatre one hour before the show. Tickets R50 (R35 students and pensioners). Pick up a JOMBA! brochure at promotional outlets or visit www.cca.ukzn.ac.za for programme details
Sunday, August 26, 2012
A DICTIONARY OF SOUTH AFRICAN INDIAN ENGLISH
Rajend Mesthrie’s book preserves the unique and rich descriptive qualities of South African Indian English. (Review by Caroline Smart)
It took me a long time to get a review copy of Rajend Mesthrie’s A Dictionary of South African Indian English. Published in 2010, it became much in demand once it was out. However, it was well worth the wait and I have spent many fulfilled and relaxed moments reading through it.
Rajend Mesthrie is Professor of Linguistics at the University of Cape Town, where he holds a National Research Foundation (SARCHI) research chair, and is the only A-rated researcher in linguistics in the country. He is also the current President of the Linguistics Society of Southern Africa. He has published in the field of Sociolinguistics, with special reference to language contact and variation in South Africa.
In 2011, he collaborated with freelance editor and writer Jeanne Hromnik on EISH but is it English? in which he turns his extensive knowledge of the history of South African English into a compelling and fascinating exploration of how the Dutch and African languages of South Africa have shaped some of the country’s informal grammar.
A Dictionary of South African Indian English Mesthrie looks at the contribution that South African Indian English (SAIE) has made to the make-up of our day-to-day vocabulary in South Africa. It focuses on the ironic humour as well as the unique and rich descriptive qualities of this dialect (as he calls it).
Since the 1960’s, English has become the main language of the Indian communities of South Africa. Television – especially American sitcoms with their permanent and infuriating upward-inflections of speech – has had a widespread influence on the way that young people of all cultures talk. Sadly, many SAIE words and sayings are dying out but fortunately, Mesthrie has preserved them in his book which he describes as being based “on a lifetime’s experience of the dialect and of half a lifetime’s academic study of its nuances”.
Mesthrie indicates that his dictionary is aimed at linguists and lexicographers and should be taken as a cultural, historical and linguistic documentation of SAIE in its full diversity rather than concentrating on any one class of speakers.
However, I believe it has a wider appeal through playwrights, actors, dialogue coaches, poets and lyricists who can continue to preserve the legacy through understanding the origins of words, names and expressions. It will also be of great benefit to those involved in Indian cuisine or wishing to know its herbs and history. The words are also given their phonetic pronunciation to ensure correctness.
The humorous side of the book comes from some of the delightful expressions. Speeches from works by playwrights Kessie Govender and Ronnie Govender are often quoted as placing words or phrases in context. A quick flip through the pages reveals words such as “Arré” (Good Lord, My heavens etc); “boy’s side” (the bridegroom’s party); “dhawa (there it is); “fall-down slap” (a hard smack); “masthi” (trouble, mischief); “nammain” (never mind), and “vai pozi” (to return home).
A Dictionary of South African Indian English by Rajend Mesthrie is published by UCT Press. ISBN 9781919895369 – Caroline Smart
It took me a long time to get a review copy of Rajend Mesthrie’s A Dictionary of South African Indian English. Published in 2010, it became much in demand once it was out. However, it was well worth the wait and I have spent many fulfilled and relaxed moments reading through it.
Rajend Mesthrie is Professor of Linguistics at the University of Cape Town, where he holds a National Research Foundation (SARCHI) research chair, and is the only A-rated researcher in linguistics in the country. He is also the current President of the Linguistics Society of Southern Africa. He has published in the field of Sociolinguistics, with special reference to language contact and variation in South Africa.
In 2011, he collaborated with freelance editor and writer Jeanne Hromnik on EISH but is it English? in which he turns his extensive knowledge of the history of South African English into a compelling and fascinating exploration of how the Dutch and African languages of South Africa have shaped some of the country’s informal grammar.
A Dictionary of South African Indian English Mesthrie looks at the contribution that South African Indian English (SAIE) has made to the make-up of our day-to-day vocabulary in South Africa. It focuses on the ironic humour as well as the unique and rich descriptive qualities of this dialect (as he calls it).
Since the 1960’s, English has become the main language of the Indian communities of South Africa. Television – especially American sitcoms with their permanent and infuriating upward-inflections of speech – has had a widespread influence on the way that young people of all cultures talk. Sadly, many SAIE words and sayings are dying out but fortunately, Mesthrie has preserved them in his book which he describes as being based “on a lifetime’s experience of the dialect and of half a lifetime’s academic study of its nuances”.
Mesthrie indicates that his dictionary is aimed at linguists and lexicographers and should be taken as a cultural, historical and linguistic documentation of SAIE in its full diversity rather than concentrating on any one class of speakers.
However, I believe it has a wider appeal through playwrights, actors, dialogue coaches, poets and lyricists who can continue to preserve the legacy through understanding the origins of words, names and expressions. It will also be of great benefit to those involved in Indian cuisine or wishing to know its herbs and history. The words are also given their phonetic pronunciation to ensure correctness.
The humorous side of the book comes from some of the delightful expressions. Speeches from works by playwrights Kessie Govender and Ronnie Govender are often quoted as placing words or phrases in context. A quick flip through the pages reveals words such as “Arré” (Good Lord, My heavens etc); “boy’s side” (the bridegroom’s party); “dhawa (there it is); “fall-down slap” (a hard smack); “masthi” (trouble, mischief); “nammain” (never mind), and “vai pozi” (to return home).
A Dictionary of South African Indian English by Rajend Mesthrie is published by UCT Press. ISBN 9781919895369 – Caroline Smart
A SPLASH OF RED
(Spanish Rose – sculpture by Owen Llewellyn Davies)The Green Gallery in Mount Edgecombe presents A Splash of Red where three well-known South African artists share their interpretation of the theme. The participating artists are Ian van Zyl, Nicole Pletts and Owen Llewellyn Davies.
Ian Van Zyl was born in Kimberley and raised on a farm in the district. He started drawing and painting at an early age, inspired by the immense open spaces and wild animals that were part of his daily life. After completing his education at Grey College with Art as a subject, he studied at the Joburg School of Art and is now an accomplished and sought-after fine artist. He embarks on an extended trip into the bush every year, often spending long periods alone in remote parts of South Africa, Botswana and Namibia where he finds his greatest inspiration.
Zimbabwean born, Owen Llewellyn Davies grew up on a cattle ranch spending his young creative energy and free time shaping figures out of clay. This is where his love for sculpting developed, mastering the proportions of his muse to make them appear extremely lifelike. His remarkable attention to detail was obvious in his earlier days of discovering his passion. This versatile sculptor's work is displayed around the world in large companies and also by discerning private collectors. Davies' talent for conveying motion, power and movement gives his work a depth which affords lasting pleasure.
Durban-born Nicole Pletts has been painting for 12 years and is generally drawn to light and/or movement. She uses all her own images and likes taking photographs early morning or late afternoon when the colours are more subdued. Pletts is currently Vice-President of the KZNSA in Durban and is also involved in Arts Interactive. She has participated in many group exhibitions and was a finalist for SASOL New Signatures 2009 (Pretoria Art Museum) and Jabulisa 2006 (Tatham Art Gallery in Pietermaritzburg).
A Splash of Red runs from August 30 to September 4, with the opening taking place at 18h00 on August 30. The Green Gallery is situated at Flanders Mall, Flanders Drive, Mount Edgecombe. More information on 031 502 2757.
MEMORIES EVENING
This letter from Rosanne Hurly-Coyne is directed at those associated with The Speech and Drama College (Ex-Guild)
Whether you are a Speech and Drama teacher, an ex-learner, a parent, friend, or family member of someone who is - or has been - closely associated with the College, this message goes out to you.
On November 24 we will host a Memories Evening at The Westville Theatre Club venue.
In the last five years we have lost some very dear, and special members of our College. Among them, Moira Waldron, Ann (and Michael) Gritten, Maureen Court, Patricia Grady and, most recently, Jessica Perritt. You might remember other well-known teachers, Denise Grobler, Olive Tomkin and so many others. These people have left an indelible print, serving their learners with rare commitment and passion.
This evening is not only to remember those who have left us, but to remember wonderful, inspiring and beautiful stories that friends and members of the College might recall. It is an evening to pay tribute to teachers, past or present who have impacted on lives, and inspired learners to achieve their full potential.
Of course, when you get a group of Drama Teachers together, there will always tears and laughter as we do what we all do best - emotional exploration! This is an evening for tears, and laughter. The aim of the evening is after all to have fun, to entertain and be entertained.
We would like to invite you to contribute your memories of The College in either verse or prose. All writing received will be incorporated into a programme or 'reading session' where experienced readers will share the offerings. If you would rather read your own 'memories' there will be a session at the end to do this. Please keep writing to approximately three minutes due to time constraints. We are also looking for musical contributions, and would be very grateful for offers and suggestions. If you have any photographs, please send (scan) them, too. We are hoping to have a power point presentation. Email: dmhaynes@webmail.co.za or zeldavandenberg@gmail.com or rosanneh@mweb.co.za - Rosanne Hurly-Coyne
More information from Zelda Van den Berg on 083 714 0896 or Rosanne Hurly-Coyne on 082 603 908 or 031 763 3714.
Whether you are a Speech and Drama teacher, an ex-learner, a parent, friend, or family member of someone who is - or has been - closely associated with the College, this message goes out to you.
On November 24 we will host a Memories Evening at The Westville Theatre Club venue.
In the last five years we have lost some very dear, and special members of our College. Among them, Moira Waldron, Ann (and Michael) Gritten, Maureen Court, Patricia Grady and, most recently, Jessica Perritt. You might remember other well-known teachers, Denise Grobler, Olive Tomkin and so many others. These people have left an indelible print, serving their learners with rare commitment and passion.
This evening is not only to remember those who have left us, but to remember wonderful, inspiring and beautiful stories that friends and members of the College might recall. It is an evening to pay tribute to teachers, past or present who have impacted on lives, and inspired learners to achieve their full potential.
Of course, when you get a group of Drama Teachers together, there will always tears and laughter as we do what we all do best - emotional exploration! This is an evening for tears, and laughter. The aim of the evening is after all to have fun, to entertain and be entertained.
We would like to invite you to contribute your memories of The College in either verse or prose. All writing received will be incorporated into a programme or 'reading session' where experienced readers will share the offerings. If you would rather read your own 'memories' there will be a session at the end to do this. Please keep writing to approximately three minutes due to time constraints. We are also looking for musical contributions, and would be very grateful for offers and suggestions. If you have any photographs, please send (scan) them, too. We are hoping to have a power point presentation. Email: dmhaynes@webmail.co.za or zeldavandenberg@gmail.com or rosanneh@mweb.co.za - Rosanne Hurly-Coyne
More information from Zelda Van den Berg on 083 714 0896 or Rosanne Hurly-Coyne on 082 603 908 or 031 763 3714.
ACT NEW PROJECT FUNDING
Nine projects were selected for support through the ACT Development Programme, supported by the Nedbank Arts Affinity programme and Sun International.
“With the continued and increased support from the Nedbank Arts Affinity clients and renewed support from Sun International, ACT is in a position to increase its allocation of funds to the tune of more than 50% in comparison to project expenditure during the same funding cycle a year ago,” says Pieter Jacobs, Manager of ACT.
At a recent meeting of the Trustees of the Arts & Culture Trust (ACT), nine grants were allocated to a range of projects including visual art, craft, drama, literature and arts training for the youth.
“Sun International is proud to be a sponsor of such a worthy development initiative. The Arts & Culture Trust provides an opportunity to develop, nurture and support the intrinsic talent of young South Africans by giving them a platform not only to learn a skill but more importantly, a way to become confident and responsible young adults,” comments Ashnie Muthusamy, Group Manager: Talent Transformation & Change at Sun International.
The ACT Development Programme is aimed at arts training for the youth, the development of new South African work and professional development and makes provision for all expressions of art including but not limited to Craft, Dance, Music, Theatre, Literature, Visual Art and New Media.
“Nedbank and its Arts Affinity clients continue to support the arts because supporting arts and culture is very important for our society. As Tom Cronin said, ‘Being able to think in different ways and to sense the possibilities may inspire the economist, physicist, and political scientist to see interconnections and hypothesize about variables in ways they may not have considered. The arts can free us to think and dream and sense, and this often proves invaluable. So as Nedbank Affinity clients continue to use their accounts we will continue to support the arts,” says Maseda Ratshikuni from Nedbank.
ACT is open for applications for Development grants on an ongoing basis. The next funding cycle closes on September 30, 2012, and the outcome will be available by November 13, 2012.
For more information about the ACT Development Programme or to submit an application online visit www.act.org.za
NB: By submitting an application applicants accept that ACT will only release the outcome as specified on the website and that the decision of the ACT Board of Trustees regarding the outcome of applications is final and no further correspondence will be entered into.
“With the continued and increased support from the Nedbank Arts Affinity clients and renewed support from Sun International, ACT is in a position to increase its allocation of funds to the tune of more than 50% in comparison to project expenditure during the same funding cycle a year ago,” says Pieter Jacobs, Manager of ACT.
At a recent meeting of the Trustees of the Arts & Culture Trust (ACT), nine grants were allocated to a range of projects including visual art, craft, drama, literature and arts training for the youth.
“Sun International is proud to be a sponsor of such a worthy development initiative. The Arts & Culture Trust provides an opportunity to develop, nurture and support the intrinsic talent of young South Africans by giving them a platform not only to learn a skill but more importantly, a way to become confident and responsible young adults,” comments Ashnie Muthusamy, Group Manager: Talent Transformation & Change at Sun International.
The ACT Development Programme is aimed at arts training for the youth, the development of new South African work and professional development and makes provision for all expressions of art including but not limited to Craft, Dance, Music, Theatre, Literature, Visual Art and New Media.
“Nedbank and its Arts Affinity clients continue to support the arts because supporting arts and culture is very important for our society. As Tom Cronin said, ‘Being able to think in different ways and to sense the possibilities may inspire the economist, physicist, and political scientist to see interconnections and hypothesize about variables in ways they may not have considered. The arts can free us to think and dream and sense, and this often proves invaluable. So as Nedbank Affinity clients continue to use their accounts we will continue to support the arts,” says Maseda Ratshikuni from Nedbank.
ACT is open for applications for Development grants on an ongoing basis. The next funding cycle closes on September 30, 2012, and the outcome will be available by November 13, 2012.
For more information about the ACT Development Programme or to submit an application online visit www.act.org.za
NB: By submitting an application applicants accept that ACT will only release the outcome as specified on the website and that the decision of the ACT Board of Trustees regarding the outcome of applications is final and no further correspondence will be entered into.
THE FAVOURITES - YOURS, MINE & OURS
Running over this weekend at Rhumbelow Theatre is The Favourites - Yours, Mine & Ours.
The Family Players, who started Rhumbelow Theatre and have presented many a comic drag evening, have selected a number of their favourite songs and also those most requested by the audience. Over the last 11 years they have entertained with a number of outrageous songs and comedy that has moved audiences to tears and had them rolling in the aisles with laughter.
“We have selected the numbers that we and you, the audience, have enjoyed the most and will present as a once-off weekend of fun and laughter,” explains Roland Stansell. “So look out for the over-the-top outfits, outrageous wigs and wildly long eye lashes as the Family Players take you on a journey into the comedy of drag at its best. The Family Players, now into its second decade of entertaining, will continue to bring you a great evening out and you will go home feeling lekker from all the laughter.”
The production stars Roland Stansell, Greg Baptie, Allan Quihampton and Derek Pearce.
The Favourites - Yours, Mine & Ours has its final two performances today at 14h00 and 18h30. R100 a ticket. Booking is essential through Computicket, or phone Roland on 082 499 8636 or e-mail rhumbelow@stansell.za.net
The venue opens 90 minutes before show for picnic dinner. Patrons should take along food picnic baskets and braais will be available for those who wish to cook some meat. Limited secure parking available. There is a cash bar (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises).
Rhumbelow Theatre is situated in Cunningham Avenue off Bartle Road in Umbilo, Durban.
The Family Players, who started Rhumbelow Theatre and have presented many a comic drag evening, have selected a number of their favourite songs and also those most requested by the audience. Over the last 11 years they have entertained with a number of outrageous songs and comedy that has moved audiences to tears and had them rolling in the aisles with laughter.
“We have selected the numbers that we and you, the audience, have enjoyed the most and will present as a once-off weekend of fun and laughter,” explains Roland Stansell. “So look out for the over-the-top outfits, outrageous wigs and wildly long eye lashes as the Family Players take you on a journey into the comedy of drag at its best. The Family Players, now into its second decade of entertaining, will continue to bring you a great evening out and you will go home feeling lekker from all the laughter.”
The production stars Roland Stansell, Greg Baptie, Allan Quihampton and Derek Pearce.
The Favourites - Yours, Mine & Ours has its final two performances today at 14h00 and 18h30. R100 a ticket. Booking is essential through Computicket, or phone Roland on 082 499 8636 or e-mail rhumbelow@stansell.za.net
The venue opens 90 minutes before show for picnic dinner. Patrons should take along food picnic baskets and braais will be available for those who wish to cook some meat. Limited secure parking available. There is a cash bar (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises).
Rhumbelow Theatre is situated in Cunningham Avenue off Bartle Road in Umbilo, Durban.
CAMERA ROLLS ON 2ND SPUD FILM!
Production of the big screen adaptation of the second Spud book – Spud: The Madness Continues – is underway! The highly-anticipated sequel to 2010’s Spud is now filming, with Donovan Marsh returning to the director’s chair.
Following the remarkable success of the first film, producer Ross Garland couldn’t wait to get the second novel in John van de Ruit’s hugely successful series, on film. “The first film did really well, topping the box office during the summer holidays in 2010. The movie has also received significant international interest, with sales to the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Scandinavia, Turkey and the Middle East,” says Garland. “We’ve had significant support from a pool of local investors for the sequel, illustrating South Africa’s strong affection for the Spud series”.
British screen legend John Cleese returns for Spud 2 as The Guv, the eccentric English teacher. South African-born star Troye Sivan is also back in the title role, along with Jason Cope as malicious housemaster Sparerib, Tanit Phoenix as the seductive Eve, Jeremy Crutchley as headmaster Mr Glockenshpeel, and Aaron McIlroy and Julie Summers as Spud’s mad parents.
The rest of the Crazy 7 (minus Gecko, of course) return as well: Sven Ruygrok (Rambo); Josh Goddard (Mad Dog); Tom Burne (Vern); Byron Langley (Simon); Travis Hornsby (Boggo) and Blessing Xaba (Fatty). And who could forget Spud’s love interests? Genna Blair is back as Debbie “The Mermaid”, Charlbi Kriek returns to taunt Spud as “Amanda” and Alex McGregor is the unhinged “Christine”.
Co-producer Brad Logan has been working hard casting some of the new roles in Spud 2, with the three prefects Anderson, Emberton and Death Breath, a highlight. “It’s been great to unveil some new talent, with a few perfect character actors coming in to play the new parts. We’ve also very lucky to have a comedy genius like Rob Van Vuuren for example playing a cameo at the Midlands festival,” he says.
The sequel to the box office smash Spud is again distributed by Nu Metro Films. The film is also financed by the Department of Trade and Industry and the National Film and Video Foundation.
Spud 2 - The Madness Continues is produced by Rogue Star Films and co-produced by BLM Productions.To stay up to date with Spud 2 news, like Spud: The Movie Official Fan Page on Facebook or follow @The_Spud_Movie on Twitter.
Following the remarkable success of the first film, producer Ross Garland couldn’t wait to get the second novel in John van de Ruit’s hugely successful series, on film. “The first film did really well, topping the box office during the summer holidays in 2010. The movie has also received significant international interest, with sales to the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Scandinavia, Turkey and the Middle East,” says Garland. “We’ve had significant support from a pool of local investors for the sequel, illustrating South Africa’s strong affection for the Spud series”.
British screen legend John Cleese returns for Spud 2 as The Guv, the eccentric English teacher. South African-born star Troye Sivan is also back in the title role, along with Jason Cope as malicious housemaster Sparerib, Tanit Phoenix as the seductive Eve, Jeremy Crutchley as headmaster Mr Glockenshpeel, and Aaron McIlroy and Julie Summers as Spud’s mad parents.
The rest of the Crazy 7 (minus Gecko, of course) return as well: Sven Ruygrok (Rambo); Josh Goddard (Mad Dog); Tom Burne (Vern); Byron Langley (Simon); Travis Hornsby (Boggo) and Blessing Xaba (Fatty). And who could forget Spud’s love interests? Genna Blair is back as Debbie “The Mermaid”, Charlbi Kriek returns to taunt Spud as “Amanda” and Alex McGregor is the unhinged “Christine”.
Co-producer Brad Logan has been working hard casting some of the new roles in Spud 2, with the three prefects Anderson, Emberton and Death Breath, a highlight. “It’s been great to unveil some new talent, with a few perfect character actors coming in to play the new parts. We’ve also very lucky to have a comedy genius like Rob Van Vuuren for example playing a cameo at the Midlands festival,” he says.
The sequel to the box office smash Spud is again distributed by Nu Metro Films. The film is also financed by the Department of Trade and Industry and the National Film and Video Foundation.
Spud 2 - The Madness Continues is produced by Rogue Star Films and co-produced by BLM Productions.To stay up to date with Spud 2 news, like Spud: The Movie Official Fan Page on Facebook or follow @The_Spud_Movie on Twitter.
FOX HIGHLIGHTS
Featuring on the FOX chancel on DStv are some well-known and successful series – from the past:
Airwolf Season 01 (Weekdays at 16h05): A top-secret division of the CIA known as ‘The Firm’ has built a hi-tech, weapons-laden helicopter called Airwolf. After the craft’s first flight, its twisted creator, Dr. Moffet, turns the lethal firepower onto the flight tower, before taking off in the chopper. Archangel, the head of the division who built Airwolf, and ace combat pilot Stringfellow Hawke face the difficult task of hunting him down.
Dr Who (Baker) (Saturdays at 20h30): England, the near future. Something inhumanly strong and resilient is raiding scientific establishments across the country. Can the new Doctor help UNIT? And what is the staff of the secret government think-tank working on in their spare time?
Quantum Leap Season 3 (Weekdays at 18h50): As the thrilling third season of Quantum Leap premieres, Sam experiences an emotional leap when, at the age of 16, he has the opportunity to win the high school basketball championship and save his family from their sad fates.
The Professionals (Fridays at 20h30): A post-operative ward in a hospital is held to ransom by a newly released convict who plans to make a fortune, setting up his own foxhole at the top of a nearby building. CI5 hatch a plot to bring him down before he takes a fatal shot at the hospital. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lawson has gone missing without trace. Can CI5 seek him out before he tells all?
Chips Season 5 (Weekdays at 18h00): As the series continues, Jon and Ponch discover that a family of con artists are operating in the area. Meanwhile, the other officers try to get the Sarge in on a celebration of Ponch and Jon’s fourth anniversary as partners.
Charlie’s Angels Season 2 (Tuesdays at 20:30): Sabrina and Kelly welcome a new Angel, Jill’s little sister Kris. However the celebration is short-lived as the Angels receive word that Charlie has been kidnapped. Will the girls get to him in time, or will it be too late?
Airwolf Season 01 (Weekdays at 16h05): A top-secret division of the CIA known as ‘The Firm’ has built a hi-tech, weapons-laden helicopter called Airwolf. After the craft’s first flight, its twisted creator, Dr. Moffet, turns the lethal firepower onto the flight tower, before taking off in the chopper. Archangel, the head of the division who built Airwolf, and ace combat pilot Stringfellow Hawke face the difficult task of hunting him down.
Dr Who (Baker) (Saturdays at 20h30): England, the near future. Something inhumanly strong and resilient is raiding scientific establishments across the country. Can the new Doctor help UNIT? And what is the staff of the secret government think-tank working on in their spare time?
Quantum Leap Season 3 (Weekdays at 18h50): As the thrilling third season of Quantum Leap premieres, Sam experiences an emotional leap when, at the age of 16, he has the opportunity to win the high school basketball championship and save his family from their sad fates.
The Professionals (Fridays at 20h30): A post-operative ward in a hospital is held to ransom by a newly released convict who plans to make a fortune, setting up his own foxhole at the top of a nearby building. CI5 hatch a plot to bring him down before he takes a fatal shot at the hospital. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lawson has gone missing without trace. Can CI5 seek him out before he tells all?
Chips Season 5 (Weekdays at 18h00): As the series continues, Jon and Ponch discover that a family of con artists are operating in the area. Meanwhile, the other officers try to get the Sarge in on a celebration of Ponch and Jon’s fourth anniversary as partners.
Charlie’s Angels Season 2 (Tuesdays at 20:30): Sabrina and Kelly welcome a new Angel, Jill’s little sister Kris. However the celebration is short-lived as the Angels receive word that Charlie has been kidnapped. Will the girls get to him in time, or will it be too late?
WHERE WE LIVE
(Work by Jeannie Kinsler)Where We Live, currently running at the KZNSA Gallery is a collaboration between artist Jeannie Kinsler and renowned Durban fashion designer Terrence Bray. A serendipitous meeting with Terrence led to the collaboration, which resulted in Terrence using paintings on fabric and as inspiration for his Spring/Summer 2012 collection.
Kinsler was in turn inspired by his vision and creative energy - and by seeing her work moving through fabric on bodies - to produce a new series of paintings. While her work is widely associated with images of the female form, the human head and still life – this new body of work further explores the human form fragmented by light, shadow, fabric and movement.
Bray has often used his own ‘backyard’ as inspiration for his collections and so it was with the work of Kinsler who is his neighbour. Her use of light and colour and fragmented layering provided a wonderful starting point for the Spring/Summer 2012 collection. For this exhibition, Bray wanted to take the concept one step further and has created unique paper sculptures which bring to the space a surreal combination of fashion and art.
Where We Live runs until September 9 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
YOU&ME: A SERIES OF FIRST TIMES
In a Bush Behind GatewayFrom June to December 2011, Skullboy collected the stories of anonymous participants' sexual debuts - the circumstances, scenarios, emotions, celebrations and tragedies of how they came to lose their virginity. This was done via small forms left with drop boxes in clubs and bathroom stalls, focusing on the +- 18 to 35 alternative crowd who would most likely frequent the clubs surveyed.
You&Me (formerly known as the Cherry Poppin' Project) is a revised collection of 100 stories from anonymous participants about their 'first times'. From the 300+ collected accounts, 100 have been chosen and rendered as small artworks.
“The aim of this exercise is two-fold. Firstly, to capture a glimpse into the reality of the state and practice of sex in our modern day society. Secondly, to create a healthy dialogue about sex in reality without the baggage of religion, media, television and moral decorum,” says Skullboy. “Through the accounts of others and the re-telling of our own stories, we realise the similarities between us and our peers. Through this communal discussion, we destroy the unrealistic expectations of sex set by society and ourselves and strip such a significant event of any shame, pressure or sense of failure and accept the event for what it was, whether good or bad.”
You&Me: A Series of First Times runs at the Mezzanine Gallery at the KZNSA until September 9. The KZNSA Gallery is situated at 166 Bulwer Road, Glenwood, in Durban. More information on 031 277 1703, fax 031 201 8051 or cell 082 220 0368 or visit www.kznsagallery.co.za
NB: Skullboy's exhibition is recommended PG18.
CALL FOR EMERGING SA PLAYWRIGHTS
South African Next Wave is calling for submissions of contemporary South African plays for production in the UK.
Rob Drummer, Literary Manager at HighTide Festival Theatre and freelance director and producer, is visiting South Africa this spring to work with emerging playwrights across South Africa with a view to discovering bold, contemporary new plays for production in the UK.
Working out of the Market Theatre and Baxter Theatre and spending time in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town, Drummer is looking for diverse new writing to champion both in South Africa and the UK.
Drummer has already started collaborations across South Africa and this project is supported by the UK Arts Council and British Council and is intended to stimulate international collaboration. Whilst in South Africa, Rob is keen to meet with playwrights and theatre makers, directors and academics who can contribute to the contemporary moment in South Africa and who are keen to have their writing or work produced internationally.
As Literary Manager at HighTide and as a director, Drummer has championed countless playwrights and their plays and has had work produced all over the UK. He is especially keen to contact emerging writers, who may have not had full productions but are keen to develop their writing. There is an exciting opportunity for several plays to be produced in the UK and in South Africa.
“I am keen to produce bold, provocative plays that tell a contemporary story about South Africa, the multiple voices, the multiple realities and context of the South African experience. I will be looking to programme these plays in the UK in 2013 if exceptional work is discovered and want to promote these playwrights in the UK as the most exciting unheard voices coming out of South Africa, now,” says Drummer.
“I am keen to start a creative and collaborative dialogue with every playwright I potentially produce and will welcome the playwright to any production in 2013 as well as carrying out development over distance from the point of programming through to the production,” he continues. “I am looking for plays that have potential but may need work, and I am looking to introduce these plays to a wide audience and network of theatre makers in the UK.”
Anyone with a new play or who would like to know more about this call for submissions should e-mail Rob directly at robert.a.drummer@gmail.com
The deadline for submissions is October 12 at 17h00.
Follow the project on www.southafricannextwave.tumblr.com or on Twitter: @robert_ad | #SANextWave
Rob Drummer, Literary Manager at HighTide Festival Theatre and freelance director and producer, is visiting South Africa this spring to work with emerging playwrights across South Africa with a view to discovering bold, contemporary new plays for production in the UK.
Working out of the Market Theatre and Baxter Theatre and spending time in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town, Drummer is looking for diverse new writing to champion both in South Africa and the UK.
Drummer has already started collaborations across South Africa and this project is supported by the UK Arts Council and British Council and is intended to stimulate international collaboration. Whilst in South Africa, Rob is keen to meet with playwrights and theatre makers, directors and academics who can contribute to the contemporary moment in South Africa and who are keen to have their writing or work produced internationally.
As Literary Manager at HighTide and as a director, Drummer has championed countless playwrights and their plays and has had work produced all over the UK. He is especially keen to contact emerging writers, who may have not had full productions but are keen to develop their writing. There is an exciting opportunity for several plays to be produced in the UK and in South Africa.
“I am keen to produce bold, provocative plays that tell a contemporary story about South Africa, the multiple voices, the multiple realities and context of the South African experience. I will be looking to programme these plays in the UK in 2013 if exceptional work is discovered and want to promote these playwrights in the UK as the most exciting unheard voices coming out of South Africa, now,” says Drummer.
“I am keen to start a creative and collaborative dialogue with every playwright I potentially produce and will welcome the playwright to any production in 2013 as well as carrying out development over distance from the point of programming through to the production,” he continues. “I am looking for plays that have potential but may need work, and I am looking to introduce these plays to a wide audience and network of theatre makers in the UK.”
Anyone with a new play or who would like to know more about this call for submissions should e-mail Rob directly at robert.a.drummer@gmail.com
The deadline for submissions is October 12 at 17h00.
Follow the project on www.southafricannextwave.tumblr.com or on Twitter: @robert_ad | #SANextWave
IMPANDE YETHONGO
Impande Yethongo is a play touching on tradition created and directed by Thabiso Radebe who teaches Dramatic Art at Njubanjuba Sec School. “We as Africans have neglected our ancestors,” Radebe explains. “Most South Africans do not believe in ancestors anymore. This play teaches one to research and go back to their roots, and find answers they need to be searching for. Our ancestors are all around us, blessing and protecting us.
In the play, a young girl is attacked by evil spirits which drive her to give up the “root” of the ancestors. All the sangomas’ (traditional healers) are angry; they want answers to how this might have happened. There is truth, lies and deception within the sangomas. The question still stands, as generations pass, is tradition still acknowledged?
The play is performed by 30 Dramatic Art students from Njubanjuba Sec School and will be performed on August 29 and 30 at the school in Glendale next to Stanger, on Luthuli District. It then moves to Durban for one performance at Stable Theatre on August 31 at 18h00. Tickets R20 at the door.
For more information contact Thabiso Radebe on 073 365 9947 or email: thabiso.sbani@gmail.com
Saturday, August 25, 2012
CALL FOR DESIGNERS
The Absa KKNK is looking for an artist who can design and produce the maquettes for the Absa KKNK Kanna Award. The winner of this competition will receive R10,000 in cash and will produce the maquettes from 2013 to 2015.
Art of the highest standard has always been awarded at the Absa KKNK and since 2001, the Kanna Awards have become the yardstick for exceptional talent.
Visual presentations and concept designs must reach programme manager Theo Kemp before September 3, 2012. Kemp can be reached by e-mail at tkemp@kknk.co.za or by post at Absa KKNK, 3rd Floor, Seppie Greeff Building, Voortrekker Road, Outshoorn, 6625.
More information and guidelines are available at www.absakknk.co.za/kunstenaars.php?page=visuele_kompetisie&lang=en
Art of the highest standard has always been awarded at the Absa KKNK and since 2001, the Kanna Awards have become the yardstick for exceptional talent.
Visual presentations and concept designs must reach programme manager Theo Kemp before September 3, 2012. Kemp can be reached by e-mail at tkemp@kknk.co.za or by post at Absa KKNK, 3rd Floor, Seppie Greeff Building, Voortrekker Road, Outshoorn, 6625.
More information and guidelines are available at www.absakknk.co.za/kunstenaars.php?page=visuele_kompetisie&lang=en
MKHWANAZI & DUIGAN AT TATHAM
Tenor Lionel Mkhwanazi and pianist Christopher Duigan will give a free lunch hour concert in the Tatham Art Gallery. Both well-known performers in their own right, this concert should appeal to lovers of opera and classical music.
The concert is presented by Friends of the Tatham Art Gallery (FOTAG) in association with Music Revival. It will take place on September 5 from 13h10 to 13h50 at the Tatham Art Gallery in Pietermaritzburg. There is secure parking on the Church Street side of the Gallery.
The concert is presented by Friends of the Tatham Art Gallery (FOTAG) in association with Music Revival. It will take place on September 5 from 13h10 to 13h50 at the Tatham Art Gallery in Pietermaritzburg. There is secure parking on the Church Street side of the Gallery.
NDIKHO XABA CD LAUNCH
(Ndikho Xaba)The music of Ndikho Xaba will be featured in the launch of his CD Sunsets: An Anthology of Creative Music 1970 – 2006 on August 28 at the UKZN Centre for Jazz.
Special guest artist will be guitarist Madala Kunene. The band line-up features Sazi Dlamini (guitars/percussion); Neil Gonsalves (piano); Ildo Nandja (bass); Paki Peloeole (drums); Salim Washington (saxophone) and Nomusa Xaba (MC, poetry, percussion).
Now 78 years old, Ndikho Xaba is veteran artist on the jazz and new music scenes. He is a Dorkay House Legend and 2011 eThekwini Living Legend awardee.
Sunsets is a retrospective collection of some of the music he made in the context of both an apartheid-ridden South Africa and the post-1994 building of the new democracy. A multi-instrumentalist and craftsman; he specialized in playing piano, didgeridoo, mbira and a variety of other self-crafted instruments; many of which are played on this CD.
The last son of a KZN Methodist minister and school teacher, Ndikho was forced to flee the country in 1964 because he and his family were being interrogated and detained by the Special Branch who were looking for information about his political activities. Always remaining loyal to the ideals of the ANC, Ndikho spent 34 years in exile (US, Canada, Tanzania) continuing his musical contributions before returning to his beloved South Africa in 1998. Some of that time was spent in Chicago, the home of the world renowned AACM (Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians). It's Cold in America and Song of the Frogs, feature historic musicians from that genre - Douglas Ewart, Oscar Brown III and Hamid Drake - all giants in their own right.
Some tracks foreground Xaba, other showcase his skill as an imaginative crafter of textures behind solos and the spoken word of his wife Nomusa. His music has been described as iconoclastic, historic, imaginative and asserting a distinctively South African character. The tracks are varied and of interest to many different genres of music lovers whether they favour jazz, mbaqanga, avante garde or spoken word.
The opening track is entitled In Praise of Women and honours the often-overlooked role of women in society. There is happy, dance music, as in the track Highlife which is a tribute to Ghana's first president, Kwame Nkrumah. An ecological warning of the dangers of global pollution in Song of the Frogs. A love song in tribute to his wife of 42 years, Nomusa. And an invocation to the ancestors of his clan Shwabada.
The launch takes place on August 28 at 18h00 at the UKZN Centre for Jazz and Popular Music, Howard College (Main Entrance: Shepstone Building – level 2). Admission is free. For more information contact Nomusa Xaba on 083 974 3788 or email: mamanomusa@gmail.com or visit www.mamanomusa.com
LION AND THE JEWEL
Written by Wole Soyinka, Nigeria’s foremost playwright, The Lion and the Jewel is a topical comedy-drama dealing with the rapid modernisation of Africa, coupled with the evangelisation of the population. It will be staged by Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) Department of Drama Studies.
Set in the Yoruba village of Ilunjinle, the main characters are Sidi (‘the Jewel’), 'a true village belle', and Baroka (‘the Lion’) the crafty and powerful Chief of the village. Then there’s Lakunle, the young teacher influenced by western ways, and Sadiku, the eldest of Baroka's wives.
It chronicles how Baroka fights with the modern Lakunle over the right to marry Sidi. Lakunle is portrayed as the civilized antithesis of Baroka and unilaterally attempts to modernize his community and change its social conventions for no reason other than the fact that he can. How the Lion hunts the Jewel is the theme of this comedy-drama.
The story reminds us of the need for careful navigation and sensitivity in the conflict between Western influences and traditional beliefs. It gently prods a finger at the colonialism versus African culture debate, as the educated people in the village seek to spread their knowledge to the tribal people in an attempt to make them more modern. This is resisted in turn by the tribal people who see no point in obtaining an education as it serves no apparent use in their daily lives. This has driven a wedge between the traditionalists and the modernists.
The Lion and the Jewel is directed by Brian Pearce, Associate Professor of DUT Drama Studies, and features second and third year students in the roles. Assisting with the production is masters student in the department of languages and translation, Tope Adekunle, who is studying the works of Soyinka and will act as a literary consultant and costume designer.
The Lion and the Jewel runs in the Courtyard Theatre at DUT from August 25 to 31 at 19h00. Entrance Fee R35. For more information contact Lebohang Sibisi on 031 373 2194
Set in the Yoruba village of Ilunjinle, the main characters are Sidi (‘the Jewel’), 'a true village belle', and Baroka (‘the Lion’) the crafty and powerful Chief of the village. Then there’s Lakunle, the young teacher influenced by western ways, and Sadiku, the eldest of Baroka's wives.
It chronicles how Baroka fights with the modern Lakunle over the right to marry Sidi. Lakunle is portrayed as the civilized antithesis of Baroka and unilaterally attempts to modernize his community and change its social conventions for no reason other than the fact that he can. How the Lion hunts the Jewel is the theme of this comedy-drama.
The story reminds us of the need for careful navigation and sensitivity in the conflict between Western influences and traditional beliefs. It gently prods a finger at the colonialism versus African culture debate, as the educated people in the village seek to spread their knowledge to the tribal people in an attempt to make them more modern. This is resisted in turn by the tribal people who see no point in obtaining an education as it serves no apparent use in their daily lives. This has driven a wedge between the traditionalists and the modernists.
The Lion and the Jewel is directed by Brian Pearce, Associate Professor of DUT Drama Studies, and features second and third year students in the roles. Assisting with the production is masters student in the department of languages and translation, Tope Adekunle, who is studying the works of Soyinka and will act as a literary consultant and costume designer.
The Lion and the Jewel runs in the Courtyard Theatre at DUT from August 25 to 31 at 19h00. Entrance Fee R35. For more information contact Lebohang Sibisi on 031 373 2194
BESWITCHED
(Shika Budhoo and Sandy Bigara)A collection of good, humorous ideas. (Review by Viresh Prahalath)
Beswitched, currently running at the Catalina Theatre, takes us on a journey into the experiences of Pamela and Leela, two zany characters who come from completely different backgrounds. They live together as loving and sometimes squabbling roommates.
The plot: Leela (Shika Budhoo) is to marry Pamela’s (Sandy Bigara) brother Eric the next day, however things become complicated when they switch bodies after drinking aunt Vashti’s strange tasting tea. Being in each other’s bodies is far from comfortable and presents a huge problem, especially to Pamela, who does not want to marry her own brother!
Using comedy, the play intelligently brings forth the issues that arise when intercultural marriages take place. We get to see what Leela and Pamela’s family and friends think about their union through multiple frank, yet funny, characterisations that do not spare the audience from a South African reality of racial dissension.
The play is slightly choppy at times and I got the feeling that there were technical problems with missed sound and lighting cues. Added to this, the music is played at different volumes and qualities of clarity. This is just the first night, though, and it is sure to be ironed out in future productions.
The music in the play takes the viewer back to the 90’s and the first years of the new millennium with familiar pop hits by artists such as Bewitched and the Spice Girls. It also offers a trip down memory lane as Leela reminisces about the old television programmes that today’s 20 to 30-somethings used to watch as children, such as Disney's Adventures of the Gummi Bears and The Smurfs.
Sandy Bigara’s Indian accent did not work well and was not convincing when compared to those of artists such as Aaron Mcilroy and Kevin Perkins. She did, however, offer a good stage presence and an interesting character to watch on stage that did incite laughs from the audience. Shika helped bring the show to life with her manic stage antics and good delivering of one-liners that are so frank and real that you can’t help but laugh.
The set was scattered and had a wide array of childhood artefacts sprawled across it, which works in taking us to a more visually haphazard, childish time of our lives.
Ultimately, the show comes across as a collection of good, humorous ideas and spurts of acting talent that is untidily put together, playing more like a work in progress than a final piece. Yet it manages to be enjoyable. Due to the ever-changing nature of live performance and the abilities of its experienced creatives, it is almost certain that you will watch a tighter, more spectacular show in forthcoming performances. – Viresh Prahalath
Friday, August 24, 2012
BEETHOVEN BONANZA I
In the first of two concerts presenting the six most popular ‘named’ Beethoven Sonatas, Christopher Duigan plays the Pathetique, Moonlight and Les Adieux Sonatas – op 13, op 27 no 2 and op 81a. A substantial and exuberant concert performance, vividly expressed in musically dramatic action.
The concert takes place on August 25 at 19h30 Tickets R120 include refreshments on arrival, soup and coffee, served from 18h30. (R100 concert only).
The second concert takes place on August 26 at 15h30. R100 includes tea/ coffee and other refreshments from 15h00. The venue will be 35 Montgomery Drive, Athlone in Pietermaritzburg and there is secure parking. Booking essential on email: booking@musicrevival.co.za (preferred) or 033 342 3051.
The concert takes place on August 25 at 19h30 Tickets R120 include refreshments on arrival, soup and coffee, served from 18h30. (R100 concert only).
The second concert takes place on August 26 at 15h30. R100 includes tea/ coffee and other refreshments from 15h00. The venue will be 35 Montgomery Drive, Athlone in Pietermaritzburg and there is secure parking. Booking essential on email: booking@musicrevival.co.za (preferred) or 033 342 3051.
CANCELLATION OF INTIMATE ENCOUNTERS
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra would like to announce that the Intimate Encounters concert that was schedule to take place at the Jewish Club on Sunday, August 26 2012 at 18h00 has been postponed until further notice.
"We apologise for any inconvenience caused," says a KZNPO representative. For further information please contact the KZN Philharmonic offices on 031 369 9438 or email kznpo@kznpo.co.za
"We apologise for any inconvenience caused," says a KZNPO representative. For further information please contact the KZN Philharmonic offices on 031 369 9438 or email kznpo@kznpo.co.za
MONEY’S TOO TIGHT TO MENTION
(Stuart Taylor)Popular Cape Town funny man Stuart Taylor will appear at Durban’s Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World on August 24 and 25 in his latest one-man show Money’s Too Tight To Mention.
This performance will form the Durban leg of his national tour that has seen Taylor perform the show in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth and the Grahamstown Arts Festival. Money’s Too Tight To Mention is presented by Podium …The Comedy Merchants in association with East Coast Radio, Suncoast Casino & Entertainment World and the Ethekwini Municipality.
Stuart Taylor is probably best known by most South Africans as the presenter of SABC 3’s hit travel show, Going Nowhere Slowly. More recently, he was also the star in Mzansi Magic’s Diary of a Touring Comic that was created around the national tour of his last show in 2011. But when this Stellenbosch University science graduate is not in front of the camera with a mud-powdered face and wind-styled hair, Taylor is enchanting local and international audiences with his headline, stand-up comedy shows.
His ability to interrogate the human condition, explore people, their sensibilities...hopes, dreams, ambitions and fears, illuminating how people interact with each other exposing their similarities and differences alike – has made him a fan favourite amongst many. His performances are more than just a comedy show they bring with them a deeper social commentary about the world around us.
The uncanny manner in which he casts spells of unbridled laughter on virtually any audience has earned him the adoration of local critics and fans over the years in his many ensemble show appearances and his sold-out one man show theatre productions. The same success has followed his international exploits, earning him rave reviews for his performances at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Scotland; the Berlin International Comedy Festival, Germany as well as earlier this year at the Auckland International Comedy Festival in New Zealand.
His most recent theatre production, Learner Husband, has played to critical acclaim across the country, so much so that a prominent publishing house in South Africa has provided him with the opportunity to adapt the show into a book that will be released next year. The success of this show was built on the success of a previous one-man show. Techni-Coloured which received many great reviews and awards, including the prestigious Overall Best Comedy award at the National Arts Festival and the Show Time award for the best solo performance.
Money’s Too Tight To Mention was co-created with Heinrich Resienhofer who is one of South Africa’s most respected and decorated theatre directors. This epic collision of creative minds gave birth to this enlightening comedy show that gives a fresh, hilarious but mostly sincere perspective on the way we deal with money as well as poking fun at the crazy things we do to get and stay ahead in life.
The show explores the ups and downs on the roller-coaster ride of aspiration, the effects of the current financial crisis, the drive to keep up with the new Joneses and shares inspiring tips on how to get through the rough patches.
Money’s Too Tight To Mention will be opened by Richelieu Beanoir, a Durban born comedian who moved to Joburg a few years ago. Besides his many achievements, he was recently nominated in the Breakthrough Act of the Year category at this year’s Comics Choice Awards.
Money’s Too Tight To Mention has performances on August 24 and 25 at the Suncoast Casino & Entertainment World. Tickets booked online at www.computicket.co.za or at Computicket outlets nationwide.
SHARLENE VERSFELD: A BASA FINALIST
(Sharlene Versfeld. Pic by Val Adamson)Durban based communication consultancy, Versfeld and Associates, headed by respected arts marketing consultant, Sharlene Versfeld, is a finalist in the 15th annual Business Arts South Africa (BASA) national awards.
The annual BASA Awards pay tribute to those businesses that are actively supporting arts and culture events nationwide. The nomination, in the "sponsorship in kind" category, is for the work Versfeld has done over the years for the Flatfoot Dance Company, Durban’s leading contemporary dance company which celebrates its 10th anniversary next year.
“I think that the work BASA does in supporting and encouraging business to get involved in sponsoring the arts is really to be applauded. Over the 15 years of BASA’s existence, we have seen how they have been able to connect business to the arts, providing important research on the value the arts provides from a sponsorship point of view. It is amazing to see big business and major corporate taking arts seriously, not only from a philanthropic or corporate social investment point of view, as in the old days of patronage, but from a real brand alignment point of view – as is done in sports.
“BASA is able to guide business as to how they can leverage their brand through this association. These awards are important part of acknowledging the value added to the arts in SA through these relationships,” she continues.
Versfeld began her career working with the cutting edge Loft Theatre Company in 1987 at the then-NAPAC (now Playhouse Company), and was eventually appointed marketing manager there before leaving in 1993 to start her own business promoting theatre.
Over the years Versfeld has been involved in creating and implementing marketing campaigns for the arts and culture industry, most notably the Durban International Film Festival, the Jomba Contemporary Dance Festival, Poetry Africa, Time of the Writer, as well as for NGO’s such as Action in Autism, commercial companies such as Sun International and SPAR KZN, and various projects for local, provincial and national government departments and independent promoters.
She has won a number of awards during her career including the 1998 inaugural Arts & Culture Trust of the President Award for arts publicity.
"It’s been a wonderfully rewarding career which has spanned working with some incredibly fascinating and talented creative people from across the globe." she says. “But the work I do for Flatfoot is really about helping to develop and grow contemporary dance in Durban. Flatfoot is an important company, doing some profound work, as well as creating the foundation for future dance practitioners through their dance development projects in various communities. It is this work that enables hundreds of youngsters to gather weekly as a community and to create dance and express themselves through dance, which speaks to their own situations in a safe controlled environment. It has been a pleasure working with the company and its Artistic Director, Lliane Loots, over the years, and am of course so delighted to have been acknowledged in this way."
The BASA Awards ceremony take place in Johannesburg on August 27.
JOMBA! CITY
Following the 2011 success of taking dance and art to the city centre, the JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience hosts its second collaboration with eThekweni Municipality with a soulful seaside street party on August 31 at the Beach front Skate Park (next to Minitown).
Commencing at 18h00, this mix of dance, live bands, markets, food and art in the park, is family friendly and a beautiful way of taking back Durban’s beachfront for the arts! One of the few events taking place outside of the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, the JOMBA! City site-specific programme is one of the many highlights in this year’s JOMBA! festival, which is supported with principal funding by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund.
Surf, sea, skateboarders whizzing by, and the night of a full moon; the sound of a cello against the rip of the wave, a hip-hop beat as dancers move to the ancient rhythms of the tides. Breakdancers shift between light and video while a kathak storyteller spins into madness. JOMBA! City promises performances that shake our foundations; beautiful, edgy and very, very eThekwini!
The programme includes special Reunion Island guests and musicians Lindigo who have collaborated with street dancers from Katlehong to create a celebratory connection between South African dance and Reunion music. Lindigo gives a sound and taste of Maloya power spiced with its Reunion Indian/African and Madagascan origins. With its history of slaves lament, Maloya music is transcended through modern rhythms, songs, and modern sounds. All of this is placed alongside our own pantsula and neo-traditional dances such as gumboot and Step, creating, what this group likes to call, a new style “Mogaba”. This musical dance revelry mixes two strong legacies of African history and will delight audiences of all ages!
Sifiso Majola and the Vuka Drummers have each crafted special works for the event. Majola’s Being after not Being is a lyrical dance work created with the FLATFOOT Youth Training Company that sees 30 dancers celebrating cultural collaboration, while the Stomp Drummers performed by Vuka Drummers is a spectacular celebration of the power of rhythm and dance. Other special guests include Nateshwar Dance Academy in a display of colour and luminescent Kathak rhythms, and Durban’s internationally acclaimed 031 Floor Assassins break dance crew.
Iain ewok Robinson is JOMBA! City’s host and alongside him some of Durban’s freshest slam poets offer their rhymes into the night; catch Page Ngwenya, Tumelo Khoza and Dashen Naicker amongst others.
Investing unique musical magic to JOMBA! City are the bands Fruits & Veggies and BLK JKS. Afro avant noise rock band BLK JKS, with their wrecking rhythm section, refined vocals, and a guitar concoction of one part shred and two parts soul, shoot an African music sensibility through the tenets of their rock. Hailing from Joburg, BLK JKS's fresh, forward rhythm, layered harmony and elliptical guitar vernacular reveal the urban Zulu blues of Mbaqanga at the centre of their songwriting. Local Durbanites, Fruits & Veggies, are an eclectic band of madness. Playing their version of afro punk ska, lead singer Purity Mkhize sings and wails with infectious allure. They are a one of a kind band, solid songs, a scathing attitude towards conventions, a blistering stage presence and a really deep commitment to living life to the full.
JOMBA! City is an artistic re-engagement with our beautiful beachfront, and a re-purposing and re-contextualising of the environment. However, tying directly into the functionality of the Skatepark, the evening kicks off with a BMX and skateboard best trick competition.
Meanwhile, the sea-spray will mingle with the paint-spray as six of Durban’s top aerosol artists compete in a Graffiti competition for a cash prize of R2,000. With no rules other than “keeping it clean”, each artist has been allocated a canvas and some cans to come up with the freshest aerosol artwork at the event and claim the cash and the fame.
The popular I Heart Market will be on site, selling their unique local made crafts, gifts, clothing and tasty treats.
JOMBA! City starts at 18h00 on August 31 at the Beachfront Skate Park. Tickets R50 available through Computicket. Visit www.cca.ukzn.ac.za or call 031 260 2506 for details about the full JOMBA! festival programmes.
Organised by the Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal) JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience is supported by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (principal funder), HIVOS, City of Durban, and The France South Africa Seasons 2012 & 2013.
Commencing at 18h00, this mix of dance, live bands, markets, food and art in the park, is family friendly and a beautiful way of taking back Durban’s beachfront for the arts! One of the few events taking place outside of the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, the JOMBA! City site-specific programme is one of the many highlights in this year’s JOMBA! festival, which is supported with principal funding by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund.
Surf, sea, skateboarders whizzing by, and the night of a full moon; the sound of a cello against the rip of the wave, a hip-hop beat as dancers move to the ancient rhythms of the tides. Breakdancers shift between light and video while a kathak storyteller spins into madness. JOMBA! City promises performances that shake our foundations; beautiful, edgy and very, very eThekwini!
The programme includes special Reunion Island guests and musicians Lindigo who have collaborated with street dancers from Katlehong to create a celebratory connection between South African dance and Reunion music. Lindigo gives a sound and taste of Maloya power spiced with its Reunion Indian/African and Madagascan origins. With its history of slaves lament, Maloya music is transcended through modern rhythms, songs, and modern sounds. All of this is placed alongside our own pantsula and neo-traditional dances such as gumboot and Step, creating, what this group likes to call, a new style “Mogaba”. This musical dance revelry mixes two strong legacies of African history and will delight audiences of all ages!
Sifiso Majola and the Vuka Drummers have each crafted special works for the event. Majola’s Being after not Being is a lyrical dance work created with the FLATFOOT Youth Training Company that sees 30 dancers celebrating cultural collaboration, while the Stomp Drummers performed by Vuka Drummers is a spectacular celebration of the power of rhythm and dance. Other special guests include Nateshwar Dance Academy in a display of colour and luminescent Kathak rhythms, and Durban’s internationally acclaimed 031 Floor Assassins break dance crew.
Iain ewok Robinson is JOMBA! City’s host and alongside him some of Durban’s freshest slam poets offer their rhymes into the night; catch Page Ngwenya, Tumelo Khoza and Dashen Naicker amongst others.
Investing unique musical magic to JOMBA! City are the bands Fruits & Veggies and BLK JKS. Afro avant noise rock band BLK JKS, with their wrecking rhythm section, refined vocals, and a guitar concoction of one part shred and two parts soul, shoot an African music sensibility through the tenets of their rock. Hailing from Joburg, BLK JKS's fresh, forward rhythm, layered harmony and elliptical guitar vernacular reveal the urban Zulu blues of Mbaqanga at the centre of their songwriting. Local Durbanites, Fruits & Veggies, are an eclectic band of madness. Playing their version of afro punk ska, lead singer Purity Mkhize sings and wails with infectious allure. They are a one of a kind band, solid songs, a scathing attitude towards conventions, a blistering stage presence and a really deep commitment to living life to the full.
JOMBA! City is an artistic re-engagement with our beautiful beachfront, and a re-purposing and re-contextualising of the environment. However, tying directly into the functionality of the Skatepark, the evening kicks off with a BMX and skateboard best trick competition.
Meanwhile, the sea-spray will mingle with the paint-spray as six of Durban’s top aerosol artists compete in a Graffiti competition for a cash prize of R2,000. With no rules other than “keeping it clean”, each artist has been allocated a canvas and some cans to come up with the freshest aerosol artwork at the event and claim the cash and the fame.
The popular I Heart Market will be on site, selling their unique local made crafts, gifts, clothing and tasty treats.
JOMBA! City starts at 18h00 on August 31 at the Beachfront Skate Park. Tickets R50 available through Computicket. Visit www.cca.ukzn.ac.za or call 031 260 2506 for details about the full JOMBA! festival programmes.
Organised by the Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal) JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience is supported by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (principal funder), HIVOS, City of Durban, and The France South Africa Seasons 2012 & 2013.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
SPECIAL STARS AT BARNYARD
The Barnyard Theatre at Gateway embraces the great heart of our local music scene with its current show, Special Stars .
“When travelling in Southern Africa you will look up at the night sky and see the Southern Cross sparkling above you, as you cherish the wide open spaces and magic of South Africa,” say the organisers. “This show enables you to experience that same magic feeling, as we pay tribute to the rhythm and melodies of South African music. It is a musical journey down Paradise Road which showcases our very own special stars who have created a unique brand of local South African music. The show will tug at your heartstrings as we celebrate the rhythm, the beat and the melodies of the South African sound.”
This musical adventure is a long and colourful one that presents a talented 12–piece cast performing a wide range of music from the Southern tip of Africa. The show features music from Sipho Hotstix, Margaret Singana, David Kramer, Johannes Kerkorrel, Mango Groove, Juluka, Miriam Makeba, Bright Blue, E’ Void and many more. Also featured are traditional songs from the Cape Minstrel Carnival, as well as snippets of Boeremusiek and pennywhistle music. Classics like Jeremy Taylor’s Aag Pleez Deddy, and E’Void’s Taximan are also on the set list, along with evergreens like Special Star, African Dream, Ipi ’n Tombi and Paradise Road.
Special Stars is a celebration of South African music that promises to lift your spirit and get you moving to the rhythm of the beat and the beauty of the unique sound of South Africa!
Special Stars runs until October 7.Tickets R135 pp from Wednesday to Saturday (R100 discounted specials every Tuesday night and Sunday matinee). For bookings and enquiries, phone The Barnyard Theatre on 031 566 3045, e-mail gateway@barnyardtheatres.co.za or visit www.barnyardtheatres.co.za for more information.
“When travelling in Southern Africa you will look up at the night sky and see the Southern Cross sparkling above you, as you cherish the wide open spaces and magic of South Africa,” say the organisers. “This show enables you to experience that same magic feeling, as we pay tribute to the rhythm and melodies of South African music. It is a musical journey down Paradise Road which showcases our very own special stars who have created a unique brand of local South African music. The show will tug at your heartstrings as we celebrate the rhythm, the beat and the melodies of the South African sound.”
This musical adventure is a long and colourful one that presents a talented 12–piece cast performing a wide range of music from the Southern tip of Africa. The show features music from Sipho Hotstix, Margaret Singana, David Kramer, Johannes Kerkorrel, Mango Groove, Juluka, Miriam Makeba, Bright Blue, E’ Void and many more. Also featured are traditional songs from the Cape Minstrel Carnival, as well as snippets of Boeremusiek and pennywhistle music. Classics like Jeremy Taylor’s Aag Pleez Deddy, and E’Void’s Taximan are also on the set list, along with evergreens like Special Star, African Dream, Ipi ’n Tombi and Paradise Road.
Special Stars is a celebration of South African music that promises to lift your spirit and get you moving to the rhythm of the beat and the beauty of the unique sound of South Africa!
Special Stars runs until October 7.Tickets R135 pp from Wednesday to Saturday (R100 discounted specials every Tuesday night and Sunday matinee). For bookings and enquiries, phone The Barnyard Theatre on 031 566 3045, e-mail gateway@barnyardtheatres.co.za or visit www.barnyardtheatres.co.za for more information.
FOM: MARC UYS & LAURA PAUNA
Recital by South African musicians who have won big reputations abroad. (Review by Michael Green)
Two South African musicians who have won big reputations abroad were the performers at the latest Friends of Music concert at the Durban Jewish Centre. They were the violinist Marc Uys, who comes from Pietermaritzburg and now lives in New York, and the pianist Laura Pauna, who comes from Romania, has spent much time in South Africa, and is now studying further at Hannover, Germany.
They gave a programme that ranged from Mozart (one of the master’s early sonatas) to the late 20th century (music written by the American John Williams for the 1987 film The Witches of Eastwick).
The Mozart Sonata in G major, K. 301, was predictably graceful, elegant and melodious. It brought forth a well-balanced, accomplished performance from both players, with the pianist’s assertive personality contrasting with the calm poise of the violinist.
Richard Strauss’s Sonata in E flat is not, I think, very well known. It dates from 1888. It is a virtuoso work and is a fine example of Strauss’s rich harmonies and romantic ardour, especially in the improvisatory middle movement.
The pianist was dominant throughout this performance. Laura Pauna has a demonstrative, forceful keyboard demeanour and a big tone, and she revelled in Strauss’s virtuoso flourishes, so much so that the violinist sometimes seemed consigned to a secondary role.
Marc Uys came to deserved prominence in the Romance by the American composer Amy Beach (1867-1944), in which he produced from his violin a lovely, sweet, fluent melodic line. Then came a sonata written in 1994 by the Cape Town composer Peter Klatzow. This was a challenging work in the modern idiom, difficult for listeners at a first hearing, with a lilting and tuneful Allegretto the most accessible of its three movements. The playing was first-rate throughout.
The performance of an attractively piquant arrangement by the Czech violinist Vasa Prihoda of Strauss’s Rosenkavalier music was interrupted when the violinist had the misfortune to snap a string, a mishap caused by Durban’s humidity, he said.
The audience was small, about 50 people, and it shrank perceptibly at the interval. I think some people were probably deterred by the programme. Presenting the unfamiliar is an unrewarding exercise, if so few people turn up.
The Prelude Performer of the evening, funded by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, was a very small and very good pianist, 10-year-old Rachel Wedderburn-Maxwell of Durban. In short pieces by Diabelli, Piazolla, the Japanese composer Yoshinao Nakada and the South African Hans Roosenschoon, she showed a technical skill that was remarkable in one so young, and an equally impressive musicality. She should go far. - Michael Green
Two South African musicians who have won big reputations abroad were the performers at the latest Friends of Music concert at the Durban Jewish Centre. They were the violinist Marc Uys, who comes from Pietermaritzburg and now lives in New York, and the pianist Laura Pauna, who comes from Romania, has spent much time in South Africa, and is now studying further at Hannover, Germany.
They gave a programme that ranged from Mozart (one of the master’s early sonatas) to the late 20th century (music written by the American John Williams for the 1987 film The Witches of Eastwick).
The Mozart Sonata in G major, K. 301, was predictably graceful, elegant and melodious. It brought forth a well-balanced, accomplished performance from both players, with the pianist’s assertive personality contrasting with the calm poise of the violinist.
Richard Strauss’s Sonata in E flat is not, I think, very well known. It dates from 1888. It is a virtuoso work and is a fine example of Strauss’s rich harmonies and romantic ardour, especially in the improvisatory middle movement.
The pianist was dominant throughout this performance. Laura Pauna has a demonstrative, forceful keyboard demeanour and a big tone, and she revelled in Strauss’s virtuoso flourishes, so much so that the violinist sometimes seemed consigned to a secondary role.
Marc Uys came to deserved prominence in the Romance by the American composer Amy Beach (1867-1944), in which he produced from his violin a lovely, sweet, fluent melodic line. Then came a sonata written in 1994 by the Cape Town composer Peter Klatzow. This was a challenging work in the modern idiom, difficult for listeners at a first hearing, with a lilting and tuneful Allegretto the most accessible of its three movements. The playing was first-rate throughout.
The performance of an attractively piquant arrangement by the Czech violinist Vasa Prihoda of Strauss’s Rosenkavalier music was interrupted when the violinist had the misfortune to snap a string, a mishap caused by Durban’s humidity, he said.
The audience was small, about 50 people, and it shrank perceptibly at the interval. I think some people were probably deterred by the programme. Presenting the unfamiliar is an unrewarding exercise, if so few people turn up.
The Prelude Performer of the evening, funded by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, was a very small and very good pianist, 10-year-old Rachel Wedderburn-Maxwell of Durban. In short pieces by Diabelli, Piazolla, the Japanese composer Yoshinao Nakada and the South African Hans Roosenschoon, she showed a technical skill that was remarkable in one so young, and an equally impressive musicality. She should go far. - Michael Green
BURN THE FLOOR
Every single advance hype superlative is true! (Review by Caroline Smart)Very seldom does a production’s advance publicity hype live up to the end product but in the case of Burn the Floor, which opened last night in the Playhouse Opera for a two-week season, every single superlative is true.
What a performance! What dancers! What energy! What a glorious show!
If the ecstatic response from tonight’s audience is anything to go by, this hit Broadway production should end its 2012 South African tour on a high note. In fact, there is so much high-octane energy on that stage that if the Playhouse Opera were aerodynamically designed, it would surely have taken flight!
Director and choreographer Jason Gilkison was born into an Australian ballroom dancing family and grew up in the world of championship dancing. In later life he was to work with producer Harley Medcalf and together they took Medcalf’s original Burn The Floor concept to another level. Since then, the show has toured over 160 cities worldwide.
Originally designed as a special performance in 1997 at Sir Elton John’s 50th birthday celebration, Burn The Floor revolutionised the image of dance, which then launched the many reality dance shows, such as So You Think You Can Dance.
The current Burn The Floor company boasts performers with more than 100 Championship Dance titles between them. The numbers move smoothly from one to the other – often featuring dramatic and breathtaking movements. The mood changes from upbeat Latin American to waltz, or jive to rock and roll and Paso Doble. The latter was highly impressive and one of my favourites.
Humour abounds in what is truly an ensemble piece with every single performer also shining as individuals. Proving a major audience favourite - and not just because he’s South African – is Keoikantse Motsepe, undefeated South African Latin American Champion since 2004, who has been touring with the company since January of this year.
The stage features a high back platform fronted by a stairway. Either side are an impressive number of percussion instruments handled with masterful expertise by Giorgio Rojas and Pat Madden - two of the finest percussionists I’ve ever heard. They are as much a part of the action as the performers and I saw a drumstick tossed high in the air before being deftly caught on its way down! Occasionally they add to orchestral backing tracks but the focus is mainly on rhythm. “Burn the Floor” is an apt title.
Vocalists Jessica Lingotti and Peter Saul offer the same high level of energy as the dancers but just as skilfully perform the quieter numbers – and there are some! Very beautiful ones, too.
The costumes are splendid and the lighting design is superb.
I believe my husband provides the final word. Those who know him see him as a fairly undemonstrative soul, never given to superlatives. His comment? “Stunning!”
More I cannot say. Whatever you do, don’t miss this!
Burn The Floor is presented in Durban by Joburg Theatre in Association with Dance Partner Productions, M-Net and East Coast Radio. Performances take place in The Playhouse Opera until September 2. Tickets R200 booked through Computicket – 083 915 8000 or www.computicket.com - or the Playhouse Company Dial-A-Seat facility on 031 369 9555 or Box Office numbers 031 369 9596 / 369 9540.
A special ‘two for the price of one’ is available for Talk Back Tuesdays (August 28), whereby the dancers stay on stage after the show for a question-and-answer session. – Caroline Smart
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
KZNPO ON UKZN CAMPUS
The UKZN School of Arts: MUSIC will host a free Lunch-Hour Concert today (August 22) at the Jubilee Hall at OSCA at 12h15.
The KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra presents a special campus concert featuring classical musicians from the UKZN Music discipline.
Soloists include: Wesley Lewis (clarinet); Phindile Cele (soprano); Silindokuhle Zondo (soprano); Langelihle Mngxati (bass); Amanda Kosi (soprano); Mthobisi Ndela (bass); Vusi Simelane (bass) and Godfrey Zunguza (bass).
More information from Babalwa Mentjies on 031 260 3353.
The KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra presents a special campus concert featuring classical musicians from the UKZN Music discipline.
Soloists include: Wesley Lewis (clarinet); Phindile Cele (soprano); Silindokuhle Zondo (soprano); Langelihle Mngxati (bass); Amanda Kosi (soprano); Mthobisi Ndela (bass); Vusi Simelane (bass) and Godfrey Zunguza (bass).
More information from Babalwa Mentjies on 031 260 3353.
ONE HIT WONDERS
The Pumpkin Theatre in Ballito presents the jam packed One Hit Wonders show every Friday night and Sunday afternoon until the first week in October.
Each and every song performed in this colourful production was known as a "one hit wonder" - a single chart topping success that made the artist or band famous for one singular moment in time. Legend has it that you only get one shot at the “Big Time“ and as Chesney Hawks singular song success One and Only says .... "I am the one and only, Nobody I'd rather be, I am the one and only, you can't take that away from me". This is exactly what audiences can expect from the latest Pumpkin Theatre Production.
The programme includes "Numero Uno" hit songs such as It’s Raining Men, Kung Fu Fighting, Electric Avenue, Love grows where my Rosemary goes, Blister in the Sun, Come on Eileen and My Sharona are but a few hits to performed by Danny Fisher and The Pumpkin Theatre Showband. Also featured are powerhouse vocals by Danielle Fisher and Kerry-Lee McKibbin, Paul Cassels on drums and percussion, Chloe Clark on keyboards and vocals, award winning guitarist Chris Brink and Paul Williams on the bass guitar - all fronted by the Minister of Entertainment, Danny Fisher.
So if it’s the Eye of the Tiger or the House of the Rising Sun that you wan to hear, then Don't worry be happy because One Hit Wonders is going to give you the Final Countdown of toe tapping hits that will soothe any Achy Breaky Heart!
One Hit Wonders runs every Friday night and Sunday afternoon until October 7.
- Friday nights: R160 show and meal (R100 show only) and the doors open at 18h30 with the show starting at 20h00.
- Sunday afternoons: R160 show and meal (R100 show only) and the doors open at 12h30 with the show starting at 14h00.
The venue is booked for private functions on September 7 and 9, therefore there is no show on these days. More information or bookings on 032 946 2121 or email daniellef@firstresorts.co.za
Each and every song performed in this colourful production was known as a "one hit wonder" - a single chart topping success that made the artist or band famous for one singular moment in time. Legend has it that you only get one shot at the “Big Time“ and as Chesney Hawks singular song success One and Only says .... "I am the one and only, Nobody I'd rather be, I am the one and only, you can't take that away from me". This is exactly what audiences can expect from the latest Pumpkin Theatre Production.
The programme includes "Numero Uno" hit songs such as It’s Raining Men, Kung Fu Fighting, Electric Avenue, Love grows where my Rosemary goes, Blister in the Sun, Come on Eileen and My Sharona are but a few hits to performed by Danny Fisher and The Pumpkin Theatre Showband. Also featured are powerhouse vocals by Danielle Fisher and Kerry-Lee McKibbin, Paul Cassels on drums and percussion, Chloe Clark on keyboards and vocals, award winning guitarist Chris Brink and Paul Williams on the bass guitar - all fronted by the Minister of Entertainment, Danny Fisher.
So if it’s the Eye of the Tiger or the House of the Rising Sun that you wan to hear, then Don't worry be happy because One Hit Wonders is going to give you the Final Countdown of toe tapping hits that will soothe any Achy Breaky Heart!
One Hit Wonders runs every Friday night and Sunday afternoon until October 7.
- Friday nights: R160 show and meal (R100 show only) and the doors open at 18h30 with the show starting at 20h00.
- Sunday afternoons: R160 show and meal (R100 show only) and the doors open at 12h30 with the show starting at 14h00.
The venue is booked for private functions on September 7 and 9, therefore there is no show on these days. More information or bookings on 032 946 2121 or email daniellef@firstresorts.co.za
SING FOR JOY!
Sing for Joy! - The Massed Choral Festival for Junior Primary School Choirs - forms part of the National Creative Arts Youth Festival and will be presented from August 21 to 24 at 10h30 in the Port Natal School Hall.
Each massed choir will consist of approximately 400 choristers and will perform a 60 minute programme under the baton of Claire Segers from Durban Girls’ College:
The following schools are taking part: Penzance Primary, Warner Beach Primary, Umhlanga College, Fulton School for the Deaf, Forest View Primary, Glenwood Junior Primary, Glenashley Primary, Kuswag Skool, Our Lady of Fatima School, Resmount Primary, Avon Junior Primary, Durban Girls’ College, Embury College, Hillary Primary School, Montclair Junior Primary, St Mary’s DSG, Ashton College, Doon Heights Primary, Umhlali Preparatory, John Wesley School, Port Natal Skool, and St. Henry’s Marist Brothers’ School.
The National Creative Arts Youth Festival was founded by Professor Elizabeth Sneddon.
The success and the meritorious goals of the Festival are made possible by the following sponsors: The Lord and Lady Lurgan Trust, Selma Botha, The University of Fort Hare, Lola Shepherd, The Gallery - Durban University of Technology, The Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, PKF Chartered accountants and business advisers, Fighting Chance, Durban Girls' College, and Port Natal Skool.
More information on the NCAYF from the executive director, Selma Botha, on 031 201 9312 or 083 9525714 or fax 086 672 5497.
Each massed choir will consist of approximately 400 choristers and will perform a 60 minute programme under the baton of Claire Segers from Durban Girls’ College:
The following schools are taking part: Penzance Primary, Warner Beach Primary, Umhlanga College, Fulton School for the Deaf, Forest View Primary, Glenwood Junior Primary, Glenashley Primary, Kuswag Skool, Our Lady of Fatima School, Resmount Primary, Avon Junior Primary, Durban Girls’ College, Embury College, Hillary Primary School, Montclair Junior Primary, St Mary’s DSG, Ashton College, Doon Heights Primary, Umhlali Preparatory, John Wesley School, Port Natal Skool, and St. Henry’s Marist Brothers’ School.
The National Creative Arts Youth Festival was founded by Professor Elizabeth Sneddon.
The success and the meritorious goals of the Festival are made possible by the following sponsors: The Lord and Lady Lurgan Trust, Selma Botha, The University of Fort Hare, Lola Shepherd, The Gallery - Durban University of Technology, The Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, PKF Chartered accountants and business advisers, Fighting Chance, Durban Girls' College, and Port Natal Skool.
More information on the NCAYF from the executive director, Selma Botha, on 031 201 9312 or 083 9525714 or fax 086 672 5497.
STABLE THEATRE’S IMBOKODO FESTIVAL
(A scene from “Imbokodo” – pic by Val Adamson)Durban’s Stable Theatre will present a special programme of dance and poetry on August 25. The event will be held as part of Women’s month, and will honour two leading women artists, Neliswa Rushualang and Ntombi Gasa of Siwela Sonke Dance Theatre, who are recognised as major award-winning role players in the Durban dance scene and beyond.
The programme will feature two dance pieces themed around women’s issues, one entitled Imbokodo, by the award-winning choreographer Mduduzi Mtshali, the other choreographed by Rushualang, entitled Nkosazana.
Spearheaded by celebrity MC for the day, Zanda Mthembu from Igagasi FM, the entertainment line-up will also include poetry from Xoli Vilakazi, as well as the participation of Omama Besgeke.
Imbokodo is a contemporary dance piece that has received favourable response from the Durban theatre dance industry as well as at Dance Umbrella 2012 in Johannesburg. It will be performed by 2nd year students of the Durban University of Technology’s Drama Department, specializing in Theatre Dance.
The performance features six females who take the role of victims and two men, who portray the role of an abuser. The show deals with issues of women abuse; the main concept being rape.
“Women abuse has become a norm and even a joke,” says Mtshali. “It is being taken lightly so much so that even government does not fully intervene or provide the solution. Women living in rural areas suffer the most because hospitals and police stations where they can get help are not easily accessible.
However, the story is not for the faint hearted. A screen with a projection of naked woman who has just been sexually violated will portray the ‘reality’ of rape. It promises to be tastefully handled with skilful lighting so as to be less explicit.
Some highlights of the performance feature a ‘peeling of the skin’ which symbolises how rape or abuse victims often feel that they need “cleansing” (in the African sense) or psychological treatment to help them rebuilt their lives. Imbokodo also uses poetry and the projected images and text about rape to have a potent effect on the audience to demonstrate ‘closed door’ issues in the sense that abuse often happens behind closed doors.
Nkosazana, choreographed by Rushualang will be performed by Siwela Sonke Dance Theatre, featuring Thando Mbanjwa, Mandisa Ndlovu, Golden Khalala, Serena Hogan and Noxolo Rushualang.
“This piece is a piece about a woman called Nkosazana,” Rushualang explains. “The piece explains her life journey as well as her kind heart. This woman has so much to offer but can't distribute it at the same time. She guides each generation by offering them different aspects to guide them about life. Even when she finds herself in the deep end she makes sure she doesn't go any deeper.”
The Imbokodo festival will start at 13h00 and is expected to finish at 17h00. Tickets at R50 booked through Computicket on 0861 915 8000 or online at www.computicket.com
FLATFOOT AT ST ANNE’S
The Theatre-St Anne’s College in association with Flatfoot Dance Company presents 1 becomes 2 becomes 3… this morning.
Flatfoot is KZN’s premier African contemporary dance company with numerous awards for their dance works and having done recent international tours.
1 becomes 2 becomes 3… is a visual feast of African contemporary dance the Flatfoot way! This mesmerising 40-minute dance theatre work offers an introduction into the art of choreography that takes audiences on a journey of how a solo becomes a duet; becomes a trio; becomes a quartet. Watch the skill of the dancers as they unravel a basic contemporary dance phrase and turn it into the magic of a full length choreographic work.
What happens when lifts are added? … What happens when contact improvisation is added?
Witty and beautiful, and a chance for the audience of learners to participate in the decoding of contemporary choreography in the process of making, and watching!
This Cultural Day production takes place this morning at 10h45 (August 22) at The Theatre-St Anne’s College in Hilton. Tickets R50 (R30 concession) booked on 033 343 6100.
Flatfoot is KZN’s premier African contemporary dance company with numerous awards for their dance works and having done recent international tours.
1 becomes 2 becomes 3… is a visual feast of African contemporary dance the Flatfoot way! This mesmerising 40-minute dance theatre work offers an introduction into the art of choreography that takes audiences on a journey of how a solo becomes a duet; becomes a trio; becomes a quartet. Watch the skill of the dancers as they unravel a basic contemporary dance phrase and turn it into the magic of a full length choreographic work.
What happens when lifts are added? … What happens when contact improvisation is added?
Witty and beautiful, and a chance for the audience of learners to participate in the decoding of contemporary choreography in the process of making, and watching!
This Cultural Day production takes place this morning at 10h45 (August 22) at The Theatre-St Anne’s College in Hilton. Tickets R50 (R30 concession) booked on 033 343 6100.
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