ILEMBE

(Busisiwe Nyundu, who takes the part of Nomcoba)

Deep, moody production from Sibikwa Arts Centre. (Review by Keith Millar)

Hosted by The Playhouse Company’s New Stages initiative, and supported by the National Lottery Distribution Fund, is iLembe, an evocative new work from the Johannesburg based Sibikwa Arts Centre. Written and directed by the award winning team of Smal Ndaba and Sarah Klotz, iLembe tells the story of last few months of the life of the Zulu King, uShaka, through the medium of powerful storytelling, beautiful music and pulsating dance.

What is certain about Shaka Zulu is that he conquered and united many diverse tribes to create the mighty Zulu nation. He has historically been depicted as a cruel and harsh leader. However, oral tradition – which has only gained respect and credence in more recent years – suggests that he may have been a great statesman and nation builder.

iLembe poses questions about where the truth lies. Audiences are asked to look beyond their prejudices and perceptions and come to their own conclusions.

There are four perspectives to be considered. The story is told by uShaka’s interpreter Jackot Msimbithi (played by Andries Mbali), the young English trader Henry Frances Fyn (Jeremy Richard), uShaka’s attendant Mbopha (Sabelo Mnisi) and his sister Nomcoba (Busisiwe Nyundu). All four actors put in powerful performances and deliver their storytelling monologues with aplomb.

Tholani Miya as the Sangoma puts in an impressive, sinister and sustained performance, while the dancers and musicians also put in accomplished performances.

iLembe is a deep, moody production with costume and set design by Sarah Roberts and lighting by Stan Knight.

At times there graphic descriptions of death and destruction which I found a little disturbing.

The production is multilingual and uses sub-titles projected onto a screen to assist the audience in understanding the dialogue. A very good idea but occasionally distracting when one is trying to read and look at the action on the stage at the same time.

Performances at The Drama Theatre at the Playhouse will take place on April 29 and 30 at 10h00 and on May 2 and 3 at 19h30. Booking is through Computicket  or phone 0861 915 8000 or book online at www.computicket.com. Seating is reserved.  - Keith Millar

BAROQUE 2000: MAY 4

(Lidia Sanacori (violin), Ceccilia di Cecco (cello) & Ralitza Macheva (violin).)

Baroque 2000's second concert of the season takes place on May 4 at the Church of the Monastery, Mariannhill and the special programme is devoted to Double Concerti by two great masters, J S Bach and Vivaldi.

In Bach's Concerto in D minor for two violins, the soloists are Ralitza Macheva and Petya Koleva, and in the same composer's Concerto for oboe and violin, Nuria Cabezas Castaño (oboe) appears with Ralitza Macheva. The other two works are by Vivaldi: L'Estro Harmonica featuring Ralitza Macheva and Lidia Sanacori, and Concerto for two cellos and strings RV531 in which the solo parts are taken by Cecilia di Cecco and Alejandro Pradenas.

The concert takes place on May 4 at 11h00 at the Church of the Monastery, Mariannhill. Tickets R120 at the door and there is ample free and safe parking. Patrons can still subscribe now for the whole Season of the remaining seven concerts. R840 includes a reserved seat in the front rows. More information from Michel on 082 303 5241 or visit sursouth@iafrica.com

DAVID SALLERAS

 

(David Salleras)

Music Revival presents the Barcelona-sound of Spanish saxophone virtuoso David Salleras on May 2 and 4.

Salleras has distinguished himself by creating a new form of writing for the saxophone, blending classical, contemporary music with improvisation and traditional Spanish idioms. After finishing his studies at the conservatoire in Barcelona, Salleras won a scholarship to study in France with Jean-Yves Fourmeau and Nicolas Prost in Paris. His flexibility and knowledge of multiple musical genres coupled with his unique ideas have resulted in a successful international career. Salleras plays saxophones by Selmer, Paris and his works are published by Edition Dinsic Barcelona. 

Salleras is once again joined by pianist Christopher Duigan. Like Salleras, Duigan has combined a classical pianist’s approach with working knowledge of a varied repertoire that spans many genres and styles. With David Salleras on saxophone and Christopher Duigan on piano, the programme includes music by Astor Piazolla (Argentina), Jules Demersseman (France), Pedro Itturlade (Spain)  plus Salleras' own flamenco-inspired compositions. Christopher Duigan's Richard Guinness Project is featured in the light hearted Six Pint Sized Pieces which are aired regularly on ClassicFM.

The concerts will take place on:

May 2 at 19h30 at the Tatham Art Gallery presented by Music Revival in association with Friends of the Tatham Art Gallery. Tickets R100 include refreshments and there is secure parking in the new Parliamentary Parking. Book for dinner before the concert from Cafe Tatham served from 18h00 (Main course buffet R75 pp and dessert buffet R35 pp) Booking essential on Cafe Tatham / Rob 033 342 8327. Ticket includes wine or coffee at interval. Tea and coffee available from Cafe Tatham at interval.

May 4 at 15h30 at 35 Montgomery Drive, Athlone, Pietermaritzburg. Tickets R100 include refreshments on arrival. There is secure parking.

Booking for both concerts essential through Music Revival on email: booking@musicrevival.co.za or on 033 342 3051. Please include contact numbers in both email and telephone bookings.