(Dutch street theatre
performer Gerard Oldhaar is featured on the poster)
PANSA KZN presents the 11th Musho! International Theatre Festival to take place from January 13 to 18, 2016, at the Catalina Theatre in Durban’s Wilson’s Wharf, dedicated to small works and the celebration of the skill of the solo or duo performer.
Typically, the Performing Arts Network of South Africa:
PANSA, jumps into the new year with vigour by staging a busy festival which
showcase smaller theatrical works, all featuring either one or two actors. Each
production is staged for one performance only in a packed programme ending with
a master-class for theatre practitioners. Embedded in the festival is two
sessions of Musho! with a Twist – showcasing work which has been created
through the Twist Development initiative which is sponsored by the NLDTF
(National Lottery Commission) which will take place on Saturday and Sunday
afternoons presented as two compact double bills.
“We are delighted that Musho! has made it past the ten year
mark and that it keeps on going from strength to strength! It's great when
something in Durban "sticks". This year the main festival includes a
production from the Netherlands and one from Mozambique; a comedy slot; a
production for young audiences and a school production. And we welcome back the
Musho with a Twist programme,” says festival director Emma Durden.
The festival kicks off with Dutch performer Saskia Driessen
in a piece written by Driessen and Barry Hofstede entitled Leave it to Me about saying goodbye, being strong and remaining
loyal.
Thursday early evening sees comedian Carvin H Goldstone make
his Musho! debut followed by A Beautiful
Wreckage, A charming musical comedy created and performed by Grant Jacobs
and Liam Mcdermott; directed by Caitlin Kilburn.
Two delicious comedies are on offer on Friday: first up is Sweetie Darling - written and directed
by Clinton Marius and performed by Bongani Mbatha about an exasperated man
proving his love. Friday’s second show is a real treat: the delicious Standard
Bank Gold Ovation Award winning El Blanco
performed by James Cairns who showcases masterful storytelling; gentle humour,
fabulous music and an utterly charming whimsical story.
Saturday starts with fun family theatre: Sunshine Babies. Expect to be enchanted
by innocent shenanigans, playful object animation and sweet surprises in a
piece designed and directed by Gisele Turner and performed by Sibo Masondo and
Mlu Ngidi.
Musho with a Twist takes to the stage on Saturday at noon
showcasing two productions from the stable of Twist theatre projects. Saturday at
14h00 sees Matty and Sis – a story
about two sisters with an all-too real relationship filled with laughter,
sadness and guilt. Saturday at 16h00 sees Burn
Out – an urban comedy, a witty, gruesome, heart-warming tale of blood and
guts and glory. Saturday at 18h00 is a production from Mozambique: Culpado – a poignant family drama set
during the civil war in Mozambique about a father facing his son after being
away for more than 20 years. Will his son recognise him and come to grips with
the countries traumatic history? Performed by Davido Jose and Horacio Guiamba
it is written by Davido Jose and directed by Maria Atália. Saturday at 20h00
brings in The Others – A Platteland
ghost story where, with the death of her mother, Sarie inherits a heavy set of
keys with which she must lock the house against the darkness each night.
Written and directed by Peter Court and performed by Caitlin Kilburn.
On Sunday you can expect some high energy shows: The Last Straw – written and produced by
Grade 9 Kingsway High School Girls. Be careful what you say, as your words can
affect other people.
Sunday at 12 noon ushers in Musho with a Twist 2 showcasing
two productions from the stable of Twist theatre projects. Sunday at 14h00 plays
host to Run – two brothers come from
one of the most prominent families in the village. This all changes after the
death of their grandfather, the chief. A story about decision making, hope and
love. Sunday at 16h00 sees The Funeral,
a weird and wonderful exploration of identity though the great unknown of death
itself. Written and performed by Simo Mpapa Majola and directed by Phala
Onkeditshe Phala. Sunday at 18h00 is Termite!
– subtitled Tall Tales for Big People
- this is an astute combination of physical theatre, satire and a dash of
lunacy; blending traditional folk tales with modern South African life. Written
by Greig Coetzee, directed by Peter Mitchell and performed by Mpilo Nzimande
and TQ Zondi.
Monday brings the Musho Festival to a close with
Masterclasses in two parts: creating stories from personal history (10h00 to 12h00) followed by comedy in the streets (from 13h00 to 15h00)
hosted by Gerard Oldhaar, a Dutch street theatre performer, who participants
through a series of exercises designed to bring physical comedy to the streets.
The workshops are free, but booking is essential, on 031 201 4750.
Ticket prices R50 per show (R30 students, pensioners and PANSA
paid-up members) booked through Computicket outlets, telephonically at 0861 915
8000, or online at www.computicket.com
All 10h00, 12h00, 14h00 and 16h00 shows on Saturday /
Sunday: Pay What You Can.
For more information call the PANSA office on 031 201 4750
or email: kzn@pansa.org.za or call the
Catalina Theatre on 031 837 7400.
The Musho! Festival
2016 is presented by PANSA with support from The KZN Performing Arts Trust,
Pro-Helvetia and The Swiss Development Council, The KZN Department of Arts and
Culture, The Daily News, Catalina Theatre and Twist Theatre Development
Projects.
For the full programme visit http://news.artsmart.co.za/2015/12/musho-festival-programme-2016.html
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