(Some of the
participants in Festival in the Hills 2016, pictured from left, actor Bongani
Mbatha, festival director Judith Hawthorn (in her opening parade persona as
‘Mistress Fantastical’), fine artist Paul Mazefani and guitar whiz Seb
Goldswain. Pic by Val Adamson)
A daylong feast of family fun entertainment is happening on
the last Saturday of August in Hillcrest with a star-studded roster headed by
the internationally-acclaimed Drakensberg Boys Choir and more.
The Rotary Club of Kloof presents the eagerly awaited
Festival in The Hills 2016, a wonderful cultural extravaganza for the whole
family, hosted by Curro Hillcrest Christian Academy.
The day offers a jam-packed programme of performances,
workshops and free activities. School groups from across KZN will be attending
and the event is open to the public.
“Following on from the success of last year’s Festival in
The Hills, we are set to present every bit as great a programme this year for
primary school children and their families that will be of the highest artistic
standard, providing an educational, stimulating and inspiring day of activities
that are also highly entertaining, using some of the best arts practitioners in
South Africa, based right here in Durban,” says festival director Judith
Hawthorn. “The day offers a full programme of performances and workshops with a
craft market and food stalls to keep everyone entertained. We expect over 1,000
children to attend and whilst school groups from all across KwaZulu-Natal have
been invited to participate, the event is open to the public, with booking at
Computicket.”
Big, Bright Beautiful World: City Hill Auditorium at 14h00.
This is the main event of the festival, and will be a very
special experience for participating primary school choirs featuring some 750
children from more than 16 schools. Conducted by award-winning conductor
Bernard Kruger, the massed children’s choir will perform alongside the world
renowned Drakensberg Boys Choir who are joining us this year. Tickets R130
(R100 pensioners R80 scholars)
Sweetie Darling by Clinton Marius starring Bongani Mbatha: Media
Hall at 09h45
This award winning romantic comedy portrays a young man going
all out to prove himself. As he finds himself and love, he finds his path to
spiritual growth. Tickets R60
Planet Storio written
and performed by Gcina Mhlophe: Media Hall at 11h45
KZN’s own internationally-acclaimed storyteller and
children’s author Dr Gcina Mhlophe is set to delight youngsters this year with
one of her enchanting productions. Tickets R60.
Workshops for
Children
Aimed at six - 13year olds, professional experts in various
creative fields will offer the opportunity for children to explore their
creativity in a variety of activities. Places are limited so early booking is
essential. Classes include vocal technique, a musical theatre dance class,
simple mask-making, beat boxing, special effects stage makeup, mosaics,
stage-fighting, a TV/film acting class, a modelling class and lots of craft
classes. Tickets range from R40 to R150.
Casting Call Workshop for Moms and Dads!: Media Hall from 12h45 to 13h45
A special workshop for parents run by Durban casting agent Angela
Valverde-Riekert. Casting Call will
assist parents to understand the Film and Commercial industry for their
children. Tickets R60.
Opening Parade… Craft
Market…Food stalls ..
“Music, pomp, colour, excitement will be to the fore as all
participating schools parade onto the school field for the official opening of
the Festival from 09h00 to 09h30. Accompanied by a marching band, we start the
day with a celebration of all the participants before they disperse to various
venues for their activities”, says Hawthorn. “A craft market and food stalls will
be running all day, so come along, browse the market and enjoy a varied
selection of food on sale.”
Open Stage
A variety of free activities and events will happen on the
field and around the school grounds all day! A highlight will be a performance by Durban’s
noted young guitar virtuoso, Seb Goldswain, and various school groups will also
be performing during the morning.
Festival in The Hills will take place at Curro HCA in
Hillcrest on August 27 from 09h00 to 16h30. Entrance is free, but bookings for
workshops and performances must be done through Computicket on 0861 915 8000
before the event. For more information visit www.festivalinthehills.co.za
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