(Miriam
Erasmus)
Rhumbelow Theatre at Tina’s Hotel in Kloof
will present Over Africa - the making of
a legend with Mim Erasmus from January 31 to February 2, 2020.
“We know her as “Mim”, but worldwide she's
known as Miriam Backhouse/Erasmus, one of the most loved and admired singer-songwriters
of her generation,” says Roland Stansell, the founder and director of the
Rhumbelow Theatre chain.
As Miriam Backhouse, in the 70s, she was
established as England’s “First Lady of Folk” having starred at many folk clubs
and festivals including the prestigious Cambridge and Edinburgh Festivals. She
paved the way for other ladies to take up the mantle of professional folk
singer, and many credit her with being the inspiration for their presentation
style - Mim is as comfortable on stage as if we were all in her living room!
Arriving in South Africa in 1977, as Miriam
Erasmus (having married John Erasmus), she began writing songs about the beauty
and tragedies of life in South Africa during the 80s. These songs became part
of the album Over Africa and now are
a part of our rich heritage of music and language.
We are all Sittin’ here sittin’”, travelling through The Beautiful Pass at Van Reenen, sitting on the banks of the river
Umgeni or drowning in a magnificent
sunset Over Africa. We break our
hearts as she asks Don’t let it happen to
my child, and mourn along with the Mother’s
lament both inspired by the border war and conflict worldwide. We giggle as
the children ask: Are we there yet? in Ride
all day. Who hasn’t been nostalgic Listening
to the old songs? Her song of hope for South Africa, I dreamed a dream has become an anthem of togetherness.
Recently she has written more pastoral and
political songs which, if there is time, she will share with the audience. These
songs have become standards in the UK and Europe as Mim travels overseas every
year, starring once again at the Edinburgh Festival 2019. We seldom have the
luxury of seeing her in our own country, so don’t hesitate for this golden
opportunity.
Mim will take audiences through the process
of writing the songs - the situations and beautiful scenery that inspired them,
as well as having slides and videos to illustrate and compliment them. There
may even be a few moments ‘request’ time at the end of the show, as she has a
vast repertoire of songs, and everyone has their favourites. “By the way,
please tell her before the show what your favourites are, don’t wait till the
end and say “You didn’t sing my favourite”!” adds Stansell.
Don’t miss this chance to delve into the
creative mind of one of the foremost artistes of the 20th and 21st centuries. When
she was top of the bill at Splashy Fen in 2008, people travelled from all over
the world to see her, as she is second only to Joan Baez in the folk world.
You don’t have to travel so far - just to
Tina’s hotel in Kloof, to enjoy an evening or afternoon with this charismatic,
joy-filled entertainer.
Performances of Over Africa - the making of a legend with Mim Erasmus take place on
January 13 and February 1 at 20h00 and on February 2 at 14h00. (The theatre
venue opens 90 minutes before show for drinks)
Tickets R160 (R140 pensioners and students
with a valid student card) and tables seat 8. (No alcohol or food may be
brought on to the premises). Tickets are cash or EFT only. Secure parking is
available. Booking is through Computicket or contact Roland (also for large
group booking discounts of 8 or more) on 082 499 8636 or email:
roland@stansell.za.net or visit http://events.durbantheatre.com/
(Patrons are welcome to book for dinner or
lunch at Tina's Restaurant before the show: Call 031 764 7843 to book)
Tina’s Hotel is situated at 14 Beryldene
Road in Kloof.
Posts
