KZNPO VIRTUAL SUMMER SYMPHONY SEASON

(Right: Bongani Tembe, Chief Executive & Artistic Director of the KZNPO)

The Kwa-Zulu Natal Philharmonic Orchestra is pleased to present its Virtual Summer Symphony Season, that will be taking place exclusively online!

“To continue to bring great music to our audience, and in light of global health concerns regarding COVID-19, the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic has been hard at work to create its first online Symphony Season,” says Bongani Tembe, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of the KZNPO.

“The Virtual Summer Symphony Season comprises a four-week programme, filled with exciting repertoire. Performances were recorded at The Playhouse Opera Theatre whilst observing strict COVID regulations. Although there was no live audience, the musicians performed with the audience in mind – donning their typical concert wear! Their passion to make the performances as immersive and entertaining as possible can be seen, and the energy and enthusiasm of the orchestra is palpable,” he adds.

The KZN Philharmonic Orchestra’s Virtual Summer Symphony Season was designed to reflect the vibrancy and creativity of our artists. The Season opens on Thursday March 4, 2021, streaming online from 19h30, and will be available to the audience for 72 hours thereafter.

A new concert will be streamed every Thursday evening from 19h30 for the following three weeks, with each concert being available for a 72 hour period.

“On behalf of the KZN Philharmonic, I would like to thank our dedicated patrons and music enthusiasts. While we know that the live concert experience can never be replaced by virtual concerts, we are pleased that you will still be able to enjoy great music in the comfort of your home.”

Tickets for the series of four concerts are R600. Individual concerts are R200 each.

Become a Season Subscriber and save 25% - contact www.quicket.co.za or phone 021 424 9308

Click on the links below to book tickets

https://www.quicket.co.za/events/130733-kzn-philharmonic-orchestra-virtual-summer-symphony-season/

The KZNPO Virtual Summer Season programme is as follows:

CONCERT 1: Watch online from March 4 to 7, 2021

Conductor: Lykele Temmingh. Soloist: Liesl Stoltz, flute

Programme: Mozart: Flute Concerto in G Major, K 313 and Beethoven: Symphony No. 6 in F Major, “Pastorale”

Booking link: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/130733-kzn-philharmonic-orchestra-virtual-summer-symphony-season/

 

CONCERT 2: Watch online from March 11 to 14, 2021

Conductor: Schalk van der Merwe. Soloist: Aristide du Plessis, cello

Programme: Mendelssohn: The Hebrides, “Fingal’s Cave”; Fauré: Élégie; Bruch: Kol Nidrei, and Schubert: Symphony No. 8 in b minor, “Unfinished”

Booking link: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/130733-kzn-philharmonic-orchestra-virtual-summer-symphony-season/

 

CONCERT 3: Watch online from March 18 to 21, 2021

Conductor: Jeremy Silver. Soloist: Kimmy Skota, soprano

Programme: Mozart: Così fan tutte: Overture; Mozart: Così fan tutte: “Una donna a quindici anni”; Verdi: La Traviata: Prelude to Act 1; Verdi: La Traviata: “È strano! … Sempre libera”, and Brahms: Symphony No. 1

Booking link: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/130733-kzn-philharmonic-orchestra-virtual-summer-symphony-season/

 

CONCERT 4: Watch online from March 25 to 28, 2021

Conductor: Brandon Phillips. Soloist: François du Toit, piano

Grieg: Piano Concerto in a minor; Dvořák: Symphony No. 8

Booking link: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/130733-kzn-philharmonic-orchestra-virtual-summer-symphony-season/

 

(To link direct to the KZN Philharmonic’s website click on the orchestra’s banner advert on the top of the page or visit kznphil.org.za)

MIKE TO IKE'S AT ST CLEMENTS

(Ashwin Desai)

The popular Mondays at 6 @ St Clements is back in action with its next event taking place tomorrow at 18h00.

Join Pieter Scholtz and friends at St Clements for this special Durban “literary” soiree.

The Mic to Ike’s features Ike’s Books owner, Joanne Rushby, in conversation with author and academic, Ashwin Desai.

Ike’s Books (Ike’s Books and Collectables): the well-known independent bookstore, centre of Durban literary life both fringe and more mainstream/alternative. The original Ike’s was founded in 1988 in Overport by the late Joseph Daniel “Ike” Mayet.

Ike’s was the venue, in 2019, of the first edition of the Durban (Unesco City of Literature) literary festival. During Covid, Ike’s has seen some changes. It has established more of an online presence while retaining its key and core literary identity.

Joanne Rushby is the owner of Ike’s wonderland of books, past and present. She knows books, authors and the book business. The literary scene. Book restoration. The book auction world. She’s the face, the presence and the person one wants to see when one visits Ike’s.

Ashwin Desai: academic (professor of sociology at the University of Johannesburg), social commentator, activist, Ike’s regular and author of many books, most recently of Wentworth: The Beautiful Game and the Making of Place (published by UKZN Press and officially launched via Zoom from Ike’s Books last month).

Rushby and Desai will be “in conversation” about Ike’s past and present; about books and the writing of them; about literary festivals; about Wentworth (Desai’s new book and the writing of it). And lots more. There will be time for questions from “the floor” and there will be books for sale.

When the donations box comes round, a suggested minimum if R50 per person would be very welcome. Proceeds to Ike’s.

Outdoor seating — dress accordingly. Limited guests per table for distancing protocol. Bookings limited to diners in support of St Clements restaurant and staff. (Steve is only open for evening dining for special events these days, including St Clements soirees.)

RSVP ST Clements 031 202 2511. Seating limited. Diners only. Table bookings essential.

NB: Wear a mask, sanitize and do what's required on arrival. To help with safe distancing, please arrive before 18h00 to open tab and place orders.

St Clements is situated at 191 Musgrave Road.

LID ON CORRUPTION LIFTED AT TIME OF THE WRITER

(Athol Williams who will take part in a webinar on March 15, 2021)

Writers will lift the lid on corruption at Time of the Writer festival

Whistleblowing on corruption is the theme for the first in a series of hot topics to be debated by some of the country’s top writers at the 24th edition of the Time of the Writer festival that will be presented by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal between March 15 and 21, 2021.

“As South Africa marks the 20th anniversary of the Protected Disclosures Act this year, it is an opportune time to bring together some of our leading authors who have written about crime and corruption to reflect on whether the legislation has contributed effectively to combatting corruption and also about whether the Act has provided effective protection for whistleblowers”, said Ismail Mahomed, the Director of the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

The Protected Disclosures Act, No 26 of 2000, providing protection of employees against occupational detriment as a result of having disclosed irregular conduct in their workplace, came into action on February 16, 2001, exactly 20 years ago.

The Centre for Creative Arts draws inspiration from a quote by author Daisy Hernández who wrote, “While it may well be that no book has ever prevented genocide or fascism, we still have a necessity for literature to testify to the political conditions of our lives—not only so that we might have a record of those we have lost, but also that we might have a reason to gather with others to read and to continue resisting.”

The quote from the essay by Daisy Hernández is the theme for the 24th edition of the Time of the Writer festival, which is The Writer: Whistleblower, Canary in the Mine or Testifier.

A panel moderated by ace journalist of the Daily Maverick, Marianne Thamm on Monday March 15, 2021, at 19h00 will unpack the statement written by Daisy Hernándes in a webinar with South African authors Athol Williams, Brent Meersman, Mandy Wiener and Themba Maseko.

Poet and novelist, Athol Williams, has survived the classic punitive marginalisation inflicted on whistleblowers. He is due to testify about global management consulting company Bain & Company’s role in State Capture at the Zondo Commission.

Brent Meersman is the co-editor of GroundUp and has chaired the Cape Town Press Club since 2013. His book, Rattling the Cage, takes the reader on an informed tour of the South African reality with essays that provide critical perspectives on and insights into South Africa’s recent past and current political, economic and social undercurrents.

Mandy Wiener is one of the country’s best known and most credible journalists and authors. She worked as a multi-award-winning reporter with Eyewitness News from 2004 until 2014, filing reports for Talk Radio 702, 567 Cape Talk, 94.7 Highveld Stereo and Kfm radio stations. Wiener specialises in investigative reporting and legal matters, having extensively covered both the corruption trial of former national police commissioner Jackie Selebi and the Brett Kebble murder trial.

Themba Maseko is the Communications Director of Black Leadership South Africa and the former Director-General for Public Service and Administration. His testimony accused Jacob Zuma of lying during his first appearance at the State Capture Inquiry in July.

“The series of hot topics at this year’s Time of the Writer Festival covers subjects such as whistleblowing, migration, decolonisation, sexual identity, gender-based violence but there are also several more light-hearted discussions with authors that will give us a deeper insight into our society and our times,” said Siphindile Hlongwa, the co-curator of the festival.

Time of the Writer is one of the largest and longest-running literature festivals in Africa. Over the years, it has hosted a wide variety of internationally-acclaimed thought leaders such as Zakes Mda and NoViolet Bulawayo, and others from all over the world, with the main focus on Africa.

Time of the Writer is made possible through partnerships with the KZN Department of Sports, Arts & Culture, National Department of Sports, Arts & Culture, Amazwi South African Museum of Literature, the French Institute of South Africa, Imbiza Journal of African Writing, the STAND Foundation, and the Foundation for Human Rights.

Time of the Writer festival runs from March 15 to 21, 2021, and will stream live on the festival's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/timeofthewriter, Twitter page @timeofthewriter and YouTube Channel, www.youtube.com/centreforcreativearts

For more information visit https://tow.ukzn.ac.za, where you can register to be part of the Zoom room from next week.

To stay updated, follow @Timeofthewriter on Twitter and Instagram or like the festival on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter

LOVE SHACK: REVIEW

(Above: John Didlick, Grant Bell & Marion Loudon)

“Love Shack” is a fun-filled, happy event performed by three equally talented, beautiful people.  (Review by Adrienne Botha)

Being February, it came as no surprise that the ever-popular Gee Jays chose to weave the evergreen thread of love through their brand new show called Love Shack which is being presented by Rhumbelow Durban.

Grant Bell, sophisticated and a little on the serious side, Marion Loudon, glamorous and beautiful, and John Didlick, with a glint in his eye and a trick up his sleeve - are all highly experienced, very talented performers, and Love Shack is set to entertain and delight audiences of all sizes with nothing less than polished performances and a fun-filled experience.

A love medley was the perfect start to the evening with all three performers on stage and Marion’s mesmerising rendition of Bon Jovi’s Living on a Prayer filled the room. Way back in 1970, Edison Lighthouse’s Love Grows (where my Rosemary Goes) became a world hit and is still a favourite of many. In a later movie love medley, Grant singing Lionel Richie’s Say You Say Me had the audience in his lap. His obvious love of singing and ability to connect with the audience shone through.

Moving away from medleys, Marion promised the audience some eye candy in the form and “shape” of a guest appearance by two of the “original members” of the Chippendales. The guests did not disappoint in their leopard-skin waistcoats, hats, cuffs and bowties and the speed at which they discarded them! I’m Too Sexy and To All The Girls accompanied the hilarity.

Love is All Around (Wet Wet Wet) brought Grant and John together harmonising perfectly as did Up Where We Belong (Joe Cocker, Jennifer Warnes) which produced a pleasing sound combination from Marion and John and an enthusiastic audience who also clapped and sang as Grant sang Can’t Take my Eyes off You (Frankie Vallie 1967) moving into the audience and looking very suave in a black suit.

In 1955, Unchained Melody was penned, but the best known version was recorded in 1965 by the Righteous Brothers. It is a song that touches the soul, and John’s excellent performance of this song touched our souls. With his humorous side left in the dressing room, the passion he displayed whilst performing this song was palpable and captured the heart of the audience.

Love Shack is a fun-filled, happy event performed by three equally talented, beautiful people. 

Credit must surely be given to the skilled sound and lighting specialists whose work enhanced our enjoyment of the show, and admiration for Roland Stansell who, with sheer determination and guts, has kept live theatre going amidst extremely trying times.

Love Shack has one more performance at Rhumbelow Durban tomorrow (Sunday February 28, 2021). However, this is already sold out!

To keep up with the Rhumbelow calendar follow on Facebook or visit http://events.durbantheatre.com/ - Adrienne Botha

THOLUTHANDO (FINDING LOVE) REVIEW

(Cue Ngema & Sesesuth Magalela)

"My dream got in the way of our dream" - review by Siza Ka Mnisi Mthembu

TholuThando (Finding love) created and directed by Menzi Mkhwane, premiered at the Durban Music School on February 25, 2021, at 18h00.

As one enters the performance space, the audience is welcomed by the beautiful playing of pianist Tyson Shezi. The white chairs are neatly placed on stage and serve as a set and backdrop. These white chairs are complemented by audience chairs carefully arranged while observing social distancing. There is a red floorcloth on centre stage. A clothing rail is placed slightly upstage with various costumes and set pieces that the three performers use.

The mood is calm, full of harmonious ambiance. Love is in the air.

TholuThando is set in uMthatha where a very young couple Nkanyiso Magwaza, played by Cue Ngema and Nolwazi Magwaza played by Sesethu Magalela. Both these actors take us on a journey of dreams, love and passion through dance, music and dialogue. Nkanyiso has a dream of being a dancer and therefore needs to go to Durban for an audition. He leaves his wife behind who is financially struggling but their love gives them hope for a better future.

Director Menzi Mkhwane must be congratulated for an excellent use of space, blocking character development. Menzi used imagination while creating inventiveness. He is fast becoming the most important director, entrepreneur, producer, preserver of theatre and employer. Menzi has not given up on the arts and its development, even during these trying times.

Theatre is the most affected industry by Covid 19, however the likes of Menzi and others have strived for a better theatre world that would be fully supported by the government.

Menzi uses theatre to bring hope, and love through a musical dance.

Notable performance goes to Ayanda Nxumalo who supported the production with her outstanding musical talent. While being Nkanyiso's voice of reason. She comes in and out of stage using different entrances. She was well-connected spiritually and emotionally. She has a great singing voice.

The production also touched on themes like how theatre and church were affected by this pandemic. This was evident in the various church scenes where characters would find comfort.

Nkanyiso could not get into the drama school. He came back with a broken leg and broken dreams. Their love kept them together. Their love made them forgive each other.

Lighting was by Mancane Dlamini.

The team must be congratulated for an excellent production of TholuThando.

TholuThando has two more performances at the Durban Music School (31b Diakonia Avenue, Durban) today February 27 at 14h00 and 18h00; and tomorrow February at 14h00 and 18h00. Tickets R100 per person and R180 couples. Limited seating arrangement and Covid 19 protocol are observed.

For more information and booking contact 079 554 4941. - Siza Ka Mnisi Mthembu

COLD FACT – RODRIQUEZ FOR RHUMBELOW

(Trevor Donjeany, Mali Sewell, Dawn Selby & Barry Thomson)

Who would know that an unknown album from an unknown artist in 1970 (Rodriguez) would become a huge phenomenon in South Africa?

As big as say, Elvis Presley. Rodriguez himself was never aware of his huge success, as well as most other Americans. His music was lost in the US but, by a strange coincidence becomes a cult hit in South Africa and becomes a symbol of rebellion for the underground white, anti-apartheid sub-culture.

Barry Thomson and The Reals which include Dawn Selby, Mali Sewell and Trevor Donjeany have created Cold Fact - Rodriguez which features all Rodriguez’s well-remembered songs such as I Wonder, Establishment Blues and Sugar Man, amongst others.

Shows take place at Rhumbelow Durban from March 5 to 7 with performances on Friday and Saturday at 19h00 and on Sunday at 14h00. (Venue opens 60 minutes before show for snacks/drinks)

“Whilst we are not changing our 2020 pricing, we would ask that if you are able to please assist us and the performers by donating a higher ticket price,” says Rhumbelow Theatre’s director, Roland Stansell.

Tickets R160. All tickets must be pre-booked - no walk-ins allowed. 50 people max per show.

All seating will be at separate tables and the management will obviously be seating co-habiting couples and/or family members.

Rhumbelow Theatre is situated at 42 Cunningham Road off Bartle Road, Durban. Limited secure parking is available and there is a cash bar (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises). Bring food picnic baskets or buy from Kevin.

Booking is essential on email: roland@stansell.co.za or Computicket

For more information contact 082 499 8636 or visit http://events.durbantheatre.com/

All Covid-19 protocols will be observed.

SAMRO MUSIC CREATION SUPPORT FUND

SAMRO makes effort to lessen the impact of COVID on music creators

Despite the devastating effect that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has had on the country’s various economic sectors, with the music and entertainment industry being one of the hardest hit, the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) continues to find ways to support its members to help them through these difficult times.

As the nation experienced the looming threat of a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, SAMRO – the biggest collection society in Africa – has in the month of February successfully paid out in excess of R70 million in royalties to its local members from the scheduled Radio and General distributions. More millions are expected to be paid out to members in the scheduled TV distribution set to take place in a few weeks.

“The latest round of royalty distribution to our members is SAMRO’s way of demonstrating the organisation’s commitment and ability to pay out royalties in a distressed economy, especially during these tremendously difficult times brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of our affiliates in the African continent have unfortunately not been in a similar position to us and are struggling to maintain commitments to pay out royalties” says SAMRO CEO, Mark Rosin.

At the time, Rosin noted that the ongoing achievement of consistent payment of royalties was the result of various efficiency measures SAMRO had put in place, adding that it is one of SAMRO’s priorities to put more cash in the pockets of its members.

Aside from this latest round of royalty distributions, the SAMRO Foundation has launched a Music Creation Support Fund to stimulate the ongoing creation of music and to assist SAMRO members in this feat. SAMRO will be awarding micro grants to the value of up to R20,000 per member, to a total of 100 qualifying members. “We have created the Music Creation Support Fund, to stimulate the ongoing creation of music. We have seen the level of despondency amongst musicians over the uncertainty of the pandemic and the threat it poses to their careers and livelihoods. This is our small way to say ‘don’t stop the music’ “ says Rosin.

“Through the SAMRO Foundation, we will pay out micro grants of up to R20,000 to members who’s applications meet the criteria to qualify for the support fund and this will be a once-off payment. Being the biggest CMO in Africa, we also want to ensure that we do not lose the creativity and talent that make up the local music sector,” he adds.

 “We have more initiatives in the pipeline as part of our ongoing commitment to continuously find ways in which additional benefits can be leveraged to help our members,” concludes Rosin.

For more information contact SAMRO General Manager: Group Marketing and Brand, Jacqui Mabuza, on 011 712 8419 or email: jacqui.mabuza@samro.org.za

 

WINDERMERE ANTIQUES FAIR

The Windermere Antique Fair will take place on March 6, 2021, on the lower level of Windermere Centre from 08h30 until 14h00.

Around 20 dealers will be selling a wide selection of antiques, vintage and collectibles.

Goods on sale will include: porcelain, glass, crystal, jewellery, silver, records, books, paintings, linen, old toys etc. Interesting treasures of yesteryear at prices to suit all pockets.

For more information, contact Helen Clementz on 084 241 0241.

POINTE SHOES, PRAYERS & A PANDEMIC

A global pandemic gives rise to an inspiring documentary

In the midst of a global pandemic, a South African dance teacher has to keep her business afloat, and is forced to reinvent her traditional training methods.

Born from a deep need to instil hope in her students during the bleakest of years in 2020, Pointe Shoes, Prayers & A Pandemic is an inspiring documentary short film which encapsulates the journey of Michelle Pieterse and her dance studio (Michelle Leibrandt School of Dance) during the turbulent 2020.

The heart-warming and often gut-wrenching film releases to the general public worldwide for free online screening on Friday, February 26 at 20h00 and will continue to be available for streaming online for a limited viewing period until Monday, March 1, 2021, at 23h59.

Pointe Shoes, Prayers & A Pandemic was filmed in September 2020 and is produced, written and directed by acclaimed screenwriter/producer Ferdinand W Gernandt, with Michelle Pieterse as Executive Producer. Director of Photography is Gavin Pincus, edited by Andries de Jager of Post Modern, with Music Arrangements by Marlee and Frans van der Merwe.

2020 began with great promise and expectations for Michelle Pieterse and MLSD Studio. Her dance classes were jam-packed with eager students who had painstakingly been training and preparing for months for a much-anticipated World Dance Challenge Finals in Portugal. (April 2020)

Then in an instant, those dreams were shattered as COVID-19 came to erase all of it.

Pieterse’s concern rachets up to 11 when she is put in a very distressing position when she has to inform her students and their parents that their much-anticipated trip to Portugal was cancelled only days before departing and that they could quite possibly lose all their money invested in the trip. She couldn’t have predicted that a global pandemic would put the whole world in lockdown when the planning for the tour began.

After the hard lockdown when the school could re-open, Pieterse promises a safer way of training, only to discover another threat to her business’ survival - her students leaving for a number of reasons, including new financial and economic limitations of the parents also affected by the pandemic.

Through prayer, she realises the only way to instil hope and inspire them to achieve their dreams for 2020 is to give her students a platform to showcase their hard work.

During worshipping she knew exactly what her task was. Produce a film to tell her testimony of how God guided her through every obstacle she faced in 2020 and that through obeying and trusting in Him, it was possible to produce something good, positive and inspiring. A story of hope and faith.

Thus Pointe Shoes, Prayers & A Pandemic was born. A story is told of how an artform such as dancing created an escape for South African young dancers.

Says Ferdinand W Gernandt: “I wanted to produce a project that inspire and facilitate positive change. I wanted to create a supportive environment where the crew and students could be part of a legacy – A message of hope. A motivational beacon of faith. This is what Pointe Shoes, Prayers & A Pandemic is all about…”

Even prior to release, the film has garnered great attention not only locally but internationally too. The film has already received its first official international festival selection by The Lift-Off Sessions. The Lift-Off Sessions is a monthly online showcase, dedicated to screening the monthly collection of globally-submitted indie shorts and features. With the aim to send each programme out to as wide an audience as possible.

Pieterse concludes; “We have a beautiful testimony to share. A legacy these dancers are part of. A story to remind our young dancers and those from the rest of the world, how amazing and strong they really are and that no matter the circumstances, any dream is always within grasp, if we only believe and know that all things are possible through the One who gives us strength.”

Pointe Shoes, Prayers & A Pandemic releases on Friday February 26 at 20h00 (GMT +2) and is available for free online screening worldwide for a limited period until March 1 at 23h59 (GMT +2)

In order to view the film, pre-register online at www.andscene.live via “On Demand”

The film is free to view, but there is an option included for the viewer to show their support, should they wish to, of MLSD Studio and future projects (which includes a full-length feature film showcasing their students).

This can be found via the “Buy me a Coffee” link, either at the bottom of the web page, otherwise at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/PointeShoesFilm

All support would be welcomed (although not essential to view the film) by the school to help finance the upcoming project and ensure all their students are able to dance again through the support of the MLSD Dancers Fund for current students who cannot afford class fees due to the financial impact of Covid-19 Pandemic.

Pointe Shoes, Prayers & A Pandemic is predominantly in Afrikaans with English subtitles. The production was made with the assistance of the National Film and Video Foundation of South Africa.

STAND FOUNDATION SHORT COURSES

COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on South Africa’s theatre and dance sector. This time also offers an opportunity for those involved in the sector to upskill themselves and acquire insights into how to survive both the pandemic and beyond.

To this end, the STAND Foundation (Sustaining Theatre and Dance Foundation) is offering a series of short courses in March that range from creative theatre skills, to business and entrepreneurial skills, contractual and intellectual property knowledge.

The courses are categorised in four broad areas:

-Practical Theatre Skills;

-Entrepreneurial and Business Skills;

-Producing and Touring;

-Intellectual Property,

-Ownership and Artists’ Rights.

Most of the courses will be offered online, while there is a practical theatre course in a physical space in each of Cape Town and Johannesburg. Generally, the courses run for 1-5 sessions of 90-180 minutes each and cost approximately R50 per session.

Bursaries are available to cover both data participation costs as well as fees for those who may require assistance. The STAND Foundation Summer School is sponsored by the Netherlands Embassy.

For more information visit https://www.standfoundation.org.za/

 

KZNSA TINZ POP-UP MARKET

This Saturday, February 27, 2021, the KZNSA Gallery will be hosting the Tinz Pop-Up Market where you can be sure to pick up some great vintage finds!

The Market will be open from 09h00 until 15h00. Entrance is free but no masks, no entry!

Become a member of the KZNSA to receive 10% off your food purchases at the Café.

The KZNSA Gallery is situated at 166 Bulwer Road, Glenwood, in Durban. More information on 031 277 1705 or cell 082 220 0368 or visit www.kznsa.co.za

TRANSPOSITIONS: DANCE POEMS FOR AN ONLINE WORLD

(Right: Gregory Maqoma)

A new online dance series dubbed Transpositions: Dance Poems for an Online World. The first episode was developed by Soweto dance artist and choreographer, Gregory Maqoma.

In Maqoma's dance poem, students explore movement in their quarantined space while also invading the viewers’ personal space through the screen, as so much of life is now on video chat.

Maqoma has collaborated with artists like Akram Khan, Vincent Mantsoe, Faustin Linyekula, Shanell Winlock, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Nhlanhla Mahlangu, William Kentridge and Kwame Kwei-Armah. He has won FNB Vita Choreographer of the Year, Tunkie Award for Leadership in Dance, a Bessie Award, and the Knight of the Arts & Literature Award, among others. In 2020 Maqoma was named the author of the International Dance Day Message.

Created by Yale Schewarzman Center and Yale Dance Lab, the Transposition series is designed to bridge the performing arts gap created by the pandemic. It features 16 renowned dance artists in a 16-episode series, performed by 66 dancers from 12 dance groups and a variety of genres. The weekly series premieres new episodes each week. Each episode knits together local, national, and international communities of dance and explores the continuous and interrupted dance practices in digital life. New episodes, along with behind-the-scenes interviews, are scheduled to air from February 15 until May 10, 2021.

For more information, visit https://schwarzman.yale.edu/series/transpositions-dance-poems-online-world

FOM PRELUDE PERFORMERS: FEBRUARY 28, 2021

(Above: Mingmei & Gongxuan Zhang)

Raising the curtain as the Prelude Performers at Friends of Music’s Lupa Trio concert on February 28, 2021, at the Durban Jewish Centre, will be the very talented pianists, Mingmei (14) and Gongxuan Zhang (12).

The sisters are scholars at Our Lady of Fatima Convent School in Durban North. Both have won many prizes and awards at various festivals and competitions such as the Queensburgh Festival, eThekwini Eisteddfod, and Pretoria Eisteddfod.

Their programme is as follows:

Mingmei - Etude op 25 no 2 by Frédéric Chopin

Gongxuan - Remote Xianggelilia by Ma Jinfeng and Zhang Nan

Duo - Dolly Suite op 56 no 1 (Berceuse & Mi-a-ou) by Gabriel Faurè

The main feature of the Friends of Music concert is the Lupa Trio on February 28, 2021, featuring Aristide du Plessis (cello), Ralitza Macheva (violin) and Annamaria D’Andrea (viola). They are musicians with the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as having distinguished careers as ensemble and solo musicians.

The programme will include Beethoven Trio Op 9 – D major and Beethoven Trio Op 9 – G major.

The concert will take place on February 28, 2021, at 15h00 at the Durban Jewish Centre, 44 KE Masinga Road.

Tickets R120 (R100 Friends of Music members). Audience numbers are limited to 50. So pre-booking is essential.

Contact friendsofmusic@webmail.co.za or phone Keith on 071 505 1021.

All Covid protocols will be observed.

DIANE ERASMUS IN THE MIDLANDS

(Above: “Inhlozane Impressions I” 20 x 20cm Oil on Canvas)

Article by artist Trayci Tompkins:

(Right: Diane Erasmus at work)

“Landscape artist Diane Erasmus has been on an artist sabbatical with me here in studio these past few weeks.

I must say that after a year of COVID alone-time it’s been like heaven having her creative energy here...

Having recently wrapped up her coastal studio ahead of a relocation, Di has been in an artist-limbo and the timing was perfect for me to throw some new challenges her way. 

(Left: “Inhlozane Impressions II” 20 x 20cm Oil on Canvas)

Before she unpacked her easel, we did a quick dive into texture play with lino cut and geli printing alongside some acrylic and ink explorations.

As an accomplished oil painter, Diane doesn’t get much time in her busy studio practice to work outside of her zone .. so this was truly an inspiring sojourn for her, and me (I find I always learn something new when I teach).

Not only was she blown away by the enormity of ‘Green’ that surrounds us here in the Dargle, but shared my love for our landmark Inhlosane’ that dominates our horizon view... 

(Right: Trayci Tompkins)

It’s a real treat to see our neighborhood through another artist’s eyes.” - Trayci Tompkins

For more information contact Diane Erasmus on +27 82 495 9810, email: diane.erasmus.artist@gmail.com or visit https://www.dianeerasmus.com/

 

 

ARTLAB LOOKING FOR PARTICIPANTS

Closing Date: February 28, 2021.

ARTLAB is still on the lookout for participants.

ARTLAB invites you to take part in the first edition of the ARTLAB Mentorship Programme.

Be part of a three-month programme providing tools dedicated to developing, and accelerating the professional growth of emerging creatives of various disciplines in Durban: photography, digital design, fashion, graphic design, illustration and videography.

ARTLAB Durban provides industry relevant mentorship and free office and studio space within a busy Creative Hub and Co-working Studio.

Closing Date: February 28, 2021.

Apply online at www.artlabdurban.co.za

FINAL CALL: ACT BUILDING BLOCKS PROGRAMME 2021

Applications Close: March 3, 2021

Only one week remains to apply for the ACT Building Blocks Programme 2021 funded by the National Arts Council (NAC). The open call closes on March 3, 2021.

The Building Blocks Programme is one of ACT’s most impactful programmes in empowering a large number of arts and culture practitioners across South Africa to bolster their professional and business acumen with an arts specific framework. In early 2021, ACT presented the updated Building Blocks curriculum to arts and culture practitioners from across South Africa. The new curriculum addresses current challenges and offers tangible business solutions for sustainability in the arts and culture sector.

The Building Blocks Programme is a capacity building programme with a focus on small (micro-business) to mid-level organisations and arts practitioners in the form of Masterclasses focused on:

-Digital Skills

-Marketing

-Governance and Monitoring & Evaluation

-ABCD (Asset Based Community Development) in the arts

The master class learnings will be applied to a current project that the individual or organisation is conducting through assignments given throughout the course. Each participant will also receive individual mentoring on the development of the project that was put forward in the online application to the Building Blocks Programme.

Through the Building Blocks Programme the organisation strives to increase the capacity and sustainability of South African arts and culture organisations and practitioners, small and mid-level creative enterprises and entrepreneurial artists.

The Building Blocks Programme will strengthen the operational infrastructure of the programme participants by providing technical assistance and relevant developmental tools through master classes and mentoring and in so doing serving the creative sector holistically.

The Building Blocks Programme is robust and rigorous business developmental programme requiring participants to conduct themselves professionally and with a level of commitment towards curriculum completion.

ACT CEO Marcus Desando says: “ACT has committed itself to consistently deliver opportunities that impact the arts and culture sector through skills development and empowerment-focused activities. The ACT Building Blocks makes it possible for us to achieve this and we are proud that the development of this programme has become a regular activity for us an organisation.”

Applications Close: March 3, 2021

Outcomes: April 2, 2021

Application Details:

Complete the online application form: https://act.org.za/programmes-act-building-blocks/

Important: Due to capacity only five companies/organisations/artists from each province in South Africa will be selected to participate.

* Only South African nationals may apply and projects must take place in South Africa. Allocation of programme slots is at the discretion of the ACT board of trustees. The decision about all applications for participation is final and no further correspondence will be entered into.

To link direct to the Arts & Culture Trust’s site, click on the ACT logo to the right of this article or visit http://www.act.org.za

AFTER THE FLOOD AT THE TATHAM

(Happy Family, oil on canvas by Edgar Hunt)

In May 2017, a devastating flood occurred in the basement of Pietermaritzburg’s Tatham Art Gallery. Some 449 individual items from the Gallery's permanent collection were damaged, including paintings, paper works, gilt frames, oriental rugs, fibre works and a sculpture.

It is almost four years since this event. Apart from nine art works which were deemed irreparable, all art works damaged by the water have been repaired by various expert conservators. A selection of restored art works will be exhibited alongside images of the damaged works, taken immediately after the flood.

This exhibition - After The Flood - consists of art works which have been restored to their former glory and celebrates the recovery of a national art collection from a major disaster.

Watch the press for details of a paper conservation workshop. Also look at the Gallery’s Facebook page and Instagram account for more information.

After The Flood runs in the Tatham Art Gallery’s Main Gallery from February 28 at 11h00 until April 18, 2021, when it closes at 14h00.

The Tatham Art Gallery is situated opposite the Town Hall in Chief Albert Luthuli Street, Pietermaritzburg. It is open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 10h00 to 17h00. Café Tatham is open on Saturdays. Safe parking with a car guard available. More information on 033 392 2801 or visit www.tatham.org.za

ELI’S PROMISE: REVIEW

But there is power in the telling, and as I said, the examination of how there are always some who ruthlessly exploit the misery of others for gain is sobering, especially now. (Review by Margaret von Klemperer)

Ronald H Balson scored a big international hit with Once We Were Brothers, and with Eli’s Promise he returns to the theme of the Second World War, starting in Nazi-occupied Poland, moving on to a camp for displaced persons in the American zone of post-war Germany, and then to Chicago during the Vietnam war. And besides the main character – Eli – the linking theme is profiteering. It is something that resonates as the world now battles with the Covid pandemic and the inevitable shenanigans that are going on over procurement of PPE and vaccines.

We first meet Eli Rosen in Lublin in Poland, where he, his wife Esther and their young son live. Eli manages the family’s brickyard, which the Nazis see as important to their war effort, so, at least for a time, he escapes the ghetto and continues to work, although the business falls into the non-Jewish hands of Max Poleski, one of his sales team, who claims he will work with the Nazis to keep Eli’s family safe.

But, of course, things are complicated, and while Balson shows little of the horrors of the concentration camps, in the second section of the story, Eli and his son are among the displaced, desperately trying to find out what happened to Esther, hoping to get a visa for the United States and trying to combat a profiteer who is peddling visas and cheating desperate people. And who Eli is convinced is Max, the same man he knew in Lublin.

The final twist to the plot sees Eli in America in 1965, still searching for the truth about Esther, and still on the trail of Max, who, Eli believes, has moved his profiteering activities to a new theatre of war.

Moving between the three time frames makes the book feel jerky, and even rushed in places, and there were moments, particularly in the parts set in Chicago, where I found the characterisation a little obvious – shades of grey were in short supply. But there is power in the telling, and as I said, the examination of how there are always some who ruthlessly exploit the misery of others for gain is sobering, especially now.

Eli’s Promise is published by St Martin’s Press. ISBN: 9781250271464 - Margaret von Klemperer

TIME OF THE WRITER AFRICAN BOOK REVIEW COMPETITION

Deadline for submissions: March 14, 2021

The 24th Time of the Writer International Festival hosted by the Centre for Creative Arts (CCA), University of KwaZulu-Natal taking place from March 15 to 21, 2021, invites youth until 35 years old from South Africa and anywhere from the African continent to submit videos of their book reviews for the online African Book Review Competition.

In conjunction with the Time of the Writer festival, the competition is open to youth under 35. It aims to encourage reading and writing in young people while functioning as a springboard for the future writers on the African continent. With the festival’s long-standing commitment toward nurturing a culture of reading and writing, this competition has received a broad appeal that continues to grow with each edition of the festival. Winners are awarded cash prizes.

As one of the country’s longest-running literature festivals, Time of the Writer features a diverse gathering of leading novelists, social commentators, activists, playwrights, short story writers and poets. This 24th edition features authors in conversation, panel discussions, a public participation programme, and exhibitions focused on many socially-relevant themes such as whistleblowing, migration, colonialism, gender-based violence and sexual identity.

Competition Terms and Conditions

The video Book Review competition is open to person from anywhere in South Africa or the African continent

There are two categories for the competition

-Under 18 years

-Over 18 to 35 years

This is a family competition so vulgarity will immediately disqualify an entry

Maximum 1 video submission allowed per person.

Video recordings received will be posted on the Time of the Writer social media pages. The organisers cannot guarantee that your video will be shared.

The organisers have the right to disqualify your video if it does not follow the rules or required format.

The Judge’s decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into about the outcomes.

Closing date is March 14, 2021

 

How to Enter

Send a video recording of your book review via WhatsApp on +27 71 326 7272. All entries must include your full name, age and contact details.

Tell us:

-the name of the book and the author of the book

-what is the central theme of the book

-something about the characters

-why you enjoyed reading the book

-why you recommend others to read it.

-what you need to know about making your video book review:

 

Keep your video recording to no more than 2 minutes.

Video recordings can be submitted in any South African official language.

Prizes for each category: First Prize: R5,000; Second Prize: R2,500; Third Prize: R1,500; Audience Choice: R1,000

The Audience Choice prize will be determined by the video review that receives the most LIKES and SHARES on Time of the Writer’s social media pages.

Time of the Writer is made possible through partnerships with the KZN and National Department of Sports, Arts & Culture, Amazwi South African Museum of Literature, the French Institute of South Africa, Imbiza Journal of African Writing, the STAND Foundation, and the Foundation for Human Rights.

Time of the Writer festival runs from March 15 to 21, 2021, and will stream live on the festival's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/timeofthewriter, Twitter page @timeofthewriter and YouTube Channel, www.youtube.com/centreforcreativearts

For more information visit https://tow.ukzn.ac.za, where you can register to be part of the Zoom room from next week.

To stay updated, follow @Timeofthewriter on Twitter and Instagram or like the festival on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter

SIDE HUSTLE: THE MARKET

The Side Hustle Market is a monthly farmers/producers’ market offering a wide range of local products which takes place on month-end Saturday from 09h00 until 14h00.

“Side Hustle is about the amazing resilience and creativity that exist in Durban. In moments of struggle and uncertainty we have seen so many incredible transformations of people re-inventing and innovating new ways to move forward,” say the organisers.

“The Market aims to highlight and create opportunity for small Durban business to be able to sell their products. It is part farmers market part producers / makers market. We will be growing it to be your one stop for fresh produce, homemade goods and bakes along with amazing selection of crafter and makers all housed in an incredible DOLOS venue located in the point waterfront precinct.”

The market will take place the first Sunday of the month from 09h00 to 14h00 at Dolos, 5 Southampton Street at the Point. Parking available at uShaka. DOLOS is opposite the uShaka parking entrance

If interested in becoming a vendor or require more information email dolosonpoint@gmail.com

The Street Lit vendors will be there selling quality second-hand books.

Covid protocols apply.

AFRICAN LANGUAGES CENTRE-STAGE AT TIME OF THE WRITER

International Mother Language Day, celebrated each year on February 21, 2021, recognises that languages and multilingualism can advance inclusion, and the Sustainable Development Goals' focus on leaving no-one behind. UNESCO believes education, based on the first language or mother tongue, must begin from the early years as early childhood care and education is the foundation of learning. This year's observance for International Mother language is a call on policymakers, educators and teachers, parents and families to scale up their commitment to multilingual education and inclusion in education to advance education recovery in the context of COVID-19.

The Time of the Writer festival presented by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal is a forerunner in presenting programmes in Mother languages. For this year's 24th edition of the Festival that will be presented virtually from March 15 to 21, 2021, the Centre for Creative Arts has partnered with the Amazwi South African Museum of Literature to create a platform to showcase and profile poets who work in the isiXhosa language.

Author, creative and social media enthusiast Melusi Tshabalala, who has been using his Facebook account to teach isiZulu and is now offering a free 10-week course to learn the fundamentals of the language, will be featured in a special one-hour programme at the Festival. Tshabalala's method of teaching isiZulu to South Africans has been acclaimed as fun and innovative with an emphasis on one isiZulu word at a time. Tshabalala will be in dialogue with creative and academic Phindile Dlamini, who has been drawn in by the Time of the Writer festival to co-curate the Festival's African languages component.

"As we plan for the 25th edition of the Time of the Writer festival next year, we want to be a forerunner as being South Africa's most relevant Festival that creates a place on the programme for all of South Africa's official languages. We will work with a team of young, innovative and exciting co-curators who recognise and value the Mother Languages that they have inherited from their forebearers", says Siphindile Hlongwa, a co-curator of the Festival.

Ismail Mahomed, the Centre for Creative Arts director, adds: "Growing opportunities for curators in all South African languages is central to the strategic vision of the Centre for Creative Arts. Hence, our partnership with Amazwi South African Museum of Literature is a perfect fit." Mahomed has more than 35-years in cultural leadership. He has been a key to growing the National Arts Festival's international profile during his eight-year tenure as the Festival's Artistic Director.

In the Translation Dialogues, Phindile Dlamini will moderate a dialogue with two translators --- Nkosinathi Sithole and Nakanjani Sibiya --- who translated a series of literary works from IsiZulu into English. They will share their journey. Unisa academic Zodwa Motsa will discuss the book, Avoiding Potholes in Translation with Dr Sylvia Zulu, Sebolelelo Mokapelo and the author Phindile Dlamini. The Festival will also launch a book edited by Mandla Maphumulo on IsiZulu Orthography.

Time of the Writer is made possible through partnerships with the KZN Department of Sports, Arts & Culture, Amazwi South African Museum of Literature, the French Institute of South Africa, Imbiza Journal of African Writing, the STAND Foundation, the National Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, and the Foundation for Human Rights.

Time of the Writer festival runs from March 15 to 21, 2021, and will stream live on the festival's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/timeofthewriter, Twitter page @timeofthewriter and YouTube Channel, www.youtube.com/centreforcreativearts

For more information visit https://tow.ukzn.ac.za, where you can register to be part of the Zoom room from next week.

To stay updated, follow @Timeofthewriter on Twitter and Instagram or like the festival on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter

DURBAN VINTAGE MARKET

Pop down to the Point on Saturday (February 27, 2021) for a retro-inspired morning. The venue is 5 Southampton Street in Durban’s Point area, with Vintage Station (in the adjoining 70 Mahatma Gandhi Road) as the epicentre spilling out into the enclosed courtyard and Dolos, the multifunctional event space next door.

There is free safe parking at uShaka (better than street parking due to the roadworks in the area). The vendor mix includes carefully curated vintage goods, retro household collectables, pre-loved and vintage clothing, décor items, costume jewellery and loads of fashion…. And coffee and cake!

Vintage Station is also open.

The Street Lit vendors will be there selling quality second-hand books

The Durban Vintage Market runs from 09h00 until 14h00. If you are interested in becoming a vendor or require more information email dolosonpoint@gmail.com

Covid protocols apply.

SUNDAY SOIREE FOR RHUMBELOW

Come and enjoy a relaxing and casual afternoon of easy listening music, performed in a non-show format with Barry and Calli Thomson in Sunday Soiree at Rhumbelow Theatre on Sunday (February 21, 2021)

Expect to hear a wide selection of music including some light hearted “banter” between Barry and Calli…..just for fun! Windows and doors will remain open for you to have access to the bar and restrooms throughout the afternoon.'

Sunday Soiree takes place on February 21, 2021, at 14h00. (Venue opens 90 minutes before show for snacks/drinks)

“Whilst we are not changing our 2020 pricing, we would ask that if you are able to please assist us and the performers by donating a higher ticket price,” says Rhumbelow Theatre’s director, Roland Stansell.

Tickets R160 (no discounts for this show. All tickets must be pre-booked. No walk-ins allowed.

50 PEOPLE MAX PER SHOW (50% capacity)

All seating will be at separate tables and the management will obviously be seating co-habiting couples and/or family members.

Rhumbelow Theatre is situated at 42 Cunningham Road off Bartle Road, Durban. Limited secure parking is available and there is a cash bar (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises). Bring food picnic baskets or buy from Kevin.

Booking is essential on email: roland@stansell.co.za or Computicket.

For more information contact 082 499 8636 or visit http://events.durbantheatre.com/

All Covid-19 protocols will be observed.

LOVE THE ARTS: FLATFOOT ZINHLE NZAMA & SISEKO DUBA

(Zinhle Nzama & Siseko Duba. Pic by Val Adamson)

In their recent Love the Arts feature, Publicity Matters got to spend time with two contemporary dancers, Zinhle Nzama and Siseko Duba.

Both of these powerful, expressive dancers are with the main FLATFOOT Dance Company. Zinhle has been performing with FLATFOOT for seven years now and Siseko joined the Newlands township dance development programme in 2010 and in 2019, after being part of FLATFOOT ADD professional skills development dance programme that began in 2013, was offered a position in the main company.

The company has a long history performing in JOMBA!, the annual dance showcase hosted by the Centre for Creative Arts performed at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre.

What do you love about performing?

ZN: I love the adrenaline, the power of feeling free and the beautiful ability of being able to tell stories with my body. Performing, for me is the sense of being home

SD: I love the freedom of being in my body and of being able to entertain people!

When last where you actually part of a life performance?

Both: 21 February, 2020

If you could change anything for 2021 – what would it be OR What do you wish for in 2021?

ZN: I wish for space to seriously get back to work, to exercise my creativity. I wish our government would notice us and know that we exist (even while we are still waiting in the wings) and to be granted the ability to very simply continue to make a living as an artist.

SD: I would wish the end of COVID so that we can have the freedom to get back to work and the freedom to continue our journey as growing artists in South Africa. I would wish our government would understand that artists are healers and maybe support us more – at a time when we need so much healing of the body and the spirit!

SOUTHERN ROCK CLASSICS FOR PMB

KZN musicians In The Flesh are staging a tribute show Southern Rock Classics celebrating the classic rock of the American south. The show is hosted by Rhumbelow Theatre in association with the Alan Wilson Shellhole Pietermaritzburg and In The Flesh Entertainment.

In The Flesh consists of veteran performers Grant Halliday (drums), Neil Ford (bass guitar) and Ross Tapson (guitar and vocals). For this show, the rotation is joined by a talented and exciting new face, Aaron Saunders (guitar and vocals).

“Aaron is great fun to be around, and the audience loves him,” says Tapson of their newest guest. “We’re very happy to have him on board.”

The show consists of faithful, energetic renditions of much-loved songs by southern greats such as CCR, Grand Funk Railroad, The Black Crowes, John Cougar Mellencamp, Tom Petty, ZZ Top, The Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Joe Walsh / The James Gang, Stevie Ray Vaughan – to name a few.

“We’ve included some things that may pleasantly surprise people too,” according to Ford.

The performance takes place on February 28 at 14h00. (Venue opens 90 minutes before show for snacks/drinks)

“Whilst we are not changing our 2020 pricing, we would ask that - if you are able - to please assist us and the performers by donating a higher ticket price,” says Rhumbelow Theatre’s director, Roland Stansell.

Tickets R160. (No discounts for this show. Bring food picnic baskets or buy from Prego Rolls from the Moths.

All seating will be at separate tables and the management will obviously be seating co-habiting couples and/or family members together.

There is a full bar (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises) and limited secure parking is available.

Booking is essential on email: roland@stansell.co.za or at Computicket. With the current Covid levels, capacity is limited to 50 people max

ALL COVID RESTRICTIONS WILL BE STRICTLY OBSERVED.

For more information contact Roland on 082 499 8636 or visit http://events.durbantheatre.com/

NB: Southern Rock Classics will also be performed at Rhumbelow Durban from March 12 to 14 and at Rhumbelow Northlands on March 20.