AARON RETURNS WITH ADHD

(Aaron McIlroy pictured onstage in “ADHD” by Val Adamson)

Comedy legend Aaron McIlroy makes a welcome return to the Durban stage with his one-of-a-kind hit show, ADHD. 

This will run at the Seabrooke’s Theatre on the DHS Campus from September 8 to 19, 2021.

A special preview at Seabrooke’s Theatre will be given on Tuesday September 7 (R100 per person).

Produced by MacBob Productions, this hilarious take on the “problems” of ADHD - and other “disturbing behavioural patterns” - is charmingly portrayed by South Africa’s Master of Character Comedy, as McIlroy takes audiences on a wild and whacky journey into the fantastical world of learning disorders!

Facts and theories are turned on their heads, as we get a bird’s eye view into the chaotic and beautiful mind of Aaron McIlroy, who has lived with this ‘gift’ for the last half century and more.

“If not exactly autobiographical, I certainly have inside information!” quips McIlroy about his show. The veteran comic’s hugely popular brand of humour has spiced up the theatre scene over several decades.

Billed as a “comedic steamroller without GPS”, ADHD is scripted by Aaron McIlroy and Patrick Kenny, and directed by Kenny.

artSMart reviewer Barry Meehan covered the show on February 22, 2019. Here are a few extracts from his review:

 ADHD is as good as Comedy Masterclass, if not better, so hats off to these two collaborators. McIlroy has always been the master of the throwaway line and aside, and ADHD has these in spades. ….

All in all, ADHD is a gem of a theatre performance, with McIlroy at his absolute best, and deserves to be seen by all Durbanites

The full review can be seen at http://news.artsmart.co.za/2019/02/adhd-aaron-mcilroy-review.html

ADHD runs at Seabrooke’s Theatre at DHS from September 8 to 19. Performances at 19h00 (Wednesdays to Saturdays) and 15h00 (Sundays). Tickets R180 per person (R160 for students and pensioners) booked through Webtickets.

Seating is limited so early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.

JOMBA! WINS BASA AWARD

(Above: JOMBA! founder, Dr Lliane Loots)

JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience takes home the Chairperson’s Advocacy Award at the 24th Annual BASA Awards.

The annual BASA Awards was held online on August 30, 2021, celebrating creative partnerships that made an impact in 2020. Each year, BASA awards the Chairperson’s Advocacy Award prize to an organisation or individual elected at the discretion of the BASA Chair. The award is presented in recognition of sustained and extraordinary commitment to the arts in South Africa, in the form of advocacy and awareness initiatives and/or direct support for the arts, whether in a personal or professional capacity at a local, national or international level.

This year’s Chairperson’s Advocacy Award was awarded to the JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience. JOMBA!, presented by the Centre for Creative Arts, University of KwaZulu-Natal, is Durban’s (and South Africa’s) benchmark dance festival, centred around connecting contemporary dance practitioners from across the globe. The timing of the Award is auspicious as the 23rd iteration of the JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience is currently happening online (August 24 - September 5 at https://jomba.ukzn.ac.za)

Aside from the landmark two-week dance festival, JOMBA!’s Khuluma Writing Residency (launched in 2010), mentors graduate students’ skills as dance writers. Through a series of seminars and critical discussions, the young writers work throughout the festival, offering their thoughts and responses (both personal and analytical) to the work on show.

2020’s digital JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience was a three-country collaboration for the JOMBA! Khuluma platforms; a meeting between South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United State of America. For the first time, the platform also offered an isiZulu language editor and translator on the platform.

In 2021, the JOMBA! MASIHAMBISANE series of dialogues and critical engagements, launched its first three-day dance colloquium/dialogues, aiming to support focused South African and African (and Diaspora) dance scholarships in an accessible and community-driven manner, and with attention to new ways of engaging dance/performance scholarship, practice, and practice-led research.

"Centred on connecting contemporary dance practitioners from across the globe, the focus and purpose of JOMBA! is to support and nurture the growth of critical contemporary dance in South Africa," explains BASA Chairman, Charmaine Soobramoney. "Guided by this vision, over the last two decades, Artistic Director, Lliane Loots, and the JOMBA! team have successfully linked important academic spaces with critical artistic practices, connected dance practitioners from across Africa and the world, and made a hugely positive  contribution in firmly placing South Africa on the global contemporary dance map," she adds.

On accepting the Award, JOMBA! founder, Dr Lliane Loots, thanked BASA for honouring the Festival and for holding the value and the zeitgeist temerity of contemporary dance in SA as a valuable art form.

"It has been a long and beautiful 23-year journey to this place. My gratitude to the JOMBA! and CCA team who have held this festival so carefully over the years. It is important that dance is being recognised in this way and that JOMBA!'s work forging artistic and academic partnerships within Africa is also honoured. For me, it has been a 23-year love project and I am humbled and grateful for this recognition,” says Dr Lliane Loots, Artistic Director of JOMBA!

"This is the second major award won by the JOMBA! Festival this year. Earlier this year, JOMBA! was awarded the Best Digital Creations Award by the National Institute for Humanities & Social Sciences. These awards are testament to the deep commitment, vision and passion with which Dr Lliane Loots drives the festival and continues to grow it to be relevant to both the UKZN’s teaching, learning and research programme as well as how the Festival can serve South Africa’s creative and cultural economies,” says Dr Ismail Mahomed, Director of the Centre for Creative Arts.

To watch the 2021 BASA Awards, in partnership with Hollard, visit https://basa.co.za/awards/

Business And Arts South Africa NPC (BASA) was founded in 1997 as a joint initiative between government and the private sector as part of a strategy to secure greater involvement in the arts and from businesses operating in South Africa. Constituted in terms of the Companies Act, BASA is registered as a public benefit organisation. BASA champions business investment within the arts, cultural and heritage sector, driving focused and sustained partnerships by unlocking shared value and fostering social cohesion. For more information, please go to www.basa.co.za.

Read about the winners of the 24th BASA Awards here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FlXiBFpNaE8jkeKR2XXk6RvdGh-fCLy3/edit

 

Read about the finalists for the 24th BASA Awards here

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HM5xXHBQ0Dhg7kkNdt9x01Qj3bcy86Zc/edit

 

Read about the limited edition BASA Awards trophies from Imiso Ceramics here

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1J7Co4_eBw-RG0_himY9FvPHx-DO3yY9A/edit

 

(Watch the current JOMBA! Festival (running daily until September 5, 2021) at https://jomba.ukzn.ac.za)

 

KZNSA ONLINE: SIBUSISO DUMA

(“Maskandi” – 2021. Acrylic on canvas by Sibusiso Duma. Dimensions: 59.5 x 42

The KZNSA Gallery is hosting an online exhibition of works by Sibusiso Duma.

Sibusiso Duma started drawing at an early age. His early style developed using charcoal from the fireplace at his home in Mbumbulu. Duma moved to Umlazi in 1994 where he met his mentor, Trevor Makhoba who introduced him to oils. Thereafter his work gained recognition from the African Arts Centre.

Duma’s first group exhibition was held in 1997 with Trevor Makhoba and Welcome Danca. He continued working with Makhoba until his death in 2003. He later drew inspiration from Sphiwe Zulu's pointillism technique and developed his much-loved style that he currently works in.

Find a selection of works here: https://shop.kznsagallery.co.za/collections/sibusiso-duma

For more information, contact gallery@kznsagallery.co.za

 

THE GLITTER GIRLS AT TINA’S

(Right: Lisa Bobbert, Liesl Coppin & Marion Loudon)

Lisa Bobbert, Liesl Coppin and Marion Loudon have decided to re visit one of their favourite shows, The Glitter Girls. Having just completed a successful run at Rhumbelow Durban, they will move on to Kloof next weekend to perform this delightful show at Tina’s Hotel in Kloof. Shows take place from September 3 to 5, 2021.

These multi-award winning performers are Durban’s most loved and versatile artists. Together they are a formidable femme de force who not only light up the stage but have the audience eating out of the palms of their manicured hands. All three are natural comics that keep the audience in stitches with performances that can only be described as “irrepressible”!

Anyone remember Pac-man... The Rubic cube and Dallas? Yip, 1989 was a special year. These three trend-busting Glitter Girls have to go back! Back to neon, back to big hair and back to High School -Scottburgh High for their 30 year school reunion!

Extract from Keith Millar’s review of the show for artSMart:

Three of Durban’s most versatile and popular entertainers light up the stage with their incredible talent.

These ladies are a veritable tour de force. All three are natural comics who have more than average singing voices. They have oodles of charisma, and sassiness to burn. To be entertained by any one of them would be a treat, but to get all three together is magic. As a team they create a synergy and energy on stage that is electric. The audience are putty in the hands of these wonderful entertainers who have them clutching their sides and practically falling off their chairs with mirth.

All three are previous recipients of the coveted Mercury Durban Theatre Personality of the Year Award. The Glitter Girls won the 2014 Mercury Durban Theatre Award for Best Musical Review. This comedy hinges around a 30-year school reunion and includes songs from the 80s right up to today with hits from Bananarama, Eurythmics, Rihanna, Madonna and Abba, Pink and Meghan Trainor.

The absolute highlight of the show is when the girls gender-bend into their alter-egos; Kenny de la Mare, ex south coast stud who, 30 years on, still lives with his mom in a Wendy house; Ruben Lipshitz, still a fatty but has made a lot of money in Joburg and returns to see his old friends on the South Coast; and John Grey, ex head boy of Scottburgh High, who has lost his hair and been unlucky in love. These dudes are underscored by the unmistakable backbeat of Duran Duran, Rick Ashley and Wham and Bruno Mars.

Performances take place on September 3 and 4 at 18h30 and on September 15 at 14h00. (Venue opens 90 minutes before food and drinks downstairs at Tina's)

“We would ask that if you are able to please assist us and the performers by donating a higher ticket price,” says Roland Stansell who runs the Rhumbelow circuit.

All seating will be at separate tables and the venue will obviously be seating co-habiting couples and/or family members. 50% max capacity per show therefore early booking is important.

“Please note that for us to viably re-open The Rhumbelow Theatre at Tina’s Hotel we need to make some changes in regards how we run at Tina’s. We need to assist in generating a regular income for the hotel so that the theatre can continue to operate and for the hotel to also sustain itself,” adds Stansell.

“To assist in keeping the hotel afloat as well, we have agreed that a basic meal will be offered – this is optional. There are five meal options available at a cost of R100 each.”

Ticket price for Tina’s – show only R160 each (min Table Size 4)

Total ticket price for Tina’s – incl food R260 each (min table size 4)

The kitchen is open for those who wish to arrive and order off the menu (bookings are essential) it is recommended that you arrive at least an hour and a half prior to the start of the show. As the hotel is on a reduced kitchen staff compliment, all show meals need to be ordered when you make your booking.

Secure Parking is available. A full bar is also available (no alcohol or food may be brought on to the premises)

Tickets are EFT ONLY. To book email roland@stansell.co.za or COMPUTICKET http://events.durbantheatre.com/

As the hotel is on a reduced kitchen staff compliment, all show meals need to be ordered when you make your booking.

For more information contact 082 499 8636

Full Covid-19 protocols will be observed.

 

BILLY JOEL MEETS STING FOR RHUMBELOW DURBAN

(Above: Andy Turrell, Evan Cullum & John Ellis)

Back by popular demand at Rhumbelow Theatre in Durban, Durban musicians Andy Turrell, John Ellis and Evan Cullum team up to pay tribute to the legends that are Billy Joel and Sting. The show is aptly-titled Billy Joel Meets Sting and will run from September 3 to 5, 2021.

For over 40 years, Billy Joel and Sting have had a mutual respect and admiration for each other’s musicality, writing and performing ability. By combining the two artists, the Durban trio are hopeful that their audience will reminisce on memories of the astounding careers of the New York Piano man and Police lead singer.

In 2018 Billy Joel was quoted by the New York Times as saying "Sting and I always joke around: 'Just for the hell of it, let’s join up and put a group together that explodes after, like, a year.'”

Expect to enjoy some of the greatest hits such as Every Breath You Take, Uptown Girl, Every Little Thing She Does is Magic, You May Be Right and many more!

The show features ubiquitous Andy Turrell (drums/guitar), the incomparable John Ellis (vocals/guitar) and talented Evan Cullum (piano/vocals/guitar).

John Ellis is a singer-songwriter from Durban, South Africa. The principal member, guitar-player, vocalist and songwriter for the internationally renowned and award-winning band Tree63, he relocated back to his hometown from America after many years of international success to pursue a solo career.

The multi-talented Andy Turrell, another Durban born musician, has entertained audiences throughout the country for many years. Performing throughout most of his musical career with Guitarists Dan Patlansky and Rowan Stuart, Turrell, a brilliant guitarist in his own right, is also a phenomenal drummer and bass guitarist.

Durban born singer-pianist Evan Cullum has been performing in KZN for the past five years. Starring in productions such as Rock n Roll Nerds and Elton and Friends, Cullum has also been part of the Rockwood Theatre Sibaya Hit shows Megastars of Pop, Superbands and Hollywood Hits.

Performances take place on September 3 and 4 at 18h30 and on September 5 at 14h00. (Venue opens 90 minutes before show for snacks/drinks)

“We would ask that if you are able to please assist us and the performers by donating a higher ticket price,” says Roland Stansell who runs the Rhumbelow circuit.

Tickets minimum R160 (no discounts for this show). Bring food picnic baskets or buy at the venue. A full bar is available (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises).

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

Limited secure parking available.

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

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

Strict Covid protocols will be observed. Rhumbelow Theatre is situated at 42 Cunningham Road off Bartle Road, Durban.

KZNSA CALL FOR EXHIBITION PROPOSALS 2022

 Deadline for submissions: October 31, 2021

The KZNSA Gallery has announced an open call for exhibition proposals for their 2022 calendar.

Group or Solo Exhibitions are welcome and the KZNSA encourages proposals from artists, collectives, curators, galleries or other art institutions.

There are four exhibition spaces available and proposals can look at using these individually, or all together. The closing date to submit is October 31, 2021, the gallery will respond to all proposals by November 30, 2021.

Find more information about how to apply visit www.kznsagallery.co.za

For more information and for sales queries, contact gallery@kznsagallery.co.za

Look out for the new collections featured at KZNSA online and at the KZNSA Shop.

NB: KZNSA observes all protocols for Covid-19, including social distancing and screening. Please wear a face mask.

 

Current Exhibitions

(Left: "We’re oClay")

We're oClay

The Ceramics Southern Africa KZN region annual exhibition had a successful exhibition opening last Tuesday. 

The exhibition runs until September 5 at 12h00 with many desirable works on show.

 

(Right: “Terra Fragmented” by Nindya Bucktowar)

Terra Fragmented:

In Terra Fragmented, Nindya Bucktowar immerses herself in the exploration and possibilities of clay as medium. Working with the push and the pull and finding new ways to appreciate chance. She explains, “‘the human spirit inhabits ever changing landscapes; the planet earth, the city and the body. They are fragments of energy and matter; pulsating, breathing, morphing, moving.” The exhibition runs until September 5 at 12h00.

The KZNSA - KwaZulu Natal Society of Arts –is situated at 166 Bulwer Road, Glenwood, Durban. For more information contact 031 277 1705 or visit www.kznsagallery.co.za

SOUTHERN AFRICA-LOCARNO INDUSTRY ACADEMY AFRICA SELECTED PARTICIPANTS

Fourteen film professionals from eight African countries have been selected to participate in this online training programme, which is set to take place from September 26 to October 2, 2021. The inaugural edition of the Southern Africa-Locarno Industry Academy, a partnership between the Locarno Film Festival and the Realness Institute, is dedicated to professionals working in sales, distribution, exhibition, and programming, supported by the Durban Film Mart and IEFTA.

The selected participants include:

From South Africa:

Andrea Voges - Sales & Distribution Manager, Urucu Media (South Africa)

Jana Erasmus - Producer of Marketing & Distribution, Indigenous Film (South Africa)

Khanyo Mjamba - Head of Acquisitions & Sales, Gaba Media (South Africa)

Mitchell Harper - Industry Programme Curator, Durban FilmMart (South Africa)

Pumulo Ngoma - Producer, Programming & Marketing, Mata Africa (South Africa)

 

Rest of Africa:

Aderinsola Ajao – Journalist & Film Curator, Screen Out Loud (Nigeria)

Bérénice Hahn - Sales Agent, Social Transformation & Empowerment Projects (STEPS) (Madagascar)

Djia Mambu - Film Critic, Film Distributor, Maziwa Makuu Films (Congo)

Ibee Ndaw - Festival Manager, Sudu Connexion (Senegal)

Joy Nduto - TV/Film Content Producer, Distributor & Consultant, Attitude Media Ltd. (Kenya)

Linda Wairegi - Social Media Assistant, Africa Digital Media Studios (Kenya)

Lyse Nsengiyumva – Programmer at International Film Festival Rotterdam & Founder & Creator at Recognition (Rwanda)

Wambui Gathee - Screenings Manager, Docubox (Kenya)

Wilford Machili – Head and Programmer, Maputo International Film Festival (Mozambique) & Film Producer, Big Picture

 

“We’re thrilled to kick-off the Southern Africa-Locarno Industry Academy and to introduce our program for young professionals in this region. In such a fast-changing and re-shaping business environment, it is crucial to create an international network for the future leading film industry players from Latin America, the Middle East, the USA, India, Europe and now also from Southern Africa,” says Markus Duffner, Head of Locarno Pro.

Elias Ribeiro, Executive Director of the Realness Institute, says: “This is the most meaningful program considering the state of distribution worldwide. It is a time of opportunity, to think creatively to get our business back on track, to re-invent how we reach audiences and business models to support it. Everything we knew is currently in question and the dynamic fertile ground in Africa lends itself to out of the box and non-traditional thinking, essential to survive and thrive today”.

The tailored programme features masterclasses and meetings with internationally-established professionals. The aim is to enhance participants’ understanding of the challenges facing the film industry, at the same time allowing them to expand their personal network of contacts and develop their professional skill set.

(Right: Durban-based guest speaker Magdalene Reddy, Acting General Manager Durban Film Mart)

Guest Speakers include Magdalene Reddy (Acting General Manager Durban Film Mart) as well as Constanza Arena (Executive Director of Cinema Chile), Dennis Ruh (Director of the European Film Market), Sydelle Willow Smith (Executive Director of Sunshine Cinema) and Thibaut Bracq (Head of Atlas Workshop).

Launched by the Locarno Film Festival in 2014, the Industry Academy has expanded considerably on the international scene, offering workshops in partnership with major festivals and film institutions: in Mexico with Morelia IFF, in Brazil with BrLab, in Chile with Australab, in Panama with International Film Festival Panama, in Greece with Thessaloniki IFF, in the US with Film at Lincoln Center in New York in Lebanon with MC Distribution and BCP in Beirut and later in November this year also in South Asia with India’s Film Bazaar. The Locarno Industry Academy currently has nearly 300 alumni from all over the world.

For more information visit https://www.locarnofestival.ch/LFF/about/locarno-young/academy/industry-academy/southern-africa-industry-academy.html

JOMBA! PROPELS DURBAN ARTISTS ONTO THE ‘DIGITAL EDGE’ OF DANCE EXCELLENCE: REVIEW

Each of these brilliant artists reminds us to look out of the broken window and continue fighting, continue hoping. (Review by Alexander Dale)

JOMBA!’s commissioned platform, Digital Edge features works by Durban-based artists who each explore the festival’s curatorial framework of ‘Border Crossings’ through the medium of screendance.

(Right: Sabelo Cele)

The first of a total of six works, Uhambo by Sabelo Cele, places Queer bodies in states of liminality and transition. Initially confronted with isolated Queer bodies forced to navigate unforgiving industrial spaces, the tension in the work is quickly shifted through colour and movement. Finding relief in dance, the Black Queer identities in Cele’s work are liberated through a transcendental escape into a state of community and multiplicity. 

In finding similitude, Cele demonstrates the importance of community in times of hardship or change; an encouraging proposition as we continue to face the adversities of the post-pandemic world. In Uhambo, Cele not only orchestrates an engaging and sharp editing vocabulary but extends the camera’s capabilities to not only move around the dancing body, but through it.

(Left: Aphelele Nyawose)

Aphelele Nyawose’s imThwalo, which loosely translates as baggage or burden, situates itself as a difficult reminder of the gender-based violence crisis facing South Africa. The work immediately captures the viewer’s attention with swift and recognisable edited sequences of urban domestic life in South Africa. However, Nyawose delves beyond the childhood ‘stoep’ and steps bravely into the subjectivity of the black femme body. Throughout the performance, we are presented with domestic bodies who, in the wake of heteronormative realities of patriarchal violence, find themselves running away from …themselves. Confined to the nihilism of the domestic space in a state of violence, the performers resemble ghosts, husks of former selves and liberated futures, peering through broken windows. Nyawose’s work not only captures the unbearable burden of being a woman in South Africa but offers the audience a poignant glimpse into the agony of isolation and economic hardship as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, Nyawose refuses a singular narrative of suffering and demands a futurity of resistance, resilience and hope. In imThwalo, Nyawose not only delivers a powerful and stirring performance but perpetually returns to the broken window to continue looking out, to continue hoping, to continue fighting for better days.

(Right: Nqubeko ‘Cue’ Ngema)

While Nyawose looks forward towards hope, in Can you see me now?, Nqubeko ‘Cue’ Ngema exposes the power of looking back to the past for guidance. The work is incredibly moving with a stunning score that highlights and intensifies the complex emotional experiences stimulated by Ngema’s choreographies. Ngema’s work roots itself in Afrocentric philosophies and presents a poetic illustration of unlearning and unshackling.

Memory and history, essential characteristics of indigenous African cultural practices and rituals, not only become powerful tools with which to wash away the blinding impositions of colonialism but emerges as a threshold into spiritual connection and guidance. Filmed against the perpetual ebb and flow of the ocean’s waves, Ngema reminds us of the importance of community and connection. Despite the constrictions and borders inherent to the terrestrial world, if we hold onto where we come from and recognise those who came before us, we can never truly be lost, we can never truly be alone.

(Left: Thobile Maphanga - pic -Thomis Sweet-Harvey)

In the other three works, we witness how dance aids in the construction of identity and personal histories in Cameron Govender’s Aikyam and Thobile Maphanga’s Sihamba sizibhala and, in Sinethemba Khuzwayo’s Border Impositions, how the individual struggles against the boundaries and differences that have come to define our society.

Ultimately, JOMBA! presents an exciting platform that not only showcases rising artists in South Africa but offers us a point of connection. 

Each of these brilliant artists reminds us to look out of the broken window and continue fighting, continue hoping. - Alexander Dale, Khuluma Writing Residency

 

JOMBA! runs until September 5, 2021, and can be accessed FREE online at https://bit.ly/WatchJomba

 

TEN...3,2,1! : REVIEW

 

artSMart is supporting the JOMBA! Khuluma Writing Residency by carrying student writers’ preview pieces to provide more exposure for their skills.

Ultimately, Agudo's visceral masterpiece is dynamic, layered in dance languages that contribute to its uniqueness and statement. (Review by Sibahle M Khwela)

ACE Dance and Music’s TEN is an impeccable work of art choreographed by José Agudo and artistically directed by Gail and Ian Parmel. This intense and intricate dance piece, maintaining its relevance since 2011, is inspired by immigration.

From the choice of lighting that enhanced the textured backdrop, different patterns being formed by the performers, to costume being a part of the performance, to the performers being a part of the music through stomping, clapping and voice, all the way to the synchrony of the performers throughout, this piece is enticing and mesmerizing to watch as every single element of it is neatly blueprinted.

Agudo's masterpiece reaps unity and oneness conveyed through strong unison combinations that resemble a sense of community, togetherness and solidarity. The piece has the signatures of Martial Arts, Afro-fusion, Kathak and Flamenco, allowing it to have distinct rhythms and diverse dance languages, all based in impeccable timing. The motion and pauses of the performers are so precise and mirror flawlessly.

The defining factor of this piece to me must be one of sound being allowed. The choreographer created a very swift, floating sense to the work where it was mute due to soft-landing movements even in parts of the piece that were floorwork and at pace. I loved the commanding silence of this performance that almost challenged my stillness and silence. This dynamic of intentional sound dresses the piece with a unique layer.

My favourite section of this work was where the lightwork resembled seven sunlight beams through the roof of the space where every performer had their own. During this section the hand-slamming of the performers as they spread a powder on stage made for a powerful ensemble combination. The charisma and strength of this piece are palpable with its ingenious direction, colours and layers.

Ultimately, Agudo's visceral masterpiece is dynamic, layered in dance languages that contribute to its uniqueness and statement. - Sibahle M Khwela, Khuluma Writing Residency

JOMBA! runs until September 5, 2021, and can be accessed FREE online at https://bit.ly/WatchJomba

LIMON DANCE COMPANY TRAVELS BACK IN TIME FROM THE PRESENT: REVIEW

(Above: LIMON “Suite Donuts”. Photo Courtesy of the José Limón Dance Foundation)

artSMart is supporting the JOMBA! Khuluma Writing Residency by carrying student writers’ preview pieces to provide more exposure for their skills.

Tune in for a real treat that speaks to history from the present. (Review by Slindile Mchunu)

The Limón Dance Company (New York, USA) integrates the old with new on their platform at the 23rd JOMBA! Dance Experience with two works from Jóse Limón (co-founder of the dance company) that are the 20th century’s greatest works of modern choreography, together with a contemporary piece from emerging choreographer Chafin Seymour as the opening act in the programme.

It starts with Suite Donuts (2020) which pays homage to the music used in the piece, the album Timeless: Suite do Ma Dukes by Miguel Atwood Ferguson and Donuts by Hip-Hop producer J Dilla. The piece is very urban, it is contemporary dance with a twist, it merges a lot of dance styles into one such as hip-hop dancing with light foot work, and more body fluidity, hip-hop lite if you will.

(Right: LIMON “The Moor's Pavane”. Photo Courtesy of the José Limón Dance Foundation)

The Moore’s Pavane follows, a piece from 1949 choreographed by Limón, the themes of Shakespeare’s Othello guide the narrative of this work. The handkerchief becomes the centrepiece and cause of disruption as evidence of an act that ultimately never happened, which becomes unavoidable fate between the characters involved. With themes such as racism and hatred being the focus of this work, it shows the worst side of human nature, of what happens when jealousy takes over a person, a piece and story that is still prevalent today. I enjoyed the costumes; they show the era in which the story takes place but a modernised version, with dresses exposing the shoulders and chest area, and the use of the handkerchief incorporated in the piece as the main protagonist.

Last but certainly not least, is There is a Time (1956), also originally choreographed by José Limón, was inspired by a text from chapter 3 of Ecclesiastes in the Bible and its summons of the lived human experience. Starting off with the opening of a large circle, filling the stage as if going through time – a time travel of sorts. The piece is graceful, elegant at its core while showcasing human experiences, which as we know aren’t always graceful. The complexities of life are what make it worthwhile, there is beauty in brokenness.

The programme is part of the “European and American Crossings” on the JOMBA! programme, and is still available on the festival’s YouTube channel for a limited time. Tune in for a real treat that speaks to history from the present. - Slindile Mchunu, Khuluma Writing Residency

JOMBA! runs until September 5, 2021, and can be accessed FREE online at https://bit.ly/WatchJomba

 

JOMBA! SHOWCASES EUROPEAN & AMERICAN ICONIC DANCE COMPANIES

 

(HANNAH MA “ONDA_ VALENT(INA ZAPPA”. Pic by Bohumil KOSTOHRYZ)

Five iconic European and American dance companies will be showcased in the 23rd JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience, presented by the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Centre for Creative Arts online from August 24 to September 5, 2021.

The historic New York based Limón Dance Company, UK’s ACE music and dance, Germany’s Hannah Ma, Sweden’s Cullberg, and Spain’s Aïda Colmenero Dïaz will feature in the JOMBA! European and American Crossings Platform.

The UK, Birmingham based ACE music and dance, which celebrates a long history of connections with South Africa, have come to JOMBA! presenting one of their signature works TEN directed by Gail and Ian Parmel and choreographed by José Agudo. Full of intense physical power and human fragility, TEN explores the concepts of moving away and leaving, looking at how and why people choose imagined destinies over the lives they always thought they'd live. Inspired by global migration, TEN is a visceral and exhilarating dance production combining contemporary dance with an essence of Flamenco, Kathak, Martial Arts and ACE's inimitable Afro-fusion style. (Wednesday, August 25 at 19h00)

(Left: LIMON “Suite Donuts” - Photo Courtesy of the José Limón Dance Foundation)

 The historic New York based Limón Dance Company who will showcase two dances by José Limón which are considered among the 20th Century’s greatest works of modern choreography presented, alongside a contemporary new piece Suite Donuts by emerging choreographer, Chafin Seymour. Artistic director to this historic American company, Dante Puleio, says that “the pairing of these works now seems fortuitous. Recent political events which have further raised awareness of social consciousness and racial justice make this group of dances all the more important today”. The company presents: Suite Donuts (2020) by Chafin Seymour, The Moor’s Pavane (1949), and There is a Time (1956), both by José Limón. (August 27 at 19h00)

(Right: CULLBERG: “Mountains”)

Sweden’s Cullberg - in collaboration with Norrlandsoperan – will present a remarkable screen dance film On Earth I’m Done choreographed by Jefta van Dinther and performed by Suelem de Oliveira da Silva. In the archaic-futuristic diptych On Earth I’m Done, the audience is transported to a place torn out of the conventional space-time continuum. The first part of the diptych (which JOMBA! audience will be watching) Mountains, is a solo and is directed for film by Simon Flack. Choreographer van Dinther says, “I try and tackle the question of how to be and stay in love with our ever-changing world. Through an expulsion of words, both familiar and foreign, the performer on stage acts as a conduit, lamenting on behalf of others. Her being unravels in the connection between the physical, biological and anthropological; between and desire - it is a race for survival!” (Wednesday, September 1 at 19h00)

Hannah Ma (hannahmadance), a German-Chinese choreographer born in Berchtesgaden, Bavaria with her award-winning dance focus that lies on contemporary rituals and the translation of archaic roots within our society also features on this platform. She presents ONDA - into the unknown, a collaboration with Sebastian M. Purfürst from LEM-studios in Berlin. ONDA is magnificent research type performance and art space production, curiously discussing the relationship of humans and nature against the background of anthropocentrism. Ma explains that her work is a “visual dance engagement with how do we define the ‘non- reproducible magical soul’, the aura, the prehistoric part in every individual, the meaning of love in this modern, digitalised and globalised society”. Her work, which crosses the divide between live and digital dance installations, has won numerous European dance awards. (Friday, September 3 at 19h00)

(“She Poems” - Abismo - Aida Colmenero Diaz)

 She Poems (Spain) is set to be the illustrious closing night film of the festival. The festival hosts Spanish dancer/choreographer Aïda Colemenero Dïaz who has made a series of beautiful short screen dance films called She Poems made during her on-going travels in Africa.

She Poems is Dïaz’s project, inspired by poems written by women, created and produced on the African continent by a new generation of female performing arts creators. Begun in 2013, and still on-going, She Poems has produced 20 dance short films, six contemporary dance pieces and a photographic series of visual beauty and power. The creators of She Poems are unique and pioneering artists who, from their particular and varied African geographical, cultural and personal context, engage in intimate creative processes to transform a poetic score into body and audiovisual language, using performative codes that originate from their immediate daily environment, their heritage and their own creative impulse.

Aïda Colmenero Dïaz is an artist, actress, choreographer, dancer, filmmaker and a performing arts curator born in Madrid of Galician descent. Aïda is a leading artist in Spain thanks to her avant-garde career, which has led her to explore unusual regions of the world and to embark on unique creative processes, crossing borders and providing a complex and alternative reflection on identity and cultural heritage. Through her work, marked by her multidisciplinary creative capacity, she aims to connect minds, build geographical and cultural bridges, and recover historical memory. (Sunday, September 5 at 19h00)

 

The festival can be access FREE online here: https://bit.ly/WatchJombaFull programme available here: https://bit.ly/JOMBAProg

DSTV HIGHLIGHTS: AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 5 2021

(Above: A scene from “Gangs of London”)

Sport fever has gripped sports lovers after the Olympic Games, and now DStv Compact subscribers are in for a treat as SuperSport Variety (DStv channel 207) opens to the bouquet from August 24 to September 5 to showcase the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

DStv Premium subscribers are also in for a surprise when dark comedy Hacks comes out on August 27 on M-Net (DStv channel 101), because as soon as episode 1 airs, the rest of the entire season will be available on Catch-Up for an awesome binge watch. Now that is what DStv calls early access!

And there’s brand-new Afrikaans content, too. Actress Heléne Lombard takes viewers on a culinary journey in her bohemian kitchen in Boerediva, and Frank Opperman gives a stellar performance as a lonely farmer who tries to reconnect with his three estranged sons in the must-watch local drama Nêrens Noord-Kaap.

The eccentric tiger exploiter Joe Exotic is once again in the spotlight in doccie Louis Theroux: Shooting Joe Exotic, and then there is more local entertainment with 2 Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161) movies, Umhlukanisi and Blessers, to brighten up Saturday nights.

 

Some of the highlights include:

(Left: Jean Smart in “Hacks”)

Hacks

Season 1 / Episode 1 / from Friday, August 27 / M-Net (DStv channel 101) at 22h30

In this dark comedy, legendary Las Vegas comic Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) teams up with Ava (Hannah Einbinder), a 25-year-old outcast comedic writer, to revive her career. DStv Premium subscribers can binge the box set – that’s the entire season of this show – on Catch-Up as soon as the first episode has broadcast

 

Louis Theroux: Shooting Joe Exotic

Special Doccie / on Thursday, September 2 / BBC Brit (DStv channel 120) at 20h00

10 years after Louis met Joe for his documentary America’s Most Dangerous Pets, Joe reached out to Louis from jail – where he’s serving a sentence for the attempted murder-for-hire of Carole Baskin and violating the Endangered Species Act – to ask whether Louis would let him tell his “real” story. Now Louis looks back on his original documentary, including hours of unseen footage, to unpick the mystery of how Joe Exotic influenced the people around him.

 

(Right: David Schwimmer stars in “Intelligence”)

Intelligence

Season 2 / Episode 1 / BBC Brit (DStv channel 120) at 20h35

When this British-American spy comedy returns, Jerry (David Schwimmer) finds out that the Russians have gotten hold of a cyber weapon that Jerry himself helped to develop, threatening national security in the process.

 

Reyka

Season 1 / Episode 6 / August 29, 2021 M-Net (DStv channel 101) at 20h00

The police target Soda as a prime suspect in the serial killer case, and he flees for his life – is he an innocent scapegoat or a ruthless serial killer? Meanwhile, the Tyrone family experience a harrowing incident in the dead of the night. Is it a housebreaking or a contract hit? Reyka and the police start to piece together links between this event and their cane field killer case.

 

The Corrupted

August 29, 2021 Movie / M-Net (DStv channel 101) at 21h00

Ex-con Liam (Sam Claflin) is determined to win back his family’s trust after losing everything to a powerful local crime syndicate leader (played by Timothy Spall) in this crime thriller set around the 2012 London Olympics.

 

Gangs Of London

Season 1 / Episode 1-9 September 1 2021/ Showmax

Sean Wallace (Joe Cole, John Shelby in Peaky Blinders,) fights to take over his murdered father’s criminal empire, making deals and enemies with modern London’s biggest underground leaders from the Albanian Mafia, to Kurdish freedom fighters, the Pakistani drug cartel and Welsh Travellers.

 

(Left: A scene from “Diana’s Decade”)

Diana's Decade

Season 1 / Episode 1 / September 02 BBC Lifestyle (DStv channel 174) at 20h00

This three-episode series examines some of the driving social forces in the last three decades of the 20th century, through the life of the late Princess Diana – from her childhood in the 1970s, to her wedding in the early 1980s, to her divorce and death in the 1990s and her relationship with the media.

 

Full of edge-of-your seat jeopardy, hilarious laughs, huge stars and a colossal spinning Wheel, witness exciting celebrity guests attempt to help contestants win a big cash prize! Although jam-packed with drama, above all else, Michael McIntyre brings laughter, camaraderie and excitement when we all need it most.

BBC Brit has something for the whole family. With the all-new dance show with a twist - The Masked Dancer UK, Sundays at 19h00; the fresh and fantastic game-show - Tipping Point which joins the line-up weekdays from September 20. And look out for the multi award-winning dance competition Strictly Come Dancing, the brilliant Graham Norton Show, the nail-biting quiz show Who Wants to be a Millionaire with Jeremy Clarkson and the fast-paced popular motoring show Top Gear.

ACT BUILDING BLOCKS PROGRAMME GRADUATES FOR 2021!

The Arts and Culture Trust (ACT) proudly announces the 38 graduates for The ACT Building Blocks Programme 2021 funded by the National Arts Council (NAC) and supported by Sun International and Eastern Cape Provincial Arts And Culture Council (ECPACC).

The ACT Building Blocks Programme that ran from May to July 2021 and saw more than 160 applicants from across the country compete for one of 45 spots on the programme concluded with 38 proud graduates on August 17, 2021.

The Building Blocks Programme remains one of ACT’s most impactful and relevant programmes in the arts and culture sector, empowering a large number of arts and culture practitioners across South Africa to hone their professional and business development within an arts specific framework. Through the Building Blocks Programme ACT 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 extensive and updated ACT Building Blocks curriculum which aims to capacitate and bolster the entrepreneurial spirit and strengthen the resilience of small (microbusiness) to mid-level organisations and arts practitioners included training and mentoring in:

-ABCD (Asset Based Community Development) in the arts

-Digital Skills

-Marketing

-Governance, Monitoring & Evaluation.

All nine provinces were included in the open call and a selection committee selected five artists/organisations from each province. Of this selection, 43 individuals/organisations participated in the programme and 38 successfully completed the rigorous curriculum.

ACT would like to congratulate the following graduates on their dedication, commitment and resilience in completing the ACT Building Blocks Programme

Kwa-Zulu Natal graduates are Jarryd Watson – Organisation (The Wentworth Arts and Culture Organisation) and Noxolo Thandeka Mlungwana – Individual

 

Included in  the other successful graduates are:

Gauteng: Buhle Martha Radebe – Individual; Lungile Zaphi – Organisation (Morris Isaacson Centre of Music); Lethabo Gumede – Individual; Kganya Mogashoa – Individual

Free State: Lerato George Thulo – Organisation (Raycreek (Pty) Ltd); Lana Combrinck – Individual; Pheello Rasello – Organisation (Black Roots Productions (Pty) Ltd); Berlina Medupi – Organisations (Tidimalo Dance and Theatre Productions)

Limpopo: Makwena Manamela – Organisation (Deft PR); Nthwaleng Selinah Tlaka – Organisation (Ipopeng Cultural Group); Boitumelo Kodibona – Organisation (Manyalo Music Awards)

Eastern Cape: Litha Ncokazi – Organisation (Art Versatile Institute for Arts Development, Entrepreneurship and Research); Sibusiso Molefe – Individual (BANG Entertainment); Heidi Sincuba – Individual (Sincuba Studios); Gary Ndlovu – Individual

Western Cape: Christie van Zyl – Individual; Xolane Marman – Individual; Ralton Nolan – Individual; Kirsten Pienaar – Organisation (Biblioteek Productions)

Northern Cape: Balfour Lekgwathi – Organisation (On The Beat Communications); Richie Cloete – Individual; Vuyo Mayesa – Individual; Monnapula Maranda - Individual

North West: Amogelang Mokonoto – Individual; Thina Minya – Individual (MaCa – Mareledi Centre of ARTS); Thabo Mauco – Individual; Nonhlanhla Pitseng – Organisation (Raikaga Performing Arts); Tshepo Mothudi - Individual

Mpumalanga: Smangele Theledi – Organisation (Youth Nest Foundation NPC); Speelman Mabena – Organisation (SM Pro Studios); Clement Mokoena – Individual (FunkMusiq); Joseph Mandla Mahlangu – Organisation (Joed Multipurpose Organisation)

 

Additional graduates, from the ECPACC’s Creative Enterprise Accelerator Programme, include:

Athenkosi Kilane – Organisation (HNP Production Company (Pty) Ltd)

Colleen Mapatwana – Organisation (Daughters of Entergrity Publishers & Distributors (Pty) Ltd)

Cynthia Nontsikelelo Mshweshwe – Organisation (Waterfalls Creations)

Monwabisi Ngcai – Organisation (Fingwa Photography & Production)

 

ACT CEO Marcus Desando says: “We are proud of every single graduate in this programme. The dedication and commitment it took to fulfil all the requirements to qualify for graduation demanded real investment from the participants. Graduating from the ACT Building Blocks programme is a proactive move towards entrepreneurial progress and enablement in entering or sustainably participating in the economy as an arts and culture practitioner or organisation.”

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

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

 

THE GLITTER GIRLS ARE BACK!

(Above: Lisa Bobbert, Liesl Coppin & Marion Loudon)

Lisa Bobbert, Liesl Coppin and Marion Loudon have decided to re-visit one of their favourite shows, The Glitter Girls, with performances at Rhumbelow Theatre in Durban on August 28 and 29 followed by a further run at Tina’s Hotel in Kloof from September 3 to 5, 2021.

These multi-award winning performers are Durban’s most-loved and versatile artists. Together they are a formidable femme de force who not only light up the stage but have the audience eating out of the palms of their manicured hands. All three are natural comics that keep the audience in stitches with performances that can only be described as “irrepressible”!

Anyone remember Pac-man ... The Rubic cube and Dallas? Yip, 1989 was a special year. These three trend-busting Glitter Girls have to go back! Back to neon, back to big hair and back to High School - Scottburgh High - for their 30 year school reunion!

Absolute charmers, all three are previous recipients of the coveted Mercury Durban Theatre Personality of the Year Award. You don't have to be an Eighties child to enjoy this light hearted and highly entertaining musical comedy.

The Glitter Girls won the 2014 Mercury Durban Theatre Award for Best Musical Review. This comedy hinges around a 30 year school reunion and includes songs from the 80s right up to today with hits from Bananarama, Eurythmics, Rihanna, Madonna and Abba, Pink and Meghan Trainor.

The absolute highlight of the show is when the girls gender-bend into their alter-egos; Kenny de la Mare, ex south coast stud who, 30 years on, still lives with his mom in a Wendy house; Ruben Lipshitz, still a fatty but has made a lot of money in Joburg and returns to see his old friends on the South Coast; and John Grey, ex head boy of Scottburgh High, who has lost his hair and been unlucky in love. These dudes are underscored by the unmistakable backbeat of Duran Duran, Rick Ashley and Wham and Bruno Mars.

Shows take place on August 28 at 18h30 and on August 29 at 14h00. (Venue opens 90 minutes before show for snacks/drinks)

Extract from Keith Millar’s review of the show for artSMart:

Three of Durban’s most versatile and popular entertainers light up the stage with their incredible talent.

These ladies are a veritable tour de force. All three are natural comics who have more than average singing voices. They have oodles of charisma, and sassiness to burn. To be entertained by any one of them would be a treat, but to get all three together is magic. As a team they create a synergy and energy on stage that is electric. The audience are putty in the hands of these wonderful entertainers who have them clutching their sides and practically falling off their chairs with mirth.

 

“We would ask that if you are able to please assist us and the performers by donating a higher ticket price,” says Roland Stansell who runs the Rhumbelow circuit.

Tickets minimum R160 (no discounts for this show). Bring food picnic baskets or buy at the venue. A full bar is available (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises).

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

Limited secure parking available.

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

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

Strict Covid protocols will be observed. Rhumbelow Theatre is situated at 42 Cunningham Road off Bartle Road, Durban.

 

“The Glitter Girls” runs at Tina’s Hotel, Kloof from September 3 to 5, 2021. Same booking details apply.