THE GOLDEN DAYS OF SPRINGBOK RADIO FOR PMB

(Right: Frank Graham)

Do you remember a time when the only home entertainment we had was our precious radio? Do you remember our universally popular Springbok Radio with its plethora of music shows and quiz shows? And, particularly, do you recall the vast numbers of plays, serials, and series? Do you remember, above all, the comedies that could help to lift your spirits at the end of a hard day?

Of course you do – and with affection, I would suggest. Those were the days of Inspector Carr, Henry Simon of the Missing Persons Bureau, of Doctor Paul and Mary Livingston, MD. They were the days of No 1 and No 2, Sir Gregory Pitkin, Mildred Murfin and Humbert and Lolita Snetherswaite; the days of Able Seaman Johnson, Percy Snodgrass and Kenneth Wibley.

From 1968 on, the vast majority of comedies was recorded right here in Durban, many of them in front of “live” audiences.

Come and spend a nostalgic afternoon with the Rhumbelow Theatre at the Allan Wilson Shellhole in Pietermaritzburg with Frank Graham, one of South Africa’s most versatile character actors and comedians, as he re-invokes those memories with his hugely popular brand of humour.

You’ll go home with a song in your heart!

The performance takes place on October 10 at 14h00, 2021. (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.

R160 (no discounts). Bring food picnic baskets or buy at the venue. A full bar is available (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises). There is limited secure parking.

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

Booking is essential. With the current Covid levels capacity is limited to 50% max. Strict Covid protocols will be in place.

Book through Roland on email roland@stansell.za.net or Computicket.

The Allan Wilson Shellhole is situated at 5 Durban Road in Pietermaritzburg.

DEATH OF VINODRAI HARIE

(Above: Vinodrai Harie)

The family of the late Vinoo Harie have asked artSMart to pass this tribute onto friends and followers.

SOUL BROTHER WITH A GOLDEN HEART

Hundreds of tributes and messages of condolence continue to pour in from all over the world following the sad loss of Vinodrai Harie, a man who touched everyone who met him. The messages have one theme: the extraordinary love, kindness and generosity that was an intrinsic part of his personality and nature. His close family, his friends, his business associates, his customers, his community members all echo this theme. Vinoo, as he was affectionately known, was a man with a golden heart.

Vinoo was born and bred in Durban, brought up in Beatrice Street, the eldest brother of five siblings, namely Tara, Kishore (Rocky), Vijay (Carlos) and Suresh (Tom). He attended school at Gandhi Desai and by the late 1960’s had joined his father in his shoe business.  In 1976, he married Chandrika Haribhai, and it was not long before he started working with his father-in-law at K Haribhai & Son’s, who had pioneered the importing of grains and pulses. From this, the concept of the immensely popular Spice Emporium in Pine Street took shape, and locals and tourists flocked to the beautifully laid-out store. Spice Emporium catered to specific cultural needs, whilst attracting visitors for the excellence and range of their products. Here could be found dried goods, frozen foods, snacks, condiments, kitchen ware and, of course, an astonishingly wide range of spices.

Vinoo had a passion for good food; for food that was authentic and unusual. He travelled extensively, attending food fairs worldwide and seeking out the best products. But it was the warm welcoming atmosphere and the personal touch that built the business, with branches in Gateway and Reservoir Hills and branded spice stations in supermarkets in Johannesburg. Vinoo, and his gracious wife Chandrika, would greet their customers, encourage them to try new products, exchange community news and offer culinary advice so creating firm friendships.

Within his circle of family and friends, Vinoo was known for his love of entertaining, with a wonderful spread of well-prepared dishes, a glowing atmosphere of generosity and well-being, a word for everyone, a hug, a smile and encouragement to ‘come in and enjoy!’ At his 70th birthday celebration, held in the family home, with live music, beautiful décor and an abundance of rare and excellent food, his daughter Mira spoke of her father’s important influence in her life, saying that he always ‘put faith first’.

Vinoo followed the Radha Soami Path and it was the core to his and his family’s life. Travelling frequently to attend satsang, to spend time at the feet of his Guru, he embraced the attitude of love for all and service to the community under the guidance of his spiritual teacher. 

Brother Kishore, who gave the Eulogy at the Cremation Ceremony, said that after their dad has passed some years ago, “Vinoobhai so gracefully assumed and took the mantle as the elder in family, and he did so with such grace and ease, caring for us and nurturing us. His leaving us has created a huge void in our lives: in our Harie family, in the Kuntawala family, in the Gopal family as well as the extended families. In Vinoobhai we’ve had the privilege of being with a beautiful soul – a husband, a father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend; he will forever be in our thoughts and in our hearts.”

Close friend, Wendy Nell, who also spoke at his Cremation Ceremony, summarised his virtues in her eulogy: “Vinoo was kind, he was inclusive, he was generous, he was hard-working and huge-hearted and he loved life. Dr Jayraj Naidoo wrote ‘Nothing was too much for him. We will forever treasure the happy moments that we had with him.’ Likewise, his niece Shraddha Haribhai wrote that she would ‘cherish the memories that she has of Bapu, his hugs, his laughs, his jokes and his wisdom. He had a big, beautiful presence that is hard to replace,” she added.

Asheen Soni remembered Bapu with great affection and respect, saying that his mere presence for a moment with anyone was filled with an infectious warmth, love and an unmistakable touch that you knew only he could put on it. Close friend Dayalan Naicker said, ‘In his inimitable manner Vinoo lived his life adding tangible meaning to the words ‘legacy of love’. He was proof that the more love one gives, the more it grows. He will always be remembered for his boundless generosity and spirit of serving.’

Other friends remembered times where he had encouraged them, inspired them, supported them, helped them. Nimi Govender described him as “a gem of unequalled magnitude who shone and beamed with love and a natural enthusiasm to serve all those around him”. Longtime family friend Merilyn Harwood wrote “his loyalty, his love and compassion and his utter devotion to his family, his friends and his Guru were an inspiration.”

Vinoo has left a legacy of love. His warm, golden affection for one and all made life sweeter for those who came into contact with him. As the family’s eldest sibling, he will be sorely missed. Our sincere condolences to his wife Chandrika, his children Rajesh, Punam, Mitesh and Mira and his beloved grandchildren Seth and Soha and to all of those who will miss their soul brother with a golden heart.

DOUBLE YOU

(Featured on the poster left to right are Brian Khumalo; Zihle Thiliza; Sbongakonke Xama; Mandisa Ngoma; Vuyo Biyela and Othembele Nomgca)

Othembele Nomgca former student of DUT Drama & Production Studies, together with his former classmates, are staging a show called Double You. The play is written by Musa Ntuli and directed by Nomgca who also appears in the production.

The cast also features Mandisa Ngoma; Sbongakonke Xama; Vuyo Biyela; Brian Khumalo, and Zihle Thiliza.

The show presents five lawyers who are graduates from different backgrounds and very educated but where they come from, there is no progress. They are then summoned by the court of law to come and present their complaints before the judge.

They then ask thought-provoking questions to the judge as to why are people suffering. The character names are – WHO, WHY, WHERE, WHEN, WHAT then THE SUPERIOR

The piece will be presented in a form of physical theatre and dramatic approach of characterisation.

Nomgaca (20) was born in the Eastern Cape and grew up in the small town of Kokstad. He matriculated in 2017 and went to Durban University of Technology to study Drama and Production Studies. He finished his diploma in 2020 and graduated in 2021. He is a highly energetic actor and director who is accustomed to high-demanding sets such as stained-glass productions. He has gained experience in front of the camera after scooping a role on Uzalo as Bongz and has had much experience on stage just from number of productions he has done, like IWISA in Johannesburg at pop art theatre and his experience at drama school. Directing Double You” will be his third directing project in his directing career.

Entry R70. Call 068 296 8183 for bookings. No masks, no entry.

Double You runs on October 8 and 9, 2021, at 17h30 at Seabrooke’s Theatre, Durban High School (DHS) in St Thomas Road, Musgrave.

EUROPEAN FILM FESTIVAL: THE BRIGHT SIDE: REVIEW

The Bright Side will feature on the virtual programme of the European Film Festival which runs from October 14 to 24, 2021.

The Bright Side

Ireland – 2020 – 1 hour 40 minutes

Director: Ruth Meehan

Written by: Ruth Pasley and Ruth Meehan

Based on: A memoir by Anne Gildea – I’ve Got Cancer. What’s Your Excuse?

 

If you’re looking for a hard-hitting movie to watch – one that doesn’t shy away from ugly truths, then “The Bright Side” is well worth watching. (Review by Barry Meehan)

“Always look on the bright side” is a maxim by which many people strive to live. But how difficult is it to look on the bright side when one has breast cancer?

Kate (Gemma-Leah Devereux) is a somewhat jaded stand-up comedian with a typical Irish outlook on life. She performs at dingy clubs where her comedy is appreciated by the audience, but there are no major sparks to set her career on the path to comedic stardom.

Her personal life is pretty humdrum, and her sex life – while she has a lot of it – is very unsatisfactory as she is incapable of holding down any sort of relationship, so instead settles for a number of one-night stands with men she knows she is unlikely to ever see again.

Her faith in life is rapidly diminishing, and when she is diagnosed with breast cancer after visiting the hospital for a check-up following an accident on a trampoline, her prospects for a successful career and life appear even dimmer, and she starts to look at the cancer as a way out of her sad circumstances.

This might sound like a very depressing film, but it certainly isn’t. It has been handled with great sensitivity by director and co-scriptwriter Ruth Meehan, who offers us meaningful insights into Kate’s state of mind as she journeys through her chemotherapy treatment, with the prospect of losing at least one of her breasts before she can be cleared of the disease.

Kate hates this thought, as she has given her breasts a life of their own, creating different characters for them, having conversations with each other as she manipulates them in a few very comic scenes. She suffers through the start of the chemotherapy, which she is only doing to please her long-suffering brother, who has had to agree to let her leave this life behind if the treatment doesn’t work, but it is during the chemo treatments that she meets four fellow sufferers, and a cancer sisterhood is born, fears coming out into the open and friendships starting to blossom after a rocky beginning.

Each of the four women has a different outlook on life and cancer treatment, and their views challenge Kate to investigate the root cause of her closed heart.

Gemma-Leah Devereux delivers a superb performance as Kate, going from slapstick comedy to intimate introspection with ease. Another standout is Siobhan Cullen, who plays Tracy, a bit of a tomboy, who contracts breast cancer at an early age, but the cast come together splendidly to make this an ensemble piece, delivering a wonderful message, in that the prospect of death is the best reason to choose life.

If you’re looking for a hard-hitting movie to watch – one that doesn’t shy away from ugly truths, then The Bright Side is well worth watching. – Barry Meehan

The Bright Side can be seen free of charge from October 14 to 24, 2021, on the European Film Festival’s website. For more information click on the advert to the right of this article or visit https://www.eurofilmfest.co.za/

SUNFLOWER SISTERS: REVIEW

An excellent, thought-provoking read. The book can stand on its own or be read as a series, which is unusual. (Review by Christine E Hann)

Martha Hall Kelly’s debut novel, Lilac Sisters was published in April 2016, and within two weeks it became a number one best seller. Since then, she has written two further books in the series, titled Lost Roses and her third novel, Sunflower Sisters.

Sunflower Sisters is a clear, detailed look at the American Civil War, from the inhumane lifestyle of the plantations to a war-ravaged New York City, to the horrors of the battlefield itself.

The book is written in chapters from the perspective of the three central female characters. We experience the hard, cruel life of a slave from Jemma, who is enslaved on the Peeler Plantation owned by the spoilt, unfeeling, and often cruel mistress Anne-May. We meet the Woolsey sisters, who “rescue” Jemma. Amongst the sisters are Georgy and Eliza, real life women, who were role models of that time. Georgy as a nurse is an inspiration at a time when women were repressed and marginalised. The book contains excerpts from real letters written by them. To note, the historical research is excellent.

Sunflower Sisters follows the lives of the three main characters, their fates entwined together. It inspires, yet at the same time you are horrified by the heartlessness, and inhumane treatment of the slaves, and the lives they led in those times. Freedom and release from such degradation was a battle well fought, ably demonstrated by the book. Sadly, the cost of such a battle is only too evident, in the loss of so many promising young lives.

Martha Hall Kelly lives in Connecticut with her husband and their dog Oliver. She raised three children, while researching and writing her first novel, Lilac Sisters. Her books are best described as historical fiction, and are based on true stories, people, and facts. She looks to make the world a better place, through her writings.

Sunflower Sisters is an excellent, thought-provoking read. The book can stand on its own or be read as a series, which is unusual. - Christine E Hann

Sunflower Sisters is published by Penguin Random House UK – 2021. ISBN: 9780593356876

EUROPEAN FILM FESTIVAL REVIEW: ROSA’S WEDDING

(A scene from “Rosa's Wedding” ©Natxo Martínez)

 Rosa's Wedding

Writer/Director: Iciar Bollain

Spain – 2020 – 98 Minutes

Rosa's Wedding will feature on the virtual programme of the European Film Festival which runs from October 14 to 24, 2021.

 

Highly recommended for a good laugh with a side helping of introspection. (Review by Barry Meehan)

Writer/director Iciar Bollain, one of 14 female directors out of the 18 films at this year’s European Film Festival, has done a superb job on Rosa’s Wedding, winner of many awards on the European Festival circuit. It is a wonderful romantic comedy that deals with so many of the issues facing women of today without becoming in the least bit mawkish or sentimental. It is sure to strike a chord with many family members, no matter what their place is in the family hierarchy.

Rosa is brilliantly portrayed by Candela Pena, who delivers a tight performance, never overstating a word or sentence, although she is on-screen for the better part of the movie. She plays a woman who is about to turn 45, a seamstress working in the costume department of a film company in Valencia. She is essential to the smooth running of the company, but is not truly appreciated by her bosses, who treat her like they own her, day and night.

On top of this, she is taken for granted by every member of her family, who all make demands on her time – her daughter Lidia, who lives with a musician and needs her mother’s support; her brother Armando, who is going through a separation while his business is failing; her sister Violeta, whose over-imbibing is causing problems as a conference interpreter, and above all, her father, two years widowed, who suddenly decides that he is going to move in with Rosa. On top of all this, she is forever expected to do favours for friends and acquaintances.

It all becomes too much, and Rosa decides to start a new life in the picturesque village of Benicassim, her childhood home, where her mother used to operate a now-defunct dressmaking outlet. She pushes the “nuclear button” and disappears, causing the family to implode.

And so to the title of the film – Rosa’s Wedding. She announces to the family that she is going to get married, but won’t say to whom, causing great consternation to all its members, not to mention her boyfriend Rafa. I won’t ruin your viewing pleasure by revealing Rosa’s very different plans for her wedding – let’s just say that they certainly aren’t aligned with the wishes and conclusions of her family and friends.

The plot has many twists and turns, with the family descending on Benicassim, all determined to do their own thing by way of organising the wedding, without any thought for Rosa’s wishes. Much as they believe they are doing the right thing by her, Rosa has a pre-determined plan in place, and refuses to change anything, keeping her secret until the last possible moment, when it has to come out to avoid total disaster.

Rosa’s Wedding is a very entertaining movie, which will hopefully cause many viewers to have a serious look at themselves and their attitudes to family. Notice of the wedding vows should also be taken by viewers, as they are heartfelt and truly meaningful in this day and age.

Highly recommended for a good laugh with a side helping of introspection. – Barry Meehan

Rosa’s Wedding can be seen free of charge from October 14 to 24, 2021, on the European Film Festival’s website. For more information click on the advert to the right of this article or visit https://www.eurofilmfest.co.za/

 

DSTV HIGHLIGHTS

DStv is busting boredom this Heritage Day long weekend and in the week to follow. There are two new pop-up movie channels: Hollywood’s Sexiest and Lethal Legends.

Hollywood’s Sexiest Pop-Up channel (DStv channel 111) is open to Premium subscribers from September 24 until October 10. It’s a curation of the sexiest, hottest and steamiest Hollywood actors – such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Ryan Gosling, Halle Berry and Julia Roberts – starring in their most iconic movies.

Lethal Legends Pop-Up channel (DStv channel 113), available from September 24 to October 3 to Premium, Compact Plus and Compact subscribers. It’s all about those big action stars such as Jean-Claude Van Damme, Chuck Norris and Steve Seagal, kicking butt in epic martial arts films.

Subscribers not on these packages can still get access when they Add Movies to their account.

There are also Heritage Month Movies to enjoy across the channels.

Drama is dished up in The River S4 on 1Magic (DStv channel 103) when Zodwa returns, and M-Net (DStv channel 101) is going all out for action with the latest seasons of NCIS: LA, The Blacklist and S.W.A.T..

 

The River

Season 4 / Episode 167 / Watch Mondays to Fridays from September 24 / 1Magic (DStv channel 103) / 20h00

The Dikana family is devastated by what’s happened to Lindiwe thanks to her mishandling of the mine disaster. Zodwa (Winnie Ntshaba) makes her return as she rages against the impending arrival of her old enemies, and Emma’s new endeavours make Zolani question himself and how he fits into her ambitions.

 

Vermis

Season 2 / Episode 1 / Watch from September 30 / VIA (DStv channel 147) / 21h00

In each episode of this true-crime series, Doreen Morris introduces a case about a missing South African. She talks to the missing person’s loved ones and retraces their steps before weighing up theories about what happened to them.

 

NCIS: LA

Season 12 / Episode 1 / Watch from September 28 / M-Net (DStv channel 101) / 19h30

This season kicks off with a catch-up on how everyone’s been doing since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Then Deeks trains to become an official NCIS agent before going on a secret mission for Hetty, Kensi’s stalker gets in touch, and Callen is accused of being a Russian agent.

 

Moley

Season 1 / Episode 1 / Boomerang (DStv channel 302) / 07h25

Watch from September 24, 2021

In this new series, we meet Master Moley who lives deep in a burrow under Windsor Castle in the bustling city of MoleTown. In this world of magic and mayhem, he is the keeper of a magical book that has the power to bring peace between humans and moles.

 

An Unexpected Killer

From September 27 2021

Season 1 / Episode 1 / CBS Justice (DStv channel 170) / 19h00

This true-crime series delves into murder investigations in which the identity of the killer comes as a complete surprise. This insider look at homicide investigations combines compelling interviews and dramatic re-enactments in cases like that of murdered basketball coach Jimmy McClain.

 

Gomora

From September 27, 2021

Season 1 / Episode 1 / Mzansi Wethu (DStv channel 163) / 19h30

This local telenovela centres on Sandton trophy wife Thathi (Katlego Danke) who’s forced to move in with her secret crime boss mom, Mam'Sonto (Connie Chiume), in Alexandra after Thathi’s corrupt husband is murdered during a hijacking and his financial hijinks are exposed.

 

S.W.A.T.

September 28, 2021

Season 4 / Episode 1 / M-Net (DStv channel 101) / 20h30

The season starts just before the COVID-19 lockdown, with the team chasing Jihadists and a drug cartel. And Hondo and his father discuss the clashes between the LAPD and the community in 1992 following the Rodney King verdict.

 

The Blacklist

Season 8 / Episode 1 / M-Net (DStv channel 101) / 21h30

As S8 begins, Liz and her mother, Katarina Rostova, continue their pact to uncover Red’s identity, and thanks to their actions, Liz will end up on the run, on Red’s Blacklist, and plotting to take over his criminal empire.

 

The Chi

September 29, 2021

Season 4 / Episode 1 / 1Magic (DStv channel 103) / 20h30

There’s no rest for the residents of the Southside of Chicago. Kiesha struggles with a decision that will affect the life of her unborn child, while Kevin, Jake and Papa have a run-in with the police. Douda tries to walk the fine line between being a gangster and city mayor.

 

American Detective With Lt Joe Kenda

SEPTEMBER 29, 2021

Season 1 / Episode 1 / ID (DStv channel 171) / 21h00

Retired Colorado Springs Police Department detective lieutenant Joe Kenda hosts this true-crime documentary series. Each episode showcases a different homicide detective who put everything on the line to find justice for the dead.

 

Mountain Men

September 30 2021

Season 10 / Episode 1 / History (DStv channel 186) / 19h25

Winter is loosening its grip on the mountains of North America, but that doesn’t mean life will be getting any easier – the rivers and lakes are still iced over, the animals are starving as they wake from hibernation, and supplies are running critically low for the families as they start scavenging.

 

Darcey & Stacey

September 30, 2021

Season 2 / Episode 1 / TLC (DStv channel 135) / 20h55

S1 ended with Darcey engaged and her twin, Stacey, married. As S2 begins, 46-year-old Stacey is hoping to become a mom but there are fertility issues. Darcey and Georgi’s engagement is in deep trouble.

THE PRESIDENT’S DAUGHTER: REVIEW

A fast-paced political thriller, written with fascinating insights from a former president, and with the expertise of the master writer himself. (Review by Christine E Hann)

The President’s Daughter is the second book that James Patterson has written with Bill Clinton. Their first collaboration was The President is Missing, which became a number 1 international best seller.

Bill Clinton was elected President of the United States in 1992 and served until 2001. He is the author of a number of non-fiction works, including My Life, which became a number 1 international bestseller. Since leaving the White House, he set up the Clinton Foundation, which has a wide range of focal areas, from climate change to global health, and opportunities for girls and women to name a few.

James Patterson is an American author and philanthropist, a prolific and popular author, who is known for his thriller and suspense novels. He has written over 140 books since 1976 and has sold over 380 million copies world-wide. He holds the New York Times #1 best seller record – 67 times at this point.

The President’s Daughter is a fast-paced political thriller, written with fascinating insights from a former president, and with the expertise of the master writer himself.

The action starts while the United States is under the leadership of President Keating, with an operation in Libya going wrong. Instead of annihilating extremist terrorist leader Asim Al-Asheed and his followers, the leader’s family is killed instead. The President loses his seat in a successful takeover bid and removes himself and his family to a quieter location. He, his wife Samantha and his teenage daughter Melanie move on with their lives.Brewing behind the scenes is a plan for revenge, combined with a complex Chinese spy operation that extends its reach into many quarters. It must be noted that the former president, is also a former decorated navy SEAL. Time passes, and Melanie reaches the age of 18, and her security detail is removed, leaving a smaller detail focused only on the past president, and the compound they live in at Lake Marie, New Hampshire.

The plan for revenge is sprung, and every parent’s nightmare becomes a reality. The former president steps up, connections work together, and the hunt goes trans-continental back to Libya. Is it real, is it possible, did they save her? Who were the heroes? Who else is rotten out there? All good questions that you will need to read the book to find the answers.

An entertaining fast paced read delivered by James Patterson, and Bill Clinton. - Christine E Hann

The President’s Daughter is published by Penguin Random House UK – 2021. ISBN: 978-1-5291-2567-2

EUROPEAN FILM FESTIVAL REVIEW: ROBUST

(Above: Gerard Depardieu)

Robust

Director: Constance Meyer

Cast: Gerard Depardieu, Deborah Lukumena, Lucas Mortier

Film Rating: 7 out of 10

French with English subtitles

Robust will feature on the virtual programme of the European Film Festival which runs from October 14 to 24, 2021.

 

“Robust” gets a film rating of 7 out of 10 and is an enjoyable and light hearted French film and viewers will relish watching the delightful Depardieu on the screen again. (Review by David R Walker)

Oscar nominee for Cyrano de Bergerac, Gerard Depardieu returned to the 2021 Cannes Film Festival with a self-reflexive film entitled Robust also starring an amazing Deborah Lukumena as Aissa a trained wrestler who takes on the rather strange job of protecting a famous actor past his prime Georges.

Georges is wonderfully played by the bad boy of French cinema Gerard Depardieu (The Life of Pi, The Secret Agent, La Vie en Rose), a character that is larger than life and is essentially a spoilt and needy actor who constantly requires attention and someone to assuage his prickly ego.

A fretful hypochondriac, Georges is preparing for a new role in a 19^th century period film in which he is required to play a French landowner who is timid, vanquished and lost. And he must learn fencing.

Yet, like all aging film stars, Georges who lives in a plush apartment in Paris is constantly misbehaving until he gets assigned a new protector the aspiring female wrestler Aissa who takes none of his nonsense or his masculine foibles.

(Right: Déborah Lukumuena)

Aissa is trying to make a life for herself in Paris as she casually dates her co-worker, the vacuous Eddy, played by Lucas Mortier who is really using Aissa for sex.

Directed by Constance Meyer, Robust is essentially a slow moving study of two completely opposite characters who find an unlikely connection and form a bond. Aissa is not bothered by Georges’ supposed fame, while Georges feels secure knowing that Aissa is available even when he frequently disappears or goes off the rails.

Robust is not a dazzling film, but a wonderful character study of two fascinating people at the opposite end of their lives. Aissa is just starting out as a body guard and protector while Georges is constantly fretting over his fading stardom, even though he takes his wealth and privilege for granted, falling off motorbikes and getting inebriated.

The best scene in the film is when Georges gate crashes Aissa and Eddy’s romantic dinner at a Chinese restaurant in the 20^th arrondisement of Paris and the young Eddy does not take to the cantankerous actor who is oblivious to how he burdens other people with his demands.

Robust gets a film rating of 7 out of 10 and is an enjoyable and light hearted French film and viewers will relish watching the delightful Depardieu on the screen again. - David R Walker

Robust can be seen free of charge from October 14 to 24, 2021, on the European Film Festival’s website. For more information visit https://www.eurofilmfest.co.za/

BRITISH REVOLUTION

 

“Britannia waives the rules!” with The Reals’ new show, British Revolution, which runs from October 3 to 10 at Rhumbelow Durban and at Tina’s Hotel in Kloof from October 16 to 24, 2021.

Barry Thomson & The Reals include Dawn Selby, Trevor Donjeany and Mali Sewell.

British life leading up to the 1960s was pretty humdrum. You finished school, found a partner, got married, rented a house, had 2.3 children, had your weekly bath on Sunday nights, worked until you retired and then you died. This form of life was decided before it had properly begun. One of the biggest, defining aspects of the 1960s revolution was music. Although rock and roll began having an effect on Britain in the 1950s, it wasn’t until the early 60s and the emergence of groups like The Beatles that music truly began its revolutionary changes, influencing the lives of young Britons. The ordinary wasn’t enough.

British Revolution features some of Britain’s top bands and artistes including The Beatles, Rolling Stones, The Shadows, David Bowie, Billy Idol, The Kinks, Rod Stewart, Bad Company and Pink Floyd. They expressed their individuality and unique ideas which changed the course of musical history. The show includes audiovisual clips of some of Britain’s top comedians including Benny Hill, John Cleese, Peter Sellers, Rowan Atkinson and Monty Python. “These days we do need to look on the bright side of life!” say The Reals.

With Barry Thomson on lead and acoustic guitars and vocals, Dawn Selby as Musical Director on keyboards and vocals, Mali Sewell on drums and vocals and Trevor Donjeany on bass guitar and vocals, The Reals pay tribute to the British superstars who changed the course of comedy and musical history.

Performances take place from October 3 to 10 with Sunday shows at 14h00. Friday and Saturday shows at 18h30. (Venue opens 90 minutes before show for snacks/drinks)

Tickets R180 (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 venues will obviously be seating co-habiting couples and/or family members together.

Limited secure parking available.

With the current Covid levels, the venues will be limiting capacity to 50% max. Strict Covid rules will be observed.

Therefore, booking is essential via email: roland@stansell.co.za or Computicket.

For more information contact 0824998636 or visit http://events.durbantheatre.com/

Rhumbelow Theatre is situated at 42 Cunningham Road off Bartle Road in Durban.

Tina’s Hotel is situated at 14 Beryldene Road, Kloof.

RISING STARS 2021 CONCERT

(Left: Alida Esterhuizen)

Friends of Music will present the Rising Stars 2021 concert on October 3, 2021. Rising Stars features top students of SASMT (South African Society of Music Teachers) teachers. The concert will include the following performers:

Alida Esterhuizen - Piano

Esihle Mthethwa - Flute

Fazlyn Naidoo - Voice

Kyle Neethling - Piano

Niwedita Bhatta - Piano

Simone Ephraim - Piano

Zia van Niekerk – Saxophone

Due to Covid regulations, it is necessary to pre-book seats (you can still pay at the door).

Tickets R80. Contact friendsofmusic@webmail.co.za or phone 0715051021 (Keith) for reservations

The concert takes place at 15h00 on October 3 at 15h00 at the Durban Jewish Centre, 44 KE Masinga Road, North Beach, Durban.

FOR YOUR OWN GOOD: REVIEW

The characters are clearly defined and the chapters are short and concise, always leaving an intriguing cliffhanger. (Review by Caroline Smart)

The prestigious Belmont Academy is an upmarket and expensive institution where the wealthy parents expect their youngsters to be groomed to head for the Ivy League or one of the top tier USA West Coast schools like Berkeley, Stanford or UCLA.

They also have no compunction in interfering with schooling methods or the exam tests of their children.

Samantha Downing’s novel For Your Own Good deals with a complicated sequence of events and characters, involving bribery, hatred, revenge, and manipulation.

The main character is Teddy Crutcher who has just won Teacher of the Year at Belmont. While he has the award to display, he is disheartened that he is not recognised on the “hall of fame” of Belmont as he didn’t attend the academy.

One of Teddy’s main challenges is Zach Ward, a snooty, egotistical student who irritates him to the point where he tends to keep Zach’s exam grades lower than deserved. Zach sets out on a plan of revenge, going into Teddy’s background to try to collect information on him.

Teddy has created a fake profile and spends hours on social media with his user name Natasha who is a high school student and an online friend of Zach’s and others. So Teddy knows what’s going on with his students.

Then one day, a former student who was just as impossible as Zach, comes back to Belmont. Teddy had destroyed her chances of further development after writing to all the institutions she applied for, saying she would be a highly unsuitable choice. She, too, sets out on a path of revenge.

Added to the mix, is fellow teacher Frank Maxwell who has his own issues.

At heart, Teddy believes that he is doing the best for his students and fellow teachers. This goes further when he decides to doctor fellow teachers’ coffee with toxins from berries from a plant in this garden. This process he believes will improve issues about them that irritate him.

Unfortunately, he doesn’t know enough about the possible repercussions and so begins a trail of disaster. Death wasn’t the goal. Not for anyone. But it happens.

This is a complicated and involved story – first, there’s one person providing life-altering substances to people’s coffee or tea, then there’s another one doing something very similar and it’s only later you find out who is doing what. And how dangerous these actions can be.

The characters are clearly defined and the chapters are short and concise, always leaving an intriguing cliffhanger.

For Your Own Good is published by Penguin RandomHouse UK. USBN 9780241446898  (Review by Caroline Smart)

EUROPEAN FILM FESTIVAL REVIEW: AFTER LOVE

(Above: Joanna Scanlan)

After Love

Director: Aleem Khan

Cast: Joanna Scanlan, Nathalie Richard, Talid Ariss, Nasser Memarzia

English, French and Urdu with subtitles

After Love will feature on the virtual programme of the European Film Festival which runs from October 14 to 24, 2021.

It’s highly recommended viewing and gets a film rating of 7.5 out of 10. (Review by David R Walker)

 

British Pakistani film director Aleem Khan makes his impressive feature length debut with his thought provoking film After Love starring the amazing British actress Joanna Scanlan (Tulip Fever, Notes on a Scandal, Testament of Youth) and French actress Nathalie Richard who share a unique bond, which is complicated, maternal and at times malicious.

After Love, shot mainly in Dover and in Calais, centres on a British woman who converted to Islam to marry her adoring Pakistani husband Ahmed, briefly played by Nasser Memarzia.

Unfortunately, Ahmed dies of a sudden heart attack leaving his wife Mary, beautifully portrayed by Joanna Scanlan who inhabits every frame of the screen, is left adrift.

Mary soon discovers that her late husband had a lover living in Calais, France, just 21 miles away across the English Channel. Summoning all the courage in the world, Mary makes the journey to Calais to meet her late husband’s lover, a vivacious blond named Genevieve wonderfully played by Nathalie Richard who is not only coping with being a single mother but is in the process of moving to a bigger home in Calais.

Genevieve has to contend with Ahmed’s biological son Solomon played by Talid Ariss who constantly resents his mother and is harbouring sexual secrets of his own, a teenager bristling with attitude and deceit as he constantly wonders where his wayward father is.

In a careful plot twist, Genevieve mistakes Mary as an agency housekeeper coming to help her tidy up and move home. Mary knowingly insinuates herself into the complex lives of Genevieve and her obstreperous teenage son, while keeping her real identity private until all the secrets and lies are revealed in one final family dinner.

Joanna Scanlan is amazing in her first major role as the protagonist playing a white British Muslim woman who has to not only deal with her late husband’s death but the wider implications of discovering that he had a mistress and son across the Channel.

After Love is a careful study of the complex lives people live without becoming preachy or didactic, held together by a superbly understated performance by Scanlan who holds the entire film together even as her character’s world is both figuratively and literally changing around her. Joanna Scanlan deserves an Oscar nomination for this role. She is absolutely superb.

After Love debuted at the Cannes and Thessalonki Film festival in 2020 and now viewers can catch this fascinating film at the 2021 European film Festival online.

It’s highly recommended viewing and gets a film rating of 7.5 out of 10. - David R Walker

 

After Love can be seen free of charge from October 14 to 24, 2021, on the European Film Festival’s website. For more information visit https://www.eurofilmfest.co.za/

EBONYLIFE AND SONY PICTURES TELEVISION ANNOUNCE ÀLÓ – A NEW AFRICAN WRITERS INITIATIVE

(Above: Mo Abudu, Chief Executive Officer, EbonyLife Media, and Nina Lederman, EVP Global Scripted Development for Sony Pictures Television)

EbonyLife and Sony Pictures Television (“SPT”) have announced ÀLÓ, a brand-new writers initiative offering a unique platform for writers of African heritage.

The word “ÀLÓ” is from the Yoruba language and translates as “once upon a time”. Just like with those words which have opened countless stories for hundreds of years, this is the beginning of an exciting journey to discover the best authentic African story ideas which will inspire and resonate with viewers across the globe.

The ÀLÓ Initiative website will open for fixed periods beginning September 24, 2021, when writers can submit their television scripts and story documents, which will then be reviewed and shortlisted by the ÀLÓ team which is comprised of creative executives from both EbonyLife and SPT.

Entrants can reside outside Africa but must be of African heritage, born in any of the continent’s 54 countries or have proven citizenship as a native of the country, or be first-generation children. The initiative is open to professionals, freelancers as well as up-and-coming writers, and there are no limitations to the story ideas or scripts. Any theme or story is welcome, but submissions must pay homage to Africa’s unique cultures, diversity, heritage and people.

Successful candidates will have the opportunity to enter into a series pilot development agreement with SPT and EbonyLife under the ÀLÓ Initiative to create and write a pilot script. Once completed, the projects will be pitched to major international broadcasters for their consideration.

Mo Abudu, Chief Executive Officer, EbonyLife Media, says: "I am really excited about our growing partnership with Sony Pictures Television; from our deal for three scripted series, to our first-look agreement, and now the ÀLÓ Writers’ Initiative. The name of this initiative inspires me, as we chose a word which holds so much personal meaning for me. I am particularly thrilled about the Writers’ Initiative because it is in line with our continent-wide vision to harness and grow our creative economy. It is focused on global storytelling that is authentically African and that gives African writers access to the biggest international broadcasters in the world. It is a dream come true for me.”

Nina Lederman, EVP Global Scripted Development for Sony Pictures Television, says: “The ÀLÓ initiative is born out of SPT and EbonyLife’s shared passion for great storytelling. We know from our many, many conversations developing this initiative with Mo and her team at EbonyLife that there are countless stories from across the African continent yet to be told. We hope that this provides a unique platform to writers of African heritage with a story they want to bring to the world."

The ÀLÓ Initiative is open for submissions between September 24 and November 5, 2021, with a further six-week period to be confirmed at a later date. Internationally, the initiative it is open to submissions from the US, Canada, the UK and EU, Australia and New Zealand, and Africa. It hopes to expand to include further regions for future submission periods.

Full terms and conditions and eligibility criteria can be found on the ÀLÓ Initiative website at https://www.alowritersinitiative.com

HAMULA FOR SHAKESPEARE SCHOOLS FESTIVAL

KwaMashu Community Arts Project (KCAP)'s Actors Incubation Mentorship Programme will be part of the Shakespeare school festival, 2021.

They will presenting the isiZulu translation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet into Hamula adapted by Edmund Mhlongo and directed by Xola Mziwakhe.

“It is an honour to close our heritage month with a play that preserves the Zulu nation's language and a play that is our heritage as artists. As a director reflecting on Shakespeare's script that he left for us in years; of which now is our heritage. I still find the themes of the play relevant in today’s world,” says Mziwakhe.

The play has elements of Zulu Dance and traditional songs that enhance the drama on the play.

The cast includes Ntokozo Vilakazi as Hamula (Hamlet); Lindokuhle Ziqubu as Khadisi (Claudius); Mampo Moshoeshe as Khethudle (Gertrude); Vumile Madlanga as Pholanye (Polonius); Jabulisile Mzizi as Ofeliwe (Ophelia), and Vuma Madlanga as Layitha (Laertes)

Lighting Designer and stage manager: Nompilo Ntshangase.

The play will be presented in the Playhouse Drama on September 30, 2021, at 18h30.

Tickets R50 at Webtickets.

For more information contact Xola Mziwakhe on 067 785 9020

ANDRÉ RIEU TOGETHER AGAIN

(André Rieu - courtesy of his Facebook page)

An excellent opportunity to see some classic and celebrated theatre productions in cinema form and at the same time support one of Durban’s few remaining theatre venues. (Review by Keith Millar)

This weekend sees the launch at Durban’s Rhumbelow Theatre of the ever-innovative Roland Stansell’s latest initiative – Rhumbelow Classics – Cinema.

And to get the ball rolling, we were treated to André Rieu Together Again, a fine performance by the ultimate showman André Rieu and his Johan Strauss Orchestra.

After 16 months of lockdown, the orchestra is together again and about to embark on a world tour. To celebrate the event, they presented this extraordinary compilation of highlights from their previous concerts recorded all over – and I mean all over – the world. Many different venues from across the world were represented during the show.

Filled the usual mix of waltzes, light classical music and show tunes all played with energy and passion and filmed in front of excited, emotional and animated audiences, the production was most enjoyable and heart-warming.

(Right: The new screen!)

However, the star of the occasion was the Rhumbelow Theatre itself. With the addition of a new five by three metre screen, new digital projector and the theatre’s excellent sound system, the venue is converted to a most acceptable movie theatre which offers a first-rate cinema experience. The technology certainly complimented the experience of the exceptional André Rieu production and the superb sound quality.

The Rhumbelow is a relaxed and laid-back venue which offers the option of bringing your own picnic meal or buying something on site. And, of course, there is a fully bar for your liquid refreshments.

Going forward, the Rhumbelow will put on their classical cinema productions during mid-week leaving weekends free for their traditional live music shows.

Productions to look forward to, amongst others, are a Shakespeare festival, Kinky Boots, Three Tenors, 42nd Street, Cliff Richards and The King And I. All tickets will R100pp.

An excellent opportunity to see some classic and celebrated theatre productions in cinema form and at the same time support one of Durban’s few remaining theatre venues.

There is one more showing of André Rieu Together Again at 14h00 tomorrow (Sunday September 26, 2021)

Tickets R125 pp. Bring food picnic baskets or buy at the venue. (No alcohol may be brought on to the premises). Limited secure parking available.

All seating will be at separate tables and Rhumbelow will obviously be seating co-habiting couples and/or family members. Covid limit – max 50

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

For more information visit http://events.durbantheatre.com/ Cell 082 499 8636. – Keith Millar

EUROPEAN FILM FESTIVAL: RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS; REVIEW

(Above: Samuel Finzi as Arnold & Inka Friedrich as Kathrin)

Risks And Side Effects (Comedy)

Austria (2021 - 90 minutes) (Subtitles)

Director: Michael Kreihsl

(Risks and Side Effects will feature on the programme of the European Film Festival which runs from October 14 to 24, 2021.)

 

The performers above, and other bit-part players, are all extremely professional in this tight and very entertaining and watchable movie! (Review by Barry Meehan)

When undergoing any major surgical operation in this day and age, one always needs to be aware of the risks and side effects. Most of us probably minimize those risks in our minds, thinking that we might be immune, for whatever reason, real or imaginary. Others, and this includes hypochondriacs, will take the side effects to heart, thinking that everything that could happen to them, will happen to them.

Now this might not sound like the ideal subject for a comedy film, but Risks and Side Effects is one of the most amusing movies I’ve seen in a long time. This is going to be a very short review, as I don’t want to even lay down the basis of a synopsis, as I believe that it might spoil your enjoyment of this wicked and wonderful tale, which has so many “laugh-out-loud” moments, many of them coming from totally unexpected directions.

Just a brief character breakdown:

-Arnold (Samuel Finzi) is a very successful architect, totally immersed in his latest project – a multi-storey tower block – which unfortunately has a somewhat phallic look about it, leading to some humorous conversations and situations. Being self-absorbed, he doesn’t come up with the correct responses to his long-suffering wife ......

-Kathrin (Inka Friedrich), a Pilates instructor, whose visit to their doctor sets the wheels in motion for the basis of the plot.

-Eva (Tijan Marei), their daughter, who is happily married but is in the middle of a major home move.

(Above: Pia Hierzegger as Diana and Thomas Mraz as Gotz)

-Diana (Pia Hierzegger), Kathrin’s closest friend, who has a deep secret which she tries hard to keep from her partner .......

-Gotz (Thomas Mraz), who is Arnold’s best friend. His “no-strings” spur-of-the-moment offer to Kathrin, while Arnold is still trying to make up his mind about the situation, causes deep rifts in the foursome’s relationships, even though it is done out of the goodness of his heart.

The performers above, and other bit-part players, are all extremely professional in this tight and very entertaining and watchable movie! Don’t Google it or look for any other publicity material, just sit back, watch it and enjoy as it takes you along on a journey to the unavoidable question – what is true love? - Barry Meehan

Risks and Side Effects can be seen free of charge from October 14 to 24, 2021, on the European Film Festival’s website. For more information visit https://www.eurofilmfest.co.za/

CRAZY CAROUSEL: REVIEW

All I can say is “Wow! - what a splendid experience”. (Review by Caroline Smart)

I was extremely impressed by Steven Stead’s production Perchance to Dream which was presented by the Westville Boys and Westville Girls High Schools in June this year.

However, last night’s opening of Crazy Carousel in the Roy Couzens Theatre under the same partnership, held me spellbound as I watched members of the cast I’d seen in the earlier production move to an entirely new level.

(Right: Connor Gordon)

Crazy Carousel, again directed by Stead, with musical direction by Roland Perold comprises the songs of the famous Belgian singer, Jacques Romain Georges Brel. His work is sophisticated with thought-provoking lyrics requiring strong acting abilities. His long phrases challenge the performer’s breath control and often the vocal range is fairly extensive.

All this requires maturity from a cast – in this case, a young cast who may yet to experience some of the life experiences dealt with.

This was Stead’s idea when he chose Brel’s works – to teach his cast that this is what “real” cabaret is all about – not just “feather boas, fishnet stockings and high-kicking chorus girls” or the kind of tribute shows seen at the Barnyard Theatre.

He explains: “It is an art form born in the bars and nightclubs of post First World War Europe, where artists could present experimental, challenging, sometimes subversive music and poetry, offering social comment, and often full of deep emotional resonance. It was often an incredibly pared down and intimate theatrical experience: a small, smoky room with a spotlight, a singer, a couple of musicians, and material that engaged the audience intellectually and emotionally. Sometimes wickedly funny, sometimes heart-wrenching. Always powerful.”

He adds: “In cabaret, the artist is exposed: raw and real. And the experience can be profound for both performer and audience.”

(Right: Ethan Dunk, Jethro Milne & Owethu Gwambe)

The focus is on black - Greg King’s simple sets of rostra steps at various levels, the cast is dressed in black in varying style. There are no costume accessories except for a few hats (black, of course). The full cast remains on stage throughout, only moving forward for their particular numbers.

Michael Broderick’s lighting is suitably designed with moody blues and strong lighting only coming from the spotlight on individual soloists. Brandon Bunyan’s sound is well controlled and Simone Mann has created the choreography which is professionally performed.

Roland Perold is a perfect musical director, ensuring that all are able to extend their talents to their best ability. Seated at the piano, he is accompanied by Heath Squire (percussion) and Viwe Kumalo (guitar).

Performances that stood out for me were Senzo Zondi’s No Love, You’re Not Alone; Jethro Milne’s Jackie; Braydon Rutherford’s Fanette; Ethan Dunk’s Madeleine; Dumo Cele’s If You Go Away, and Amahle Tembe’s Marieke (who performed much of the song in its original Flemish).

(Left: Keryn Scott)

However, there’s no doubt that Keryn Scott completely stole the show with two numbers – Brussels and Carousel.

The rest of the cast also put in fine performances: Siyamthanda Phewa; Kamvelihle Mathe, Owethu Gwambe, Thando X Mzimela, Nkanyezi Kunene, Athokomele Hlekwayo; Mia Nel and Camryn Coward.

The dancers were Sisanda Duma; Akhona Nolwazi Mqadi, Luvo Mthethwa and Connor Gordon.

In every case, the demands of the songs were met – from pathos, anger, desperation, joy and passion to full-on vocal strength. Many of the numbers are fast-paced and require strong acting ability and maturity.

(Right: Steven Stead)

Topping the bill was the unexpected appearance of Stead taking the place of Sma Mkhwanazi, who was in isolation at home as a Covid-19 precaution.

If his students needed a top-class example of what Stead had been aiming to teach them, they had it all as the immeasurably talented Stead exploded onto the stage for one song, Mathilde. It was all there – passion, speed and power. A tough act to follow but a brilliant example for them.

Everyone is acknowledged in the programme, right down to the ushers, which shows a respect to all involved.

I wish I could urge you to book to see the show but it’s – deservedly! – sold out. So … here’s to next time.

All I can say is “Wow! - what a splendid experience”. Thank you, Crazy Carousel for a great evening. – Caroline Smart