MICHAEL JACKSON: BLACK OR WHITE

(Left: Michael Jonathan)

Coming up at Rhumbelow Theatre in Durban this weekend is Michael Jackson: Black Or White presented by Michael Jonathan & Dancers. Shows will take place from December 3 to 5, 2021.

From a young age, Michael Jonathan felt the magic of Michael Jackson and started mimicking his dance moves.

In the words of the legend himself “the greatest education in the world is watching the masters at work” and that is exactly what Jonathan did.

His uncanny resemblance to the king of pop and perfected dance moves, earned him the title of the new king of pop and the world’s no1 impersonator

Jonathan came to South Africa 15 years ago from France, he studied at the school of arts in Pretoria and began his professional career 14 years ago, amazing audiences with his tribute shows.

Do you remember the time you first saw the moonwalk…….? Capture the moment again with Jonathan as he takes you back in time with all the signature moves.

Along with his team of dancers, they have perfected all the moves and they want to take you down memory lane. Experience the music and the magic from the exhilarating dance routines to songs such as Billie Jean, Thriller, Beat it, Remember the time, Dirty Diana, black or white and many more.

In this prejudice world that we live in, we need the chance to escape and enjoy ourselves.

We need to be reminded that it doesn’t matter if you’re BLACK OR WHITE, we are one, and we need to heal the world with one kind act a time. This is more than a show – it is part of History – Don’t miss it!!!

Performances take place on December 3 and 4 at 19h00 and on December 5 at 14h00.

(Venue opens 90 minutes before show for snacks/drinks)

Tickets R180 (no other discounts for this show). Bring food picnic baskets or buy at the venue. Full bar 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.

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

With the current Covid levels capacity will be limited to 50 % max

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

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

MAIS QUE NADA! FOR ST CLEMENTS

Back at Mondays @ 6 at St Clements by popular demand. Pieter Scholtz and friends invite audiences to share an evening of rousing Portuguese Latino old-school music with Durban’s fabulous kick-ass group, Mais Que Nada!

This talented band is made up of some of Durban's best musicians. Among other things, they play authentic Latino music that appeals to all ages and reaches deep into the recesses of time. Band members include Johnny Casquinha, John Skuy, Tony Fisher, Richard Ellis. And others.

Follow them and read more about Mais Que Nada! on Facebook.

If you’re into Latin American rhythms, this is definitely a show for you. – Barry Meehan (from the artSMart 2019 review of the band as published in artSMart (see http://news.artsmart.co.za/2019/07/mais-que-nada-show-band-review.html)

Click through to the YouTube video on their Facebook page to see them on stage at the Rhumbelow show.

Expect a lot “more than nothing” (to translate their name from Portuguese).

When the donations box is passed around, it is suggested as R50 per person as you can manage as there is no cover charge. Wear a mask. Covid protocols observed.

Outdoors (dress accordingly) and spaced seating. (The past four months it has rained and the show has had to be moved inside. Please maintain Covid protocols and leave windows open.)

Bookings limited to diners in support of St Clements restaurant and staff. (They stay open specially for the show). Orders taken at the tables. Be there in time to order before the performance.

The show takes place on December 6, 2021, at 18h00. St Clements is situated in Musgrave Road.

Table bookings (limited to diners) essential: RSVP St Clements 031 202 2511

A PROMISE OF ANKLES: REVIEW

Perfect escapism for difficult times. (Review by Margaret von Klemperer, courtesy of The Witness.

Alexander McCall Smith’s 44 Scotland Street series is the world’s longest-running episodic novel. It appears every day in the Scotsman newspaper, where the wryly comic look at upper middle-class Edinburgh life has a dedicated following.

I happily admit to being a fan. I’m not so keen on some of McCall Smith’s other series, but 44 Scotland Street is a gem. Momentous events seldom happen. Or at least they are, as are events in all our lives, momentous to the individuals concerned but inconsequential to the wider world. In that respect, the series is like a soap opera rather than a novel.

McCall Smith’s characters are mostly modern versions of Everyman – with one important exception among the cast. And they are mostly all thoroughly decent, though all have their faults and foibles. I once heard McCall Smith speaking and saying how he doesn’t really enjoy writing about nasty characters, which may be why the ghastly Irene hardly appears here. And narcissistic Bruce, though he plays a role in making Stuart unhappy, doesn’t take up much space either. But all the usual suspects are there – Angus and Domenica who are having trouble with a potentially Neanderthal skull, Big Lou, Matthew and Elspeth, Pat, the mysterious Duke of Johannesburg and his nephew James.

The one exception to the Everyman rule is Bertie, the extraordinarily precocious seven year-old son of Irene and Stuart who is also the lynchpin of the series. As always, he is pure delight, and having to a large extent escaped the clutches of his mother who is still pursuing her lover in Aberdeen, he escapes further to his longed-for Glasgow, on a four week school exchange with his best friend Ranald Braveheart Macpherson.

Of course, all this will be incomprehensible to those who haven’t sampled the delights of 44 Scotland Street. Start with the first in the series and move on from there – perfect escapism for difficult times. The novel – if you can really call it that – is often laugh-out-loud funny as McCall Smith makes witty asides. And just as often he is profound enough to stop you in your tracks and make you think about subjects such as the essence of love, justice, morality, poetry or moderation. He also handles things such as the trend for wokeism very gently, with subtlety, but very cleverly. Escapism maybe, but with a heart. - Margaret von Klemperer

A Promise Of Ankles is published by Abacus. ISBN: 978-0-349-14470-2

CAROLS, COFFEE & CRAFTS

There are many Christmas Fairs happening at this time and the events encourage you to support the churches and schools that are hosting them. Many organisations have lost out on two years of fundraising and they need your support this year much more than the big retailers or on-line stores.

One example is being held at Musgrave Methodist Church on December 3, 2021, from 16h30 to 19h00. Booking is now live.

There will be a wonderful selection of ‘Arts & Crafts’ available to buy and some lovely melodic carols to listen & sing along to in the starlit gardens. Street Lit booksellers will be among the many stalls.

Wear something Christmassy to get into the festive vibe. All proceeds go to the church's ‘Roof Fund’ to repair the historic building’s roof.

Cost (R50 or R20/Child) includes a Cappuccino/ HotChoc & a Mince Pie (with many more to purchase if you would like). Places are limited so book now to make sure you are on the list.

Booking is essential to manage Covid compliance. Book by using this link to a google form (preferable) or phone Tilda or Greg in the office 031 201 2006.

 

CALL OUT: BASA SUPPORTING GRANTS

(BASA CEO, Ashraf Johaardien)

Deadline for letters of interest: December 14, 2021

The Business and Arts South Africa (BASA) Supporting Grants Programme augments and amplifies powerful partnerships between business and arts partners to effect meaningful social change.

"BASA grant making has a significantly different purpose compared to other more conventional arts funding models,” comments BASA CEO, Ashraf Johaardien. “The purpose of our Supporting Grants has never been to fund projects per se, but rather to support partnerships with a clear focus on amplifying and extending these,” he explains.

Interested parties are invited to submit a formal letter of interest as a first step. Eligible applicants who meet the necessary criteria will then be invited to complete an online application. The next deadline for letters of interest is December 14, 2021, for projects commencing from April 1, 2022.

 Visit https://basa.co.za/, click on the ‘Grants’ tab and navigate to ‘Supporting Grants’ for detailed criteria and further guidelines. Note that BASA's decision with regard to the outcomes of Supporting Grant applications is final and no further correspondence will be entered into.

Funded by an allocation from the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (DSAC), BASA's Supporting Grant programme continues to serve as a mechanism through which business and the arts can engage and achieve mutual benefit. Through these grants, BASA equips artists/arts organisations with the tools to support an approach to a potential sponsor, and to provide such a sponsor with the wherewithal to leverage the proposed partnership, and its marketing, effectively. The grants encompass a wide range of activity, attracting corporate sector support and, where possible, BASA leverages the arts or culture project further through its own platforms and partnerships.

Enquiries may be directed to Sipho Mthiyane at sipho@basa.co.za

 

SONGS WITHOUT WORDS

(Above: Marguerite Spies)

Songs without Words: As the year winds down, enjoy at Saturday sun-downer hybrid jazz and classical concert in Glenwood’s newest fine music venue, the Port Natal Citadel on December 4 from 18h00.

The concert will be performed in two halves: the first half is classical; the second is jazz.

The first half will be the classical programme of piano and cello pieces performed Marguerite Spies on cello accompanied by Margrit Deppe on piano. Among the pieces they will be performing will be the prelude to Bach’s Cello Suite; Gabriel Faure’s Elegy / Élégie and Sicilienne; Schumann’s Fantasy pieces / Fantasiestücke and music by Bloch and Saint-Saens,

Marguerite Spies’s cello has taken her to countries far and wide, from China to Spain, France, Mallorca, Germany and Mexico participating in many music festivals and orchestral tours.  Until recently, Marguerite was a tutti cellist in the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra for 12 years as well as a member of The World Orchestra and the South African New Music Ensemble.

Maggie Deppe currently works as piano tutor at Clifton School, Morningside and is a freelance oboist with various ensembles in South Africa. She completed a Masters Degree in oboe Performance at UKZN in 2010 as well as a Diploma in Church Music in 2020-2021. She works as organist for Our Lady of Lourdes in Westville.

The second half will be all jazz, courtesy of the JJ Jazz Quartet. The quartet is led by Jeanjoel, a professional jazz artist and pianist. His quartet plays various jazz styles from different cultures, rhythmic and melodic textures. His mission is to impact lives through art. JJ is a leader in Rise and Shine Church from the Congolese community.

Breathing new life into urban community spaces, four churches share the newly-refurbished Port Natal Citadel (which was formerly the NGK Glenwood). They are the Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk; CityGate Church; Rise and Shine Church and the Emmanuel Care Centre - who feeds the homeless of Glenwood every Sunday.

The Port Natal Citadel collaboration opened in October this year. This concert was planned in order to build community through a culture of music, for the four communities to become better acquainted with each other and is intended as an open invitation to local residents to enjoy some phenomenal music in a great new space - with Marguerite representing CityGate congregation on the classical music, the Congolese community on the jazz, and the Port Natal NGK doing the welcome and introductions.

“Music is a great mechanism to bring people together, people from different faith and cultural traditions who may not speak the same language, but can all enjoy beautiful boundary -crossing music together,” enthuses Karen Allenby Brokensha from Citadel, who helped to organise the concert.

Port Natal Citadel is an urban event space with a 330-seater airy, two-tiered chapel beautifully lit by stained glass windows,  an outdoor café area, a 200-seater multi-purpose hall and smaller meeting spaces for up to 15 people.

Bring your own picnic for pre-show and interval. Coffee on sale in the cafe

Strict Covid protocols will be observed: Patrons will be social distanced; masks to be worn at all times.

Tickets R100. Bookings Mel 079 104 5260 / info@citadel.org.za.

Port Natal Citadel is situated at 455 Esther Roberts, Glenwood.

 

STENGEL & WARBURTON CONCERT

(Above: Suzi Stengel & Dr Andrew Warburton)

Come and hear the spectacular collaboration of Italian-born, Durban-raised, Australian lyric soprano Suzi Stengel and Dr Andrew Warburton in Concert on December 5, 2021, at 11h30 at St Thomas Church, Musgrave.

The programme will feature some of the best-loved operatic arias and art songs by Verdi, Puccini, Gounod, Mozart, Poulenc, Strauss, Rachmaninov and Argento. This is not one to be missed.

Tickets R80 (R60 concession) are available at the door.

The concert will take place from 11h30 to 13h00 on December 5 at St Thomas Church, Musgrave.

BIGLY YUGE FOR PLAYHOUSE

(Above: Xolani ‘XD Black’ Dlamini; Bhekani Shabalala; Bongani Mbatha (top); Baby Cele and Mduduzi Nombela. Photo by Val Adamson)

It’s about girth – but full of mirth! The Playhouse Company presents Bigly Yuge, a jolly mash-up of life in the large lane combining comedy, drama, song and dance, told in isiZulu, which comes to the Playhouse Loft Theatre on December 3 and 4, 2021.

Ask any plus-size person what life is like at the heavier end of the scale. They’ll tell you some good, some bad, some funny stories. Now these highs and lows are brought to the stage in Bigly Yuge. Directed by Tony Kgoroge, the production combines comedy, drama, song and dance.

From dieting to exercise; from people pointing fingers and passing unkind remarks; to the strain on relationships; and the inability to even find a relationship – all the downsides to being a large person are explored in this heart-warming production.

It is an entertaining comedy loosely adapted from a script by the late Clinton Marius. Directed by Tony Kgoroge, it features Baby Cele, Bongani Mbatha, Mduduzi Nombela, Xolani ‘XD Black’ Dlamini and Bhekani Shabalala.

Three friends who regularly meet up find the conversation inevitably turns to everyday dramas they face as ‘fatties’. One is facing an ultimatum from his partner: “shape up, or ship out.” Another cannot even hold down a relationship because of how he looks; and the third chap thinks he’ll find love by working through as many women as possible. All three have serious introspection to do, and realise they have to make drastic changes in their lives if they wish to be the people their partners would like them to be….. But they also have to learn to love themselves before anyone else will love them in return.

Director and actor Tony Kgoroge, is best known to television audiences for his roles in Gaz’lami; Zero Tolerance; Hotel Rwanda; Black Diamond and Invictus. Until recently, he was in Imbewu (Ngcolosi) on etv. His theatre credits include Die Jogge; Three Penny Opera; Mooi Street Moves; Woza Albert and Joseph.

For more than two decades, Baby Cele has been a film, stage and television actress best known for her role in Backstage (etv) where she played the part of Katlego Rathebe for eight years. She is also known for her role as Thandeka in the drama Home Affairs on SABC 1. She is currently playing Gabisile in Uzalo on SABC 1.

Bongani Mbatha previously delighted audiences in All Gone, Maluju Zulu, Skungpoomery, Sophiatown, ZemQadini and his award-winning performance in Sweetie Darling (also by Clinton Marius), as well as his performance in a string of TV ads and on SABC's Uzalo (Lawyer), Imbewu (Mpilo Sithole), Durban Gen (Bhengu), and many Mzansi Magic dramas: eHostela, Qhakaza, Forbidden Love and Sawubona we Lova.

 Mduduzi Nombela is a familiar face on Uzalo as Bomu Cetshwayo, and has featured in many Mzansi Magic Films. He has also appeared on stage in Mashu The Musical, 10 Days in a Shebeen, House of Shaka, Bergville Stories and Lion King. Currently he is in Imbewu (etv) as Phunyuka; he played the character of Nyakanyaka in How Long.

Xolani ‘XD Black’ Dlamini is a well-known personality on TV, film, radio and stage. Popular appearances include Two Brothers; Between Friends; Uzalo; Shaka Zulu; Durban Gen and a string of highly-successful stand-up comedy gigs.

Bhekani Shabalala has appeared in many theatre productions, including Macbeth; Sleepwalking Land; Sitting Around The Fire; Horse Shoe; Boom Gate; Zem Qadini and Just For You. He also appeared on the drama series Ukhakhayi as Chief Biyela; Bay of Plenty; Imbewu; Hostela, and other Mzansi Magic Films.

Expect loads of laughs…. and a few tears… COVID protocols are observed

Bigly Yuge runs in the Playhouse Loft on December 3 at 18h00 and on December 4 at 14h00 and 18h00. Tickets R80 booked through https://www.webtickets.co.za/

Or Webtickets outlets at select Pick ‘n Pay outlets / call 031 369 9540 (office hours).

For more information, visit: https://playhousecompany.com/

 

PAUL SLABOLEPSZY’S MR JOHNSON AVAILABLE ON DSTV BOXOFFICE

(Above: Paul Slabolepszy)

Catch this charming film online

Mr. Johnson, a new film starring Paul Slabolepszy and Jana Cilliers, is available on the DStv Online platform. This is an online movie rental service that is available to anyone in SA. You must have a DStv Connect ID and a BoxOffice account, which you can get by signing up on the BoxOffice Online website or on www.dstv.com/boxoffice

This bitter-sweet drama, follows the adventures of David Johnson (Paul Slabolepszy) who wakes from a 47-year coma at the age of 73.  He has a hard time dealing with his aged body and the fact that he has missed out on more than half his life.  But as he slowly makes his way into a strange new world, his youthful exuberance is undimmed and, with a little prodding, he tackles life, and love, with the energy of his 26-year-old self.

The story tackles existential questions about the meaning of life, and the ‘fish out of water’ angle has wide appeal. 

Mr Johnson has been a firm favourite with local and international film festival audiences and has won Best Feature Film at the Lonely Wolf: London International Film Festival, as well as the jury prizes for Best Film and Best Actor in a leading role (Paul Slabolepszy) at the Global Nonviolent Film Festival.

It the latest film from the Azania Productions stable (Broken Promises 4-Ever, Blessers), and is written and directed by award-winning cinematographer, William Collinson (Double Echo, Last Broken Darkness). This is his feature film directorial debut.

While cinemas are slowly returning to pre-COVID screening schedules, many continue to social distance. “BoxOffice has broken many rental records during lockdown with people enjoying a big-screen movie experience while keeping safe,” says Helen Kuun, CEO of Indigenous Film Distribution.

The film also stars Frank Rautenbach (The Bang Bang Club), Sisanda Henna (Griekwastad), Graham Hopkins (Eye in the Sky), Jailoshini Naidoo (Keeping Up with the Kandasamys), Carla Classen (Stroomop), Drikus Volschenk (Dis Ek, Anna), Antony Coleman (Blood Diamond), Heike Brunner (Knysna), Clayton Boyd (The Entity), Marinus Gubitz (Onortodoks), and Mila Guy (Wonderlus).

Mr Johnson was made with support of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, National Film and Video Foundation and Indigenous Film Distribution.

BLACK LION: ALIVE IN THE WILDERNESS LAUNCH

You are invited to join Ike’s Books and Collectables on December 1, 2021, for the launch of Black Lion: Alive in the Wilderness by Sicelo Mbatha.

Wilderness guide Sicelo Mbatha shares lessons learnt from a lifetime’s intimate association with Africa’s wildest nature.

Black Lion begins in rural South Africa where a deeply traumatic childhood experience – he witnessed his cousin being dragged away by a crocodile – should have turned Sicelo against the surrounding wilderness.

Instead, he was irresistibly drawn to it. As a volunteer at Imfolozi Nature Reserve, close encounters with buffalo, lion, elephant and other animals taught him to ‘see’ with his heart and thus began a spiritual awakening.

Drawing from his Zulu culture and his own yearning to better understand human’s relationship to nature, Sicelo has forged a new path, disrupting the conventional approach to nature with an immersive, respectful and transformative way of being in the wilderness. Both memoir and philosophical reflection, Black Lion - co-written with environmentalist Bridget Pitt - is his brilliant and profound account of life as a wilderness spiritual guide.

As humanity hurtles into the anthropogenic 21st century, Black Lion is an urgent reminder of just how much we need wilderness for our emotional and spiritual survival.

'A brave account of a natural disaster, and of achieving reconciliation with the predatoriness of life.’ Richard Mabey on Sicelo Mbatha's essay, Letting Go, commended for the Irish Moth Nature Writing Prize.

The launch takes place on December 1 at 17h30 to 18h00 at Ike’s Books and Collectables, 48a Florida Road (above Mama Luciano’s) in Greyville. Sicelo will be in conversation with James Reader

Refreshments will be served. RSVP to Jo at ikesbooks@iafrica.com

For more information contact 031 3039214 or visit www.ikesbooks.com

RAILWAY ALADDIN

Railway Aladdin is a Paul Spence production starring Ruth Bromley as Aladdin and Rich Pratt as the Good Genie. Also featuring The Zambucks, Sarafina star Zama Maphumulo, Albe Haasbroek – Latino dancer and Habibi BellyDance Tribe

Performances take place at the Hilton Station on December 3 at 17h30 and December 4 and 5 at 16h00.

Tickets R100 (Seniors R60, Scholars R50.Children under 5 free) For bookings, WhatsApp Paul on 084 341 1742

The production is proudly supported by Moo-Moos Ice cream, Station Stop Café, Build It and Hilton Steam Heritage Association

DSTV WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS

(Above: Liam Neeson stars in “The Marksman”)

 December has arrived and DStv is dishing out Festive gifts: Comedy Central (DStv channel 122) opens up to Family subscribers for two months, from Wednesday, December 1, 2021, until Tuesday, February 1, 2022.

 Keeping with the festivities, a full box set of the off-the-wall comedy series Cinema Toast will start on M-Net (DStv channel 101), and Minki van der Westhuizen will host a special festive food programme on VIA (DStv channel 147) called ’n Woolies Kersfees-Kookstryd Met Minki.

 Showmax is also going big this December with the brand new reboot of Gossip Girl XOXO, a local film called Dreams of Gomorrah, and the British drama series Little Birds, along with the long-awaited What We Do In The Shadows Season 3.

 

Cinema Toast

Season 1 / Episode 1 / Watch from Friday, November 26 / M-Net (DStv channel 101) / 23h00

If you and your friends have ever muted a movie and provided your own silly soundtrack, you get the idea behind this anthology comedy show in which brand new 30-minute stories are made out of footage from classic films. With the voices of Fred Armisen, Nicole Byer, Jake Johnson, Nick Offerman and more.

  

 The Marksman

November 28, 2021. Movie / M-Net (DStv channel 101) / 20h05

Rancher Jim Hanson (Liam Neeson) shelters a Mexican mother and her son who are on the run from a cartel, but when Border Patrol prepares to deport the boy following Jim’s shootout with the cartel, Jim sneaks him away to take him to his family in Chicago.

 (Right: “Little Birds”)

Little Birds

December 1, 2021

Season 1 / Showmax

Little Birds is a racy, bold British original drama based on Anais Nin's infamous erotic short stories. In 1955, heiress Lucy Savage arrives in Tangier, Morocco, one of the last outposts of colonial decadence, and experiences a culture shock. Starring Juno Temple, Yumna Marwan, Hugh Skinner, Nina Sosanya and Raphael Acloque.

 (Left: “High Road to China”)

High Road To China

December 3, 2021

Movie / KIX (DStv channel 114) / 19h00

In this classic 1983 adventure film set in the 1920s, spoilt heiress Evie Tozer (Bess Armstrong) hires drunk, roguish biplane pilot Patrick O'Malley (Tom Selleck) and his sidekick to find her missing father in China, before she loses her fortune to Daddy’s scheming business partner, Bentik (Robert Morley).

KZN PHILHARMONIC: SPECIAL SPRING CONCERT: REVIEW

(Right: Amanda Osorio)

Taking another step in getting back to normality the KZN Philharmonic presented a Special Spring Concert at St Thomas’ Church in Musgrave Road on last night (November25, 2021).

With a reduced orchestra – both the size of the venue and the nature of the works on the programme dictated this – they performed works that are seldom heard in concert.

Included was American composer Samuel Barber’s Knoxville: Summer Of 1915, Op 24 which featured as the soloist the brilliant lyrical soprano Amanda Osorio.

Also on the programme was the Andante Cantabile from Tchaikovsky’s String quartet No.1 in D Major, Op 11 and Stravinsky’s Danses Concertantes.

St Thomas’ Church in Musgrave Road is a bit of a mixed bag as a concert venue. With its high-domed wooden ceiling, it has a very pleasing, well-balanced acoustic. The cellos and basses sounded particularly rich and mellow last night.

But the seating is extremely uncomfortable. Even sitting through a concert of under an hour was torture.

That having been said, the orchestra’s performance was particularly pleasing. Possibly because of the small numbers all the Principal Players of the various sections were present. Their skill and experience showed and under the leadership of Lykele Temmingh they produced a performance of note.

The concert started with the Tchaikovsky. Seeing Tchaikovsky on the programme, some may have expected some fireworks, but this was a beautiful, gentle, and melodic piece of music, with almost a touch of melancholy about it. This, the second movement of the String Quartet, received considerable critical acclaim when it was first performed in 1871 and is said to have left author Leo Tolstoy in tears.

Samuel Barber described his Knoxville: Summer of 1915 as a lyric rhapsody. It is based on a prose poem by James Agee. It is a rich sumptuous work which portrays an idyllic, nostalgic picture of Agee’s native Knoxville in Tennessee.

Soprano Amanda Osorio from Cape Town is a charismatic performer with a lovely voice. Her performance was very pleasant to the ear.

Igor Stravinsky composed his Danses Concertantes in 1942. Although originally written as an abstract ballet for concert performance it has subsequently been choreographed many times.

As mentioned before, the orchestra was on the top of its game and performed this work with aplomb.

All in all, this was a short and sharp concert presented by the KZN Philharmonic but most enjoyable and I for one look forward to more of the same.

My only requests would be for them to give a little more notice of the event, and to possibly find a venue with better seating. – Keith Millar

 

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

STARMAN: A TRIBUTE TO THE MUSIC OF DAVID BOWIE: (REVIEW)

(Pic by Val Bottomley)

… an apt tribute to an iconic artist. It will be enjoyed not only by David Bowie fans, but by all lovers of good rock music. (Review by Keith Millar)

If you are a fan of musical tribute shows, and who isn’t, then Durban’s Rhumbelow Theatre is the place to go. On offer is a regular dose of memorable productions which honour some of the greatest entertainers of our times.

And this weekend they are featuring another goodie, as veteran guitarist and singer Ross Tapson and Friends pay homage to the legendary David Bowie in a show titled Starman.

David Bowie was an English singer-songwriter who is regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. His music and stagecraft had a significant impact on popular music.

During his lifetime he sold over 100 million records worldwide and after his death, he was named by Rolling Stone Magazine as one of the greatest rock stars ever.

Now, I must confess to not knowing much about David Bowie’s music. Probably something to do with the amazing choice of great rock music available at the time.

But now, after this show, I must confess to being a convert. Not only did I know a lot more of his songs than I thought I did but I really enjoyed the variety and substance of his music.

This, of course, is largely down to the excellent performance by Ross Tapson and Friends. Tapson is not the only veteran on stage. His friends included some of Durban’s top musicians. Grant Halliday is on drums, Neil Ford on bass and David Langley on keyboards. And of course, the cherry on the top is the versatile Marian Loudon sharing the vocals with Tapson.

They form quite a formidable group, and while the style of the show is rather laid- back and unpretentious they do justice to Bowie’s music and perform with skill and aplomb.

The first half of the show included songs such as Space Oddity, Moonage Daydream, Ziggy Stardust, Rock and Roll Suicide, Jean Genie, Changes and Starman.

In the second half they included Lets Dance, All The Young Dudes, China Girl, Oh You Pretty Things, Ashes To Ashes, Life On Mars, and Under Pressure.

Starman: A Tribute To The Music of David Bowie is a rocking and entertaining show, if at times a little rough around the edges. This was the first time the band has performed this show on stage, so they are sure to tighten up the loose ends.

That been said it is an apt tribute to an iconic artist. It will be enjoyed not only by David Bowie fans, but by all lovers of good rock music.

There will be two more performances of this show at the Rhumbelow Theatre in Cunningham Road, Umbilo. Tonight (Saturday November 27) at 19h00 and tomorrow (Sunday November 28) at 14h00.

Tickets R180. Bookings on email: roland@stansell.co.za or Computicket

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

For more information contact Roland on 0824998636 or visit http://events.durbantheatre.com/ - Keith Millar

FRAMEWORKS OFFERS MADE-UP FRAMES

Framework – A Guide For The Building Of Something That Expands The Structure Into Something Useful………

Frameworks offers you an assortment of made-up frames that have been refurbished, techniqued or re-gilded, and generally been given a new lease of life. They have intentionally left the frames empty to enable you to decide what you want to use it for – a mirror, a print, or a painting.

The best part for artists is the opportunity to buy a frame at a very reasonable price and then paint something to fit the size and the style. That way it is definitely less expensive than having to go into a framing shop to get a bespoke frame.

The frames are all housed at Elizabeth Gordon Gallery, 120 Florida Road, so you can see them there. Phone 082 2100 641.

Or visit the online site https://www.joysframeworks.co.za

THE WATERS ONCE MORE

Westville Theatre Club ran two successful musical productions during the lockdown period, the first being Test the Waters, to test whether live theatre still had a future following the drastic and devastating aftermath of the announcement of March 27, 2020.

The success of this musical prompted the musical team to follow up with Yesterday Once More.

The Waters Once More is a reprise of the best songs from those two shows, now featuring a full band, with the addition of some new and some familiar faces. The band now joined by Heather Dix and six singers featuring some exquisite harmonies are sure to knock your socks off.

Easy Listening music presented in an entertaining and colourful way.

Book early to avoid disappointment as there are only five performances. November 26, 27, 28 (matinee) and December 4 and 5 (matinee).Times 19h00 for 19h30 and 14h00 for14h30 for the matinees.

To reserve your seat, contact Dorothy at dorothyannoneill@gmail.com or 083 776 1754.

The Westville Theatre Club is situated at St James Avenue next to the Westville Swimming Pool.

RHUMBELOW CLASSICS CINEMA: CHRISTMAS WITH ANDRÉ

Coming up in the Rhumbelow Theatre Classics Cinema programme is Christmas with André, when The King of the Waltz brings you a festive spectacular from his newly created Winter Palace in his hometown of Maastricht.

Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season while singing and dancing away to lovely Christmas carols, romantic waltzes and beautiful melodies like Jingle Bells, O Holy Night, Hallelujah, a show-stopping performance of Walking in the Air and many more! Marvel at the magnificent palace decorations including 150 beautiful chandeliers, over 50 Venetian candelabras and huge arched windows revealing a joyous wintery landscape including ice rinks and ice skaters.

Christmas with André is guaranteed to warm your hearts and get you in the festive spirit. Join André Rieu for his inaugural Christmas concert all from the comfort of your local cinema. An unforgettable festive treat for the whole family. Rieu says: “Christmas is my favourite time of the year and nothing could be better than spending it with my friends, family and fans in my hometown. I want to invite my cinema audiences on this beautiful journey to Christmas wonderland.” Bring your loved ones and enjoy this spectacular musical event on the big screen.

Accompanying classic Christmas tunes and some incredible surprises, cinema audiences will also enjoy exclusive backstage access, and cinema host Charlotte Hawkins will be speaking with Rieu about the creation of his musical winter wonderland. It’s the perfect festive gift.

Screenings at Rhumbelow Durban are as follows:

Saturday December 4, 2021. Film starts 14h00

Tuesday December 7, 2021. Film starts 14h00

Tuesday December 7, 2021. Film starts 18h30

Wednesday December 8, 2021. Film starts 14h00

Wednesday December 8, 2021. Film starts 18h30

 

Monday December 20, 2021. Film starts 14h00

Monday December 20, 2021. Film starts 18h30

Tuesday December 21, 2021. Film starts 14h00

Tuesday December 21, 2021. Film starts 18h30

 

(Venue opens 60 minutes before show for snacks/drinks)

Running Time: 150 min (incl. 10 min intermission)

Get your tickets now for Christmas with André! All tickets must be pre-booked - no walk-ins allowed.

R100 a ticket. Booking is essential on e-mail: roland@stansell.co.za

Bring food picnic baskets or buy at the venue. Bar available (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises). Limited secure parking available.

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

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

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

DOG DIARIES: BIG TOP BONANZA! – A KID’S INTERVIEW REVIEW

artSMart chatted to Landon, a nine-year-old dog and booklover who lapped up this title in Steven Butler and James Patterson’s Dog Diaries series. Here’s what young Landon thought:

Tell us about “Dog Diaries: Big Top Bonanza!” in one sentence.

It’s about a dog, Junior, who is curious about what his human family is up to and then he finds out that they’re going to the circus, so he follows them, and things get out of hand.

What was the best part of the book for you?

I think the best part of the book – which made me laugh out loud – was… so Rafe (or RUFF), Junior’s human, was getting shouted at by his mom and the mom was saying, “Why do you always have to be with that naughty dog?”

Was there any part of the story that you didn’t expect?

I didn’t expect, and I couldn’t believe, the part of the book where Junior was able to howl so loudly that his howl broke windows a mile away.

If you could hang out with any character from this book for one day, who would it be and why?

I might hang out with Junior. He’s such a cool character. He’s really interesting and mischievous and full of energy. I’m sure my little brother would like to join us because he is VERY full of energy too.

If this book was turned into a movie, do you think the movie or the book would be better?

Ummm – I think the book would be better. It has a few drawings that show what is happening in the story. And you can also use your imagination to picture the story however you want. It’s like Matilda; my teacher is reading Matilda to us at school. I’ve seen the movie once or twice and I’m enjoying the book more because there are a few parts in the book that they don’t show in the movie. So, the book is always better.

If you had to describe this book in one word, what word would you choose?

Interesting.

Were there any new words that you learned while reading the book?

Ummm. I did. It was… I think, a French word, but I can’t remember. It was definitely a different language. It was either French or Italian – I think that word meant ‘awesome’.

How do you think the author wanted their book to make you feel?

I think the author wanted kids reading this to feel entertained. (What do you call it when something is funny?) Amused. Entertained and amused. And relaxed.

If you could ask the author one question, what would you ask?

There are two things I would ask. One: How did he come up with the story and two: what was going through his mind when he wrote this book?

Do you have a friend who you think would like this book?

I have two. My one friend likes long books like Diary of a Wimpy Kid. I’m sure he would enjoy Big Top Bonanza! just as much. My other friend also just likes reading – I’m sure he would like this book. And they both like dogs, too.

Does this author have any other books?

I saw on the back of the book that there is a list of all the books in this series. Sadly, I haven’t read any of the other books in this collection. – Landon Millar (9 years old)

 

Dog Diaries: Big Top Bonanza! #7 in the Series: Dog Diaries published by Arrow (Young). ISBN 9781529120295. Recommended Price R100.00

THE TEAROOM: REVIEW

Gretchen Haley has created an affectionate and sharp-eyed glimpse of a section of South African society. (Review by Margaret von Klemperer, courtesy of The Witness)

The central character and narrator of The Tearoom is Tubby Reddy, restaurant owner and chef who is based “somewhere after Umzinto and just before God’s nowhere”. When the novel opens, he is approaching his 50th birthday, and he has big plans.

On the one hand, life is good. He loves his job, has plenty of friends, adores his children, though his daughter seems to be withdrawing from the family with what he assumes is boyfriend trouble, but the children are grown up and more or less off his hands. And he has fallen, in a big way, for Yogi, his kitchen assistant who has a way with the samoosas.

But on the other hand, his marriage is a disaster: Lynette, his wife, is a pillar of the community and the local Evangelical church, considered to be a wonderful, charming woman and a great support to charismatic Pastor Kenny. However, at home she is a termagant and a professional hypochondriac. And Tubby has a sneaking suspicion that she is offering Kenny more than just pastoral support.

So, when the big birthday comes round, Tubby reckons he will confess his love for Yogi and persuade her to run away with him to a new and glamorous life of travel. He has secret savings, and a plan. But the best laid plans – and Tubby’s aren’t really that great - don’t always work out. Things are going to go extremely pear-shaped, in ways he hadn’t expected.

Gretchen Haley has created an affectionate and sharp-eyed glimpse of a section of South African society. I don’t want to give anything away, but perhaps this could be best described as a tragi-comedy. Tubby is an endearing character, and his restaurant is lovingly described, complete with mouth-watering menus. He believes in the power of love, and is generous with his affection and the reader will root for him, even as they can see he is heading for trouble.

The Tearoom is a light and easy read, but not all froth. It is a slice of South African life, and as we all know, that comes with both upsides and downsides. The sadness, prejudice and bigotry are there, along with what offers happiness. - Margaret von Klemperer

The Tearoom by Gretchen Haley is published by Penguin Random House. ISBN 9781485904410

KZNPO LIVE CONCERT: NOVEMBER 25

 Supporters of the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra will be happy to know the KZNPO have another LIVE symphony concert coming up tomorrow (Thursday, November 25,) at St Thomas Anglican Church in Musgrave.

The KZN Philharmonic Orchestra is delighted to host American soprano Amanda Osorio who will perform Barber's Knoxville: Summer of 1915, conducted by Lykele Temmingh. The programme will also include Tchaikovsky’s Andante Cantabile from String Quartet No. 1 and Stravinsky’s Danses Concertantes.

Tickets for this seldom-performed programme are available at Quicket for R120; alternatively you can purchase them at the door for R150 on a first come, first served basis.

There is only a very limited number of seats available - so don't delay!

Patrons’ safety is of paramount importance to the KZNPO and all COVID protocols will be strictly followed. Please note the amended start time due to the possibility of load shedding in the evening.

The concert takes place on Thursday at 20h15 at St Thomas Anglican Church in Musgrave.

THE JEALOUSY MAN: REVIEW

Nesbo is not my favourite author, but in short story format, there was a selection that will tick the boxes for most readers of suspense thrillers to enjoy. (Review by Christine E Hann)

The Jealousy Man (translated from the Norwegian by Robert Ferguson) is a book of “short” stories written by Jo Nesbo. There are 12 stories separated into two themes: jealousy and power.

The stories that stood out for me were London – a plane journey to London, with the client Maria, saddened by her husband and her best friend’s betrayal, contemplating the contract she has signed with Shaun, the passenger in the seat next to her. I felt the rapport between main characters as the story developed, and the twist at the end was perfect.

The Jealousy Man – for which the book was named is one of the more detailed of the stories, which developed and again took the reader to an unexpected result. Inspector Balli is the expert at interviewing and analysing the potential murderers in a case, with jealousy as a motive. He has personal experience that backs him. He doesn’t speak about it, but the knowledge is there. He is also a climber – which is a key element of the plot of this story. An interesting take on the application of experience.

The Cicadas – a tale of student friends Peter and Martin, on holiday in Europe, with concepts of time travel, murder and love combined in an unexpected way. A girl called Mariam that Martin rescues from drowning and falls in love with, but whom Peter also wants, and the running of the bulls provide an ideal opportunity for death to visit.

And then there is Shredder – a clever tale of investigative ability and discovery, saddened by the progressive illness of a loved one, combined with a growing realisation of how dangerous his invention is, and then the final ability to remove, to shred that knowledge and secrets before it ends in the wrong hands, and before the inventor himself gives way.

Rat Island was no doubt inspired in part by the Covid pandemic, but ultimately a little too dark, and gory for me, as was Dark Knight – a wordy read in Nesbo style, with the evil very present and near.

Some of the other books by the same author: Harry Hole Thrillers: The Bat, Cockroaches, Phantom. Standalone Crime: Headhunters, Midnight Sun, Blood on the Snow, The Kingdom.

Nesbo is a world-renowned bestselling crime writer. His books have been translated into 50 languages and have sold over 45 million copies worldwide. Before becoming a crime writer, Nesbo played football for Norway’s Premier league team Molde, but gave up on his dream due to injuries. He completed three years of military Service, and then attended Business School, where he received a degree in Economics. Whilst studying, he formed a band called Di Derre (Them There), which topped the charts in Norway. Nesbo worked as a financial analyst during the day and gigged with the band at night. When he was asked to write a memoir of his life on the road, he went to Australia for six months, and instead came up with the plot for his first Harry Hole crime Novel – The Bat. Nesbo was born in 1960, and grew up in Molde in Western Norway. He is now 60 years of age, and lives in Oslo.

Nesbo is not my favourite author, but in short story format, there was a selection that will tick the boxes for most readers of suspense thrillers to enjoy. - Christine E Hann

The Jealousy Man (Translated from the Norwegian by Robert Ferguson) is published by Penguin Random House UK – 2021. ISBN: 978-1-78730-312-6

COME TOGETHER

The Indoor Playhouse, in conjunction with La Petite Café and media partners, Village Talk, presents Come Together, a double bill of soulful and festive tunes from your favourite Hairies offshoot, The 3 Beans, plus the magnificent Grace and The Big Guy.

Performances take place on November 27 at 15h00 and 19h00. Tickets R120 (pensioners and under 16s R100) includes a FREE coffee.

Only 80 tickets per show, due to Covid restrictions. Cheese platters available on request.

To book message Rachel on WhatsApp 074 7583061.

La Petite France is situated on Preston Farm, 9 Karkloof Road, Howick.

 

BETTER OFF DEAD – THE NEW JACK REACHER: REVIEW

Please note that the above is only my personal opinion, but I found the book somewhat disappointing. One can only hope that Lee Child reverts to his former brilliance as one of the world’s top selling authors in the future, bringing us Jack Reacher as he always was. (Review by Barry Meehan)

Jack Reacher fans – and there are millions worldwide – will have been eagerly awaiting Better Off Dead, the 27th in the Reacher series. I know I was, and when the novel arrived from the publishers, I jumped straight into it.

The first chapter was a true Reacher introduction, and a novel way to get into the story. It was from chapter two that I started having doubts about the writing, which is done in the first person. While this is not the only Reacher book done in this style, I must admit to finding this one a bit off-putting. Writing in the first person can be rather limiting for a novelist. He/she can only expound on events that happen to the central character, or things that he sees, hears, smells etc. There can be no description of anything that goes on which is outside the protagonist’s immediate environment – what the bad guys are thinking/doing at a particular time, for example.

Be that as it may, and perhaps it’s a personal preference, the story zings along with Reacher beating up a multitude of bad guys, most of whom would rather die in combat that betray their boss, the mysterious Dendoncker, who is up to some nefarious business, the consequences of which are not immediately apparent.

The second problem was a writing style, which pops up unexpectedly and intermittently through the narrative, as below:

”Nothing happened for ten seconds. Twenty. Then I heard three beeps. From the device. High-pitched. Electronic. The pump began to hum. It built up to a steady drone. Smoke appeared. Just a wisp at first. White. From the holes in the central shell. It grew into a steady stream. It was thick. Dense. Like steam from a kettle.”

Apart from steam from a kettle being described as thick and dense, which is debatable, the above paragraph contains 16 sentences, if one can describe a single word as a sentence. No million-selling author writes like this, so I wondered what this paragraph was doing in the new Jack Reacher novel. And it’s not the only instance – the short sentences keep on appearing (rather suddenly) every now and then throughout the book. Maybe it was done for effect, but the only effect it had on me was to irritate me, as the style became an affectation.

I can’t help feeling that Lee Child has unfortunately gone the way of several top-notch authors these days – writing novels in conjunction with other authors – in this case, his brother Andrew, who is apparently an author as well. There is a Q&A with Andrew Child at the end of Better Off Dead and there are many instances of “I” instead of “Lee and I”. This might explain a few things.

Please note that the above is only my personal opinion, but I found the book somewhat disappointing. One can only hope that Lee Child reverts to his former brilliance as one of the world’s top selling authors in the future, bringing us Jack Reacher as he always was.

POSTSCRIPT:  This was only discovered after the above review was written. Apparently Lee Child has retired and handed over the writing of the Jack Reacher series to his brother Andrew, which explains a lot. – Barry Meehan

Better Off Dead – The New Jack Reacher is published by PenguinRandomHouse. ISBN 978-1-7876-3374-2

JAILHOUSE LAWYER: REVIEW

The story telling was real and the characters were strong and well depicted. A recommended read. (Review by Christine E Hann)

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 – over 65 times!

Nancy Allen is an American author known for The Ozarks Mystery Series. She practiced law for 15 years as an Assistant Missouri Attorney General and Assistant Prosecutor in the Ozarks. She serves as a law Professor at Missouri State University. She has co-authored with James Patterson before on Juror No. 3 in 2018.

Jailhouse Lawyer turned out to be made of two stories, Jailhouse Lawyer and Power of Attorney. Both were stories centring around strong female characters, one a Public Defender, the other a Lawyer. The influence of Nancy Allen was clear from the outset.

Jailhouse Lawyer features Martha Foster, a single mother and her young son Andy, who suffers from congenital heart disease. To provide them both with a better life, she moves and takes up the post of Public Defender in the town of Erva, Alabama. Martha hasn’t been in Erva long when she realises that all is not as it seems, with Judge Pickens seemingly controlling all aspects of the town’s life. The jail is full, and it seems something is amiss with the system.

The story moves at a hectic pace, and Martha’s outspoken manner sees her end up with the people that she is there to defend. A close encounter with the jail’s restraint chair (something real I never knew existed) is a pivotal moment in the story. The story has an unexpected hero step forward from the shadows as Martha looks for justice, not just for herself, but all others that have been wronged.

Power of Attorney features Leah Randall returning to her hometown Bassville to help manage the effects of her Father’s Alzheimer’s on their family and his legal practice. The town has recently been shaken by a double murder, and the main suspect Amber is a client of the practice. Leah soon realises that Amber is a victim of unbelievable abuse. Power of Attorney is a dark tale that involves many players, who have covered up events as best they can. Leah steadily put the pieces together to bring the abusers to book. The murderer? Well, that was an interesting twist to the tale that I did not expect. Client protection, family ties and the truth are at odds with each other as the story ends.

Both were strong stories, although I preferred Power of Attorney, as the ending of Jailhouse Lawyer was as I expected it would be. Reviews I checked out were mixed. Personally, I liked the mix of James Patterson and Nancy Allen. The story telling was real and the characters were strong and well depicted. A recommended read. - Christine E. Hann

Jailhouse Lawyer is published by Penguin Random House UK – 2021. ISBN: 978-1-529-13578-7