4GRAPHY

 

(Above: Wheelchair dancer Bheki Khotsolo and Kyle Bowels with Jackie Linda in the spilt. Photo: Val Adamson)

 Durban audiences are in for a treat with the Dance production 4Graphy that is set to be staged at the Playhouse Loft theatre on Saturday March 4, 2023, in two showcases a matinee at 15h00 and in the evening at 19h00.

This new dance production produced from the Dance Movement Arts congress project and administered under the npo Wentworth arts & culture organisation is funded by the NAC PESP & AMAFA institute.

4Graphy opens the showcase season at the Playhouse for 2023. The first production to be on at the newly renovated Playhouse is directed and choreographed by long-time dance-maker Jarryd Watson. He is joined by a collaborated team of Durban choreographers, Casey Swales, Cue Ngema and Lyrical Deezy from Cape Town.

The versatile cast members were selected from emerging young professional dancers from Durban and Cape Town who are highly skilled in ballet, hip hop, contemporary & inclusive dance.

(Right: Choreographers sitting left to right Jarryd Watson and Lyrical Deezy and leaping at the back Cue Ngema. Photo: Val Adamson)

A cast that is made up of 18 dancers portrays the various narratives of “post covid’’ & the experiences that society is facing from the pandemic as they recover, rebuild, and restore what was lost during that time.

The idea of four choreographers coming together to create this dance production hence the unique title 4Graphy interprets these narratives through the dance genres of 15 minutes each showcasing ballet choreographed by Swales, hip hop by Deezy , contemporary by Ngema and inclusive arts disability by Watson.

Director Jarryd Watson says: “I’m so excited about this production that is the second instalment of this Dance Movement project. The first time we did the show in Cape Town during covid 2021 under the show Stripped and now Durban can see the continuation.

“4Graphy is a dance production that brings a unique and experimental showcase exuding with energy from the versatile dance genres and this one-hour show is for all audiences with specific tastes for dance will enjoy.”

 

(Left: On the floor front:  Sam Melis & Kimberley Stevens. Back left to right: Calden Gibbs, Mali Ngcobo, Tyron Harris & Daniel Levy. Photo: Val Adamson)

Over the past two weeks, in addition to the Dance Movement Arts Congress, the choreographers and dancers have rehearsed, created digital content for the production where certain parts of the performances were filmed at site-specific locations in Durban for an online showcase and on Sunday March 5, young Durban dancers of all genres have the opportunity to take dance workshops and masterclasses taught by Casey, Lyrical Deezy, Cue, Jarryd and the dancers of 4Graphy at a “Day of Dance” workshop at the arts space Unity in Gateway between 10h00 and 18h00.

All Durban audiences are in for a treat with the Dance Movement Arts Congress offering this variety of entertainment of artistic activities that will showcase 4Graphy and tickets can be bought through webticket online:

https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/Event.aspx?itemid=1525672232 or from any Pick n Pay outlet under the name 4Graphy.

Tickets can also be bought at the Playhouse at box office one hour before the respective shows.

Dancers of all ages who train in ballet, hip hop , contemporary and others styles and would like to attend the Day of dance workshops can contact 0826839665 for more information on how book a spot to attend the workshops.

See the trailer of the production.

https://youtu.be/r6ZJrWsY7Ec

 

2ND ANNUAL ART FOR CONSERVATION (ARC) AUCTION

 

(Left: “Octopus” by Carl Roberts)

KZN Gallery helps fundraise for conservation with high-profile art auction.

The Lions River based art house, The Platform Gallery, is partnering with conservation powerhouse The Boucher Legacy to bring KZN to the forefront of conservation fundraising in South Africa.

The joint effort will be the 2nd Annual Art for Conservation (ARC) Auction, taking place on the March 3, 2023 (at a physical event and online). 

A successful event in 2022 saw the auction raise over R400,000 for the protection of rhino, wild dogs, and pangolin, and they aim to raise the bar.

(Right: “Feathers _ Fur” by Allen Hallett)

Owner of the gallery and Midlands native Glen du Preez believes that “we all have a part to play. All South Africans love the bush and what our natural resources offer, and we are trying to do our part to help protect it.” They are hoping to attract both art lovers and conservation enthusiasts alike to be their “Partners-in-Conservation.”

With the auction, The Boucher Legacy is raising money to protect endangered mammals across South Africa. Funds raised in 2022 went to the collaring of African wild dog packs in the Greater Kruger National Park, the ongoing rehabilitation of pangolins, working to develop high tech tracking monitoring for endangered mammals, and the ongoing monitoring and protection of rhino as a key species. Mark Boucher, the founder of The Boucher Legacy and famous cricketer, will be in attendance at the Auction event.

(Left: “Pygmy Falcon” by Sarah Richards)

The team behind The Platform Gallery has curated a fine art collection spanning genres (Glen notes it's “not just wildlife!”) and many different mediums to entice even the most ardent collectors. 

The 40 artworks have been done by a wide range of some of South Africa’s most exciting artists; well-known KZN-based artists such as Sarah Richards, Vincent Reid, and Llewellyn Davies, are joined by artists on the national stage in Anton Smit, Keith Calder, Natasha Barnes, Mbongeni Buthelezi, and Carl Roberts.

 The gorgeous collection will be auctioned on Friday, March 3, 2023, both in-person, as well as online, via the pre-bid and bidding platform found on https://theplatform.gallery/ where art and conservation enthusiasts worldwide can participate online/via phone.

 

(Right: “Gated Community” by Mbongeni Buthelezi)

The physical ARC Auction event will take place at The Far Side Farm in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Guests will start arriving from 12noon but the actual auction starts at 14h00 (live and online) and will run until about 17h00.

Guests will be greeted with drinks and canapés, as well as a beautiful luncheon, as the auction will be split into two halves along with live entertainment by African jazz band, Ma Afrika.

 

(“Agape-Effervescent” by Anton Smit)

In addition to the extensive array of fine art that will be auctioned off, several unique and interactive experiences will also be at play.

One of the highlights is a rhino dehorning experience which includes fully catered accommodation, a three-night stay for up to 20 people at the magnificent Zebra Hills Safari Lodge within the Manyoni Nature Reserve. valued at R285,000.

Another special prize includes a pangolin walk, a visit to the Zululand Rhino Orphanage and a three-night midweek stay at Zebra Hills Safari Lodge, for 8 people self-catered, valued at R80,000. These lots are courtesy of Zululand Conservation Trust and Zebra Hills Safari Lodge.

Tickets to the live event: https://qkt.io/vv8U2n

Online bidding registration and Pre-bidding opportunity:

Upcoming Auctions

bid.theplatform.gallery

 

(Right: "Free Fall" by James Cook)

For more information visit https://theplatform.gallery/artforconservation/

 

Sponsors of both the Auction event and Lot numbers are:

In2Assets (Auctioneers) - Andrew Miller & Tom Hodgson; Stella Artois; Cape Town Gin; Thirsti Water; Zebra Hills Safari Lodge; Painted Wolf Wines; Zululand Conservation Trust; Icily Live; Mediology; The Witness; Gorilla Advertising; Berge Farrel Design and The Gallery FarSide Farm

M-NET PRESENTS ACCLAIMED “YELLOWSTONE”

 

M-Net is the first to bring viewers acclaimed Neo-Western Drama Series Yellowstone, starring Kevin Costner. Be the first to watch it exclusively on M-Net Channel 101

The world-renowned Neo-Western drama series Yellowstone is coming to M-Net, a South African first for the Paramount Network drama. Starring multi-award-winning screen legend Kevin Costner (The Bodyguard, Dances with Wolves), the show will broadcast on M-Net DStv Channel 101 from March 2, 2023.

Set in modern-day Montana, USA, Yellowstone is a riveting, gripping, emotive and action-packed drama which follows six generations of ranchers.

Costner stars as John Dutton, the ruthless patriarch who will do whatever it takes to protect the lucrative Yellowstone ranch from bloodthirsty enemies, indigenous communities who believe the land is rightfully theirs, and developers whose ambitions put the ranch in peril.

In a scheduling innovation made for the age of the series binge, viewers will be able to watch seasons 1 to part 1 of season 5 back-to-back every Thursday to Saturday, with fresh episodes airing at 21h00, 22h00 and 23h00 respectively. All episodes go straight to Catch Up immediately after the M-Net broadcast.

M-Net Director of Premium Channels, Waldimar Pelser, says: “M-Net continues to be the home of the best of international content, and we are continuously expanding the range of what’s on our line-up. This is a series that’s received world-wide praise and hype, and our viewers get to be the first to see it only on M-Net Channel 101.”

He continues: “The model of broadcasting three Yellowstone episodes a night is timely because viewers get to binge one of the most gripping shows on television but can also do so at their own pace as the episodes appear on DStv Catch Up. We’ve done double bill episodes on many occasions, but to have three back-to-back episodes on successive nights is an exciting way to give viewers the perfect dose of an excellent series.”

Brimming with brooding tension, Yellowstone has a stellar supporting cast that includes Luke Grimes (American Sniper, True Blood); Kelly Reilly (True Detective, Flight); Wes Bentley (Hunger Games, American Horror Story); Cole Hauser (Olympus Has Fallen, 2 Fast 2 Furious); Kelsey Asbille (Teen Wolf, One Tree Hill); and Gil Birmingham (Twilight, Banshee).

With an IMDb rating of 8.7 and a score of 84% on Rotten Tomatoes for season 5 (season 3 enjoys a 100% rating), Yellowstone has been nominated for several awards and recently won a Golden Globe for Kevin Costner in the category of Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Drama.

What the critics have to say about Yellowstone:

“It's hard not to get swept up into this binge-worthy cowboy saga.” – Stuff New Zealand

“There’s little doubt it’s America’s most important drama right now.” – BuzzFeed News

“It's as grand as Montana's wide and open plains, and as entertaining as any good old campfire tale.” – Entertainment Voice

 

Yellowstone is co-created by John Linson (who has produced works such as Lords of Dogtown and Sons of Anarchy) and Taylor Sheridan (whose screenwriting credits include the acclaimed films Sicario and Hell or Highwater).

THE ROMANTIC: REVIEW

 

Cashel Greville Ross is a true romantic at heart – whenever he is at a crossroads in his life, his heart always trumps his head.  (Review by Fiona De Goede)

The Romantic by William Boyd is the extraordinary tale of Cashel Greville Ross – according to the author, based on the real life of an actual person. The author came into possession of various objects, such as letters, sketches and maps, as well as smaller bits and pieces like a belt buckle, a lock of brittle hair, a fragment of Greek amphora and so on and this inspired him to write a novel based upon the real life of Ross.

Cashel Greville Ross was born in 1799 – he was told he was an orphan, raised by his aunt Elspeth, a Scotswoman from Dumfries. She was unmarried, in her early thirties and a governess to two young girls in County Cork, Ireland.

When it becomes apparent that the two girls no longer need a governess, Elspeth moves to Oxford in England and the young Cashel, naturally, accompanies her. Life settles down and Cashel, a keen and capable student, settles into a routine of lessons and studying.

His aunt Elspeth reveals a secret to Cashel which changes the way he sees life, himself and his relationship with his aunt. At a very young age he decides to enlist and joins the army, all in an attempt to get away from a life he no longer feels comfortable with, a life he feels does not suit him anymore. This move is in fact the catalyst that shapes his future and paves the way that the rest of his life follows.

Cashel manages to experience and live in many different places, each one an adventure in its own right.  Waterloo, Zanzibar, Sri Lanka, Pisa, Ravenna, Boston, Trieste … his life is a kaleidoscope of colour, characters and choice.

He travels the world as a soldier, a writer, a felon, a farmer, a father and a husband, a lover, an explorer and a good friend. Whilst on this frenetic journey that constitutes his life, he discovers who he is and always stays true to his core values, his true self. Along the way he meets real life characters - poets and explorers of significant historical interest, Byron and Shelley to mention just a couple. He also meets the love of his life, a woman so dear to him that despite the many twists and turns his turbulent life takes him on, he is always true to her – to the very end, to his last breath.

Cashel Greville Ross is a true romantic at heart – whenever he is at a crossroads in his life, his heart always trumps his head.

William Boyd, the author, was born in 1952 in Accra, Ghana. He grew up there and in Nigeria – the son of expatriate Scots from Fife. His first novel, A Good Man in Africa, won the Whitbread First Novel Award as well as the Somerset Maugham Award in 1981. He has written 16 further novels and five collections of stories. – Fiona de Goede 

The Romantic is published by Penguin Randomhouse SA: ISBN 978-0-241-54203-3

I HEART MARKET – 15 YEARS ON!

 

The iconic I heart Market, which recently celebrated its 15th birthday, will take place on Saturday March 4, 2023, at Sugar Rush Park in Ballito from 08h30 to 14h00.

The first market was held in 2008 on the pavements outside the St Mary's Church Hall, next to the then Beanbag Bohemia in Morningside, Durban.

Owner of the market Anna Savage says, “We started off with 12 stall-holders ranging from ceramics, silver jewellery, clothing and homemade deli goods. But it grew quickly, so moved into the church hall but soon outgrew that. Every time we moved venue, we would get an influx of interested traders and within three months we would be filled to the brim with traders. Finally, we found a home on the lawns of Moses Mabhida Stadium, where we traded for a few years, and now have found a permanent home at Sugar Rush in Ballito.”

For Savage, the success of the traders, and the positive feedback from customers, remain a constant highlight. “It’s fabulous seeing people’s businesses grow. Special connections are made between customer and trader at the market, it’s a very personal experience. That's the magic of markets where you are meeting the maker rather than shopping in malls.”

 

The market offers a wide range of hand-crafted goods including jewellery and accessories, leather goods, artisanal foods and deli goods, ceramics, visual arts, décor, and clothing.

“These kinds of markets are so good for the small business economy," says Anna. “The direct contact to both customers, and other traders and the connections that are made by the traders is what makes this such a robust small business environment. It’s a great feedback loop. Our traders get feedback from the customer, they can see what products are preferred, and they get appreciation either through sales or praise for the work they have done. That counts for a lot.”

According to Savage, creating a curated platform for unique and interesting locally-made products, and not allowing products that are imported or mass manufactured, into the mix, has been the consistent reason for the market’s success. “Customers and traders can be assured of top-quality goods being traded here.”

The Market is situated at Sugar Rush, next to Collisheen Estate in Ballito. There is a restaurant at the venue, a children’s play area, mini-train, a reptile park, Jump Park, the Tree Trails obstacle course, and a Park Run every Saturday morning.

There is secure parking and entrance is free.

For more information, or to enquire about possible trading contact info@iheartmkt.com

KEITH AUSTIN FOR MONDAYS @ SIX

Pieter Scholtz and friends invite patrons to be entertained, delighted and surprised by acclaimed musician, sage and storyteller, Keith Austin in the next Mondays @ Six programme at St Clements.

Look forward to quips, quotes, surprises, thought-provoking insights, some excellent music. And let’s not to forget the intervals between the notes.

Keith Austin: Black Notes Matter...

“Music is a language. Just like any other language, it has relatives and derivative sources.” — Keith Austin.

He continues: “Through our lives all of us encounter melodies that become part of who we are. There are melodies, too, with universal appeal, which are part of all of us.

“The fundamental of our music is derived from the scales and, in particular, the intervals between the notes. Melodies, with the emotions they elicit, are arrangements of these intervals and scales.

“They are the stepping stones I have used and continue to use on my life’s journey.

“My narrative centres around the intervals between the notes that make music what it is. Also, the great melodies that have defined my journey. Ones that that wagged my tail over the years (and probably still do).”

Keith Austin is a versatile singer and performer with a wide repertoire consisting of adult contemporary and pop, music from the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. Also Irish and party hits and other sophisticated styles. Performing as a one-man band across KZN, he accompanies himself on keyboards, guitar, banjo and penny whistle using backing tracks. The emphasis is always on great melodies and a festive vibe.

He regularly performs at Golden Horse Casino. Champagne Sports resort and Ballito Lifestyle Centre. He is also a popular with corporate clients and has performed at countless weddings and private parties. And before Sharks rugby games at the Durban ABSA stadium. He is an accomplished pianist and regularly does contemporary instrumental-only gigs at the grand piano.

His knowledge of musical instruments and how to work with them is legendary. In this regard, “he is a genius,” to quote Richard Haslop.

When the donations box is passed around, a minimum of R50 per person is suggested.

The performance will take place outdoors, weather permitting.

Bookings limited to diners in support of St Clements restaurant and staff. (They stay open specially for this project.)

Be there in time to order before the performance, scheduled to start at 18h00. If you wish to dine after the presentation, place your order before 18h00.

St Clements is situated at 191 Musgrave Road. Mondays @ Six run between 18h00 and 19h00. Table bookings are essential on 031 202 2511.

NB: Please cancel if you book then can’t make it, as they often close bookings due to space constraints.

 

THE MOON LOOKS DELICIOUS FROM HERE: REVIEW

 

(Aldo Brincat: supplied)

Dialogue is fast and furious, moving through the cast of characters. He certainly keeps you on your toes! Don’t miss it! (Review by Caroline Smart)

Before moving into the review, I’d like to make a personal point of saying what a great delight it was to see Aldo Brincat back on a Durban stage. I’ve known him for close on 45 years and have watched his impressive growth as a performer and a friend. The last time he performed in Durban was 20 years ago when he appeared in Rajesh Gopie’s “The Coolie Odyssey” in the Playhouse Drama Theatre. Glad to hear from him that “it is stunning to be back in Durban to connect with old friends and meet new ones.”

Back to business!

The Moon Looks Delicious from Here has a final performance at Rhumbelow Theatre tomorrow (Sunday 26, 2023) at 14h00.

The play is directed by Sjaka S Septembir and explores immigrant family dynamics and how they shape identity and heritage in a first-generation citizen in a 70-minute, semi-autobiographical one-man theatre show through the mediums of physical theatre, mime and characterisation.

The play has been created by Brincat as a “monument” representing family, place, current and past times. This is forming part of his academic research as he is a Masters student of Visual Arts at Stellenbosch University.

The Moon Looks Delicious from Here showcases Brincat’s impressive qualities as an actor and magician – as well as his good movement skills. Having begun his professional career under Nicholas Ellenbogen at the newly-founded Loft Theatre Company at the Natal Playhouse (now the Playhouse Company) in 1987, Brincat went on to study theatre in Paris at the legendary Ecole Jacque Le Coq, after which he toured Scandinavia, Europe and Russia as a professional ballet dancer as part of the corps de ballet. He speaks English, Afrikaans and French fluently.

The play’s title comes from a family joke. His father was a foreigner with a difficult grasp of English words, one of which was “delicious”.

 

(Right: Aldo and the Chinese linking rings. Pic by Caroline Smart)

The “moon” and “from here” looks at how one can be in different parts of the world and see the moon from a different perspective.

“My father, who was a magician, taught me magic when I was a small boy of 9 or 10. He had learnt from his own father,” Brincat explains, adding that the production was mostly autobiographical with a bit of poetic licence.

The stage is completely bare – only Brincat, what he’s wearing and his talent with handling the rings. Pure magic!

The performance starts with Brincat standing and seemingly searching for someone. He is carrying two of the six Chinese linking rings he uses. He places one ring on his head to resemble a hat and then moves to the other side of the stage, removes his “hat” and adopts a feminine posture, using the second ring as a fan. These characters are his father and mother at their first meeting.

Often speaking in French, Aldo weaves history around four main characters: his mother, father, friend Wayne and Aldo himself, apart from a range of minor characters such as the aggressive officer at the Bantu Affairs. My favourite scene was of Aldo as a young boy trying to wriggle out of his father’s insistence that he rehearses for a forthcoming competition.

Dialogue is fast and furious, moving through the cast of characters. He certainly keeps you on your toes! Don’t miss it!

The final performance takes place at Rhumbelow Theatre in Umbilo tomorrow (Sunday February 26 at 14h00)

There is safe onsite parking. No refreshments to be bought onto site – bar and snacks available.

Tickets R160 available at www.computicket.com or 082 499 8636 or email: roland@stansell.co.za

Rhumbelow Theatre is situated at 42 Cunnigham Road in Umbilo.

 

10 SOUTH AFRICAN SOPRANOS

 

The Playhouse Company, an Agency of the Department of Sport, Arts & Culture, is proud to present an iconic concert titled 10 South African Sopranos, which takes place in the Playhouse Drama Theatre on Sunday March 26, 2023, at 14h00.

South Africa is internationally renowned for the wealth of great voices the country has produced, and continues to produce, on the stages of leading opera houses and concert halls across the globe. With this perspective in mind, it is appropriate opportunity for the Playhouse, as one the country’s leading performing arts bodies, to step up to the mark, and showcase a cavalcade of star performers on eThekwini’s premiere stage.

The company’s loyal audience is sure to take great delight in saluting this magnificent roster of singing talent, as it performs a superbly curated programme of golden classics. 

10 South African Sopranos, by any standard, a red-letter event on South Africa’s arts scene, features a stellar line-up of the country’s top sopranos.

Headlined by internationally-acclaimed Pumeza Matshikiza  and Sibongile Mngoma, the glittering event also stars luminaries such as Nozuko Teto, Khumbuzile Dlamini, Siphamandla Moyake, Pumza Mxinwa, Zolina Ngejane,  Sasa N Yende, Brenda Thulo and  Khayakazi Madlala.

The concert will also feature a contingent of 24-star members of the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra, providing vibrant live backing to the singers as they perform a tantalising selection of the world’s best loved arias, including, among others, the immortal Song to the Moon from Dvorak’s great opera, Rusalka; as well as show-stopping highlights from Puccini’s Tosca and La Bohème; and Verdi’s grand-scale masterpiece, La Forza del Destino, along with a number of iconic Zulu vocal gems

Also featured on the roster are narrator Albert Silindokuhle Ibokwe Khoza, and maskandi star, Lungile Ngcobo.

Tickets R150 available now through Webtickets.

MAD ABOUT THE BOYS

 

(Above: Daniel Anderson)

Mad About The Boys, another Wela Kapela Production brings the best of Cole Porter, Ivor Novello and Noel Coward to Rhumbelow Theatre from March 3 to 5, 2023.

Think of a certain suave, urbane style that reigned in theatre and the movies during the ’20s and ’30s. Think of cigarettes, smoking jackets and cocktails. Think of cynical epigrams, and sexy, witty, world-weary songs.

This ode to Ivor Novello, the matinee idol; Noel Coward, the quintessential English gentleman and the American playboy, Cole Porter, is stylish entertainment at its best, a series of vignettes of each of the “Boys” and, of course the songs that made them immortal.

Mad About the Boys is a little funny, a little historical, very musical and exceptionally entertaining. …a blissful hour of enjoyment, laughter, intrigue and song. (Daily Dispatch16 Jul 2021 -Madeleine Chaput)

Direct from the 2022 Grahamstown and Hilton Arts Festivals, the production is written and directed by Amanda Bothma. It stars Daniel Anderson. Musical director/pianist: Germaine Gamiet

Performances take place on March 3 and 4 at 19h30 and on March 5 at 14h00 and 17h00 Running time: 60 minutes. (Venue opens 90 minutes before show for drinks)

Tickets R190. Bring food picnic baskets or buy at the venue. Bar available (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises). There is limited secure parking.

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

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

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

 

STER-KINEKOR: GREAT MOMENTS AT THEIR GREATEST

Big screen movie experiences for every mood, every moment…

Needing some love, or some laughter? Perhaps it’s non-stop action and adrenaline you’re after, or a fun afternoon with the youngsters. Whatever your mood, the list of varied and exciting new movie titles coming to the big screen is sure to satisfy it, together with a big screen sensory overload experience.

If the release of a spate of new films over the next few weeks is an indication of what’s to come in 2023, movie lovers are in for a treat of a year. And, with the different viewing experiences and cinema options on offer at Ster-Kinekor complexes around the country, there is something to suit everyone – from the larger-than-life IMAX cinema experience to cosy-ing up in style in the big red leather love seats in Cine Prestige, or a fun-filled afternoon of colourful beanbags and slides in the kids’ cinemas.

If the IMAX Experience is your go-to cinema for all the big title releases on the biggest screens you won’t want to miss any of the upcoming blockbusters. First up from the Marvel stable is Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, releasing in Ster-Kinekor’s IMAX and select cinemas on February 17. Scott Lang and Hope Van Dyne, along with Hank Pym and Janet Van Dyne, explore the Quantum Realm, where they interact with strange creatures and embark on an adventure that goes beyond the limits of what they thought was possible. The film was shot with IMAX-certified cameras, which means IMAX screenings offer up to 26% more picture in select sequences throughout the film, so this is definitely one to watch on the biggest screen.

On March 3, all the drama of Creed III releases in IMAX cinemas. In the third film, after dominating the boxing world, Adonis has been thriving in his career and family life. When a childhood friend and former boxing prodigy resurfaces, the face-off between former friends is more than just a fight.

Shazam! Fury of the Gods is the next IMAX release on March 17, and this action-packed movie is made for the big screen. The film continues the story of teenage Billy Batson who, upon reciting the magic word "SHAZAM!" is transformed into his adult superhero alter ego, Shazam.

March welcomes two more IMAX titles. John Wick makes his comeback in John Wick: Chapter Four from March 24, in which he uncovers a path to defeating The High Table, but can he earn his freedom? The much-anticipated Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves action movie releases on March 31. A charming thief and a band of unlikely adventurers embark on an epic quest to retrieve a lost relic, but things go dangerously awry when they run afoul of the wrong people.

February is the month of love, so you might want some romance on the movie menu – made all the more special with the big red love seats and luxury of the Cine Prestige theatres. Sexy dance moves with a serving of passion are the order of the day in Magic Mike’s Last Dance with Channing Tatum showing us how it’s done.

With an all-star cast including Diane Keaton, Richard Gere, Susan Sarandon and William H. Macy, the romantic comedy Maybe I Do releases on February 24. Michelle (Emma Roberts) and Allen (Luke Bracey) are in a relationship and decide to invite their parents to finally meet about marriage. As it happens, the parents already know one another well, which leads to some differing – and often hilarious – opinions about marriage.

For a cross-cultural romantic comedy, book now to watch What’s Love Got To Do With It, releasing on March 10 and starring Lily James and Emma Thompson. For a local take on love and marriage, you won’t want to miss The Honeymoon, in which media personality Minnie Dlamini makes her big-screen debut. The film, directed by Bianca Isaac, releases in cinemas on March 31, and also stars comedian Tumi Morake and actress Kajal Bagwandeen.

Horror fans are in for a ‘SKare Fest’ treat with the release of Scream 6 on March 10. In this next instalment of the popular slasher franchise, the survivors of the Ghostface killings leave Woodsboro behind and start a fresh chapter in New York City. Are you ready?

If something a little more cerebral is your kind of movie, there are a number of art-house titles releasing over the next few weeks, in addition to the #OscarBuzz doing the circuit now. Brendan Fraser’s transformation into a physically challenged, reclusive teacher in The Whale has received critical acclaim and a Best Actor Oscar nomination and is in cinemas now.

Two other Oscar-nominated titles that should be on your must-watch list include The Banshees of Inisherin starring Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell, and Cate Blanchett’s Oscar-nominated performance as a conductor in Tár, which releases on the big screen on March 3.

Book your tickets at www.sterkinekor.com or download the SK App on your smartphone.

For news and updates, go to Facebook: Ster-Kinekor Theatres | follow Ster-Kinekor on Twitter: @Ster-Kinekor.

For all queries, call Ticketline on 0861-Movies (668 437).

 

KWAZULU-NATAL Ster-Kinekor outlets:

 

Boardwalk

Boardwalk Inkwazi Shopping Centre,

Kruger Rand Rd, Richards Bay

Contact the cinema: 0861 MOVIES (668437)

 

Gateway Commercial

Gateway Theatre of Shopping,

1 Palm Boulevard, Umhlanga Ridge, Umhlanga

Contact the cinema: 0861 MOVIES (668437)

 

Shellybeach

Shelly Centre, Marine Dr, Shelly Beach, Margate

Contact the cinema: 0861 MOVIES (668437)

 

Watercrest

Watercrest Mall, 141 Inanda Road, Waterfall, Durban

Contact the cinema: 0861 MOVIES (668437)

 

DARREN MAULE AND FRIENDS

 

As the host of the award-winning breakfast show on East Coast Radio, millions of people tune in every weekday morning to catch Darren Maule’s witty conversations and insights. And on March 18, comedy lovers will get to catch Darren in action on stage for the second edition of Darren Maule And Friends at The Globe at Suncoast.

Despite the continuous daily troubles we are faced with, South Africans never seem to lose their sense of humour. And we all know we could use a good laugh in these times! Lucky for us, Darren has rallied his personal friends Marc Lottering, Carvin Goldstone, Skhumba, Prev Reddy and Lindy Johnson to come together to bring laughter and good vibes on the night.

“It’s important to take a break from all the chaos and enjoy some much-needed laughter therapy,” shares Maule. “I’m excited to be back on the Darren Maule And Friends stage in the best of company and the best in the business with this incredible line-up of talented comedians.”

With a little something for everyone, this is a show not to be missed.  Catch Darren Maule And Friends for one night only at The Globe at Suncoast on March 18 at 20h00. Tickets from R200 are available through Ticketpro (http://bit.ly/3Ju0YSv).

Proudly brought to you by Blu Blood in association with East Coast Radio. You’re welcome! After all, what are friends for?

#TheBluBloodWay #DarrenMauleAndFriends

EXHIBITION ON SCREEN: CÉZANNE

The award-winning and much-loved cinematic series that explores the lives and artworks of some of history’s most revered and celebrated artists, returns for a tenth season to select Ster-Kinekor and Cinema Nouveau cinemas during 2023.

Working with top international museums and galleries, Exhibition On Screen create films which offer a cinematic immersion into the world’s best loved art, accompanied by insights from the world’s leading historians and arts critics.

The next screening in the current season of Exhibition on Screen at select Ster-Kinekor and Cinema Nouveau cinemas will be Cézanne: Portraits Of A Life (Encore) directed by Phil Grabsky

Screening dates are February 24, 25, 26 and 28, 2023, at Ster-Kinekor Gateway Commercial, Durban. Running time: 85 minutes

“Exhibition on Screen is thrilled to be bringing back one of its most successful ever films, dedicated to the life and work of Paul Cézanne. One cannot appreciate 20th century art without understanding the significance and genius of Paul Cézanne,” say the organisers.

Filmed at the National Portrait Gallery in London, with additional interviews from experts and curators from MoMA in New York, National Gallery of Art in Washington DC, and Musée d’Orsay in Paris, and correspondence from the artist himself, the film takes audiences to the places Cézanne lived and worked and sheds light on an artist who is perhaps one of the least known and yet most important of all the Impressionists.

For more information visit https://youtu.be/_kp4FNT_qvo

Full details of the forthcoming series are as follows:

 

Mary Cassatt: Painting The Modern Woman

Directed by Ali Ray

Screening dates: March 31, April 1 - 4

Running time: 93 minutes

Mary Cassatt made a career painting the lives of the women around her. Her radical images showed them as intellectual, feminine and real, which was a major shift in the way women appeared in art. Presenting her astonishing prints, pastels and paintings, this film introduces us to the often-overlooked Impressionist whose own career was as full of contradiction as the women she painted. She printed, sketched, and painted dozens of images of mothers and children yet she never married or had children herself. She was a classically trained artist but chose to join a group of Parisian radicals - the Impressionists – a movement that transformed the language of art.

The world’s most eminent Cassatt curators and scholars help tell this riveting tale of great social and cultural change; a time when women were fighting for their rights and the language of art was completely re-written. Mary Cassatt and her modern women were at the heart of it all.

 

Vermeer: The Blockbuster Exhibition

Directed by David Bickerstaff

Running time: 90 minutes

Screening dates: July 28, 29, 30 and August 1, 2023

In the spring of 2023, the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam will open its doors to the largest Vermeer exhibition in history. With loans from across the world, this major retrospective will bring together Vermeer’s most famous masterpieces including Girl with a Pearl Earring, The Geographer, The Milkmaid, The Little Street, Lady Writing a Letter with her Maid, and Woman Holding a Balance.

This new Exhibition on Screen film invites audiences to a private view of the exhibition, accompanied by the director of the Rijksmuseum and the curator of the show. A truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! As well as bringing Vermeer’s works together, both the Rijksmuseum and the Mauritshuis in the Hague have conducted research into Vermeer’s artistry, his artistic choices and motivations for his compositions, as well as the creative process behind his paintings.

 

Tokyo Stories

Directed by David Bickerstaff

Screening dates: August 18 to 22, 2023

Running time: 90 minutes

A thrilling encounter with one of the world’s great art capitals. Based on a major exhibition at the Ashmolean in Oxford, Tokyo Stories spans 400 years of incredibly dynamic art – ranging from the delicate woodblock prints of Hokusai and Hiroshige, to Pop Art posters, contemporary photography, Manga, film, and brand-new artworks that were created on the streets.

The exhibition was a smash-hit five-star success and brought a younger and more diverse audience to the museum. The film uses the exhibition as a launchpad to travel to Tokyo itself and explore the art and artists of the city more fully. A beautifully illustrated and richly detailed film, looking at a city which has undergone constant destruction and renewal over its 400-year history, resulting in one of the most vibrant and interesting cities on the planet.

 

Book your tickets at www.sterkinekor.com or download the SK App on your smartphone. For news and updates, go to Facebook: Ster-Kinekor Theatres│ follow Ster-Kinekor on Twitter: @Ster-Kinekor │ follow Ster-Kinekor on Instagram: Ster-Kinekor.

For all queries, call Customer Care on 0861 Movies (668 437).

VALENTINE’S PICNIC UNDER THE STARS

 

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) will present Valentine’s Picnic Under the Stars at the KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden on February 25.

The concert runs from 17h00 to 22h00 and includes music, poetry and a movie.

Tickets R250 (group of 4); R130 (couple) and R70 (individual) booked through Webtickets or Pick ’n Pay.

Bring your own picnic basket and beverage. For more information contact 033 344 3585.

The KZN National Botanical Garden is situated at 2 Zwartkop Road in Prestbury, Pietermaritzburg.

 

MITH MARCH 1, 2023

 

(Above: What We Are: Jono Maitre & Jahworx)

Arguably the KZN Midlands’ best-loved music venue, Music in The Hills (MiTH) is an opportunity for beginners, professionals, and passionate music fans to share the joy of music at The Knoll Historic Guest Farm in Hilton.

The next MiTH takes place on March 1, 2023, with the following programme:

 

21h00: What We Are

Midlands-based band, What We Are (Jono Maitre and Jahworx), brings you a brilliant blend of sassy soul, roots rhythm, and acoustic melodies with a bright streak of lyrical activism. Their first appearance on stage together was in northern Botswana in mid-2013, and they have since performed extensively in Southern Africa, and a handful of venues in Northern Europe. Creating songs that reflect the current times, What We Are believe in the potency of musical medicine, allowing their audience to revisit what makes music so powerful: emotion, passion and its ability to unite the people.

For this performance, they will be joined by Quinton Song on bass.

 

20h00: Jono Maitre

Having started singing in choirs when he was eight years old, it was only later, in 2014, that he started playing guitar at Michaelhouse. This inspired him to explore a whole new side of music and today, Jono Maitre is a singer-songwriter who has been performing regularly ever since. He has a passion for performing, and plays a mix of folk, pop, and alternative styles which you can hear resonating through his song writing.

Maitre has graced stages from Durban to the Midlands, Pretoria to Cape Town, and most recently, in the UK. He is set to play at Splashy Fen later this year and is aiming to have a song released by then. He is a must-see performer that will leave you wanting more!

 

19h00: Jahworx

From the misty mountains of Magoebaskloof in Limpopo, Jahworx is returning to MiTH with a fresh sound of acoustic and percussion-based reggae fused with world genres. They will be taking well-known covers to next-level creativity, and playing originals that will blow your socks off. On guitar and vocals, is Juanne Steenkamp with his carpenter fingers, and voice more dynamic than your average Danville Datsun. On bass is Derius Erasmus with an ear just as good as his photographer’s eye, and on percussion is Alicia Boshoff with her rhythmic, leather-working hands.

 

MiTH takes place at The Knoll Historic Guest Farm, Knoll Drive, Hilton. Doors open at 18h00 and the music will kick off at 19h00. Entrance is R50 Cash or Zapper at the door. Bring your own booze. Food and soft drinks are available for sale.

Visit www.mith.co.za for more details and directions. Musicians can contact mithbookings@gmail.com for slots.

Directions to MiTH: Take the N3 to Hilton, take the Hilton turnoff and go South into the Village (away from Hilton College). Travel 5,2km along Hilton Avenue (past two sets of traffic lights and Crossways Pub) and keep going straight as Hilton Avenue turns into Dennis Shepstone Drive. At the 5,2km mark, Knoll Drive will be on your right – the entrance to MiTH is the *second* entrance on your left into The Knoll Historic Guest Farm.

HOT AUGUST NIGHT

 

Back by popular demand at Rhumbelow Theatre will be Hot August Night - The Music of Neil Diamond - presented by Barry Thomson & The Reals.

Performances run from March 10 to 12 (see times, etc below).

Born in January 1941, Neil Diamond is an American composer, singer, musician and actor. With 38 songs in the Top 10 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary charts, Diamond has sold more than 125 million albums worldwide, making him one of the best-selling musicians of all time. Diamond was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1984 and into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011. In 2018, he received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Diamond was born in Brooklyn, New York, to a Jewish family descended from Russian and Polish immigrants. He attended Erasmus Hall High School and was a member of the Freshman Chorus and Choral Club, along with classmate Barbra Streisand. “We were two poor kids in Brooklyn. We hung out in the front of Erasmus High and smoked cigarettes,” he says.

At the age of 16, Diamond spent a number of weeks at Surprise Lake Camp, a camp for Jewish children, where folk singer Pete Seeger performed a small concert. Watching the children singing songs they wrote themselves, had an immediate effect on Diamond, who became aware of the possibility of writing his own songs. For his 16th birthday, he was given his first guitar, started lessons and began to write songs. He said his attraction for writing songs was the ‘first real interest’ he had growing up, besides helping him release his youthful frustrations.

Often bored in class, he found writing song lyrics more to his liking. Diamond also used his newly developing skill to write poetry. By writing poems for girls he was attracted to in school, he soon learned it often won their hearts. His male classmates took note and began asking him to write poems for them which they would sing and use with equal success.

He began cutting classes and taking the train up to Tin Pan Alley, where he tried to get some of his songs heard by local music publishers. Ten units short of graduation in his senior year, Sunbeam Music Publishing offered him a 16-week job writing songs for $50 a week and he dropped out of college to accept it.

Diamond spent his early career as a hired songwriter in the Brill Building where some of the most popular American hit songs were written, published and recorded. His first success as a songwriter came in November 1965, with Sunday and Me and greater success followed with The Monkees recording I'm a Believer which became a gold record within two days of its release, voted the Popular Music Song of the Year in 1966. Other notable artists who recorded his early songs were the English hard-rock band Deep Purple, Lulu, Cliff Richard and UB40 with Red Red Wine.

His early concerts saw him as opening act for artistes including Herman's Hermits and The Who and he was shocked to see Pete Townshend swinging his guitar like a club, then throwing it against walls and off the stage until the instrument's neck broke. It was the first time he had seen a band smashing their instruments and amplifiers to pieces.

Developing into a dynamic concert performer, in 1971 Diamond played seven sold-out concerts at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. A leading newspaper called it: “the finest concert in Greek Theater history”. Throughout the decades up to 2017, Diamond recorded over 40 albums and has toured the world marking his ascension to superstar status. In January 2018, he announced his retirement from concert touring after 50 years: “It is with great reluctance and disappointment that I announce my retirement from concert touring. I have been so honoured to bring my shows to the public for the past 50 years. My thanks go out to my loyal and devoted audiences around the world. You will always have my appreciation for your support and encouragement. This ride has been ‘so good, so good, so good’ thanks to you.”

Paying respect to the music of this legendary artist composer and performer are Durban’s own tribute band The Reals with Barry Thomson on guitar and vocals, musical director Dawn Selby on keyboards and vocals, Mali Sewell on drums and vocals and Andy Turrell on bass guitar. Included in the repertoire of Hot August Night are Diamond’s hit songs Cracklin' Rosie, Song Sung Blue, Longfellow Serenade, Desiree, You Don't Bring Me Flowers, America, Heartlight, Sweet Caroline and I’m A Believer. A show not to be missed!

Shows take place on March 10 and 11 at 19h30 and on March 12 at 14h00. (Venue opens 90 minutes before show for snacks/drinks)

Tickets R190. Bring food picnic baskets or buy at the venue. Bar is available (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises). There is limited secure parking.

Booking is essential through 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.

M-Net & ME HIGHLIGHTS

 

Sunday Night Movies

 Matrix Resurrections

February 26, 2023, at 20h05

16VL Action Thriller

Return to a world of two realities: one, everyday life; the other, what lies behind it. To find out if his reality is a construct, to truly know himself, Mr Anderson will have to choose to follow the while rabbit once more.

 

 Series Premieres

 S.W.A.T.

February 22, 2023, at 20h00

(Sony) Series 5 Episode 1. 13VL Action Crime

A blistering premiere. In the aftermath of his decision to speak out in the press, Hondo retreats to a quiet town in Mexico to reassess his life, only to find himself drawn into a fight for justice.

 

Call Me Kat

February 25, 2023, at 18h00

Series 2 Episode 1

13L Comedy Sitcom

Mayim Bialik returns for another hilarious season. When a celebrity charity golf tournament comes to Louisville, it brings the cast of Blossom together for a long-awaited reunion.

 

FBI

February 28, 2023, at 19h00

Series 5 Episode 1

16VL Crime Action

A thrilling season five premiere. As the team investigates a deadly robbery that garnered a cache of automatic weapons for the killers, they discover one of the perps is a classmate of Jubal's son.

 

 

ME FEB 2022 HIGHLIGHTS

 

Season Premieres

 The Chi

February 22, 2023, at 22h00

Series 5 Episode 1

18VSL Crime Drama

Emmett attempts to win Tiff back in the season premiere. Kiesha looks to start a new chapter for her and her son, while Kevin takes his passion to a new level.

 

City On A Hill

February 28, 2023, at 22h00

Series 3 Episode 1

18VSL Crime Drama

A thrilling season premieres. Jackie gets a job offer but doesn't know what he's getting into. Decourcy receives bad news, which sends him to Brooklyn. Siobhan takes on a construction colossus.