(Above: Emkay Khanyile., Roshanda Lewis, Evan
Roberts, Samantha Landers & Lyle Buxton. Photo by Aphiwe Moyo)
Cabaret and Beyond new musical theatre showcase returns to Durban.
The Centre for Creative Arts is pleased to announce the Cabaret and Beyond Festival Showcase 2023, at Seabrooke’s Theatre at DHS from May 18 to 21.
Durban audiences will remember the inaugural 2021 event said to be a “Joyful return to Showbiz” by Caroline Smart, artSMart, as well as “Slick, sophisticated and superb” by Billy Suter, SoSuterBill.
The first incarnation of the CAB Festival was the brainchild of Roland Perold who produced an independent song cycle with input from half a dozen composers across South Africa in 2020, while strong lockdown restrictions were still in place. Following this performance, the Centre for the Creative Arts decided to engage Perold as project manager to start the Centre’s development initiative for musical theatre composers in South Africa, now known as the “CAB Festival”.
(Left: Roshanda Lewis - Photo Aphiwe Moyo)
The 2023 Showcase features new songs by composers who were selected for the second CAB writing mentorship programme which concluded in December 2022. From 93 applications, 20 composers were chosen from across the country and took part in a three-month writing programme. They met twice monthly via Zoom for online discussions and feedback around works in development.
Alongside Perold was Lesedi Job, as dramatist, and Jaco Griessel, as specialist composer, leading the cohort through the process.
“We’re thrilled, now, to have the opportunity to stage the composers’ songs professionally.” says director Steven Stead. “All the material is new and each song tells a unique and engaging story.” Perold continues: “The difference with the CAB, in contrast to songs in other genres, is that we’re working in a dramatic artform. Music and lyrics serve the intention of the character or situation in a way that is gripping to an audience member, and this is why audiences have taken note and have returned for each new instalment”.
The showcase is directed by Steven Stead, with musical direction by Evan Roberts who also accompanies the show live on piano. Featuring return talents of Samantha Landers and Lyle Buxton, new cast members include much-loved local songstress Roshanda Lewis and multi-skilled leading man Emkay Khanyile.
The show has a limited engagement at Seabrooke’s Theatre in Durban from May 18 to 21. Preview tickets are available at R110 (May 18). Thereafter, tickets are on sale for R150 with a pensioners’ discount available. On Sunday May 21, there is a Matinee performance. The show runs for 65 minutes without an interval.
All tickets sold through www.webtickets.co.za
Posts
