MARK BANKS AT THE NUTCRACKER THEATRE

 

(Mark Banks. Pic supplied)

 

Well done, Mark! Well done, Hannah and Paul! We look forward to the charmingly chandeliered venue with its red velvet-curtained theatre stage hosting many more artists and audiences well into the future. (Review by Shannon Kenny)

Comedian Mark Banks’ return to Durban with his show, Laughter is on the Menu, heralded the opening of a brand-new theatre venue, The Nutcracker Theatre at MacNut Farm in Assagay.

Banks is much-loved for his quick wit and repartee, and an ability to meet the audience not just where they’re at but where they’re from - be it Gillitts, Waterfall, Kloof or Pinetown. His conversational style works like a charm. Mark connects the dots of the banal and extraordinary that fill our consciousness; thrills us with relatable and sometimes outrageous anecdotes; and is remarkably good at remembering names and places of residence.

He bobs and weaves effortlessly from hilarious stories about relatives in their dotage; to the changing face of the city; properties that seem to be eternal renovation projects and hysterical characterisations of a host of recognisable characters. And occasionally, just occasionally, Mr Banks would unleash a gag with a frisson of taboo. You know that sense of anticipation when watching a comedian and the audience is thinking “you’re-not-going-to-go-there, oh-yes-you-just-did” - and the joke lands just right, because Banks is just so good at reading the temperature of the room.

Banks’ stage legs served him well - the show ran for around an hour and forty-five minutes, much to the delight of his audience. Laughter was certainly on the menu - the perfect starter, main course, dessert and drinks, delivered in funny-man Banks’ unique style.

Speaking of menus, the meal that accompanied the show was a Mediterranean-style mezze of salads, dips, breads and couscous, cleverly placed on Lazy-Susans. Patrons were served their choice of skewered beef kofte, chicken or mushrooms in addition to the mezze offering. Dessert was served post-show. Wait staff (kitted out in Nutcracker bibs) were thoughtful and attentive, ensuring our orders arrived on time from the fully-stocked bar - a cute and cosy hangout for pre or post-show drinks and chats.

The bijou theatre - it seats 60 patrons at round dining tables - is the brainchild of the warm and welcoming MacNut owners, prolific creative Hannah and Paul Paine. They called on the venue management nous of Gary Mckenzie and technical expertise of Brandon Bunyan to assist in bringing their dream to life and launch The Nutcracker onto Durban’s entertainment scene.

The Paine’s enchanting property already plays host to a variety of functions from weddings to conferences, so a theatre seems like a natural progression and so far - yes, it’s still early days and there are some creases that will need ironing out - a great fit. Hannah and Paul are dreamers and doers who are eager to share their creativity, zest for life and love of convivium with those who would make the short trip to their shire-like spot of wonder.

Well done, Mark! Well done, Hannah and Paul! We look forward to the charmingly chandeliered venue with its red velvet-curtained theatre stage hosting many more artists and audiences well into the future. – Shannon Kenny

SA FILM GOD’S WORK

 

SA Film God’s Work selected for Luxor African Film Festival in Egypt.

The South African film God’s Work, directed and written by Michael James, and produced by Sithabile Mkhize, will have its Middle East and North Africa premiere in the Long Film Competition at the 15^th Luxor African Film Festival in Egypt from March 30 to April 5.

God’s Work, which had its South African premiere at the Durban International Film Festival last year, screened to sold-out houses, and critical acclaim, and is due to be screened at the Joburg Film Festival on Sunday March 8.

The film is set in Durban where a group of unhoused men are surviving on the society’s margins in a dilapidated building that offers a fragile sanctuary. They are bound by quiet loyalty. The audience is drawn into their personal journeys as they navigate a world of indifferent authorities, opportunists, and looming violence. It is their inner worlds - woven from memories, visions, and ghosts - that hold reality as vivid as the one they fight to live through.

Director Michael James describes the film as an act of bearing witness; and one which forces us to question our understanding and relationships with unhoused people.

The film features Thobani Nzuza, Mbulelo Radebe, Omega Ncube, Siya Xaba, Zenzo Msomi and Nduduzo Kholwa with cinematography by Jared Hinde and score by award-winning composer, West-African born George Acogny.

God’s Work is written and directed by Michael James, and produced by Sithabile Mkhize (SA), Co-Produced by Marco Orsini (USA), Executive Produced by Toni Monty (SA) and Gary Springer (USA). A Maverick Resistance production in association with the KwaZulu-Natal Film and Tourism Authority, the National Film and Video Foundation of South Africa, Amafrika Films, and Mojo Entertainment LLC, supported by the Durban Film Office.

For the trailer, visit the website at https://www.godsworkthefilm.com/ and follow on social media: Facebook:@godsworkthefilm Instagram:godsworkthefilm

CHRISTOPHER DUIGAN FUNDRAISING CONCERT

 

(Right: Christopher Duigan)

This Saturday, March 7, well-known Steinway Artist Christopher Duigan will be hosting a special fundraising Pop‑Up Restaurant dinner to support Con Malherbe’s ‘Cape Epic’ CANSA (Cancer Association of South Africa) appeal.

All the staff and helpers who normally assist with these evenings are generously donating their time and services, and a number of musician friends have volunteered to create a spectacular entertainment line‑up. This is a truly unique evening that cannot be repeated.

Con is well known in the local community as the owner of Coffeeberry Café and Coffeebox outlets and as a cycling champion in his category. Tickets for this special fundraising dinner are R1,000 per person, all inclusive. The meal is kindly sponsored by Coffeeberry’s outside catering division, Wedgewood Nougat (and ice cream!), and other local supporters.

Book a table for two or more and do invite guests and friends to share in this meaningful night. Con is attempting to raise R250,000 — the estimated cost of one month’s treatment for his current cancer condition. While his treatment is covered by medical insurance, many others are less fortunate and rely on the ongoing support and generosity channelled through CANSA.

There will be piano music throughout the evening from Christopher Duigan, plus performances by Maxine Matthews (saxophone) and Paul Nijs, as well as special guest artists Tanya Nicholson and Grace Botha, who will each perform a set of favourite songs. All proceeds will go to the CANSA Active Fund

Once your booking is confirmed, payment should be made directly into the fundraising account and a Section 18A donation certificate can be issued.

Tickets R1,000 pp. Bring your own drinks.

Patrolled street parking

RSVP WhatsApp 083 417 4473 or chris@musicrevival.co.za

The venue is located at 35 Montgomery Drive, Athlone, Pietermaritzburg. Open at 18h30.

Visit https://www.givengain.com/project/jared-raising-funds-for-cansa-active-109953

COMMON GROUND EXHIBITION

The KZNSA Gallery is proud to present Common Ground, opening on March 6, 2026, at 18h00.

This exhibition is conceived by award-winning artist Jess Bothma following her KZNSA Members’ Award Show win in 2024. Common Ground transforms what was initially envisioned as a solo exhibition into a collective exploration of sculpture. This shift reflects Bothma’s desire to celebrate the shared nature of art‑making, where materiality, process, and collaboration are central to creativity.

Sculpture, often demanding and rarely created in isolation, becomes here a medium of dialogue. The exhibition brings together artists from across KwaZulu‑Natal, each working with diverse materials and techniques. Their practices span generations, disciplines, and backgrounds, yet converge in a shared space of encounter.

By positioning sculpture as a collective act, Common Ground interrogates broader questions of location, collaboration, and creative identity within the province. It acknowledges that creativity is strengthened by exchange, and that the act of making is enriched when voices come together.

Participating artist include: Andries Botha, Bhekazi Ernest Ngcobo, Carla Da Cruz, Gert Swart, Karuni Naidoo, Zwelinjani Radebe, Steven Khoza and Jess Bothma

The KZNSA is located at 166 Bulwer Road in Durban.

STRINGS AND KEYS

 

Rhumbelow Theatre will present Barry Thomson and Dawn Selby in Strings and Keys, a compilation of the very best of The Real’s shows.

 

Performances take place as follows:

-Saturday March 7, 2026.  Show starts 19h30

-Sunday March 8, 2026.  Show starts 14h00

The venue is open 90 minutes before show  

 

Barry Thomson and Dawn Selby have ‘cherry picked’ top hits from the very best of ‘The Reals’ recent tribute shows. Combining vocal prowess with guitar and keyboard skills, they have transformed top hits into a memorable and crowd-pleasing show. Included in the repertoire are songs from Neil Diamond, Bad Company, Tom Petty, Jackson Browne, Rodriguez, Dire Straits, Fleetwood Mac, Doobie Brothers, Travelling Wilburys and The Beatles.

Join Rhumbelow for this celebration of iconic hits, promising an unforgettable night of toe-tapping songs. This show is for you to leave your worries at the door and to just have fun!

Tickets R200. Booking is essential: email: roland@stansell.co.za   or Webtickets

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

Limited secure parking available   

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

THE LITTLE MERMAID JR

 (Pics by Val Adamson)

  

Schools - Durban Central

From Left to Right: Owami Masuku, Alana Francis, Nate Nefdt, Awande Msibi, Anna Kenny, Meghna Doorasamy, Larke Manto, Nzuzo Buthelezi, Isonele Mkuzo, Takunda Dembaremba, Noah Bassa, Danae Erian, Talia Ludidi

 

Inspired by Hans Christian Anderson’s beloved fairy tale, and based on the classic animated Disney movie, The Little Mermaid Jr stage musical is The Young Performer’s Project’s first show of 2026, coming to The Milkwood Theatre in Durban North over the Easter holidays from April 2 – 12, 2026.

Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages - perfect for the youthful 50 strong cast. This time around, the show features 30 senior performers, and 21 junior performers. 

The Little Mermaid Jr is directed by Daisy Spencer, with choreography by Evashnee Pillay, music direction by Des Govender, sound design by Ant Govender, set and prop design by Nicolene Steyn and fabulous under the sea inspired costumes by Kathy Singery.

 

Schools - Upper Highway

Megan Burbidge, Annabelle Pattrick, Caylum Erian, Rachel Miles, Micaela Butler-Emmett, Chloe Marot, Onke Gumede, Zoe Miles, Nicolas Steyn, Benjamin Janse van Rensburg, Esihle Gobozi, Zoe Bailey

 

The cast includes Ariel played by Chloe Marot from St. Mary’s DSG (last seen in Shrek and Annie); Sebastian is Khethukuthula Ngcobo (International School of Performing Arts and Flounder is played by Azania Mavimbela (Crawford North Coast).

In a heartwarming full circle moment, Azania’s mother Sindi, a current drama teacher, reflected on her own experience as a participant in YPP’s 2009 production of Big River, directed by Themi Venturas.  Her daughter Azania, who entered the project 17 years later as a Junior performer in A Fairytale Christmas Carol, is a testament to the organization’s lasting influence. This poignant connection also highlights the profound impact of YPP’s programmes on the lives of its alumni who are giving back to their communities as arts educators.

Inspired by Hans Christian Anderson’s beloved fairy tale, and based on the classic animated Disney movie, The Little Mermaid Jr tells of a mermaid who dreams of the world above the sea and gives up her voice to find true love.

Ariel, King Triton's youngest daughter, wishes to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above, bargaining with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. But the bargain is not what it seems, and Ariel needs the help of her colourful friends, Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull and Sebastian the crab to restore order under the sea.

  

Live - South Coast

Talia Ludidi, Kaitlyn Rex, Ntsako Mngoma, Awande Mpisi, Clive Gumede, Ezekhethelo Zulu, Danae Erian, Caylum Erian, Daniel Mayiza

 

Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr offers a fantastic creative opportunity for rich costumes and sets, as well as the chance to perform some of the best-known songs from the past 30 years. Songs include: Under the Sea, Kiss the Girl and Part of Your World.

Written by Doug Wright, with music by eight-time Academy Award winner, Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater.

Tickets are through Webtickets. Their first show is a special Relaxed Performance on Thursday April 2 at 14h30 where theatre etiquette guidelines are relaxed and the performance is consciously calmed, where the auditorium lights are dimmed, but not dark and the audience meet the characters ahead of time. This Relaxed Performance is ideal for audience members with sensory sensitivities.

For all performances, audiences are welcome to dress up as the cast.

Tickets: Webtickets. Scholars and pensioners 10% off any seats throughout.

The show runs at 65 minutes – no interval

Audiences can meet the stage characters after the show

 

THE GATHERERS FOR CENTRE FOR JAZZ

 

(Sbusiso Ncube. Pic supplied)

The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music proudly presents The Gatherers, a dynamic jazz collective led by drummer and bandleader Sbusiso Ncube. The performance will take place on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 17h30 at the UKZN Jazz Centre.

The Gatherers is a vibrant ensemble comprising some of Durban’s leading young jazz musicians. The group brings together powerful horn arrangements, expressive improvisation, and a fresh, contemporary approach to jazz performance. With strong individual musical backgrounds and a growing presence within the local music scene, the ensemble continues to establish itself as an exciting force in KwaZulu-Natal’s jazz community.

The performance aims to deliver a high-quality jazz listening experience while showcasing the originality, cohesion, and technical excellence of the collective.

 

The ensemble features:

Thembalethu Bhengu on Vocals, Siyalo Zulu on Trombone, Zolile Mgqatsa on Double Bass, Samkelo Njinji on Piano, Ntokozo Nsibande on Trumpet, Njabulo Shabalala on Percussion, and Sbusiso Ncube on Drums.

With a rich horn section, vibrant rhythm section, and compelling jazz vocals, The Gatherers delivers a balanced and dynamic sound. Each member brings performance experience from leading music spaces across KwaZulu-Natal and has participated in university ensembles, festivals, and professional engagements.

Audiences can expect an engaging presentation of original arrangements alongside thoughtfully interpreted jazz standards, reflecting both tradition and innovation within the genre.

For jazz enthusiasts, students, and members of the broader community, this performance offers an opportunity to experience the next generation of Durban jazz talent in a professional concert setting.

For further information, contact zamat1@ukzn.ac.za

TIME OF THE WRITER’S LIVESTREAM

 

The 29th edition of the Time of the Writer festival presented by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal during March 2026 will host a hybrid programme with live and online events reaching out to audiences beyond physical and geographical boundaries.

Festival curator Shafinaaz Hassim explains: “Our festival programme is curated to reach audiences far and wide by taking uniquely South African stories and experiences to the world. Our authors play a dynamic role in shaping history through their shared stories”.

Highly acclaimed author Zakes Mda who recently was part of a cohort of authors to win a landmark class action lawsuit in the US against the unauthorised use of his books to train AI by artificial intelligence company Anthropic headlines the festival’s online programme. He will speak about the implications of AI in an online panel with industry expert Arthur Goldstuck. The discussion will be moderated by analyst Angelo Fick.

“AI challenges traditional modes of sharing stories and it has implications on intellectual property and copyright which are of huge concern to not only writers but also other creatives”, explains Shafinaaz Hassim.

Author and publishing maverick, Melinda Ferguson and winner of the Canex Prize 2025 Thobeka Yose will explore power through their courageous memoirs that speak to the Literature Of Lived Experience.

In Afrikaans Across The Ages, Jonathan Amid will interrogate the concept of how language has evolved through Afrikaans literature in order to stay true to the spoken word as it yields to different local cultures and how it captures reader nostalgia through stories, through the works of Gaireyah Fredericks, Charmaine Africa and Theo Kemp. The session is supported by the Afrikaanse Taal & Kultuur Vereeniging (ATKV).

Extending the genre of memoir to activism, Danyela Demir will speak to Zukiswa Wanner about her memoir capturing her experience on the Flotilla to Gaza, on a panel with activists and writers Megan Choritz and Susan Abulhawa who also use literature as a powerful form of activism.

“The power of words can break the psychological siege, give rise to political conscience and inspire a flotilla of resistance. In the case of Palestine, the works of these authors is also a witness to genocide”, explains Shafinaaz Hassim as she anticipates the discussion.

In A Theatre Of Words, South African performing artists, Peter Terry and Kutlawo Masote, will bring their life works to the stage of words by using both memoir and storytelling. UNISA academic Andile Xaba’s book will highlight the history of Soweto Theatre. The session will be moderated by theatre critic and arts journalist Tracey Saunders.

Ismail Mahomed, the Director for the Centre for Creative Arts, explains: “These and other exciting online sessions curated by Shafinaaz Hassim anchors the festival as a site for literary enjoyment, critical thinking, resistance and solidarity. By giving our writers a broader audience beyond Durban we hope that we can also contribute to growing the markets for South African literature beyond our borders”.

The live festival programme in Durban will include book launches, creative writing workshops, outreach visits by authors to community venues and a dedicated Children’s festival programme. The Time of the Writer festival takes place live at the KZNSA Gallery in Durban and online from March 23 to 28, 2026. 

The festival schedule can be viewed at https://tow.ukzn.ac.za/29th-online/

 

All events to the festival are free. The 29th edition of the Time of the Writer festival is supported by the University of KwaZulu-Natal, National Arts Council of South Africa and the KZN Department of Sport, Arts & Culture. Festival partners include the Wits Writing Centre, DALRO and the ATKV.

 

About The Centre For Creative Arts:

The 30-year Centre for Creative Arts is a multi-disciplinary cultural hub in the School of Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The Centre is renowned for presenting five of South Africa’s leading arts festivals – the Time of the Writer festival (29 years), JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Festival (28 years), Durban International film Festival (46 years), Poetry Africa (30 years) and the Artfluence Human Rights Festival (5 years). The Centre for Creative Arts is also host of the 5th World Slam Poetry Competition which will present 40 slam poets from forty nations competing for the global title in Durban during October 2026.

 

About The Curator:

Shafinaaz Hassim is an multi award-winning author and sociologist. Her more than 18 titles have received international and local acclaim. In 2014, she was listed by UNESCO as one of the top 39 writers in Africa under the age of 40. Her novels have been commended by the SALA and NIHSS awards and the UJ Prize for Creative Writing. She is also the author of the five-book Nisa Qamar series for young adults, which has been shortlisted twice for the Minara Aziz Hassim Literary Awards and the prestigious Sanlam Prize for Youth Literature 2019. Her novel Darlings of Durban received noteworthy accolade. Kimya Writes is her latest series. Hassim presents a popular book review show called BookBytes, show-casing cutting edge writing from local and international authors. She brings her varied industry expertise to the curation of Time of the Writer Festival. 

 

The Centre for Creative Arts, is located at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Howard College Campus, Mazisi Kunene Avenue.

Telephones: +27 (0)31 260 2506 / +27 (0)31 260 1816

Fax:  +27 (0)31 260 3074

cca@ukzn.ac.za | www.cca.ukzn.ac.za

 

To link to the Centre for Creative Arts website, click on the logo advert to the right of this article.

 

 

THEATRE AUDITION NOTICE

Red Mango Arts Festival invites performers to audition for a new original production to be presented at the 2026 Festival (22–25 July 2026).

 

The organisers are currently seeking:

1. Indian Male — Age 20–30

2. Indian Female — Age 20–30

3. Black Male — Age 30–40

4. Indian Male — Age 55–70

 

**Requirements**

Applicants must:

 * Be Durban-based

* Have some acting experience

* Have own transport

* Be prepared to work after hours and on weekends

* Be committed to rehearsals and performances

 

All applicants must prepare:

* A monologue of at least 2 minutes in length

* To be performed from memory

 

Production Details:

 * Festival Dates: 22–25 July 2026

* Location: Durban

* Project: New work developed for the Red Mango Arts Festival

 

How to Apply:

Please email the following to:

redmangoarts@gmail.com

 

Include:

* Full name

* Age

* Contact details

* Short CV (if available)

* Recent photo

 

Closing date: March 7,, 2026.

 

Audition slots will be allocated accordingly.

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted with audition details.

 

#redmangoartsfestival#centreforcreativearts#1860heritagecentre#actorwize#pubmatters#rajeshgopie#

 

METAMORPHOSIS AT ST ANNE’S COLLEGE

 

The Theatre at St Anne’s College will present Metamorphosis by Steven Berkoff on March 19 to 22, 2026, at 19h30.

As Gregor Sama awoke one morning from uneasy dreams, he found himself transformed in his bed into a gigantic insect.

nday 19th – Thursday 22nd March @ 7.30 pm, R50

Booking on 033 343 6100 or twoodgate@stannes.co.za

Metamorphosis is produced by The Theatre-St Anne’s College as their 2018 Major Production, directed by Lynn Chemaly. The production is highly stylised and theatrical and serves as an excellent example of twentieth century Absurdist theatre in content, style and form. Berkoff injects the script with both bizarre and comic elements, resulting in an entertaining production.

Existentialist writer, Franz Kafka’s novella, Die Verwandlung (The Metamorphosis) was first published in 1915. His work, which fuses elements of realism and the fantastic, typically features isolated protagonists faced by bizarre or surrealistic predicaments and incomprehensible social-bureaucratic powers, and explores themes of alienation, existential anxiety, guilt and absurdity. Re-interpreted in 1972 by playwright, Steven Berkoff, Metamorphosis expresses certain basic conflicts in the human condition: What is real and what is fantasy? How can we exist in the inflexible, bureaucratic structures of employment and mundane daily life? How do we fit into our family, our community, and the world? Why do we feel isolated and dis-connected from others? What is the ultimate freedom from human suffering?

At a time when connectedness has never been more prevalent in our global community, via mass communication and driven by technology, we appear more dis-connected than ever before. Differences of race, class, culture, language and gender have never been more high profile, and seemingly acceptable, and yet remain the sources of our greatest fear, anxiety and conflict. Perhaps our greatest contemporary fear is that of the ‘other’? Twenty first century society propels the notion of choice, freedom of speech and democracy, where individualism is made to appear desirable and powerful. Yet, in amongst all this apparent freedom, never have people been more easily manipulated, channelled, segregated and controlled into rigid patterns of living, acting, thinking and behaving.

Tickets R50 – bookings on 033 343 6100 or twoodgate@stannes.co.za

ROYAL BALLET FILM AT RHUMBELOW

 

Rhumbelow Theatre will screen Wayne McGregor’s acclaimed ballet Woolf Works on March 15 at 14h00. (Filmed live on February 9, 2026).

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

Running time: 195 minutes with two intervals

 

Roland Stansell, who runs Rhumbelow Theatre welcomes ballet lovers to the Royal Opera House Season 2025/2026. He says: “These presentations are Live Streamed Events, with intervals, starring some of the world’s top performers. They are also recorded for venues such as The Rhumbelow Theatre and we are proud to bring you this series of Cinema experiences, as we endeavour to provide entertainment to appeal to everyone.”

Wayne McGregor’s acclaimed triptych Woolf Works was broadcast live to cinemas on February 9, 2026. Royal Ballet Principal dancer Natalia Osipova will perform the role of Clarissa / Virginia Woolf in the cinema broadcast.

Receiving its premiere in 2015, Woolf Works was McGregor’s first full-length work for The Royal Ballet and subsequently won both the 2016 Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Dance Production and the 2015 Critics’ Circle National Dance Award for Best Classical Choreography.

Woolf Works recreates the emotions, themes and fluid style of three of Virginia Woolf’s celebrated novels - Mrs Dalloway, Orlando, and The Waves - as well as elements of her autobiographical writings that echo aspects of her eventful life. With dramaturgy by Uzma Hameed, the ballet is presented as a series of multi-sensory collages, utilising designs from McGregor, Ciguë, and We Not I alongside lighting design by Lucy Carter, film design by Ravi Deepres, costumes by Moritz Junge and make-up design by Kabuki.

The performance is set to a specially commissioned score from Max Richter, who combines classical and electronic sounds together with spoken word to create an atmospheric soundscape for the work. This soundscape features a rare recording of Woolf reading her essay On Craftmanship, and a recording of actress Gillian Anderson reading Woolf’s haunting suicide note.

 

Creative Team

Direction and choreography: Wayne McGregor

Music: Max Richter

Designer: Ciguë, We Not I and Wayne McGregor

Costume designer: Moritz Junge

Lighting designer: Lucy Carter

Film designer: Ravi Deepres

Sound designer: Chris Ekers

Make-up designer: Kabuki

Dramaturgy: Uzma Hameed

Conductors: Koen Kessels/ Martin Georgiev

Orchestra of the Royal Opera House

 

Under the directorship of Kevin O’Hare, The Royal Ballet unites tradition and innovation in world-class performances and is a driving force in the development of ballet as an art form. Based at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, it brings together today’s most dynamic and versatile dancers with a world-class orchestra and leading choreographers, composers, conductors, directors and creative teams to share awe-inspiring theatrical experiences with diverse audiences worldwide. The Company’s extensive repertory embraces 19th-century classics, the singular legacy of works by Founder Choreographer Frederick Ashton and Principal Choreographer Kenneth MacMillan, a compelling new canon of work by choreographers today including Resident Choreographer Wayne McGregor and Artistic Associate Christopher Wheeldon, and the bold and complementary programming in the Linbury Theatre. Guest choreographers Kyle Abraham, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Cathy Marston, Arthur Pita, Crystal Pite, Hofesh Shechter, Pam Tanowitz, Mthuthuzeli November, Jessica Lang, Gemma Bond and Twyla Tharp have also created work for the Company.

Tickets R175. Bookings is essential on email:  roland@stansell.co.za or Webtickets.

Food available at the venue. Bar available (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises)

Limited secure parking available

For more information contact 0824998636.

 

BRIDGING PERSPECTIVES DURBAN EXHIBITION

 

Bridging Perspectives: Durban exhibition celebrates Neurodiversity and Autism Awareness Through Art

 

The Art Club Foundation, in collaboration with Ayanda I am Art Gallery and Open Air School, is proud to announce Bridging Perspectives, a landmark inclusive art exhibition opening this April at the KwaZulu-Natal Society of Arts (KZNSA) Gallery.

Timed to coincide with World Autism Awareness Month, the exhibition showcases the unique creative voices of neurodiverse individuals alongside neurotypical artists. The collection aims to challenge societal stigmas and foster a deeper understanding of the autistic experience through visual storytelling.

Ayanda Gumede, project lead, says: "This exhibition is more than a display of talent; it is a catalyst for social change. By bringing these diverse perspectives into a premier public space like the KZNSA, we are advocating for a more inclusive South African arts landscape where every voice regardless of neurological makeup is heard and valued."

 

Exhibition Highlights:

-A World of Sensory Art: Diverse mediums including painting, sculpture, and digital works that reflect neurodiverse perceptions of the world.

-Community Dialogue: A series of inclusive workshops and artist-led talks designed for both families and art professionals.

-Bridging the Gap: A collaborative mural project featuring students from the Open Air School.

 

The opening reception will take place on April 2, 2026, at 18h00. Members of the public, educators, and the media are invited to attend.

The exhibition runs from April 1 to 12, 2026, at the KZNSA Gallery, 166 Bulwer Road, Glenwood, Durban. Admission: Free to the public.

 

About The Art Club Foundation:

Established in 2022, The Art Club Foundation (NPO: 291-982) is dedicated to using art as a vehicle for community empowerment and social advocacy, with a specific focus on neurodiversity and youth development.