KZNPO WORLD SYMPHONY SERIES 2023 SPRING SEASON

 Bongani Tembe, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra, has released the dates of the next Symphony Series.

“Our World Symphony Series 2023 Spring Season is a very special occasion indeed, as we’re celebrating our 40th Anniversary!

“Our opening night commemorates this milestone, and features a composition from one of South Africa’s most phenomenally gifted musicians, Shalati Joseph Khosa, who was known as the Musical Prodigy of Africa. An extract from his glorious song collection titled Matimba Ya Vuyimbeleri (The Power of Music) kicks off the evening's musical offerings, under the baton of Justus Frantz.

“Thereafter, we’ve gone big with a duo of crowd-pleasing staples that will make your spirits soar, including Rachmaninoff’s iconic Piano Concerto No. 2 which will spotlight the return of the extraordinary Valentina Lisitsa. Dvořák’s New World Symphony brings the evening to a close.”

The following three concerts feature outstanding conductors Irene Delgado-Jiménez (a protégée of Marin Alsop), Daniel Boico, and Robert Moody.Solo spots are occupied by two Russian virtuosos: violinist Nikita Boriso-Glebsky and pianist Nikita Mndoyants; and the superbly-gifted Canadian cellist Bryan Cheng.

The full programme is available below, and the e-brochure with all details is available for download here:  https://mcusercontent.com/a9401b52c844e85fe6ffcacc0/files/2c22a217-2f57-aaf8-846a-b12524e103a9/eBrochure_KZN_Phil_Spring_Season_2023.pdf

Tembe adds: “In other news, we are thrilled to announce a new Park and Ride service. Park your car in one of our secure designated locations (within the Upper Highway, and North Coast areas), and hop onto the bus which will drop you off at the Playhouse. Easy peasy! As an introductory offer, this service will be complimentary for the Spring Symphony Season only, so do secure your spot ASAP.

“We encourage you to secure your Season Tickets by contacting info@kznphil.org.za or 031 369 9438. Single tickets are available for purchase through us and through Quicket.”

 

Programme details:

All concerts take place in the Playhouse Opera Theatre at 19h00.

 

October 19, 2023

Justus Frantz, conductor

Valentina Lisitsa, piano

Khosa: Mintirho ya vulavula (Deeds Speak)

Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2, Op. 18 in c minor

Dvořák: Symphony No. 9, Op. 95 in e minor, New World 

 

October 26 2023

Irene Delgado-Jiménez, conductor

Nikita Boriso-Glebsky, violin

Schumann: Symphony No. 1, Op. 38 in B-flat Major, “Spring”

Beethoven: Violin Concerto, Op. 61 in D Major

  

November 2, 2023

Daniel Boico, conductor

Nikita Mndoyants, piano

Schubert: Rosamunde Overture

Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 3, Op. 37 in c minor

Bruch: Symphony No. 3, Op. 51 in E Major 

 

November 9, 2023

Robert Moody, conductor

Bryan Cheng, cello

Dvořák: Mein Heim, Op. 62 

Elgar: Cello Concerto, Op. 85 in e minor

Sibelius: Symphony No. 5, Op. 82 in E-flat Major

 

To link directly to the KZNPO website, click on the advert at the top right hand of this article.

 

HISTORY CHANNEL AFRICA LAUNCHES ‘MY HISTORY MOMENTS’

 

(David O’ Sulivan, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Dawie Roodt, Professor Pitika Ntuli, John Robbie, Gugu Aseda, Vusi Thembekwayo & Malcom Gooding)

 

Well-known South Africans share their stories that matter.

The HISTORY® Channel Africa (DStv 186) is excited to launch My History Moments, a poignant short-form series that sees notable South Africans share pivotal moments from their lives that have historical significance and profound personal meaning. To further uncover stories that shaped our nation, the channel is also calling on South Africans to share their My History Moments as part of the campaign.

Marketing Manager of the HISTORY Channel Africa, Anita Gardini, says: “The HISTORY channel is renowned the world over for sharing stories that matter, stories that tell of major turning points in history or that have evolved as a society and as individuals. Through this project, we’re honoured to share these deeply personal local stories, that tell of our incredible resilience, that will resonate with many South Africans.”

As part of the moving series, the 4-5-minute ‘episodes’ will be broadcast on-air on DStv 186 and shared across the HISTORY® Channel Africa’s social media platforms and YouTube channel in the coming weeks. The pieces were produced by Schultz Creative.

Some of the well-known South Africans who will be sharing their moments – from groundbreaking events to personal triumphs - include global business speaker Vusi  Thembekwayo, economist Dawie Roodt, broadcasters, John Robbie and Malcom Gooding and singer and songwriter, Yvonne Chaka Chaka.

Of the My History Moments project Chaka Chaka says, “Sometimes we shy away from our history; we don’t talk about it and it’s important that we tell our stories. We tell the stories so that the next generation knows who we are, where we come from and the importance of our history. But for me, the most important thing that should come from telling our stories is social cohesion.”

She adds, “It wasn’t very easy to choose My History Moment. Getting Bishop Tutu, Madiba and Bill Clinton on stage to come and do bum jives – that was making history, too. But I decided to choose something personal and that made me feel part of South Africa.”

Longtime broadcaster, David O’ Sullivan says being a journalist has meant that he’s been at the forefront of numerous historically-significant moments. He explains, “I find that the things that I was involved in are now in the actual history books. But at the time when something significant happened, I always realised that it was a big day, or a big moment and those moments stayed with me. If we are going to tell people about the past, we have to tell it in the form of stories like these. We need actual stories that invigorate people, that they can be passionate about and that evoke an emotion in them.”

Another contributor, poet and artist, Professor Pitika Ntuli, says, “I’ve always been very interested in history. Having a historical memory prevents us from collapsing into chaos, war or plunging into unsustainable situations. History is, in a sense, a GPS that helps guide our own thoughts, so that we know what we should not be doing and what we should be doing better.”

Regional Manager Naz Khan concludes, “Within each My History Moment lies a treasure trove of personal-lived experiences and life stories. It's not just about recounting events; it is important for us to honour that experience. There is profound value in preserving these unique narratives. By protecting them, we ensure that the rich tapestry of human experience and the lessons they teach endure for generations to come.”

The HISTORY Channel Africa invites you to share your #MyHistoryMoment with us. Whether it is a heart-warming memory, a funny anecdote, a significant life event, or your experience of a pivotal moment in history – we want to hear your story.

To share your moment, simply use the hashtag #MyHistoryMoment and tag the History Channel Africa when posting to social media.

Join the HISTORY Channel Africa (DStv 186) in journeying through South Africa's transformative years with My History Moments.

To watch all the My History Moments visit – https://www.historytv.africa/momen

 

MO MAGIC: STAGE OF WONDERS: REVIEW

 

Right: Mo Magic

Mo uses a combination of sleight of hand, misdirection, some psychology, and his dry quips and comedy to delight and amuse the audience. (Review by Romi Schumann)

The VIP preview of Mo Magic – Stage of Wonders took place in a pop-up theatre nestling among stores at Gateway Theatre of Shopping’s Entrance Two. Patrons stepped off the red carpet and into the ‘foyer’ where delicious canapes and virgin cocktails were served by Nouvelle Cuisine while having a chance to socialize and network. The real treat of the evening was yet to come.

Screens were removed, the theatre was revealed, and the audience took their seats. Mo Magic walked onto the minimal stage, introduced himself, and began. Do not go expecting huge fanfares, spectacular lighting effects and lots of pizazz; Mo’s magic is simple yet astounding. Using objects that we are all familiar with and have access to, - a ball of twine, a pack of cards, a Rubik’s cube, a book – he proceeded to entertain and mystify. Try to work out how these seemingly simple acts are done, and you will realize you do not have a clue.

The treasure of the performance is Mo’s connection with the audience. There were, of course, some friends in attendance, but Mo makes new friends with ease and takes everyone along on the magical adventure. The audience participation, not only on stage but from the auditorium, too, will have everyone itching to take part, children, and adults alike.

Mo uses a combination of sleight of hand, misdirection, some psychology, and his dry quips and comedy to delight and amuse the audience. His very clear love of magic almost has us believing that magic is real, even though we know it’s not…or do we?

This show is perfect holiday fare for the whole family (children 8+) as well as busy corporates needing to take a break and may I suggest that the closer to the front you sit, the more fun you will have.

The show runs on October 6 and 7 at 20h00 with a 15h00 matinee on Sunday. Bookings: www.quicket.co.za - Romi Schumann

BBC STUDIOS NEW ENTERTAINMENT COMING TO TV

 

(Above: “Strictly Come Dancing” Judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood) and Motsi Mabuse)

BBC Studios has a variety of new entertainment coming to TV screens over the next few months. (Link)

Entertainment lovers can escape with BBC Brit every night at primetime, from brain teasing game shows, gripping dramas, fun-filled dancing to hilarious chat shows – tune into BBC Brit, DStv Channel 120 every day. Here’s peak at what’s on and coming to BBC Studio: 

Strictly Come Dancing continues Sundays on BBC Brit at 19h00. Fans can once again look forward to more glitz and glam and our very own South African dancer – Johannes Radebe and Judge – Motsi Mabuse. The new season will include all the viewers favourite theme weeks; Movies, Halloween, Musicals and of course our week in the home of Ballroom, Blackpool. Autumn is about to get a lot more fab-u-lous!

Coming soon to BBC Earth is Planet Earth III, which is set to be the most ambitious natural history landmark ever undertaken by the BBC. The series shows Africa as we have never seen it before. Six out of the eight episodes feature sequences filmed in Africa - from Kenya, Namibia, Botswana to South Africa.

Dave Lamb will be back to narrate the hugely popular home-dining show, Come Dine With Me South Africa as it returns to BBC Lifestyle for its’ ninth season this November. Tune in for more hilarious commentary, food fails and kitchen drama queens.

MULTICHOICE GROUP SCOOPS 45 TOP AWARDS AT SAFTAS 17!

 

Legacy, Lavish, Gaia and Binnelanders among the titles honoured.

MultiChoice group marked a triumphant evening at this year's South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs 17) held at the Gallagher Convention Centre. Echoing the group’s commitment to celebrating African stories and talent, MultiChoice Group dominated both evenings by scooping a total of 45 awards.

Among the highlights, Lavish was recognised as the Best TV Drama, and Gaia secured its spot with the Best Feature Film Award while Legacy took home the Best Telenovela Award. For her role in the popular Showmax comedy Tali's Joburg Diary, Kate Normington won her second SAFTA, making the total of Showmax wins 10. James Borthwick took his third SAFTA as best actor in a comedy for the character Ferdie in Hotel.

Host for the night and the face of Big Brother Mzansi Lawrence Maleka exemplified his exceptional talent by winning Best Actor in a Telenovela for his role as Zolani in The River. The awards were broadcast live on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161).

Nomsa Philiso, CEO: General Entertainment for the MultiChoice Group, celebrated the victories and congratulated all the winners, saying, "Tonight, more than ever, the MultiChoice group and all our beloved titles and brands reaffirmed our position as the true home of entertainment, our commitment to providing a stage for African storytellers to shine has never been stronger. Their narratives, their passion, and their talent are what drive us to excel."

In a poignant moment of the evening, Derek Watts, a stalwart in South African television and investigative journalism, was honoured with the Lifetime Achiever Award, posthumously. Watts' impactful 35-year tenure on M-Net’s Carte Blanche exemplifies the profound influence of media on creating a more informed and just society.

 

All the big winners!

Wins across MultiChoice Group on the second night include:

Best Supporting Actor in a Telenovela: Thulani Mtsweni, Gomora

Best Actor in a Telenovela: Lawrence Maleka, The River

Best Supporting Actor in a Telenovela: Deli Malinga - Redemption

Best Supporting Actress in a TV comedy: Kate Normington, Tali’s Joburg Diary

Best TV Drama: Lavish

Best Supporting Actress in a TV Soap: Odelle De Wet, Binnelanders

Best Supporting Actor in a TV Soap: Charlie Bouguenon, Binnelanders

Best Actress in a TV Soap: Cindy Swanepoel, Binnelanders

Best Actor in a TV Comedy: James Borthwick, Hotel Season 5

Best Actor in a Feature Film: Jarrid Geduld, Indemnity

Best Achievement in Directing - Feature Film: Gaia

Best Feature Film: Gaia

Best Actress in a Telenovela: Michelle Botes, Legacy

Best Telenovela: Legacy

Best TV Presenter – Tshegofatso Mosupye (Public Vote)

 

Additional wins at the SAFTAs Craft Awards on Friday September 29 included Best Youth Programme for Trend Season 1, Best International Format for Survivor South Africa: Return of the Outcasts, and more.

By consistently shining the spotlight on local talent and narratives, the MultiChoice group solidifies its standing as the core of South African entertainment, connecting stories and audiences.

The full list of MultiChoice winners:

Craft Awards:

Best Entertainment Programme: Miss South Africa 2022 Live Finale

Best Variety Show: Sunday Sexy Love

Best Achievement in Scriptwriting – Telenovela: DiepCity Season 2

Best Achievement in Wardrobe - TV Drama: Lavish

Best Youth Programme: Trend Season 1

Best Achievement in Sound - TV Comedy: Hotel Season 5

Best Achievement in Art Direction - TV Comedy: Hotel Season 5

Best Achievement in Cinematography - TV Comedy: Hotel Season 5

Best Achievement in Sound - TV Soap/Telenovela: Suidooster

Best Achievement in Editing - TV/Soap or Telenovela: Diepe Waters

Best Achievement in Directing - Soap: Erina Niemand, Shirley Ellis, Romano Gorlei & Richard September for Suidooster

Best Achievement in Original Music/Score - Feature Film: Pierre-Henri Wicomb for Gaia

Best Achievement in Cinematography – Feature Film: Jorrie van der Walt for Gaia

Best Current Affairs Programme: Mining Takedown

Best Natural History and Environmental: Crocodiles Revealed

Best Children’s Programme: NickMusic Africa

Best International Format: Survivor South Africa: Return of the Outcasts

Best Educational Programme: MTVShuga: What Makes a Man

Best Achievement in Make-Up and Hairstyling - TV Drama: Desert Rose

Best Achievement in Art Direction - TV Soap/Telenovela: Legacy

Best Lifestyle Programme: Homegrown tastes South Africa season 1

Best Structured Soapie Reality Show: Life with Kelly Khumalo Season 3

Best Structured Or Docu-Reality Show: Sex in Afrikaans

Best Achievement in Wardrobe – TV Comedy: Tali's Joburg Diary

Best Achievement in Scriptwriting - TV Comedy: Julia Anastasopoulos, Ari Kruger, Gilli Apter, & Daniel Zimbler for Tali's Joburg Diary

Best Achievement in Directing - TV Comedy: Ari Kruger for Tali's Joburg Diary

Best Achievement in Sound - TV Drama: Jozua Loots for Donkerbos

Best Achievement in Cinematography - TV Drama: Willie Nel for Blood Psalms

Best Achievement in Directing - TV Drama: Nico Scheepers for Donkerbos

 

 

IMPRESSION / EXPRESSION

 

(Right: Vertical Amplification | 80 cm x 80 cm | Oil on Canvas | Corné Eksteen. Pic supplied)

The Gallery in The Studios at Ballito, presents a new exhibition titled Impression / Expression Officially opening on October 5 and running until December 7, 2023

An exciting time of realignment and renewal as The Gallery opens this new exhibition, under new management. They welcome their new artists and their new manager Sarah O’Reilly, into the community at the Ballito Lifestyle Centre. This wonderful collaboration of established and emerging contemporary South African artists, each with their own unique style and impression of the world at this time, created with their individual expressive marks, creating artwork that’ll transcend time and transform space.

These selected artists see the miraculous in the ordinary, the wonder in a moment, light in darkness; yearning not to capture but to feel, to respond to their subjects in a deeply intuitive language of communicating through their creative journeys. The mystery and unpredictability of creating an artwork never cease to astound either the artist or the viewer. 

The Gallery is proud to feature:

Corné Eksteen’s contemporary portraits ooze with rich personal impressions and deep expressive responses evoked by his subjects.

Muzi Ndlela’s expressive use of charcoal depicts artworks that exude joy and African spirit.

Lyn Hoyle’s abstract scapes are like tapestries of colourful wonder.

Michelle Graven’s delicate but powerful artworks are timelessly serene.

Guilia Forman’s bold and colourful creations exude passion and joy.

Kim Pereira’s celebration of fynbos continues with a series of beautiful images, simply beautiful.

Judy Wentzel’s colourful and playful scenes exude the joy of daily life.

Gift Dlamini’s portraits continue to surprise and astound our visitors. Symbolically linking the past with the now.

Wandile Ntlanganiso’s woodcuts printed on his handmade paper are symbolic African masterpieces.

Corinne Erasmus is the second-place winner of the 2023 WatercolourArtSA (WASA) international competition.

Jane Digby’s travelling sketches were created in the Kruger, a couple with the help of a squirrel or two! 

(Left: Fragmented Landscape | 25 cm x 36 cm | Oil on Canvas | Lyn Hoyle. Pic supplied)

The Gallery welcomes the continuation of their 3D sculptural artists and friends - Sarah Richards, Seth Falconer, Claire Falconer, Phumlani Nyawo, The Dlamini Collection, Samantha Pitout, Sharon Paterson, Karuna Naidoo, Brenda Kuhn and Lapis Lazuli Jewellery. There’s a gift for everyone at The Gallery, including you.

What emerges during the creative process, as the artist’s intuition leads them faithfully flowing into the unknown, not wishing to create realism or perfectionism, is merely an impression of a fleeting moment or an expression of a soulful response to Being.

Ballito Lifestyle Centre, The Studios celebrates First Thursday on October 5, an all-day event, from 09h00 until 20h00 with bespoke stores offering all sorts of specials. From 18h00, live music by the incredible Afritude will get you jiving. Wine tasting by TOPS Spar, Pizzas by Pizza Bae and drinks from Alchemy Gin Bar.

The Gallery is situated within The Studios, opposite Weylandts at Ballito Lifestyle Centre.

Daily opening hours are 09h00 until 17h00 seven days a week.

Follow The Gallery on Instagram and Facebook @thegallerylifestyle and @lifestylecentreballito

The Gallery WhatsApp no. 072 245 8691 or 082 486 2126

A VEGAN KILLED MY MARRIAGE

 

(Above: Aaron McIlroy. Pic by Val Adamson)

The hilarious and extremely thought-provoking one-hander, A Vegan Killed my Marriage, starring funny man, Aaron Mcilroy, written and directed by the multi award winning, Craig Freimond, comes to the Seabrookes Theatre at Durban High School from October 11 to 22, 2023.

Mcilroy, well-known for his many performances including the lunatic father, Mr Milton, in the Spud movie franchise, plays James, a red-blooded, meat-eating South African male. He is fully aware of the consistent concerns about the meat industry’s role in the impending climate catastrophe.

Over the years, he has done his best to studiously evade and ignore such concerns, until a work trip creates an unexpected double whammy, and he is shaken out of his comfort zone. Out of the blue, he becomes a vegetarian, not realising how unwelcome this change and his newfound fanaticism will be in his meat-eating home. The skirmishes at home escalate into a full-blown war. Could it be a midlife crisis? James, who only months before, had been the king of the braai, has had a change of heart and now demands an entirely meat-free home.

Winner of a Bronze Ovation Award at this year’s National Arts Festival in Makhanda (Grahamstown), the comical and highly-entertaining solo performance comes to the Seabrookes hot on the heels of a three-week sold-out run at the Baxter Theatre in Cape Town.

With a string of stage blockbusters under his belt in both the public and corporate entertainment circuits, the Durban-based actor is regarded as one of South Africa’s most popular entertainers. He has received acclaim for his award-winning satires, The Loser, co-written and directed by Susan Monteregge, The Golfer, co-written and directed by Steven Stead and ADHD, co-written and directed by Patrick Kenny.

“I grew up in the entertainment industry. My father was a member of the popular Irish band, the Blarney Brothers,” says Mcilroy. “I love music, but I really wanted to be a serious actor and even studied drama at university. However, every time I performed something vaguely dramatic, my lecturers would fall off their chairs. After much humiliation I realised that the only way I was going to make some cash in this industry was to embrace my funny bone!”

Recent productions include Classical Comedy, staring the Durban City Orchestra, as well as Family Business, both directed by Darren King and staged at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre in Durban.

Director, Craig Freimond’s prolific career spans that of writer and director in theatre, television and film. In 2014, he directed the triple Naledi award-winning, Death of a Colonialist by Greg Latter, which won Best Production, Best Actor for the late Jamie Bartlett and Best Director.

Initially, he worked as a theatre director, directing more than 20 stage productions. His play, The King of Laughter, won three Naledi awards, including Best New Play, Best Director and Best-Supporting Actor.

Craig worked on several television comedy series such as Not Quite Friday Night and the sitcom Scoop Schoombie, Rhythm City and Sorted.

His film credits as writer and director include Gums & Noses, which was adapted from his play of the same name and, which won the Apollo Film Festival award for best feature film; Material, which had a hugely successful theatrical run and won five 2013 SAFTA awards; Beyond the River, nominated for several awards and has played at festivals across the globe; Vaya, which he co-wrote, directed by Akin Omotoso, and which played at Toronto, Berlin and many other big festivals, garnering several awards and New Material, the sequel to his hit film, Material.

A Vegan Killed my Marriage runs for two weeks from October 11 to 22. Age restriction no under 12s.

Shows are Wednesday to Friday at 19h30 with 14h30 matinees on Saturdays and Sundays. Booking is through Webtickets (www.webtickets.co.za) online or at Pick n Pay stores.

R150 special price preview / R170 normal tickets / R160 - students and pensioners or bookings over 10.

 

Performances and times:

Wednesday October 11 – 19h00 - special price preview - R150 (all seats)

Thursday October 12 – 19h00/ Friday October 13 – 19h00 / Saturday October 14 – no show (rugby is on)

Sunday October 15 – 12h00 and 14h30

Tuesday October 17 – 19h00 / Wednesday October 18 – 19h00 / Thurs October 19 – TBC / Friday October 20 – 19h00 / Sunday October 22 –14h30

DURBAN CHAMBER CHOIR PRESENTS VIVA LA MUSICA!

 

(Above: Durban Chamber Choir. Photo by Ocean Planet Media & Matt Bartholomew Photography)

The ever creative and proactive Durban Chamber Choir will be presenting two glorious spring concerts over two weekends in Hilton Church of the Ascension, Hilton on Sunday October 8 at 15h00 and St Thomas Church, Musgrave on Sunday October 22 at 15h00, entitled Viva La Musica! Celebrating rhythm and rhyme from around the world.

After several months of rehearsal, the Durban Chamber Choir is ready to present their new programme which features carefully selected works both sacred and secular, with a good representation of contemporary South African works interspersed with international choral pieces, all written within the last 100 years.

The Durban Chamber Choir has been in existence for over 20 years. Its first members were mostly choristers from the Errol Slatter Chorale. The choir’s repertoire is wide-ranging from early plainchant to the contemporary choral repertoire, Renaissance to modern, sacred to secular, accompanied by organ, piano and small orchestral ensembles. The Choir gives regular concerts in Durban and Pietermaritzburg, and has also visited several smaller towns in KwaZulu-Natal, performing in churches, school halls and retirement homes – wherever it can bring pleasure to lovers of choral music. It is made up of voluntary members of all ages and from all walks of life, united in their love for choral singing.

The choir’s conductor is Andrew-John Bethke. Before coming to Durban to take up an academic position at UKZN, he was director of music at Grahamstown Anglican Cathedral and conductor of the Rhodes University Chamber Choir (RUCC).

 

Programme:

Sangena: Mzilikazi Khumalo

Viva la Musica: van Erod

Festival Mass No 2: Christopher Cockburn

Bogoróditse Dyévo: Arvo Pärt

God Be in My Head: John Rutter

The Great Amen: Peter Klatzow;

Nkosi Busis’ Iafrika: A.A. Khumalo

Nunc Dimittis: Andrew-John Bethke

Karoonag: Coenie de Villiers

Geographical Fugue: Ernest Toch

 

You can hear the programme at the Church of the Ascension, Hilton on Sunday October 8 at 15h00 and at St Thomas Church, Musgrave on October 22 at 15h00.

Tickets will be available at the door for R100 (R70 concessions). Please join the choir after the performances for tea, cake and conversation.

FANS OF SPOKEN WORD ABUZZ WITH EXCITEMENT

 

The 2023 Poetry Africa Festival is on the horizon and is set to kick off on October 5 at the UJ Arts & Culture in Johannesburg. This is only the beginning of the 13-day festival, which will then move to Durban before coming to a grand finale in Bloemfontein on October 17. The year’s line-up boasts some of the international poetry stars, such as Eugene Skeef (SA), Rudy Francisco (USA) and Amee Slam (Ivory Coast).

Over 100 poets from 20 countries will be gracing the festival with their performances and the organisers, the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, are also exploring the boundaries between genres with their array of cross-over events. One of such events is The Four Horsemen – a theatrical production that tells the gripping tale of the end of the world as it currently stands, featuring poets Solly Ramatswi, Jonathan Lefenya, Thuthukani Myeza and Masai Sepuru. There will also be musical performances to look out for, such as the collaboration between poet Anton Krueger and jazz pianist Paul Hanmer, entitled "Piano and Poems, everybody is a bridge".

Every year, the Slam Jam Competition brings together the most talented and passionate poets from around the country, offering them the chance to showcase their work and compete to be crowned the South African Slam Jam Champion. In the past two years, Xabiso Vili and Kwanele Nyembe have taken home the title, representing South Africa on a global stage. After the initial round of judging, ten finalists have been selected to take part in the semi-finals in Johannesburg. From there, the top five will be chosen to compete in the final in Durban, to determine who will be crowned as South Africa's best Slam Poet and will represent the country on a global stage.

This year marks the third consecutive year that the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) and Total Energies have come on board to support the Poetry Africa Festival. This visionary support has enabled the festival to present esteemed artists from the African continent, launch two poetry anthologies, and, most recently, present Poetry Africa's Slam Champion Xabiso Vili at the World Slam Competition, where he won the global title.

Cultural Attaché and Deputy Director of the French Institute of South Africa, Sophie Boulé, says: “Poetry is a powerful tool that archives the spirit of our time by giving emotive, moving words to our layered experiences. As the French Institute of South Africa, together with our partner, TotalEnergies Marketing South Africa, we are delighted to support the meaningful way that Poetry Africa brings us together in the name of spoken word.”

This support has been instrumental in providing audiences with a high-quality Francophone experience. As Siphindile Hlongwa, the curator of the Poetry Africa Festival, puts it, "Our partnership with IFAS enables us each year to raise the bar on who we present at the festival. IFAS’s long term support also means that we can start looking out for artists who are in demand well in advance."

This year, the festival will feature francophone poets Amee Slam (Ivory Coast), Akabiru (Angola and Guinea), and Mariusca Moukengue (DRC).

Live festival events will take place in Johannesburg at the UJ Arts & Culture Centre (October 5 – 8), Howard College Theatre in Durban (October 9 -14) and at PACOFS in Bloemfontein (October 16 – 17). An online programme will take place from October 8 – 13. Poetry Africa’s outreach programmes will present poets in five community art centres spread across the broader eThekwini Municipality. The full Poetry Africa programme can be viewed at poetryafrica.ukzn.ac.za

Tickets are available on Webtickets (Durban) and Plankton (Johannesburg).

The top ten Slam Jam semi-finalists are:

Jonathan Lefenya

Katlego Mofokeng

Khayalethu Mguzulo

Lehlohonolo Mabaso

Lethu Nkwanyana

Lukhanyo Mancoba

Natasha Mubanga

Olive Olusegun

Rethabile Molibeli

Solly Ramawatsi

 

Poetry Africa is supported by the University of KwaZulu-Natal, the National Arts Council of South Africa, the KZN Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the French Institute of South Africa and Total Energies. The festival is co-presented in Johannesburg with UJ Arts & Culture and in Bloemfontein with PACOFS. The 27-year-old festival in Durban cements the city’s status as a UNESCO City of Literature.

To find out more about the Centre of Creative Arts at UKZN, click on the logo advert to the right of this article.

 

FLAMENCO DANCE COMPANY WITH RAMON FERNANDEZ

 

Linda Vargas’s Flamenco Dance Company featuring Ramon Fernandez accompanied by Demi Fernandes and Neil Gonzalves will take place on October 17, 2023, at 18h30 at the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal.

Tickets R150 – booking is essential through lindavargasflamenco@gmail.com

Enquiries and general bookings through email: zamat1@ukzn.ac.za

(Left: Linda Vargas. Pic supplied)

Linda Vargas explains: “I was invited to perform for the Spanish embassy in Harare and seven of us are going up to perform for the ambassador next week. I decided to bring Ramon out from Spain, hence only one performance in Durban before he returns.

“The show will be my farewell as five years of no dancing has taken its toll, but Ramon is magnificent and the show will be about handing the legacy over to the next generation. It will be an emotional evening for me surrounded by loved ones and all the magnificent people who have supported my journey for 40 years.”

She adds: “I’m not retiring, simply handing over the legacy to my son who is simply magnificent. I will simply be in the background.”

 

THE TOWER AND TREE

 

(Above: Peter Court’s design for the play. Courtesy of Berea Mail and Webtickets)

The Tower and Tree, a multi award-winning story will be performed in Durban during the October school holidays at The Station Urban Event Space from October 2 to 6. The show takes place at 09h30 and 11h30.

The show is presented by Peter Court and Patrick and Shannon Kenny and centres around a modern fairly tale about love a self-sacrifice – told through puppetry.

It was written by Patrick Kenny as an audio play for the 2020 National Arts Festival where it won an Ovation Award. An invitation to the 2021 Brighton Fringe Festival, England’s largest arts festival, soon followed. The puppet play has recently won the prestigious 2023 Young Critics “Best for Young Audiences” Award at the recent Cradle of Creativity International Festival of Theatre for young audiences.

The delightful puppets, created by Court, are voiced and animated by the Kennys with the additional vocal talents of Londiwe Ngwazi, Anna Kenny and director Peter Court. The music and songs are by Shannon and Alan Judd of Leopard Moon Studios.

Performances will e at The Station Urban Event Space, 65 Masabalala Yengwa (NMR) Avenue which has free secure parking and Café Salt with excellent daily lunch specials, coffee and Wi-Fi.

Tickets R100 (R75 for children) available from Webtickets and Pick ‘n Pay.

The play is suitable for ages to 6 to 106.

NEW CRIME DRAMA SERIES: ENDANGERED

 

(Left: South African crime writer Rudie Van Rensburg. Pic supplied)

Strong Studios, Convergent Media, ForLan Films & M-Net/MultiChoice Africa join forces to produce the new six-part crime drama series, Endangered

BAFTA Award-Winning Stuart Urban to direct the series adapted from the bestselling novel by South African crime writer Rudie Van Rensburg

 Set for a 2024 production in South Africa, the series explores controversial rhino poaching, the crime syndicates that control it and police & conservationists trying to stop it.

Charlotte, N.C., September 19, 2023, Strong Global Entertainment, Inc., (NYSE American: SGE) (“the Company”) today announced that its subsidiary Strong Studios, Inc. (“Strong Studios”) (Safehaven, Flagrant, Inside the Black Box), the Company’s original content production and distribution arm, will partner with Convergent Media, UK.’s ForLan Films and M-Net to produce the new crime drama series, Endangered. The project is based on one of a series of bestselling novels from the popular South African crime writer, Rudie Van Rensburg.

Two-time BAFTA award-winner Stuart Urban (The Mystery of Suzy Lamplugh, The Secret, May I Kill U?) will direct with screenwriter Jake Riddell (Reyka, Grantchester, London Kills, Death in Paradise) penning the six-part limited series.

Based on the novel, Piranha, by Van Rensburg, Endangered centres around Montgomery Smith, a wealthy Englishman-in-exile, who runs an illegal, corrupt, and dangerous syndicate smuggling Africa's White Gold, the endangered rhino horn, and the legendary veteran detective Captain Kassie Kasselman, who aggressively pursues Smith from the Cape ganglands to Kruger’s national parks to Pretoria, South Africa's bustling political capital. Kasselman must unravel the mystery and stop Smith’s syndicate of criminal gangs and poachers. Endangered is more than just a crime thriller: it's a snapshot of a country that has always lived by the mantra, Adapt or Die.

Van Rensburg says: “While researching rhino poaching, I became increasingly aware of how serious of a problem it is. It’s a great honour to have such renowned filmmakers helming the production of Endangered, and I'm delighted that this issue will be brought to the attention of a wider audience.”

With the expectation to begin production in early 2024 in South Africa, Endangered will be produced by ForLan Films’ Emmy Award-winning producer Steve Lanning (Empire Strikes Back, Gandhi and Kubrick's ‘God Fearing Man) and Jake Lanning (Pulse, In Deep, Trial & Retribution) and Advantage Entertainment’s Vlokkie Gordon (Black Sails, The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency), along with Strong Global Entertainment’s Chairman Kyle Cerminara; Strong Studios’ President David Ozer and EVP of production and development Scott Weinstock; Convergent Media’s Dan Reardon and Santosh Govindaraju; and M-Net’s Nicola van Niekerk, and Wikus du Toit. Strong Studios and Convergent Media will oversee global distribution, excluding Africa, which will be handled by M-Net/Multichoice Africa.

Strong Studios’ President David Ozer stated: “As we look to continue building our content pipeline to offer a broad range of entertainment, as well as expand into the international production arena, we are thrilled to collaborate with Convergent Media, ForLan Films, M-Net/Multichoice Africa, and Advantage Entertainment to bring Rudie’s compelling novel to life to deliver a series that shines a spotlight on the controversial rhino poaching trade. With Stuart’s vision and Jake’s dynamic screenplay, Endangered has all the facets lining up to produce a global binge-worthy hit!”

Convergent Media’s Dan Reardon commented: “Endangered is a double-barrelled shotgun of a story. It’s a fast-moving thriller, yet grounded in important real-world issues, both of which will appeal to a broad range of international audiences.”

ForLan Films’ Steve Lanning and Jake Lanning jointly stated: “Rudie’s series of books immerses us not only in the rich and vibrant African culture, but also exposes the criminal elements that exploit Africa for their own benefit, which reaches far beyond Africa’s shores. We are so excited to be able to bring this story and its compelling characters to a worldwide audience.”

Multichoice Georginah Machiridza (Executive Head: General Entertainment for the Multichoice Group) says: “As Africa’s leading video and entertainment company we are committed to sharing our stories through world-class co-productions.  Endangered represents a unique opportunity for Multichoice to support a project that not only promises gripping storytelling but also addresses a pressing global concern. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to make a positive impact, and we're excited to share it with our audience."