ROBYN ORLIN, NAMED 2024 JOMBA! LEGACY ARTIST

 

(Robyn Orlin © Jérôme Séron)

Veteran South African dance-maker, Robyn Orlin, named the 2024 JOMBA! LEGACY ARTIST

The 26th annual JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience, hosted by UKZN’s Centre for Creative Arts, has announced that it will honour veteran South African dance-maker Robyn Orlin as the 2024 JOMBA! Legacy Artist.

Orlin’s work we wear our wheels with pride and slap your streets with colour… we said ‘bonjour’ to satan in 1820 … will feature at JOMBA! which takes place at The Sneddon Theatre in Durban from August 27 to September 8, with a satellite festival at The Market Theatre in Johannesburg from 11 to 14 September 2024.

Originally created in 2021 we wear our wheels …  is a collaboration with Johannesburg based Moving into Dance. This is a work that negotiates the complicated Durban rickshaw histories – and it finally comes to Durban.

Born in 1955 Johannesburg, Orlin’s vision of contemporary dance continues to be a kind of aesthetic eclecticism where she draws heavily on her own histories of ballet and modern, and a fascination with film and cinema. She has shifted the boundaries of what we consider dance to be, often falling into witty and biting political satire. Her love of kitsch, tutus and yellow plastic ducks has seen her creating iconic images that still haunt a South African dance landscape.

Orlin was trained at the London School of Contemporary Dance (1975-1980), then at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (1990-1995). She began her career as a dancer, choreographer and teacher in South Africa, where she was quickly spotted, as much for the singularity of her dance making, as for the chaos that reigns in her creations.

Her (multiple prize-winning) dance piece Daddy, I have seen this piece six times before and I still don’t know why they’re hurting each other, which mocks the difficulties and shortcomings of the young rainbow nation, but also classical ballet as a trajectory of discrimination, enabled her to tour in Europe and brought her international recognition.

France has since become a creative territory for her and she has made her first film, Hidden Beauties, Dirty Stories (Ina/Arte, 2004), her first opera, Handel’s L’Allegro, il penseroso ed il moderato (Opéra Garnier, Paris, 2007), and her first theatre production, Les Bonnes, by Jean Genet (Théâtre de la Bastille, Paris, 2019) in France. She continues to create work in South Africa.

Artistic Director and curator, Lliane Loots says, “The JOMBA! festival’s 2024 overall curatorial theme and provocation is “the memory of home” and we can think of no South African artist better suited to unpack both the simplicity and complexity of this in her work. Memories are about history, belonging, sometimes suffocating nostalgia, and maybe also about charting new futures … Robyn’s work is all of this and more.

“Orlin’s work has not been performed in South Africa for many years, and so it is with great thanks for the support from IFAS (Paris) and IFAS (Johannesburg), that JOMBA! welcomes her back to South Africa as our 2024 JOMBA! Legacy artist.”

JOMBA! takes place at The Sneddon Theatre in Durban from August 27 to September 8, and the satellite festival takes place at The Market Theatre in Johannesburg from September 11 to 14, 2024.

we wear our wheels …  will be performed on September 7 and 8 in Durban and on September 11 and 12 at The Market in Johannesburg.

For more information go to www.jomba.ac.za

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

 

KZNPO SYMPHONY CONCERT WINTER SEASON #1: REVIEW

 

Although all from the same era, there was plenty of interesting differences in the three works to make absorbing listening. (Review by Barbara Trofimczyk)

 

Conductor:  Brandon Phillips

Soloist: Jan Bartos (Piano)

 

Programme: 

Haydn’s Symphony No 59 (Fire) in A Major

Mozart’s Concerto No 12, K414 in A Major

Beethoven’s 5th Symphony in C minor

 

It was an all “classical” programme for the first concert of the winter season presenting music by the three 18th century “greats”, Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. Although all from the same era, there was plenty of interesting differences in the three works to make absorbing listening.

With over 100 symphonies composed, Haydn, the youngest of the three composers, became known as the Father of the Symphony. Being in permanent employ for most of his life he had ample opportunity to write and perform regularly, and to experiment with varying creative ideas. The Fire Symphony is an early work and illustrates much of the classical traits of the time such as simpler homophonic textures, repeated themes in alternating dynamics, and orchestration that focuses on the strings, punctuated here and there with colourful woodwind interjections and delightful French-Horn effects. Lovely performance by the orchestra!

Mozart’s Concerto K414 illustrates a further development of the classical style with more varied, imitative textures in which the woodwinds play a greater role. The emphasis in this concerto is on the lyrical melodic patterns tossed between soloist and orchestra all skilfully connected by passages of animated scales which provide the soloist with opportunities for virtuoso display. The sunny lyrical character of this concerto and clarity of performance was beautifully captured by pianist Jan Bartos.

Beethoven’s 5th symphony, after interval, saw a distinctive transformation in the orchestra from the chamber-like quality of the first two works, to a much fuller symphonic sound with the addition of brass instruments and more woodwinds.

It was a fine performance of this well-loved work with the conductor, Brandon Phillips in full control. The tempi he chose were perfect throughout, illustrating the amazing thematic development of the famous opening four note motif, and its gradual growth and transformation towards the grand climax in the finale. He maintained a good balance between the various instrumental groups, but in the final bars, the strings would have welcomed a few more players as it required some rather forced bowing for them to match the grand orchestral tutti climax. It was a fine performance and the audience demonstrated their enjoyment with a standing ovation. - Barbara Trofimczyk

There are three more concerts to this season, taking place on Thursday in the Playhouse Opera at 19h00.

To link direct to the KZNPO website, click on the advert at the top right-hand corner of this page.

EMMANUEL BACH & JENNY STERN

(Photographs: Chris Christodoulou – supplied)

(Right: Emmanuel Bach)

Friends of Music are excited to announce the return of the virtuoso British violinist Emmanuel Bach accompanied on piano by Durban born Jenny Stern on June 30 at 14h00 at the Durban Jewish Centre

Two years ago, they delighted us with their inspired performance – and now they are back for more.

Emmanuel Bach is a British-born violinist who has gained considerable recognition in the UK and abroad. He has performed as a soloist and chamber musician at venues such as Wigmore Hall, St George’s Bristol, St Martin-in-the Fields, St James’s Piccadilly and Queen Elizabeth Hall. His playing has taken him to Italy, France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and South Africa.

Emmanuel read Music at Magdalen College, Oxford, gaining a double First. He received his Master’s degree and an Artist Diploma from the Royal College of Music.

(Left: Jenny Stern)

Jenny Stern was born in South Africa. She has performed widely as a soloist, chamber musician and accompanist. Following studies at the Royal College of Music she completed a Masters in South Africa, winning a scholarship for further study abroad.

She has performed extensively in the UK and abroad as a chamber musician and soloist. In South Africa, her major performances include appearances with the Cape Town Symphony Orchestra, KZN Philharmonic and Bloemfontein Symphony Orchestra.  Jenny also regularly performs with violinist Emmanuel Bach.

 

The duo will play:

Beethoven: Sonata No.10 in G, Op.96

Enescu: Impromptu concertante

Sarasate: Habanera, Op.21 No.2, from 'Spanish Dances'

Bloch: Sonata No.2 'Poème mystique' (1924)

Kreisler: Slavonic Fantasie

Saint-Saëns: Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, Op.28

 

Tickets at the door: R120 (Members) R140 (Non-Members).

For more information contact millark.millar@gmail.com or call 0715051021 (Keith)

The Durban Jewish Centre is situated at 44 KE Masinga Road.

 

Sponsored by KZNPAT

 

MILLION DOLLAR WEEKEND: REVIEW

 

The surprisingly simple way to launch a 7-figure business in 48 hours. (Review by Barry Meehan)

“Surprisingly simple”? Maybe to the author, Noah Kagan, who used to work for Facebook, which would have given him the best grounding as regards computing and the internet, but possibly a bit more difficult for us mere mortals. 

Don’t be put off, though – this book might be the kick one needs to get your entrepreneurial spirit into gear.

Firstly – according to Kagan – there are three core steps one needs to take to begin the Million Dollar Weekend process:

 

1. Find a problem people are having that you can solve

2. Craft an irresistible solution whose million dollar-plus potential is backed by simple market research

3. Spend NO MONEY to quickly validate whether your idea is the real deal (or not) by preselling it before you build it

 

So far, so good! But perhaps you have fear and trepidations that need to be overcome before you dive in head-first? Kagan has answers to all the following potential problem areas:

 

1.  “I don’t have any good ideas “

2.  “I have too many ideas “

3. “Starting a business is risky. I’d be nervous about quitting my job”

4. “I’ve started a few different businesses. They do okay and then I lose interest”

5. “How will it scale?”

6. “I don’t have enough time to create a business”

7. “I need to read more, do more research, and be totally prepared before | can start”

8. “I’m broke. I’ve spent so much money and have made zero dollars in profit”

9. I’m not good at marketing”

10. I need a technical co-founder to implement the latest technology”

 

One of the main drawbacks, apparently, in starting a new business is the Fear of Asking. To quote Steve Jobs, founder of Apple, “Most people are afraid to ask. You gotta act. And you gotta be willing to fail.”

So, if you’re not too afraid, Million Dollar Weekend is probably a good read. Who knows – it could work for you, if you’re prepared to put the effort in and follow Kagan’s path to riches. I mean, let’s face it, even a million Rand weekend would be better than your present income, wouldn’t it? - Barry Meehan

Million Dollar Weekend is published by: Ebury Edge, Penguin Random House Uk, penguin.co.uk; ISBN 978-1-52914-618-9

 

A VEGAN GOES TO SANDTON!

 

(Pic supplied)

Award-Winning Comedy "A Vegan Killed My Marriage" comes to Theatre on the Square*

Get ready for a side-splitting one-man show as Durban-based actor Aaron McIlroy stars in A Vegan Killed My Marriage, by multi-award winning director and writer, Craig Freimond. This hilarious production, which won a Bronze Ovation Award at the 2023 National Arts Festival, comes to The Theatre on the Square in Johannesburg from July 1 - 14.

McIlroy, known for his iconic roles in the Spud movie franchise and numerous stage blockbusters, returns to The Theatre on the Square with this long-awaited solo performance. Aaron plays James, the self-proclaimed "King of the Braai - a red-blooded, meat-eating South African male" who undergoes a life-changing experience during a work trip in the KZN Midlands. Fuelled by the impending climate crisis, he makes the life-changing decision to become a vegetarian, much to the dismay of his meat-loving wife.

As James navigates this drastic conversion, the skirmishes at home escalate into a full-blown war. Is it a midlife crisis or will this fundamental change affect everything in James's life, not just food? He may need some new friends, too! McIlroy's brilliant comedic timing and impressive range brings this relatable and entertaining story to life.

Acclaimed writer and director, Craig Freimond's A Vegan Killed My Marriage promises to be a night of hilarity and reflection. Don't miss out on this unforgettable performance!

No under 13s

For more information contact 011 883 8608 or 011 340 8000 or 083 377 4969

Booking is at Computicket.

KOSHA, DIMENSIONS OF BEING

 

(Pic supplied)

The Anubhava School of Dance presents Kosha, a blend of classical, traditional and contemporary dance forms performed to live music, which comes to the Playhouse Opera for two performances only on Saturday June 29 at 14h00 and 18h00.

Kosha showcases a blend of classical, traditional and contemporary dance forms, including African Folk, Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, ballet and modern contemporary styles.

Kosha features a cast of 18 dancers and on-stage musicians from different backgrounds, cultures and traditions. Dancers include Casey Swales, Gabriel Youngstar, Devinaa Morar, Priyen Naidoo, Harshali Naik, Manesh Maharaj, Tanisha Ravjee and Yashmay Sooful. Providing music will be Isaiselvamani Sri Karthiegasen Pillay, Rajive Mohan, Tansen Nepaul, Zawadi Yamungu, Kirthan Pillay, Vitesh Surujbally and Shamand Maharaj and Veedhern Punwasi.

Understanding the notion of Kosha means we become wiser about our essential nature, inspiring self-awareness and self-confidence. Anubhava School of Dance is headed by Sureka Singh; Nikita Ranchod and Nisha Galal.

The show lasts 120 minutes and takes place in the Playhouse Opera Theatre. Booking is at Webtickets

 

EAST COAST RADIO HOUSE + GARDEN SHOW

Come out to play! We’re all going to be at the East Coast Radio House + Garden Show 2024, opening from June 29 to July 7 at the Durban Exhibition Centre. Every day and every night for 9 full days, you’ll get to discover a brand-new world of fresh and fabulous takes on Creating Happy Homes … and you’ll leave with a headful of different ideas, hands full of goodies and gadgets, and a heart full of joyful spoils and inspiration.

 

IT'S A WIN-WIN!

We’ve got all the spoils this year, with over R300,000 worth of competition prizes in cash, products and experiences; not including our legendary Show discounts and specials available every day! Join Plascon as they take you on a fun digital Treasure Hunt, and ka-ching, a chance to step out with R10,000 cash in your pocket. Eye and try your luck at Hirsch’s Mysterious Big Blue Box, packed with appliances, little and large. Peer into the box’s peepholes, check out the contents, estimate the total value, and pop your golden guess into the Entry Box. Best Clue Ever … snoop around the Hirsch’s stand to discover the goods and their prices! Then, for all our budding creatives, Cricut is giving away a whopping R100,000 worth of awesome products when you design a custom shopping bag that everybody loves best! The Cricut experts will assist you with making your actual bag right then and there. Let the voting begin!

The East Coast Radio House + Garden Show caters for dreams too! One Stop Travel has FIVE competition prizes to transport you to other worlds … from local to global, from land to sea, to three hot pairs of rugby tickets for the Castle Lager Rugby Match where SA take on Ireland in Durban on July 13, 2024! Sail away, travel north, south, east or west, or snap up two air tickets on Qatar Airways to Doha for four nights! R100,000 worth of dreams, and all prize winners will be announced at the Show!

 

IT'S A FAMILY AFFAIR

This year’s Show is big on families! It’s the holidays, so bring the children along for the fun and games. We’ve got everything awesome from an outdoor Jungle Gym, Bubble House and Sand Art to the magical indoor Play Space by Melissa and Doug. Your kids can meet their favourite fairytale characters, play dress-up and make-believe and join other friends in a dozen different kids-only workshops – painting with Rapunzel, decorating take-home toadstools, or creating super cool snow globes. Let them listen in to story time, and escape to a fantasy storybook world where they can be whoever they’ve dreamt of being! The great outdoors or the fun-filled indoors - there’s a whole heap of good kids’ things going on at the East Coast Radio House + Garden Show. It’s going to be the best fun ever for kids and parents alike.

 

IT’S A FOODIE FAIR

Food glorious food! This year’s Foodie Fair is a playground of flavours and fresh faces, from tasty newcomers to equally tasty old favourites – they’re pulling out the stops to ensure everybody’s taste buds are catered for! With around 40 fabulous, hand-picked food stalls, what’s it to be today or tonight? Grand gourmet burgers or delectable eisbein, go Mexican or Korean, choose sweet and sticky or something artisanal and curated? All the best brands! And at the heart of it all, is the coolest Gin Garden - bag your barstool for insane cocktails, craft beers, and mellow tunes. Think bright gin cocktails and beer on tap, all washed down with a line-up of musicians ready to entertain at scheduled times throughout the Show. Meet up with mates at the Gin Garden stage to watch and listen to the cool sounds of Matt Gardiner, Freddy L and Tatum Holder. Before, during or after you tour the Show, the Gin Garden will be the best place to be … and be seen. Don’t just visit the Show, come for a day or night on the town. Make it a meal and a Show. It’s all happening at this year’s Foodie Fair at the East Coast Radio House + Garden Show 2024!

 

IT’S AN OUTDOOR PLAYGROUND

Go on, take the family, the Great Outdoors awaits, whether it’s as close as your garden, or as far as unexplored corners of the globe. Stroll through our outdoor lanes, snooping, plotting, planning and shopping your next wild getaway. From rugged little off-roaders to adventure accessories, garden gadgets and 4x4 vehicles, this is where nature waves her wand. A fresh world of adventure awaits you outside at this year’s East Coast Radio House + Garden Show.

 

IT'S A DÉCOR DELIGHT

What’s in, what’s out, what’s hot, what’s not – decor and designs, quick fixes and slow burns, colours you can taste … they’ll all be there at the 2024 East Coast Radio House + Garden Show. Welcome to this year’s powerhouse of local and global design concepts, all collated for you to Create a Happy Home. Come and Discover KZN Design, where local is king - a hand-picked collective of exciting artists, crafters and entrepreneurs, producing dynamic, world-class work right on our doorstep. From unique ceramic pieces to iconic artwork, you’ll want to take one home.

The Show loves to showcase local, but global always gets a big look-in. Whether it’s our favourite demonstrators conjuring up international aromas, flavours and recipes in the madly popular Hirsch Test Kitchen, or the thrill of mind-blowing technology advances as Hirsch’s parades good-looking appliances and very cool gadgets.

We go glocal, too, with glorious colour and décor trends in Plascon’s Showrooms, where we put an up-and-coming interior design agency in the spotlight using two of the latest colour palettes. We lust after the exquisite custom-made Barbet Interiors furniture, and plot how to make one of those pieces our very own.  It’s all about dreaming and scheming at the East Coast Radio House + Garden Show 2024 – and we provide all the stuff of dreams!  

The East Coast Radio House + Garden Show is sponsored by Plascon with Durban Tourism as destination partners.

For more information visit www.housegardenshow.co.za or follow the Show on Instagram and Facebook using @housegardenshow

WHO DID YOU TELL?: REVIEW

 

This book grabs your interest from the start and continues to be a good, compelling read. In fact, I read it twice! (Review by Caroline Smart)

The book is dedicated thus: “For anyone whose life has been affected by addiction”

This might put off some readers who think they are in for a homily on the dangers of addiction but Lesley Kara’s Who Did you Tell? weaves a young woman’s former addiction to alcohol into a gripping story.

Some of the chapters are prefaced by intriguing sections in italics which obviously represent the words of her perpetrator. This identity is only revealed at the end in the novel that is full of twists and turns and startling surprises.

 

Astrid is a former alcoholic who has now moved to live with her long-suffering mother in a small village where she regularly attends AA meetings under mother’s constant supervision.

Among the people she meets at AA are the seemingly-aloof Rosie and the ultra-friendly Helen who does not seem to be sticking to AA rules.

She has a chance encounter on the beach with Josh and there is an immediate attraction. Josh and his father employ her to revive her talent as a scenic artist and do a trompe l‘oeil at their new house. This brings her a revitalised lease of life and creativity. It also helps control her craving for alcohol. She keeps the information about her former addiction from Josh but knows she eventually has to pluck up the courage to tell him.

There is another secret that she only shared with her former boyfriend, Simon. Their relationship broke up when he chose to go sober but when they met again some time later, he went back on the booze and later committed suicide.

Astrid is troubled by another problem. A major one. She feels she is being shadowed. Is someone following her at night on her way back from AA? And who is leaving death threat letters at her home? There’s also the very disturbing smell of Simon’s aftershave. Who could know her dreadful secret? She and Simon swore never to tell anyone but someone must know. Hence the title of the book – Who Did You Tell?

She misinterprets a number of events which sends her tumbling down another troubled path. Kara gets the reader inside Astrid’s head so we follow her jumbled thoughts and stresses.

To reveal more would be to spoil the plot. This book grabs your interest from the start and continues to be a good, compelling read. In fact, I read it twice to follow Kara’s handling of the plot. – Caroline Smart

Who Did You Tell? is published in paperback by Penguin Random House. ISBN 9781787631014

ALEX CROSS MUST DIE: REVIEW

 

“Alex Cross Must Die” is a convoluted thriller well worth reading. It is Patterson at his ultimate solo best. (Review by Barry Meehan for ARTSMART)

James Patterson is billed as “The World’s Bestselling Thriller Writer” on the front cover of his latest novel, “Alex Cross Must Die”. This I can certainly believe, as his output is prolific, with a good few hundred titles listed at the back of this book.

Unfortunately, so many of these titles are co-written with other authors, and one has to wonder just how many were his original idea that he’s passed on to a co-author to flesh out, or how many are conceived and written in their entirety by others, riding on Patterson’s coat-tails.

Be that as it may (and it is only my humble opinion) I much prefer Patterson’s novels when he is the sole author. 

Fortunately, the Alex Cross thrillers are all his work and his alone (apart from one co-authored by Richard DiLallo) and it certainly shows in the writing.

This, the latest, is one of his best, a thriller that leads us down a path where we think we know everything there is to know about the heinous crime committed, but then throws us multiple curveballs, taking our thinking in completely new directions.

American Airlines flight 839, en route from Palm Beach International to Washington DC, is the target of a weapons expert. It is brought down just before the runway, killing everyone on board.

The main question that faces detectives Alex Cross and John Sampson is why that particular flight? Was the perpetrator out to create a name for himself? Or was he targeting one particular individual? If the latter, exactly who is the principal victim and why was he/she taken out?

Patterson weaves a thrilling tale, intertwining the narrative with a second case that Cross and Sampson are battling to solve – a serial killer who has been ambushing young men in what the media have dubbed the “Dead Hours” murders. The killer is this case has to be stopped before he takes anyone else down – and soon!

“Alex Cross Must Die” is a convoluted thriller well worth reading. It is Patterson at his ultimate solo best. - Barry Meehan

Published By Penguin Random House UK: ISBN 978-1-529-13660-9

MY FAVOURITE MISTAKE: REVIEW

I am of the opinion that this storyline has run its course. Her writing has become formulaic and flat. It saddens me to say this, but I will not read another Keyes book – this fan is signing off. (Review by Fiona de Goede)

Anna Walsh ostensibly has it all – an apartment in New York, a caring partner who enjoys cooking for her and a PR job in the beauty industry. This means plenty of free beauty samples, the dream of many a young woman. Yet, Anna feels unfulfilled; something seems to be missing in her life. What with the unexpected onset of early perimenopause, her hormones are all over the place.

She makes a drastic decision to trade her life of glitz and glamour and relocate to a tiny Irish town – Maumtully, population 1,271. This is the spot where her good friends Brigit and Colm are in the process of setting up a luxury retreat, wedding venue and coastal resort. They urgently need PR as the local townsfolk are disgruntled and acts of sabotage are starting to emerge.

Anna feels she is well up for the task but then an unexpected character from her past, Joey Armstrong, appears on the scene. This can potentially be a huge spanner in the works as the two of them have quite a history with unfinished business that needs to be resolved, once and for all.

The drama then unfolds at a glacial pace and I felt myself wanting to skim read and omit huge chunks of this top-heavy tale – but I bravely soldiered on, waiting for a glimmer of something. Perhaps an unexpected twist?  Unfortunately, this was not to be and after wading through more than 500 pages of not very good writing, I was relieved when the saga was finally wrapped up.  With a pretty bow, of course.

The author flung one character after the other at the reader – it was exhausting trying to keep count of who was who, what they actually had to do with the storyline and why they were even mentioned. Here’s a taste:   Courtney, Colm, Queenie, Brigit, Ree, Ben, Hal, Karina, Aber, Ziryan, Vivian, Grainne, Teagan, Steve, Augustina Mahon, Hardware Ralph, Ferne, Rionna, the Custard Creams, Ike Blakely and a whole throng of Beardy Glarers I found it difficult to differentiate between.

Through the years I have read many, if not all of Marian Keyes’ novels – she often featured the Walsh family and we got to know the sisters very well.  However, I am of the opinion that this storyline has run its course.  Her writing has become formulaic and flat. It saddens me to say this, but I will not read another Keyes book – this fan is signing off.  So long Marian. - Fiona de Goede

Publisher: Penguin Random House, South Africa. ISBN 978-0-241-44115-2

 

Kickstart's The Emperor's New Clothes: Review

(Many thanks for this review by Carol King)

Kickstart have done it again. In arrangement with DALRO (Pty Limited), they have brought magic to the stage once more. Together with the music of Stephen Flaherty and the lyrics and book by Lynne Ahrens, the show is a wonderful mini musical - just perfect for the school holidays. It is also a show that does justice to the talents of everyone involved.

The musical is based on Hans Christian Anderson's fairy tale which is concerned with a vain and selfish emperor who is obsessed with his outer appearance. Ahrens and Flaherty change the story somewhat and present the emperor as a 14-year-old who is insecure in his new role as leader. He is a bookworm and has to learn whom he should trust. Making friends with the lowly scrub boy along the way, the young emperor comes to realise that clothes do not make the person and that friendship and telling the truth are important. In typical musical style, the story is told through both the spoken word and song.

Directed by the talented Steven Stead and with the amazing set design by Greg King, the stage transports the audience into the world of the emperor. Roland Perold takes on several roles - musical director, vocal arrangements and the character of the Swindler. He is ably supported by Lyle Buxton (William, advisor to the emperor), Marion Loudon (Deena, the clothesmaker), Mthokozisi Zulu (Arno, the scrub boy) and, of course, Daniel Anderson in the title role as Emperor Marcus lll. Amahle Tembe, Roshanda Lewis and Keryn Lynne Scott take on the roles of the three villagers. All the actors have an amazing presence on the stage and the audience can easily relate to the characters they portray.

The duration of the show is 65 minutes - definitely a mini musical. But it is a show that keeps you entertained throughout and wanting more at the end.

The show runs from 14 June - 7 July at the Sneddon Theatre. It is a must for holiday entertainment.

 

REVIEW: KZNPO SYMPHONY CONCERT @ THE PLAYHOUSE OPERA THEATRE --- THURSDAY 6^th JUNE 2024

CONDUCTOR  :  Brandon Phillips

SOLOIST : Jan Bartos (Piano)

Programme  :  Haydn’s Symphony No 59 (Fire) in A Major

                        Mozart’s Concerto No 12, K414 in A Major

                     Beethoven’s 5^th Symphony in C minor

 

  It was an all “classical” programme for the first concert of the winter season presenting music by the three 18^th century “greats”, Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. Although all from the same era, there was plenty of interesting differences in the three works to make absorbing listening.

  With over 100 symphonies composed, Haydn, the youngest of the three composers, became known as the Father of the Symphony. Being in permanent employ for most of his life he had ample opportunity to write and perform regularly, and to experiment with varying creative ideas. The ‘Fire’ Symphony is an early work and illustrates much of the classical traits of the time such as simpler homophonic textures, repeated themes in alternating dynamics, and orchestration that focuses on the strings, punctuated here and there with colourful woodwind interjections and delightful French-Horn effects. Lovely performance by the orchestra!

   Mozart’s Concerto K414 illustrates a further development of the classical style with more varied, imitative textures in which the woodwinds play a greater role. The emphasis in this concerto is on the lyrical melodic patterns tossed between soloist and orchestra all skilfully connected by passages of animated scales which provide the soloist with opportunities for virtuoso display. The sunny lyrical character of this concerto and clarity of performance was beautifully captured by pianist Jan Bartos.

   Beethoven’s 5^th symphony, after interval, saw a distinctive transformation in the orchestra from the chamber-like quality of the first two works, to a much fuller symphonic sound with the addition of brass instruments and more woodwinds. It was a fine performance of this well-loved work with the conductor, Brandon Phillips in full control. The tempi he chose were perfect throughout, illustrating the amazing thematic development of the famous opening 4 note motif, and its gradual growth and transformation towards the grand climax in the finale. He maintained a good balance between the various instrumental groups, but in the final bars, the strings would have welcomed a few more players as it required some rather forced bowing for them to match the grand orchestral tutti climax. It was a fine performance and the audience demonstrated their enjoyment with a standing ovation.

Barbara Trofimczyk