UMQOBOTHI, UBHOKWENI NEJUBA & PRIMORDIAL

 

(Above: Image from “uMqombothi, uBhokweni neJuba” by Russel Hlongwane and Tammy Langtry. Pic supplied)

KZNSA Gallery is to host the following exhibitions: uMqombothi, uBhokweni ne Juba, a duo exhibition by Russel Hlongwane and Tammy Langtry, and Primordial by Pauline Gutter opening on Friday, May 24, 2024.

A starting point for the uMqombothi, uBhokweni ne Juba installation is the South African Native Beer Act of 1908, a state sanctioned act that illegalised and controlled the age-old production of traditional sorghum-based beer called umqombothi. The implementation of this act was part of a global colonial system, termed alco-colonisation, in which the production and trade of alcohol was used to dispossess Black peoples in the so-called colonies across the African continent. This work, however, focuses on a sequence of events that played out in Durban as a consequence under, what came to be known as the Durban System. At the forefront of the resistance to the said system were black women who eventually staged the Beerhall Riots of 1959.

The exhibition runs from May 24 to Sunday, June 16, 2024, in the KZNSA’s Main Gallery.

 

(Above: Image from “Primordial” by Pauline Gutter. Pic supplied)

Pauline Gutter says “In Primordial, the focus is on the natural world, be it in a majestic or destructive way. Here I am interested in nature; in magical ley lines and in a time that was slower and, in the end, so much more human, while at the same time innately elemental.

“Environmentally, we risk being the first species to create our own mass extinction. Psychologically and sociologically, we are already a different species where hypersensitivity, depression and anxiety rule the day. Even our bodies have changed: with limited access to physical mobility and ever-increasing access to “modern conveniences”, we are more fragile and less robust than our ancestors.

“All this has led to a significant shift in how we act, see, look, make and think.”

Primordial runs from May 24 to Sunday June 16, 2024, in the Mezzanine and Park Galleries.

The KZNSA (KwaZulu Natal Society of Arts) is situated at 166 Bulwer Road, Glenwood, Durban. For more information phone 031 277 1705 or visit www.kznsagallery.co.za

DURBAN FILMMART CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF DEMOCRACY

 

Durban FilmMart Celebrates 30 Years of Democracy in South Africa: Harnessing the Power of Cinema for Transformation

The Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI) presents the 15th edition of its flagship event, Durban FilmMart (DFM), under the theme African Visions Unleashed: From Disruption to Accountability, which will take place in Durban from July 19 to 22, 2024.

As South Africa celebrates 30 years of democracy this year, the Durban FilmMart 2024 edition embraces three decades of legacy and transformation. DFM has been instrumental in shaping discussions about the South African film industry, and over its 15-year existence, it has fostered a symbiotic relationship between filmmakers and the wider industry. Promoting 30 years of democracy, the DFM 2024 programme will feature a series of SA In Focus sessions, as well as the DFM Access Programme, exploring the South African film industry's development, challenges, and aspirations.

As Magdalene Reddy, Director of the Durban FilmMart Institute, expresses, "Celebrating 30 years of democracy in South Africa at DFM means reflecting on the multiplicity of opportunities our democracy has created for local filmmakers. As we look back on the progress made – from creativity and resilience to strategic thinking – our democracy has not only provided access to platforms but has also opened doors to diverse storytelling, enabling filmmakers to tackle bold and disruptive narratives.

“This year’s SA In Focus programme illustrates the amazing industry access availability to South African filmmakers by highlighting key industry bodies that have shaped our cinematic landscape. Looking forward, we aim to foster an industry that is more inclusive, diverse, and globally competitive. Our democracy has given us a stage, and it is up to us to fill it with stories that resonate, challenge, and inspire."

 

SA in Focus Sessions at DFM

The State of the South African Audio-Visual Industry

The event's SA In Focus programme starts with a comprehensive look at the state of the South African audio-visual industry. This panel will assess initiatives by film commissions and key industry institutions that continue to shape South Africa as a pillar of the global film industry. By bringing together representatives from different facets of the industry, the discussion aims to provide a holistic understanding of the current landscape while exploring strategies to foster growth and innovation.

 

Regulating The Production Sector – A Roadmap To Fair Working Conditions

Amid a dynamic and creative production environment, the Film/TV production sector remains largely unregulated. The panel led by the South African Guild of Actors (SAGA) will tackle this issue head-on, focusing on a roadmap to establish fair working conditions across the production sector. Technical crew, writers, editors, and background actors all play a crucial role in production, yet remain vulnerable to exploitative working conditions and pay rates. This session seeks to explore viable solutions to ensure fair treatment and sustainable livelihoods for all creative practitioners.

 

The Business of Storytelling: Envisioning a New African Business Model

Navigating the business side of storytelling is essential in the ever-changing film and television production landscape. This panel, hosted by the Writers Guild of South Africa (WGSA), will delve into the business of storytelling, focusing on envisioning a new African business model. As many writers find themselves wearing multiple hats (writer/producer, writer/director, writer/showrunner), they must balance creativity with business acumen. Panelists will discuss strategies for choosing the right platform, whether traditional broadcasting, streaming, or digital, and ensuring writers are not excluded from revenue sharing in their projects.

 

30 Years and Counting: The Evolution of Women's Portrayal on Screen

Presented in partnership with Sisters Working in Film and Television (SWIFT), this panel will explore the journey of women's representation in film and television over the past 30 years. From early portrayals to contemporary progress and challenges, the discussion will highlight the role of film and TV in shaping perceptions of gender and identity while emphasising ongoing efforts toward greater inclusivity and representation.

 

Growth Strategies for the Animation Industries of the African Continent

The animation industry is gaining momentum across Africa. This panel, led by Animation SA, brings together industry representatives to discuss regional and continental growth strategies. Properly implemented growth strategies are vital in identifying enablers, mitigating risks, and ensuring return on investment. Social responsibility remains critical, as marginalised communities must also benefit from these strategies to participate in the animation industry.

 

Harnessing Cultural Diversity for International Distribution

South Africa's rich cultural diversity presents a unique opportunity to showcase diverse narratives on a global stage. This panel, led by the Independent Producers Organisation (IPO), will explore the strategies, challenges, and successes involved in international distribution while embracing the representation of South African culture. Representatives from leading production companies, distribution agencies, and film commissions will share insights into global market trends, audience preferences, and the role of cultural authenticity in international reception.

 

Actionable Futures: Crafting a Roadmap for Accessible Archives in South Africa

Presented in partnership with the Documentary Filmmakers Association (DFA), this panel is the final instalment of a three-part series spanning the Joburg Film Festival and Encounters. It will tackle the critical challenges and aspirations confronting the South African documentary film community, focusing on the hurdles of obtaining archival material. By bringing together key stakeholders, the session aims to foster dialogue and develop solutions that will ensure accessible and affordable archive usage.

 

The Last 30 Years: Pioneers and Disruptors & The Way Forward

Reflecting on the last 30 years of democracy and our audiovisual industry, this panel by the Independent Black Filmmakers Collective (IBFC) will offer insights into the ideas and actions that propel the industry forward. With a conversation centred around creativity, transformation, and the importance of cultural and creative industries, the discussion will explore the IBFC’s role in nurturing the next generation of filmmakers and what the next 30 years hold.

 

Looking forward, DFM 2024 will emphasise opportunities and accountability in the South African film industry, ensuring that filmmakers can utilise a diverse range of resources and networks. The programme builds on previous themes like African Constellations (2023) and Revolution/Evolution: Changing the Narrative (2022), which both explored the expansive potential of African cinema and its capacity to thrive globally.

Early Bird registration for participation is now open until May 31, 2024.

For more information and to register, visit https://durbanfilmmart.co.za/

 

The Durban FilmMart Institute receives principal funding from the Durban Film Office and the eThekwini Municipality. For further inquiries, contact: info@durbanfilmmart.com 

 

 

Durban FilmMart Institute is the business hub of the African film industry in a world where film professionals and content are globally competitive and celebrated. The mission of the Durban FilmMart Institute is to provide appropriate and effective programmes and services to promote, support and facilitate investment in the African film industry.

 

KZN INLAND MATRIC ART EXHIBITION 2024

KZN Inland Matric Art Exhibition 2024 opens on May 23 at 18h00 to run until July 28, 2024, at 17h00 in the Main Gallery at Tatham Art Gallery in Pietermaritzburg.

The Guest Speaker at the opening on May 23 will be Dr Jessica Lindiwe Draper.

This annual exhibition highlights art works created by Matric art students from schools in Pietermaritzburg and further inland. Art students are challenged by the different themes prescribed by the School Examinations Board and are encouraged and nurtured by their art teachers to explore different techniques and media.

A presentation on Africa Day will be given on Thursday May 23, 2024, at 17h30.

Booking is essential, as numbers are limited. RSVP to pinky.nkabinde@msunduzi.gov.za or call 033 392 2823 and to reena.bhoodram@msunduzi.gov.za or call 033 392 2811 to reserve your seat.

The Tatham Art Gallery is situated on the second floor, Chief Albert Luthuli Street in Pietermaritzburg. For more information contact Pinky.Nkabinde@msunduzi.gov.za

SABELO NGCOBO FOR ST CLEMENTS

 

(Sabelo Ngcobo. Pic supplied)

 

Pieter Scholtz and friends invite patrons to a special musical evening in the Mondays @ 6 at St Clements programme on June 3, 2024.

Baritone Sabelo Ngcobo will entertain and delight audiences with a selection from his repertoire, which will include Metà di voi qua vadano (from Don Giovanni), Ombra mai fu (Handel’s Largo), O Sole Mio (a Pavarotti favourite), Malaika (Afro-pop), Lakutshon’ilanga (think Miriam Makeba), Mi Casa Su Casa (back to Perry Como), If I Were a Rich Man (from Fiddler on the Roof), The Holy City (gospel), Go Down Moses (think Paul Robeson), Your Man (country), My Way (Sinatra), Can’t Help but Falling in Love (Elvis). This brief selection will hopefully give you a hint of what to look forward to.

Sabelo Ngcobo started singing - as in first “found his voice” and had his early talent recognised - when he was a primary school pupil at Edamini Primary School, a pillar of the educational landscape in the Shongweni Dam community. “I started my singing career in 2008 while in the choir at primary school, where my music teacher was Mr Vusi Zwane,” he says.

In 2019, he took voice lessons with Ros Conrad, choir director for the Durban Symphonic Choir, for which he sings. He is currently doing private vocal training under opera singer and teacher Sandile Mabaso, who in turn began his musical training at the Drakensberg Boys’ Choir School.

Ngcobo performed solo in 2011 and 2012 at the SA Schools Competition Eisteddfod. In 2019, he won first place in the adult section at the eThekwini Eisteddfod Competition.

He says: “Since then I have performed many times, both formally and informally. I love performing. Sharing my talent through song allows me to connect with my community and my audience on a deep and intimate level. Through song, I am able to bring smiles to the faces of others, tears of joy, and to invoke memories and happiness in people’s lives.

“Representing KwaZulu-Natal back in 2011 was truly special for me. I realised then that whatever I was doing wasn't just for me. I saw I was able to inspire the people back home as well. That moment pushed me to continue singing and fed my passion.”

Among his many gigs, Ngcobo hosted a Christmas concert in December 2019 at The Talkhouse Café in Westville (where he often sings as the 'resident' baritone barista). He has sung a number of times at the Shongweni Market (most recently for Mother’s Day), at Music and Art in the Park, at corporate events, community events and in Mozart’s Requiem with the KZN Philharmonic.

When the donation box is passed around, generosity is encouraged and a minimum of R50 per person. The plan is to be outdoors. If it is chilly, remember to dress accordingly. If it rains, they will need to set up indoors.

Bookings limited to diners in support of St Clements restaurant and staff. They stay open specially for these programmes Be there in time to order before the performance, scheduled to start at 18h00

Table bookings essential: RSVP ST Clements 031 202 2511. Please cancel if you book then can’t make it as they often close booking due to space constraints.

St Clements is situated at 191 Musgrave Road in Durban. Mondays @ Six run between 18h00 and 19h00.

APPLICATIONS FOR JOMBA! 2024 OPEN

 

(Above: KwaMashu School of Dance Theatre perform at the JOMBA! Youth Open Horizons at JOMBA! 2023. Choreography by Vusi Makanya)

Pics supplied

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS:

JOMBA! LIVE OPEN HORIZONS: June 20 by 17h00 - https://forms.office.com/r/MSyDPxqcic

 JOMBA! DIGITAL OPEN HORIZONS: July 4 by 17h00 - https://forms.office.com/r/KhHYF2jKsg

 

Applications to perform and showcase dance work at JOMBA! 2024 now open

The 26th annual JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience, hosted by UKZN’s Centre for Creative Arts, is a carefully curated contemporary dance festival and for 2024 there are three distinct performance platforms that are open for application and participation.

For the first time post Covid-19 shut down, JOMBA! which takes place from August 27 to September 8, re-opens its hugely popular JOMBA! LIVE OPEN HORIZONS (formerly known as the JOMBA! Fringe) platform. Eight x 6-8-minute live works are selected, via an online application process, to showcase at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre with the full support of a professional technical crew.

(Right: Digital Horizons 1st place 2023 “Not from here” by Oscar O'Ryan and Louise Coetzer)

The opportunity is open to any and all dancers and choreographers over 16 years of age working in a contemporary idiom. 

Historically, the JOMBA! Fringe has played host to dancers like Musa Hlatshwayo, Fana Tshabalala and Lorin Sookool to name only a few. The independent JOMBA! jury also awards the most promising and cutting edge work a small cash prize of R2,000 on the showcase night.

Secondly, JOMBA! remains the only dance festival on the African continent that offers a dedicated space to support screen dance and screen dance choreographers. Screen dance really took off under Covid-19 and what began to emerge were a range of African creatives who fell in love with this digital genre and are still making detailed, beautiful and deeply moving short dance films. In honour of keeping the form alive JOMBA! 2024 continues its JOMBA! DIGTIAL OPEN HORIZONS platform. Entry is via an online form and a submission for pre-selection of the short films by the JOMBA! Digital jury. Prizes are R1,500 for second place and R2,000 for first place.

(Left: Kala Darshan's Institute of classical music and dance with choreography by Manesh Maharaj at 2023 Youth Horizons)

Thirdly, in what is often considered the JOMBA! dance event with the most joy, delight and sheer talent is the annual JOMBA! YOUTH OPEN HORIZONS platform. 

Hosted at The Stable Theatre, this youth dance platform is a celebration of the incredible dance work being done by young dancers (under the age of 16 yrs). 

All styles are welcomed form hip hop, pantsula, Ndlamu, contemporary dance, ballet, Kathak. This is a day to celebrate any and all young dance happening in eThekwini and surrounding areas. 

There is only place for 12 groups so early application (via an online form) is encouraged. A small lunch is offered to all youth participants on the day.

 

(Right: Nina Wabantu” Choreography Thulisile Binda JOMBA! Fringe 2019)

 

Application forms here:

 

JOMBA! LIVE OPEN HORIZONS: https://forms.office.com/r/MSyDPxqcic

Closing date for applications is Thursday June 20 by17h00.

JOMBA! DIGITAL OPEN HORIZONS:  https://forms.office.com/r/KhHYF2jKsg

Closing date for applications is Thursday July 4 by 17h00.

JOMBA! YOUTH OPEN HORIZONS: https://forms.office.com/r/bjcmQfnfJa

Closing date for applications is Thursday June 20 by 17h00.

 

No late entries will be considered.

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

ENTRIES OPEN FOR SASOL NEW SIGNATURES 2024

 

(Above: Winner 2024: Nosiviwe Matikinca. Courtesy of Sasol New Signatures)

Entries are now officially open and the search has begun for South Africa’s new artistic talent in the annual Sasol New Signatures Art Competition 2024. For 34 years, the competition has served as a symbol for unrestricted creativity and artistic exploration in the country’s visual arts community.

The theme for Sasol New Signatures 2024 campaign is Articulate, celebrating the universal human desire for self-expression and connection. It showcases how art can transcend barriers of language, culture, time, and background, allowing emerging artists to express their true selves and connect with others in infinite ways.

Pfunzo Sidogi, Chairperson of Sasol New Signatures, says: “An exciting development for 2024 is the addition of a new collection point in Potchefstroom. This will give emerging artists from the greater North West Province region an avenue to showcase their talent, and underscores the competition’s commitment to developing and celebrating the visual arts in all parts of the country.

“We are searching for South Africa’s newest artistic talent and this competition provides a platform for artists to express themselves freely and fearlessly and connect with others in infinite ways. It’s a celebration of individuality and artistic expression, showing the power of art to connect us. We invite artists to submit artworks crafted using unique styles and unconventional techniques that defy traditional boundaries and expectations.”

For more information: www.sasolsignatures.co.za

 CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION

https://artafricamagazine.org/entries-open-for-sasol-new-signatures-2024/?utm_source=ART+AFRICA+Weekly+Newsletter&utm_campaign=fd544119e6-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_26-04-24&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_9ee53223f7-fd544119e6-72628557&mc_cid=fd544119e6&mc_eid=fa81c92c73

 

Durban Entries for the 2024 Sasol New Signatures Art Competition can be submitted to the KZNSA Gallery, 166 Bulwer Road, Glenwood, Durban Tel: 031 277 1705 | Email: gallery@kznsagallery.co.za

 

CLICK HERE FOR ENTRY FORM

http://chrome-extension//efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.sasolsignatures.co.za/sites/sasol_signature_live/files/Sasol%20New%20Signatures%20Entry%20Form%202024.pdf

 

 

 

LAUNCH OF “NICK PITMAN’S JUICEBOX”

 

(Left: Nick Pitman)

The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music will present the official album launch of “Nick Pitman’s Juicebox” on Wednesday May 22, 2024, at 17h30.

Nick Pitman is a guitarist, producer, and music educator based in Durban, South Africa. He has carved a dynamic path over the last decade within the city's vibrant music scene. 

Renowned for his ability to traverse diverse genres and push the boundaries of musical conventions, Pitman has earned recognition from both local artists and the wider South African music community.

 

Having garnered accolades, Pitman was selected for the Standard Bank National Youth Jazz Band in 2016 and 2017 while he was still a UKZN music student. His musical journey took him to Cape Town, showcasing original compositions with guest artists, and onto the stage at the Oslo Jazz Festival in Norway in 2016. In 2022, he was one of the acts which performed for the renowned South African Jazz Venue, The Rainbow's, Summer Series of concerts, celebrating the club's 41st birthday.

On the line-up were the likes of Sibusiso Mashiloane, Bheki Khoza and Melvin Peters. Apart from performing his own music, he is and has been a band member for prominent figures like Brian Thusi, Sibusiso Mashiloane, Andile Yenana, McCoy Mrubata, and Lu Dlamini.

For the creation of his debut album, Nick Pitman's Juice Box, he teamed up with some of Durban's finest musicians. The album is a meticulously-crafted fusion of original compositions spanning the last five years and selections from his university days. The recorded album is a culmination of a Crowd-Funding campaign which Pitman began in August 2023. The fund was highly successful and reached the goal set out. Along with this campaign, Pitman was also awarded the SAMRO Music Creation Support Fund in 2023. These funds have been immensely helpful in allowing Pitman the opportunity to hire a great studio, musicians and visual artists to realise his vision.

The album comprises 10 songs, 9 of which are original compositions and the last being his own version of Kwa-Zulu Natal guitarist, Sandile Shange's tune, iZolo. The band includes the line up from the evening as well as, Martin Sigamoney on alto-saxophone. It was recorded at Headroom Studios in Durban by engineer Marius Botha. The album promises to be a compelling showcase of Pitman's artistic evolution and his commitment to pushing musical boundaries

Nick Pitman (guitar), will be joined by Ntokozo Nibande (trumpet), Siyalo Zulu (trombone), Bruce Baker (drums), Burton Naidoo (keys) and Braydon Hore (bass).

CDs and USBs will be on sale at the door. The music will also be available for digital download

The concert takes place at the UKZN Centre for Jazz and Popular Music on Wednesday 22, 2024. Doors open at 17h00, Music starts at 17h30

Tickets R110 (R80 pensioners, R50 students)

Online Tickets available on webtickets:

https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/Event.aspx?itemid=1546956619

The Centre is at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Howard College Campus, Dennis Shepstone Building, Level 2.

THEATRE STALWARTS HONOURED AT ARTFLUENCE HUMAN RIGHTS FESTIVAL

In celebration of artistic resistance, The Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal announced South African theatre stalwarts, and founders of the Sibikwa Arts Centre, Phyllis Klotz and Smal Ndaba, as joint recipients of the 4th annual Artfluence Human Rights Award, during the six-day festival that took place from May 3 to 8 in Durban.

Ismail Mahomed, the Director of the Centre for Creative Arts, said: “For nearly half a century, Smal Ndaba and Phyllis Klotz have been at the forefront of producing original theatre productions that courageously confront social injustices. Their collaborative efforts have created an important historical archive, showcasing how culture has contributed to South Africa’s liberation struggle. Their post-apartheid work continues to make a dynamic contribution by building a critical and engaged citizenry. This work celebrates the vital role the arts play in strengthening South Africa’s constitutional democracy”.

The 2024 Artfluence Youth Activism Human Rights Award was presented to cultural curator, arts coordinator and writer, Faye Kabali-Kagwa. In 2023, Faye was the curator for the Cradle of Creativity Festival which took place in Johannesburg and featured 27 productions from South Africa and abroad. In her work with ASSITEJ South Africa, she runs the Unlocking Learners’ Creativity project in the Western Cape, as well as heading the 10 Children project, amongst others. In 2021, she was recognised as one of 200 Young Influential South Africans by the Mail & Guardian.

“Faye Kabali-Kagwa is a dynamic and visionary young creative, curator and writer,” says Siphindile Hlongwa, the co-curator of the Artfluence Human Rights Festival. “Her passion for creating safe spaces for children and her visionary curation of the 2023 Cradle of Creativity position her as an influential young artist. Her commitment to human rights and social justice makes her an inspiring young leader.”

The weeklong exploration that took place in Durban examined the power of art as a defender of social justice and human rights and offered a whole new experience for festival participants. Structured as a six-day residency with intense roundtable discussions, site visits and performances, festival delegates were able to fully immerse themselves in the festival experience and engage with the complex issues about human rights and social justice. The festival’s partnership with the African Festival Network offered invaluable opportunities for exploring cross-border collaborations for the future.

Mahomed adds: “Our recipients of the Human Rights Award, joint winners Phyllis Klotz and Smal Ndaba, and the winner of the Youth Activism Award, Faye Kabali-Kabwa demonstrated that festivals can be dynamic platforms for cross-generational and intra-generational dialogue.”

 

For more information on the Centre for Creative Arts click on the logo advert to the right of this article.

THE ISLAND OF MISTS AND MIRACLES: REVIEW

 

I enjoyed this little book – at just over 200 pages it’s certainly not a tome. It is an elegant offering with beautifully nuanced writing and an intriguing story line. (Review by Fiona de Goede)

 Victoria Mas’s novel The Island Of Mists And Miracles is set on a small island, at the northern tip of Brittany. 

The author manages to capture the spirit of the community, the ambience of the island and the lives of the islanders with great sensitivity and almost poetic beauty.

 In 1830 a young novice, Catherine Laboure, was granted a vision of the Virgin Mary.

 Two hundred years later, firmly under the impression that she would personally witness an apparition of the Blessed Virgin, Sister Anne accepts the mission to visit the island. 

However, once she arrives there, she realises that she is, in fact, not the intended recipient of the visitation.

Isaac, a young teenage boy who lives on the island with his father, experiences a series of visions. The news of Isaac’s sightings spread like wildfire and the islanders’ reactions vary between scepticism and belief.

When Julia, a young girl diagnosed with chronic asthma is miraculously cured, families are torn apart and tragic consequences are of course inevitable.

I enjoyed this little book – at just over 200 pages it’s certainly not a tome. It is an elegant offering with beautifully nuanced writing and an intriguing story line.

The book is translated from the French by Frank Wynne and is done so superbly. This is the second novel by Victoria Mas – she is the bestselling author of The Mad Women’s Ball, now a film. Fiona de Goede

The Island Of Mists And Miracles by Victoria Mas is published by Penguin - ISBN 978-0-8575-2937-4

HOME AFFAIRS

 

(Above: Lawrence Joffe & Sello Ramolahloane)

Brace yourself for a comical adventure presented by Sello Ramolahloane and Lawrence Joffe in Home Affairs.

Two men, A government department, A crisis. Brought together by the great unifier, load shedding. forced to talk about more than the weather and the state of power in the country, they find that they might have more in common than they initially imagined. or maybe not. either way, it all comes down to the light bulb. How may South African men will it take to fix it?

What begins as a bureaucratic exchange quickly ignites into a rollercoaster of wit, intrigue, and unexpected friendship, when two men at Home Affairs are plunged into the darkness of load-shedding.

There’s only one performance in the Playhouse Loft on May 18, 2024, at 14h30. Tickets R100. Booking is at Webtickets.

JOMBA! MASIHAMBISANE DIALOGUES

The annual online South African contemporary dance conference JOMBA! MASIHAMBISANE DIALOGUES, hosted by the UKZN’s Centre for Creative Arts’ JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience, and taking place from May 22 to 24, 2024, features dance-makers, academics, dancers, educators and researchers from 11 countries including Brazil, Canada, Cape Verde, France, Germany, South Africa, UK, USA, and Zimbabwe. The theme or “provocation” this year is (RE)TURN TO THE DRUM? looking at contemporary dance’s engagements with traditions, cultures, memory, hybridity, and contested identities.

The conference which is free and open to all interested features keynote addresses, panel discussions, as well as “abstracts or papers” presented by participants including:

Dada Masilo, Robyn Orlin, Mamela Nyamza, Vincent Sekwati Mantsoe, and Moeketsi Koena with papers and abstracts presented by 12 participants.

The conference will be streamed live on YouTube on the following link https://www.youtube.com/jomba_dance.

For more information and news as well as the schedule – go to:

https://jomba.ukzn.ac.za/masihambisane-dialogues/

KZN YOUTH ORCHESTRA FUNDRAISER

(Conductor Lykele Temmingh)

The KZN Youth Orchestra will perform a fundraiser concert for the Westville Conservancy on Friday May 24 in the Westville Methodist Church at 18h00.

The KZN Youth Orchestra is home to around 60 young classical musicians, ranging in ages between 10 and 20 who all are quite advanced musically.  Many great musicians have passed through their doors and continue to make their mark in the music industry.

The KZNYO is conducted by Lykele Temmingh, with narration by Cathy Peacock. 

The hour-long concert will encompass a variety of genres including music from the Baroque and Romantic periods, movies and musicals and rock and pop. 

Enjoy music from Swan Lake, The chorus of the Hebrew slaves, Skyfall, How to train your dragon, numbers such as Sweet Caroline and some South African music as well.

Tickets R100 (R80 pensioners and scholars).  Booking is through Quicket. Look for ‘Sunset Concert.’ There will be a coffee barrow outside for refreshments.

Call/ whatsapp Cathy on 0823498362 for more information.