DAVE PHILLIPS FOR MONDAYS AT ST CLEMENTS

Monday 4th May, 2026 — 6pm

Table Bookings Essential: RSVP ST Clements +27 62 582 0980

 

Mondays @ Six at St Clements for some chill (and hot) May vibes with Dave Phillips who will tell stories from his erstwhile Durban gig days (Funky’s, Fozzi’s, Cattleman, etc) and share (guitar and vocals) a selection of some of his favourite Leonard Cohen, Jim Croce, Tom Waits, Bruce Springsteen, Simon & Garfunkel (plus-plus) numbers.

Dave Phillips was born and raised in Durban. He is a practising senior counsel advocate at the Durban Bar who played on the Durban music venue circuit from about 1980 to the mid-90s and “continued to play on other occasions thereafter…”. He says we can expect “easy listening” acoustic guitar and vocal tunes (covers only), the likes of Jim Croce, Simon & Garfunkel, Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits, Bruce Springsteen, Doby Gray, David Gray and others.

He will intersperse the songs with reminiscences about his musical journey through Durban, those club-gig days and venues that some of us will likely remember.

It was the legendary Tony Fisher (who most recently, with David Fisher, Blarney and Son, did the fabulous Mondays at Six tribute evening to our late friend, Graham Linscott), who suggested Dave Phillips would be a fabulous choice for a Monday at Six. Happily, Dave said yes. You can follow (and hear) Dave Phillips on Facebook. 

 

About Dave Phillips: Richard Haslop writes:

“When the very young Dave Phillips went to his first guitar lessons, his teacher, none other than ’60s Durban pop star Dickie Loader, told his parents to get him a decent guitar. Fortunately, they listened. They also sent him to law school, but for years, and despite the legal qualifications that would eventually lead him to a most successful career as senior counsel and acting judge, he made the kind of money playing residencies around the watering holes and eating establishments of Durban that other young professionals, without his musical skill, could only dream of. Guitars are still his abiding passion and he knows an awful lot about them.

"More importantly, though, he remains an extremely fine singer and strong player who no longer plays often enough in public.

"That his unerring ear for melody and his ability to put across great songs, whether they be in a folk, blues or acoustic-rock style, so that they always sound fresh, continue to have broad appeal, is obvious from the comments he receives for the performances he posts online from time to time.”   

 

When the donation box is passed around, generosity is requested and a minimum of R50 per person.

Weather permitting, the performance will take place outdoors.

Bookings limited to diners in support of St Clements restaurant and staff.

Single folk are welcome to book for one person and join a table.

Be there in time to open your tab, order at the counter and settle in before the scheduled 18h00 start. Please cancel if you book then can’t make it.

St Clements is in Musgrave Road, Durban.

SYMPHONIC CELEBRATION: MANDISI DYANTYIS

 

Imagine: the beautiful compositions of Mandisi Dyantyis, with his powerful voice accompanied by his regular band and singers, and then ... for electric impact ... add the rich sound of the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra.

Mandisi Dyantyis, in collaboration with Real Wired Music, present exquisitely orchestrated arrangements that elevate some of Mandisi's most beautiful songs to another level. Compositions from Cwaka, Somandla and Intlambululu will feature in the night's repertoire.

The last few shows he presented at The Playhouse Opera Theatre were all SOLD OUT, so don't hesitate to get your tickets!

 

CONCERT 1: 19h30, May 29, Playhouse

Conductor: Daniel Boico

Soloist:  Elvin Ganiyev, violin

Beethoven: Egmont Overture

Dvořák: Violin Concerto, Op. 53 in a minor

Brahms: Symphony No. 3, Op. 90 in F Major

 

 

CONCERT 2: 19h30, May 30, Playhouse

Conductor: Alexandra Arrieche

Soloist: Federico Colli, piano

 

Curtain Raiser performed by the KZN Youth Orchestra:

Schumann: Piano Concerto, Op. 54

Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 3, “Scottish”

 

Booking is at Webtickets

DR MADALA KUNENE UNVEILS NEW VOCAL COLLABORATION

 

(Dr Madala Kunene. Pic supplied)

 

Dr Madala Kunene Unveils New Vocal Collaboration and Cross-Cultural “Twosday” Performance for Africa Month 2026

Celebrated guitarist and cultural icon Dr Madala Kunene, widely known as the “King of Zulu Guitar,” will mark Africa Month this May with a powerful new artistic direction—introducing his daughters as backing vocalists while headlining a special “Twosday” collaborative concert on May 5, 2026, at the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music at UKZN.

This performance signals a significant evolution in Dr Kunene’s live presentation. After many years of performing without active vocalists on stage, he now welcomes a new vocal dimension through his daughters - Melody Kunene, Nontombi Kunene, and Sinothile Kunene—whose harmonies promise to bring a rich, fresh texture to his music.

The full ensemble for the performance includes:

Band:

Dr Madala Kunene – Guitar

Bernard Mndaweni – Bass Guitar

Vishen Kemraj – Tabla

Sthembiso Ntuli – Saxophone

 

Vocals:

Melody Kunene

Nontombi Kunene

Sinothile Kunene

 

At the heart of the May 5 concert is the innovative “Twosday” concept—an exciting musical platform designed to bring together artists who are well-established in their respective styles, encouraging collaboration beyond their usual creative boundaries. While the name suggests a pairing, “Twosday” also represents the meeting of musical traditions and ideas, often expanding to include a broader ensemble.

The initiative aims to foster experimentation, learning, and the creation of new work that transcends familiar stylistic comfort zones. By cultivating a space where musicians can explore the edges of their performance and composition practices, “Twosday” promotes a vibrant cross-cultural dialogue rooted in Durban’s rich and diverse musical landscape.

A highlight of this collaboration is the pairing of Dr Kunene’s distinctive Zulu guitar style with Vishen Kemraj’s mastery of the tabla, a classical Indian instrument. Together, they create a compelling fusion that bridges African and Indian musical traditions—an embodiment of the “Twosday” ethos.

With Durban home to an exceptional pool of talented and culturally diverse musicians, there are strong ambitions to establish “Twosday” as an ongoing concert series, building on the success of existing initiatives such as the popular weekly Trios series held every Wednesday. Ultimately, the concept offers musicians a valuable opportunity to expand creatively, exchange knowledge, and celebrate a shared musical language.

“This collaboration is about growth, connection, and discovery,” says Dr Kunene. “It’s about stepping into new spaces musically and bringing audiences along for that journey.”

Audiences can expect an unforgettable evening of genre-defying music, heartfelt storytelling, and dynamic interplay between generations and cultures.

https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1593599166

 

Event details:

Twosday: The Kunene legacy

Tuesday May 5. 2026

Doors open at 17h00, Music at 17h30

Centre for Jazz and Popular Music

 

Tickets at Webtickets: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1593599166 or cash at the door R130 (pensioners R100, students R70)

AN EVENING OF SYMPHONY AND SONG

AN EVENING OF SYMPHONY AND SONG

The KZN Youth Orchestras provide a platform for young musicians to develop their skills and inspire audiences with fresh energy and artistry. The collaboration between Durban Girls College, the KZN Youth Orchestra and Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High promises to be a vibrant cultural event for Durban’s community.

These concerts showcase the remarkable talent of young musicians from across the province. They will be partnering up with a 45piece orchestra from Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High and the DGC high school choir and the high school and senior prep school orchestras. 

 

Programme Highlights: A diverse repertoire including classical favourites and contemporary works. Some South African pieces will be performed as well.

Dates: Friday May 8 at 18h00

Venue: Centenary Hall at Durban Girls College Musgrave Road.

Tickets: Available at quicket

 

For further information, contact: Cathy Peacock on 0823498362

GRANTS OF €5,000 FOR VISUAL STORYTELLING COLLECTIVES

NEWF (Nature Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers) and E·CO / Encounter of Collectives are launching a new partnership to support 12 interdisciplinary collectives from Ibero-America and Africa with production grants of €5,000 each.

The selected projects will explore time, territory, memory and ancestral knowledge through collaborative visual storytelling, culminating in an in-person encounter and residency at NEWF’s eKhaya centre in Sodwana Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

E·CO is an international programme designed to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and collective creation across disciplines, with a focus on visual narratives that rethink how communities understand their past, present and possible futures. Funded by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), E·CO is organised by its Network of Cultural Centres in collaboration with the VIST Foundation and NEWF.

Through this partnership, collectives from Ibero-America and Africa will receive production grants, mentorship from leading practitioners, and the opportunity to collaborate in a shared space dedicated to artistic, environmental and social inquiry.

“Through this partnership, we are not only supporting projects, we are nurturing long-term communities of practice,” said Noel Kok, Executive Director of NEWF and National Geographic Explorer. “By bringing collectives to eKhaya in Sodwana Bay, we’re creating a space where conservation, memory, identity and environment can be explored through powerful, locally rooted visual narratives that shift how stories about our continent and our world are told.”

Since its inception, E·CO has become a leading meeting point for visual production in Ibero-America, fostering networks that open new pathways for photography and visual narratives. The most recent edition received over 1,200 applications involving more than 4,800 people from 22 countries, consolidating E·CO as one of the most widely participated calls for visual narratives in the region.

E·CO/26 Programme Highlights:

12 Production Grants of €5,000: Each Interdisciplinary collective working with visual narratives in Ibero-America and Africa will receive funding to carry out their submitted projects.

Mentorship and Production Support: Selected collectives will be supported throughout their creative process by mentors working at the forefront of visual storytelling, fostering collective reflection and strong peer networks.

Encounter and Residency at eKhaya, Sodwana Bay, South Africa: The awarded projects will culminate in an in-person encounter and interdisciplinary residency at NEWF’s eKhaya centre, a hub for training, research and cultural immersion that brings together more than 300 fellows focused on transforming narratives about Africa from within the continent.

Collaborations like this are essential to amplifying diverse voices, building resilient creative communities, and reshaping how our stories are told across continents. Interested collectives can find full details and apply via the official E·CO call for projects at https://eco.vistprojects.com/en/

For more information visit: https://www.newf.co.za/

BIGLY YUGE

 

Bigly Yuge is a bold and humorous exploration of the lives of plus-size individuals, challenging stereotypes while celebrating body diversity through a vibrant mix of comedy, drama, song and dance.

The production delves into the realities of weight, self-image and confidence, unpacking both the struggles and joys that come with navigating societal expectations. Through witty dialogue and engaging storytelling, Bigly Yuge shines a light on how society perceives larger bodies, while delivering a powerful message of self-love, acceptance and empowerment.

Honest, entertaining and thought-provoking, this is a feel-good theatrical experience that resonates long after the final bow.

 

Dates & Times:

29 May 2026 – Schools Performance | 10h00 & 12h00

30 May 2026 – Public Performance | 14h00

 

Venue: Playhouse Loft Theatre

Tickets: Public – R150 (Schools – R50) book at Webtickets

Schools Bookings: 031 369 9466

marketingcoordinator@playhousecompany.com

 

A feel-good theatre experience that is as empowering as it is entertaining, Bigly Yuge celebrates body positivity while delivering a vibrant mix of comedy, drama, music and dance.

 

GRAND OPENING OF THE MUSEUM OF ILLUSIONS

 

Durban turns out in numbers for the Grand Opening of the Museum of Illusions

Durban showed up — and reality was officially turned upside down.

The highly-anticipated opening of the globally renowned Museum of Illusions Durban at Gateway Theatre of Shopping on Saturday, April 25, 2026, was met with overwhelming excitement, as Durbanites arrived in full force to experience one of the world’s most fascinating attractions.

From families and friends to content creators, curious minds and thrill-seekers, visitors packed the museum from day one, eager to step into a world where nothing is quite as it seems. With queues of excited guests and social media flooded with reactions, it was clear that Durban was more than ready for the illusion experience.

Already a global phenomenon with locations in cities including Madrid, Paris, Amsterdam, New York and Dubai, the Durban opening marks another major milestone in the brand’s expansion across Africa. With successful museums already operating in Johannesburg and Cape Town, the Durban location further cements South Africa as a key destination in the Museum of Illusions’ global network.

From defying gravity in the Tilted Room to multiplying themselves in the Cloning Table and stepping into the hypnotic Infinity Room, visitors fully embraced the hands-on nature of the experience. Forget quiet museum rules, this is a space built for play, curiosity and unforgettable moments.

“The response from Durban has exceeded all expectations,” says Mark Collie, owner of Museum of Illusions South Africa. “From the moment we opened our doors, the energy has been incredible. Seeing families, friends and visitors of all ages engage with the exhibits, laugh, learn and share the experience together is exactly what the Museum of Illusions is all about. Durban has truly embraced us, and we’re excited to become part of the city’s entertainment landscape.”

Built around its signature “edutainment” philosophy, the museum blends science, art and immersive entertainment in a way that appeals to both children and the young-at-heart. Whether it’s a family outing, a memorable date, a team-building activity or simply content worth sharing, the Museum of Illusions offers an experience designed to challenge perception and spark curiosity.

Located inside the iconic Gateway Theatre of Shopping, the museum also caters for birthdays, school trips, corporate events and group bookings, making it a versatile new entertainment destination for KwaZulu-Natal.

With an incredible opening weekend setting the tone, the Museum of Illusions Durban is set to become one of the city’s must-visit attractions.

The museum also caters for birthdays, school trips, corporate events and group experiences, making it a versatile venue for a wide range of occasions.

The Museum of Illusions Durban will be open 7 days a week, Mondays to Thursday from 09h00 to 20h00, Fridays & Saturdays from 09h00 to 22h00 and Sundays and Public Holidays from 09h00 to 19h00.

Tickets will be available online and at the door, although advance booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.

 

Follow the social media for sneak peeks and updates:

 -MOI Durban Facebook

-MOI Durban Instagram

-#MOIDurban

 

For more information or to book tickets, visit the website, MOI Durban

ENKUNDLENI

 

(Right: FLATFOOT dancers Sifiso Khumalo, Jabu Siphika, Zinhle Nzama, Siseko Duba, Sbonga Ndlovu and Ndumiso Dube in ENKUNDLENI. Pic by Val Adamson)

 

KZN’s premier contemporary dance company presents a new season called ENKUNDLENI for two performances only at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre on Friday, May 8 at 19h00 and Saturday, May 9 at 14h30.

Referencing open spaces where we gather, ENKUNDLENI offers audiences four new cutting-edge works created by company dancers, Sifiso Khumalo, Jabu Siphika, Siseko Duba, and Zinhle Nzama, with direction and dramaturgy by company artistic director Lliane Loots.

“It’s a programme of dance that reminds us of the power of our bodies to tell stories; stories of pain and triumph, of deep self-reflections and of community,” says Loots. “These works honour the storyteller in all of us, as we see the six incredible dancers of FLATFOOT tackle the most personal and most beautiful parts of being human at this time in our difficult geopolitics”.

The season begins with Siseko Duba’s quartet iPupho that dives into the powerful and mysterious terrain of dreams. The work captures the uncanny experience of awakening within a dream - where the body moves through worlds that feel intensely real, yet remain just beyond reach. Given the deep African connection to ancestral presence and dreams, this work navigates a very contemporary world of memory, self, and belonging.

Zinhle Nzama’s duet Brightest Darkness explores the deep paradox of finding light within darkness. It is an intimate duet between a man and a woman, where these two figures navigate tension, resistance, connection, and letting go, as an act of courage rather than defeat. Ultimately, Nzama’s work offers audiences a testament to survival and triumph – beautiful and painful!

Jabu Siphika’s solo work, next on the programme, Ngibize Siphi? explores the search for identity through the question of one’s surname. The solo reflects a deeply personal journey of belonging, loss, and self-discovery as Siphika navigates her own fragmented amaZulu histories and the need for recognition through how we are, or are not, named.

FLATFOOT veteran, Sifiso Khumalo ends the programme with his new work, “in transit”. Echoing a nation that sits, stands, and waits in long queues, this extraordinary male trio delves into how we stop, move on, wait to continue, and endlessly begin again and again. The work infers a deep-seated distress at the waiting on broken promises – be these local, personal, and further global politics. 

FLATFOOT partners again with lighting designer Wesley Maherry whose evocative designs see these four works sculpturally find a home on the Sneddon stage. Maherry’s lighting intensifies the narratives of each work and pulls the audience into the visions and contemporary world of ENKUNDLENI.

FLATFOOT’s ENKUNDLENI has two performances only at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, on Friday May 8 at 19h00 and Saturday May 9 at 14h30.

Tickets R100 each (students, scholars and pensioners pay R80). Booking is via Webtickets - https://www.webtickets.co.za/event.aspx?itemid=1592907018

This season is made possible through a partnership with the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre (UKZN).

 

APPLICATIONS FOR 2026 JOMBA! OPEN HORIZONS

Submissions deadline: Digital July 20, 2026. Live June 29, 2026

Applications now open for the 2026 JOMBA! OPEN HORIZONS Platforms (Live and Digital)

The Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal) has opened submissions for the 2026 JOMBA! OPEN HORIZONS Platforms, an integral part of the annual JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience - South Africa’s premiere contemporary dance festival which runs from August 27 to September 8, 2026, in Durban.

In its commitment to present bold, experimental, and inclusive dance, JOMBA! offers the live and digital curated OPEN HORIZONS platforms as an opportunity for dance-makers to showcase new works in a safe, and supportive environment.

JOMBA! DIGITAL OPEN HORIZONS aims to showcase screen-dance and dance film, focusing on work that is created specifically for the screen.

JOMBA! invites submissions (5–10 minutes in length) from local, African and international choreographers that engage the moving body in relation to the camera, editing, framing, and digital space, where choreography extends beyond the stage into cinematic forms.

JOMBA! Artistic Director Lliane Loots explains: “We are looking for works conceived as screen-based choreographic experiences, where movement, lens, time, and environment are integral to the making of the film.

“We welcome innovative, experimental, and critically engaged practices within the contemporary dance idiom, including interdisciplinary and hybrid forms that push the boundaries of how dance is created, perceived, and circulated in digital space.”

Selected works will be screened publicly on the festival’s YouTube channel as part of the official programme. An award of R2000 is given to a jury-selected “Jury Pick of the Platform.”

JOMBA! LIVE OPEN HORIZONS is a platform offered to live short-form dance works (6–8 minutes). The festival is looking for works that sit within the contemporary dance idiom, that are bold, experimental, and can include interdisciplinary approaches to live performance. Choreographic voices that explore innovation, risk-taking, and fresh perspectives will be at an advantage. “We want performances that can engage audiences in new ways and contribute to the beautifully evolving landscape of African contemporary dance,” says Loots.

An award of R2,500 is given to a jury-selected “Jury Pick of the Platform” work.

Both platforms are not funded, and therefore, no travel or accommodation support is provided.

Festival Director Dr Lliane Loots says: “We remain deeply committed to creating accessible, inclusive spaces for dance makers, the OPEN HORIZONS platforms are vital incubators for boundary-breaking choreographic voices, and provides a solid foundation from which to springboard new works into the world.”

All platforms have limited slots, and the selection process is competitive. Applicants are encouraged to submit their entries early to ensure full consideration.

 

For more information about JOMBA! go to https://jomba.ukzn.ac.za

Applications can be made on:

Digital https://forms.gle/ntqRy9uj23htX53QA The deadline is July 20, 2026.

Live https://forms.gle/2PVJaZUeH7tFVuRh7 The deadline for submissions is June 29, 2026.

 

Enquiries can be emailed to jombafestival@gmail.com

A WOMAN APART: REVIEW

 

(Kajal Maharaj)

This was a successful debut and I look forward to the production fulfilling more of its vision. Well done! (Review by Shannon Kenny)

A Woman Apart: starring Kajal Maharaj - written and directed by Naresh Veeran - Seabrooke’s Theatre @DHS

The multi-hyphenated Naresh Veeran - author-theatre producer-director-musician - brought his one-woman show, A Woman Apart, to the Seabrooke’s Theatre stage this weekend.

Kajal Maharaj, in a return to the stage from her work in film and TV, portrays successful corporate lawyer, Natasha (Tash) Deokaran, who is married to the ostentatious, solipsistic Dr Suvaan Singh FRCOG (Zahid Shaik), matching Porsche and all. Tash is at a crossroads.

The director’s note reads: “This production embraces simplicity - one performer, one moment in time, and a lifetime of choices unfolding through memory and reflection. By stripping theatre back to its essentials, and re- presenting it against the backdrop of social media, AI and virtual technology.”

Maharaj holds the sparsely-set stage and we are introduced to the people, influences and influencers in her life through a series of text messages; video calls; voice notes; video reminiscences and social media reels (real and AI generated), projected up-stage. Tash interacts with the people in her life through her mobile phone - a portal to the real and the artificial. And it works!

When the audience is introduced to Tash, she is dressed in baggy track pants, sweat-shirt and sneakers - a clear break from her corporate lawyer image and role as trophy-wife to Suvaan. She is waiting for an Uber to take her to the home of her school-friend and new flame, Advocate Ryan Reddy (Rahul Brijnath). Uber driver Sazi (Vukani Cele, Esq.) calls to alert her that he has been delayed because of a march/protest of sorts. The wait provides Tash the opportunity to reflect on her past and present choices and to take ownership of the trajectory of her life.

Maharaj makes for a very believable Tash who is grappling with major life choices, who must discern the authentic and genuinely constructive advice from the drivel, the trite aphorisms and AI slop that come her way via well-meaning friends, colleagues and family and the less than sincere algorithms that power social media feeds.

In his writing, Veeran skilfully weaves in ideas about the permissible and the ethical, and has Tash consider not only her career choice, but what it means to be successful, to be content, to be free.

While the play is a one-hander, a significant part of its structure is Maharaj’s interactions through video calls and text chats with more than 10 other characters (in pre-recorded inserts) - and the ubiquitous scroll through social media that has become a pattern of many of our lives.

Maharaj handles the delicate nature of this technically ambitious work with aplomb. The timing in her live performance opposite the other characters’ virtual performances is spot-on - and kudos must go also to the various artists in their video and voice over cameos. Actor-director Darren King appears as Tash’s steely boss, John Pearce, Illa Thompson as therapist, Dr Elaine, and Suria Govender as Tash’s mercenary Mum.

No matter her existential crisis, we never get the sense that Tash is spiralling out of control. Rather, Veeran/Maharaj have Tash firmly in the driver’s seat experiencing frustration and indecision, yet still resolute and at times vulnerable. Maharaj is skilled in sensitively navigating her character’s emotional shifts - and the writing keeps well away from old tropes about the hysterical woman in crisis.

Through the other characters we are given insight into the world Tash inhabits and like a clever algorithm, Veeran’s writing and Maharaj’s performance work to nudge the audience in the direction of team Tash. We root for her; we get annoyed; we are surprised; we laugh and all the while we want her to make the right decision “for Tash.” Maharaj’s performance is engaging, sensitive, subtle.

While certainly a drama, there are some notable comic vignettes amongst the seriousness: BFF Divya (Shika Budhoo) who keeps it real and rolling (IYKYK); the Estate Trustees (Daisy Spencer); driver Sazi; Didi the Stylist (Rudy Cupido); Krystal from Vintage Investments (Kristina Andreas); Tradesmen Boetie and Lighty (Andries Botha and Robin Moodley respectively) and the potty-mouthed AI chill guy.

A number of audience members commented on Tash’s relatability - not because they and their partners had matching Porsches but because of the kinds of choices Tash is faced with. They felt the story reflected much of what they, or people they knew - wrestled with: the opportunities that may or may not have passed them by; questions about identity and agency; societal expectations and personal responsibility to oneself and others; and the everyday, ordinary and extraordinary stresses and stressors that make life variously interesting and exhausting.

The director’s note goes on to say “…we hope to create a shared space where audiences can listen deeply, laugh honestly, and perhaps recognise fragments of their own journeys.” Judging from the audience’s response, I would say that Veeran and Maharaj certainly achieved just that.

Well done to the entire production team, including Ethan Sicard (Videography, Animation and Final edit - and candidate attorney Mathew), Zahid Shaik (AI visuals), Ross Hatcher (Theatre Sound and Lighting), Shane Naidoo (Design and Animation). This was no small feat. I do hope that more producers are encouraged by Prakash Naidu’s bold step to support new, ambitious theatre projects (and all theatre projects are ambitious), so that theatre-makers can do exactly what AI cannot - be live, be present and engage meaningfully, in person, with a real live audience. This was a successful debut and I look forward to the production fulfilling more of its vision. Well done! – Shannon Kenny

 

The Risk Lab launches 8-week Improv Basics Course for Durban’s actors and creatives

A playful invitation to step beyond the script and rediscover joy, spontaneity, and connection

This June and July, Durban’s creative community is invited to step into the unknown—in the best way possible. The Risk Lab, a new Durban-based creative company, is launching its 8-week Improv Basics Course, designed for actors, performers, and creatives looking to expand their craft, challenge their instincts, and reconnect with the joy of performance.

While open to complete beginners, the course is also geared toward actors and creatives who want to sharpen their skills or try something completely new. Improvisation is not just about being “funny” or quick-witted—it’s about presence, playfulness and trust – allowing yourself to let go of overthinking and embracing the unexpected.

Over eight weeks, participants will be guided through the foundational principles of short-form  improvisation, developing skills that are invaluable for any performer: active listening, spontaneity and ensemble awareness The course is facilitated by Roberto Pombo, a theatre-maker, performer, and educator who brings a process-focused approach to training—encouraging artists to take creative risks, embrace vulnerability, and move beyond perfectionism in their work.

The Risk Lab itself is rooted in the belief that meaningful, engaging theatre emerges when artists are given the space to experiment, fail, and discover. Alongside producing original performance work, the company offers training and development opportunities aimed at nurturing a more open, connected, and adventurous creative community in Durban.

This course marks the beginning of that vision in action—creating a space where artists can step out of their comfort zones, rediscover play, and build new creative muscles in a collaborative environment.

Course Details:
Dates: Tuesdays, 18h30 – 20h30
June: 2, 9, 23, 30
July: 7, 14, 21, 28
(No session on 16 June)

Venue: Kloof Civic Centre
Cost: R2000 (limited reduced-fee spots available)

Applications and more information: www.therisklab.co.za
Enquiries: risklabkzn@gmail.com

 

THE STORYTELLER’S SERIES GOES COASTAL!

An intimate night of real stories, hearty laughs, and human connection at Seabrooke’s Theatre.

This May, the Seabrooke’s Theatre at DHS will host a special one-night-only edition of The Storyteller’s Series, presented by The Risk Lab in collaboration with Johannesburg’s POPArt Theatre.

Following its origins and growth in Johannesburg since 2016, this marks the first time the acclaimed storytelling platform comes to Durban—bringing with it a powerful mix of vulnerability, humour, and unfiltered human experience.

The Storyteller’s Series is not your traditional theatre experience. There are no scripts, no characters, and no pretending. Instead, our performers step forward as themselves, sharing true stories from their lives—moments that are funny, chaotic, tender, and sometimes devastating. The result is an evening built on authenticity and connection, where storytelling becomes a shared experience between artist and audience.

(Right: Roberto Pombo)

Hosted by Roberto Pombo, the Durban edition features a remarkable line-up of voices from across the theatre landscape. Audiences can expect unforgettable stories from theatre legend Toni Morkel, celebrated Durban performers Blessing Xaba and Straw Nzimande, the dynamic Andiswa Ngcobo, and Pombo himself.

This event also marks an exciting step for The Risk Lab, a new Durban-based creative company focused on both producing original live performance and offering theatre and performance training. With its stripped-back format and focus on truth, The Storyteller’s Series is The Risk Lab’s first creative offering - bringing something refreshingly different for Durban audiences—a night that invites reflection, laughter, and perhaps a few unexpected moments of magic.

Audiences are encouraged to bring a friend—or a date—and settle in for an evening that promises to linger long after the final story is told.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday May 14, 2026, at 19h00

Venue: Seabrooke’s Theatre, DHS, Durban

Tickets: R120

Booking: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/370120-the-storytellers-series/#/