ANDILE YENANA FOR CENTRE FOR JAZZ

The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music proudly presents pianist, composer, producer and educator Andile Yenana as he celebrates the release of his new album, Way Out Is In on Wednesday March 11, at 17h30.

After a 20-year hiatus, South African jazz master Andile Yenana returns with Way Out Is In, a powerful live recording captured in Basel, Switzerland at Bird's Eye Jazz Club in June 2018. The album was recorded over three days in front of a live audience, capturing the spontaneity and depth that define Yenana’s artistry.

Reflecting on the long wait between releases, Yenana shares:

“I needed time to strip away everything (that no longer aligned) — old relationships, familiar places, even certain versions of myself — to listen more deeply. In that quiet, I began rediscovering what truly moves me musically and culturally. I went back to the Xhosa folk songs I grew up with — songs that shaped me — and through that process of letting go and returning, I was able to reimagine these songs on the piano.”

This album is the result of a rich cultural exchange between Yenana and Swiss musicians. International collaboration is not new to him; at 26, he participated in a music exchange programme with Norwegian musicians alongside his mentor, Zim Ngqawana. Having previously experienced such cross-cultural partnerships, Yenana had a strong sense of how this creative journey might unfold.

Way Out Is In represents a culmination of his musical quests — a reflection of everything he has learned and continues to learn. For Yenana, learning is an ongoing, lifelong process.

The project was inspired by cultural fellowship, shared ideas, environment, and the freedom to articulate a personal story in a distinctive way. Presenting himself before audiences unfamiliar with his music in Switzerland and experiencing their warm reception further shaped the spirit of this recording.

The album invites listeners to venture into both familiar and unknown territories in search of their true selves. It also aims to offer a sense of resolution and introspection to all who engage with it.

Way Out Is In was officially released on October 24, 2025, and is available on all digital platforms.

Event Details: Andile Yenana Way Out Is In Album:

Date: Wednesday, 11 March 2026

Doors Open: 17h00

Music Starts: 17h30

Venue: University of KwaZulu-Natal – Howard College Campus

Dennis Shepstone Building, Level 2

Centre for Jazz and Popular Music

 

Join up for an evening of profound musical storytelling and celebration of a master artist’s long-awaited return.

Tickets available online or cash at the door: https://fixr.co/event/andile-yenana-way-out-is-in-album-launch-tickets-294113731?region=za

 

JOEY RASDIEN FOR DURBAN

Get ready for an evening of big laughs with Joey Rasdien, one of South Africa’s most recognisable and relatable comedians, live at iZulu Theatre at Sibaya Casino in Durban on April 4, 2026.

With his trademark charm and effortless storytelling, Joey Rasdien delivers hilarious observations on family, relationships, marriage, parenting, and everyday South African life.

Known for his warm stage presence and sharp comedic timing, Joey’s humour resonates across generations, making him a firm favourite with audiences nationwide.

This show promises an entertaining night of laugh-out-loud comedy, packed with honest moments, cultural insight, and Joey’s unmistakable comedic flair - all in the world-class setting of Sibaya Casino.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or seeing him live for the first time, this is a night of comedy not to be missed. Tickets are available at blubloodtickets.com

HAMLET AND OTHELLO: REVIEW

 

“Something is rotten in the state of Denmark”, but not in this show. If there are any public performances, or you don’t mind a student audience and if you are drawn to Shakespeare like a moth to a flame then drag thyself to this nunnery and within, soak in the potent portrait of this bewildering play. (Review by Dr Verne Rowin Munsamy)

 

Brief let me be, or not to be...

ThinkTheatre presents their annual offerings of Shakespeare's classic texts for high school learners, to remind them and have them relish in these wondrous texts, and bold events that give rationale to the human psyche that seem timeless in the Bard's writings.

Co-produced by Maggie Coppen and Clare Mortimer, this year they bring to the stage Hamlet and Othello at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, which is nestled in the greenery of UKZN. These tragic texts are not just claimed as set works for learners in high school to read but when performed also remind us of the layered meaning of these texts that seem to defy times passing. While other texts have been forgotten after their impact, Shakespeare remains firmly placed in our context and will probably surpass this current era and offer the next generation the pleasure and joy of watching these words dazzle trippingly off the tongues of future actors.

Directed by Clare Mortimer, her vision brings fresh meaning to this now-ancient text. The set is a raised area, a well-used walkway on scaffolding. Hung red curtains that are floor to ceiling and used for numerous scenes. These hang above a raised ramp, giving us three distinct levels that allow for diversity in blocking.

The occasional sound effects add a nuanced layer to the direction. The hacky sack beat between Hamlet, Rosencrantz (played by Jeremy Richards) and Guildenstern (played by Tafar Nyatsanza) was quite refreshing and modernized the actions to the ‘puritan’ version of the spoken text. I enjoyed the use of shadow puppets that represented the play within the play, where we see Hamlet seniors’ demise.

The acting was very appealing. I have been following the careers of Mike Gritten and Belinda Henwood since I was a young drama student many moons ago and have always been in awe of their command of the stage, the poise of their character development and sheer omnipotent presence on the stage. Gritten as the King has the appropriate powerful vocal texture that the character requires. His character development and acting skills are admirable as always. Belinda Henwood as Gertrude is ever-graceful and confident. Her eloquent and complex portrayal of the Queen is true to the acting style that she offers to all the roles that I have seen her re-enact.

Darren King, whom I had the honour of being directed by, plays Polonius. I was most enamoured by the wonderful lightness that he brings to the role and the play as he portrays the character with a comedic element thus adding a nice dynamic to the otherwise death, doom and gloom of this tragic play.

The lead actor, Duane Behrens, who plays Hamlet has astute emotional quality for the role. His marvelously moving rendition of this tragic hero, as he quests for revenge for his demised father, is astonishing. He has tenderness, madness and melancholy, ill-begotten sorrow, and vengefulness all at the right proportions. He was the perfect Hamlet!

Laertes, played by JT Medupe, is strong and nuanced in character development. Kaylee McIlroy as Ophelia is the appropriate level of confidence that crumbles under Hamlet’s neglect and actions. Nhlakanipho Manqele who plays Horatio, has some memorable moments but I suppose he is more reserved in waiting for his major role as Othello in this double bill feature. Blessing Xaba as Osric, and Kira Timm as the player Queen round off the cast with impactful performances in rather minor roles.

“Something is rotten in the state of Denmark”, but not in this show. If there are any public performances, or you don’t mind a student audience and if you are drawn to Shakespeare like a moth to a flame then drag thyself to this nunnery and within, soak in the potent portrait of this bewildering play. Playing at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre. If you miss this show, then one must repent! - by Dr Verne Rowin Munsamy

MARK BANKS AT THE NUTCRACKER THEATRE: REVIEW

 

(Mark Banks. Pic supplied)

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SA FILM GOD’S WORK

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CHRISTOPHER DUIGAN FUNDRAISING CONCERT

 

(Right: Christopher Duigan)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tickets R1,000 pp. Bring your own drinks.

Patrolled street parking

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

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

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

COMMON GROUND EXHIBITION

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

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

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

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

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

The KZNSA is located at 166 Bulwer Road in Durban.

STRINGS AND KEYS

 

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

 

Performances take place as follows:

-Saturday March 7, 2026.  Show starts 19h30

-Sunday March 8, 2026.  Show starts 14h00

The venue is open 90 minutes before show  

 

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

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

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

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

Limited secure parking available   

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

THE LITTLE MERMAID JR

 (Pics by Val Adamson)

  

Schools - Durban Central

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

 

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

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

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

 

Schools - Upper Highway

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

 

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

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

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

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

  

Live - South Coast

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

The show runs at 65 minutes – no interval

Audiences can meet the stage characters after the show

 

THE GATHERERS FOR CENTRE FOR JAZZ

 

(Sbusiso Ncube. Pic supplied)

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

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

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

 

The ensemble features:

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

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

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

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

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

TIME OF THE WRITER’S LIVESTREAM

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

About The Centre For Creative Arts:

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

 

About The Curator:

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

 

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

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

Fax:  +27 (0)31 260 3074

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

 

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

 

 

THEATRE AUDITION NOTICE

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

 

The organisers are currently seeking:

1. Indian Male — Age 20–30

2. Indian Female — Age 20–30

3. Black Male — Age 30–40

4. Indian Male — Age 55–70

 

**Requirements**

Applicants must:

 * Be Durban-based

* Have some acting experience

* Have own transport

* Be prepared to work after hours and on weekends

* Be committed to rehearsals and performances

 

All applicants must prepare:

* A monologue of at least 2 minutes in length

* To be performed from memory

 

Production Details:

 * Festival Dates: 22–25 July 2026

* Location: Durban

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

 

How to Apply:

Please email the following to:

redmangoarts@gmail.com

 

Include:

* Full name

* Age

* Contact details

* Short CV (if available)

* Recent photo

 

Closing date: March 7,, 2026.

 

Audition slots will be allocated accordingly.

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted with audition details.

 

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