THE BARBECUE AT NO. 9: REVIEW

 

The characters were thin and rather stereotypical and the changes that some of them underwent in a relatively short time seemed improbable. (Review by Fiona de Goede)

 

When I read the blurb describing this novel by Jennie Godfrey, it seemed to tick many of the boxes that I look out for in a good read:  the era, diverse characters and a gripping plot. Tick. Tick. Tick.  And, my other favourite thing:  a map, detailing the area in which the story is set.

The premise is quite simple:  the Live Aid concert is the big event of the summer of 1985.  And what better opportunity for house-proud, snobbish Lydia Gordon than to invite the neighbourhood around for a barbecue so she can show off their new state-of-the-art TV whilst watching the concert?  So, the invitations are sent out to everyone living in the Close and this is when the reader is introduced to the various role players.

Steve, a young soldier back from the Falklands, lives with his mother. He is battling his own demons and cannot come to grips with adjusting to civilian life.  Rita, from Australia, a new resident in the Close, with a past that she is trying to hide.  Hanna, Lydia’s 16-year-old daughter with a secret so huge she is contemplating running away from home.  The other characters all contribute in one way or the other to the unfolding of the drama at the barbecue.

The novel is split into hourly time slots and the bands performing in each segment is mentioned at the beginning of every chapter.  This adds a huge dose of nostalgia and manages to move the pace along to the finale which takes place between 9 and 10p.m. 

Some of the boxes that I felt were ticked prior to me reading this book, are also, unfortunately, the very things that, in my opinion, failed.  The characters were thin and rather stereotypical and the changes that some of them underwent in a relatively short time seemed improbable.  Especially Lydia, the snobbish mother.  The plot unfolds in a single day with the result that it often became rather slow and mundane.  I did not experience one single moment of suspense.  Even when the big secret is revealed, it felt a bit flat.

I felt the references to the era were authentic and well-handled.  Walkmans, Dynasty, recording the top 40 music charts on cassette, Princess Diana and Delia Smith all set the tone for the 1980’s.

This is the second novel by the author – the first being The List of Suspicious Things, a Sunday Times bestselling novel. - Fiona de Goede

The Barbecue At No. 9  -   ISBN 978-1-529-15502-0

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ARTSMART!

 

 

 Happy Birthday, artSMart!

Today, artSMart celebrates its 27^th birthday!

It has gone through some difficult patches but always pulls back into survivor mode.

I want to thank every single person and organisation who assists in keeping artSMart alive and available – administrators, financial advisors, reviewers – as well as all the people who look to the site for information. Your input is invaluable.

Here’s to the next 27 years!!

Caroline Smart

artSMart Editor/Owner

 

TRIBUTE TO TOM PETTY

 

A show paying tribute to the late, great Tom Petty with guest guitarist, Shaun Dragt, is a completely new show for The Reals.

“This one is extremely close to our hearts and is sure to rock your socks off and have you dancing or grooving in your seats even if you aren't familiar with all the songs.”

This show has everything from rock to moody blues to some amazing feel-good songs! And of course we will be playing the classics that will be sure to have everyone singing along!

Be sure to book soon for this one to avoid disappointment!

The show takes place at Rhumbelow Theatre, on Saturday June 6, at 19h30 and Sunday June 7 at 14h00

Contact Roland on 082 499 8636 or roland@stansell.co.za or book on WEBTICKETS.

JEWELS, GEMS AND MASTERPIECES

 

(Right: Christopher Duigan. Pic by Val Adamson)

 

Jewels, Gems and Masterpieces presented by Steinway pianist Christopher Duigan unites treasured classics with lesser-known, often complex gems from the piano repertoire. This thoughtfully-curated programme pairs familiar melodies with seldom-heard works and personal discoveries, creating a captivating contrast between the instantly recognizable and the delightfully unexpected.

Including several of the pianist’s own favourite pieces alongside carefully-chosen rarities, the selection offers fresh perspectives on the repertoire, inviting listeners to uncover hidden gems alongside enduring masterpieces.

 

Monday May 25 at 15h00 Amberfield

Thursday May 28 at 15h30 Woodgrove

Thursday May 28 at 19h00 Amber Valley

Tuesday June 2 at 19h00 St Agnes, Kloof

Friday June 5 at 19h00 Casa Mexicana

 

Casa Mexicana is located at 35 Montgomery Drive, Athlone, Pietermaritzburg.

DOUBLE THE EXCELLENCE FOR THE SIGUDI FAMILY

 

(Above: The twins at their graduation)

 

On Friday, May 15, 2026 ,as the University of Zululand (UNIZULU) celebrated another cohort of graduates, the spotlight shone brightly on two sisters whose journey to the stage was a powerful testament to resilience, sisterhood, and the enduring strength of family.

Abongile Sisipho Sigudi and Bongiwe Aphiwe Sigudi did not just walk across the stage to receive their degrees, they carried the dreams of a family and honoured the legacies of those who paved the way for them.

The twins’ story begins in the small village of Enkungwini in Bizana, Eastern Cape. Raised by their grandmother while their parents worked in Durban to provide for them, the sisters learned early on about the values of love, strength, and guidance.

Their pursuit of education eventually took them to KwaZulu-Natal, where they attended Newlands East Secondary and later Wiggins Secondary School. It was during these formative high school years that tragedy first struck: the loss of their father. In the wake of this painful moment, their mother became the sole provider, a pillar of strength who moved mountains to ensure her daughters could reach university.

 

A Bittersweet Triumph

While graduation day should be a day of pure joy, it is also a moment of deep reflection. Just last week, the family lost the matriarch who raised them, their beloved grandmother. After graduating, they had to rush to the Eastern Cape where their grandmother will be laid to rest a day after their big day.

"She was our hero and our biggest supporter," the sisters shared. "We are dedicating this achievement to our late father and grandmother. This qualification represents hope, healing, and a real chance to change our family’s future."

 

Science, Sisterhood and Balance

Though they share a bond that only twins can understand, Abongile and Bongiwe have carved out distinct paths in the sciences: Abongile graduated with a BSc in Computer Science and Chemistry and is currently pursuing her BSc Honours in Computer Science. She dreams of becoming a software engineer.

Bongiwe earned her BSc in Biochemistry and Microbiology and is currently enrolled for her BSc Honours in Biochemistry, with sights set on becoming a clinical biochemist.

Despite different majors, they remain each other's greatest allies. Bongiwe, known for her quiet hard work and stellar grades, often steps in to tutor Abongile - especially in the nuances of research. Abongile, described jokingly as the "emotional" one of the pair, provides the heart and balance that keeps the duo grounded.

 

Building a Future

For the Sigudi twins, the motivation to keep pushing comes from seeing their mother’s sacrifice. Their success is a tribute to her hard work and a promise to provide her with a better life.

As they crossed the graduation stage, they proved that while loss can be a heavy burden, it can also be the fuel that drives excellence. Coming from a background where opportunities were never taken for granted, these two young women are now building a foundation for a legacy that will inspire generations to come.

Simangele Mhlongo, the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering Manager congratulated the twins, saying the pair were a symbol of UNIZULU’s pride.

HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights on the History Channel for June:

 

American Pickers S27

June 3

Wednesdays 20h15

Repeat: Thursday 12h35

Mike Wolfe has done it all - tracked down elusive finds, stumbled upon hidden gems in the most unexpected places, and negotiated with the most intriguing characters. Now, as the ultimate treasure hunter and History's Greatest Picker, he is embarking on a thrilling new journey.

Join Mike as he dives into History's Greatest Picks, uncovering the intriguing stories, epic journeys, and astonishing values behind legendary treasures. From bizarre artifacts to rare collectibles with incredible backstories, Mike reveals the secrets and significance of each find with his trademark enthusiasm and expert insight, bringing history to life one pick at a time.

 

 Extreme Airport Africa

June 4

Thursdays 19h25

Repeat: Friday 11h45

In the wilds of Southern Africa, aviation takes over where roads don’t go. Extreme Airport Africa brings you into the world of high-octane, high-risk bush flying where pilots brave rough runways, wild fi res and wild animals.

Go behind the scenes at Southern Africa’s major airports, into the cockpits of airliners and heavy lift helicopters, and over the wilds of Kruger National Park and the Okavango Delta. Out in the bush, scientists take to the air to search for lost elephants and pilots land on dirt airstrips while baboons invade.

Even in Johannesburg, the main aviation hub for Southern Africa, nature still makes its presence felt, as staff battle flocks of birds overrunning the runways and pilots fly through some of the most intense storms in the world. Aviation doesn’t get any more intense than this.

JOMBA! FEMME FORWARD SCREEN DANCE RESIDENCY 2026

Applications close on Monday June 22, 2026, at 17h00

The 2026 JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience, hosted by the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s award-winning Centre for Creative Arts, calls for applications for its JOMBA! Femme Forward Screen Dance Residency, which takes place during the festival from August 24 to 29.

Besides presenting edgy live contemporary dance, as well as workshops, talks and its dance-writers - and female-focused residencies, JOMBA! also supports, hosts and nurtures a digital dance platform that has an open call for submissions to be featured at the festival.

This year’s continuation of the JOMBA! Femme Forward Residency focuses on the development of female-identifying dance artists who are eager to develop their digital screen dance practice. Having screened almost 50 dance films over the past 5 years JOMBA! is dedicated to investing in the craft of screen dance making and following the 2023 screen dance residency run by Mozambican duo Pak Ndjamena and Ivan Barros JOMBA is thrilled to be partnering with Cape Town based Darkroom Contemporary Dance Theatre to execute this year’s 6-day residency. 

The residency offers space for 5 female-identifying dancers / dance makers aged between 18 and 35 years who have some dance training and have a keen interest in upskilling themselves to become digital screen dance creators.

This JOMBA! Femme Forward Screen Dance Residency is being run in partnership with Darkroom Contemporary Dance Theatre (Cape Town, South Africa), a project-based company which was founded in 2010, and formed as a vehicle to reimagine dance through its innovative approach to staging and presenting contemporary works.

Founders Louise Coetzer, a dancer and choreographer, and Oscar O’Ryan, a photographer and filmmaker, bring together expertise from their respective fields to form a dynamic partnership. Their projects provide platforms and create opportunities for skills development and exchange among all artists involved. They focus on the use of new technology and digital media frame their artistic approach. Similarly does interdisciplinary exploration, with project collaborators including visual artists, musicians, designers, filmmakers and digital artists.

“We remain deeply committed to creating accessible, inclusive spaces for dance-makers,” says JOMBA!’s Project Manager, Thobile Maphanga. “The Femme Forward Residency is about amplifying young female-identifying voices in dance, and this year specifically in screen-dance, giving them the tools and confidence to tell their stories in powerful new ways, making their work accessible to wider global audiences.”

“We are excited to collaborate with JOMBA! on this residency,” says Louise Coetzer of Darkroom Contemporary Dance Theatre. “Screen dance opens up fresh possibilities for choreography and creativity, and we want participants to experiment, take risks, and discover their own unique voices in the digital space.”

The Residency will focus primarily on developing dance filmmaking skills (from conceptualisation, pre-production planning, filming to editing considerations). The outcome will be a short screen dance film, created individually by each participant. Included in the residency will be access to dance workshops by choreographers visiting the festival, assistance in forging a professional image and instilling good work ethic that will aid the young makers to promote their future work.  The residents will also have access to the full festival programme and have the opportunity to meet and engage with professional companies and choreographers that are visiting the festival.

The selection will be done through an application process that requires the applicant to motivate why they want to be a part of the residency.  Participants will be expected to be available for the full 6-day duration (August 24-29, 2026) with the outcomes of the residency presented at the JOMBA! Forging Futures platform on Saturday, August 29, 2026. There is no cost to participate, and a nominal stipend is paid to support residents with transport and food for the six days. Applicants must reside in and around Durban.

For more information about the application criteria and selection process, go to https://jomba.ukzn.ac.za/jomba-femme-forward-screen-dance-residency-2026/.

Applications can be made here https://forms.gle/8BcWYQVZgyPx4twf7 

Applications close on Monday June 22, 2026, at 5pm,

 

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

 

031 FESTIVAL PROGRAMME

 (Pics by Shelley Kjonstad)

 (Pictured are a few of the performers taking place in this year’s 031 Festival:

Red shirt, glasses: Patrick Kenny in “Comedy Games”.

Black jacket, scarf, silver hair: Shannon Kenny in “Karen and Me”.

Rugby jersey, headband: Aaron McIlroy in “Rugby Mad”.

Floral Hat: Toni Morkel in “Cottonwool Kid”)

 

The Seabrookes Theatre at DHS: 4 – 14 June 2026

Programme out for Durban’s premier ten-day winter theatre fest:

 

A rugby mad superfan; a teacher suspended from school; a woman growing old disgracefully; a Bollywood-loving roti-making wife; a little girl burdened by the pathological carelessness of her parents; a slew of woman singers (Britney, Karen Carpenter, Alanis Morissette) – these are some of the characters one can meet at the fourth annual family-friendly 031 Theatre Festival to take place at the Seabrookes Theatre at DHS from June 4 until 14.

There are 11 productions on the programme for this year’s festival which promises a vibrant celebration of South African theatre, featuring a dynamic mix of comedy, drama, music, and solo performance. The theatre festival has been spearheaded by Lisa Bobbert and Aaron Mcilroy (Macbob Productions) and features an exciting and eclectic programme of shows – this time including shows from out of town.

Embedded in the festival is the student festival presented by International School of Performing Arts (ISPA) to showcase the extraordinary range and talent of ISPA’s emerging performers through three distinct productions.

 

The programme has been released – on offer is:

Cottonwool Kid

Performer Toni Morkel and director, Sylvaine Strike, have woven together a narrative exploring the life of CK, a little girl burdened by the pathological carelessness of her parents.

Thurs June11 at 18h00

Fri June 12 at 20h00

Sat June 13 at 14h00

Tickets R160 / R180. Running time 60 mins

 

Ms. B-haved

Written /performed by Sue Diepeveen and directed by Natasha Sutherland: Sally Burkett is suspended from Littleman Junior School, rocking the small school and town to its core.

Fri June 12 at 18h00

Sat June 13 at 16h00

Sun June 14 at noon

Tickets: R160 / R180. Running time 60 mins

 

Growing Old Disgracefully

Celebrated international cabaret artist Tonya Koenderman takes to the stage with a frank, funny, and delightfully irreverent look at the trials and triumphs of ageing.

Sat June 6 at 16h00

Sun June 7 at 16h00

Tickets: R160 / R180. Running time 60 mins

 

Rugby Mad

Rugby takes centre stage in the high-energy, laugh-out-loud one-man show. Written and performed by Aaron McIlroy.

Tues June 9 at 19h00

Wed June 10 at 19h00

Thurs June 11 at 20h00

Sat June 13 at 18h00

Sun June 14 at 14h00

Tickets: R160 / R180. Running time 60 mins

 

(Right: Shika Budhoo)

Roti Queen

Solo comedy by Shika Budhoo, directed by Dhaveshan Govender. Marriage is a dance between love, sacrifice, and personal identity… and making roti!

Sat June 13 at 20h00

Sun June 14 at 18h00

Tickets R160 / R180.  Running time 60 mins

 

Karen and Me

Shannon Kenny as Karen Carpenter, directed by Darren King, with Alan Judd.

Sat June 6 at 18h00

Sun June 7 at 14h00

Tickets R160 / R180. Running time 60 mins

 

Jagged Little Tribute

Marion Loudon’s tribute to Alanis Morrissette, with band.

Sat June 6 at 20h00

Sun June 7 at noon

Tix R160 / R180. Running time 60 mins

  

(Left: Kaylee McIlroy)

Britney in the Underworld

A one-woman cabaret starring Kaylee McIlroy and directed by Lisa Bobbert.

Sat June 13 at noon

Sun June 14 at 16h00

Tickets R160 / R180. Running time 60 mins

 

 

ISPA 3RD YEAR STUDENT FEST.

Age of Ubuntu

Third year student Damien Butt has written about Marcus, an ordinary young man whose life is upended after he accidentally causes the death of another person in a road incident.

Sat June 6 at 14h00

Sun June 7 at 18h00

Tickets R150. Running time 60 mins

Comedy Games

An improv comedy experience packed with quick wit, audience interaction, and high-energy fun. Led by ISPA’s improv drama teacher and MC Patrick Kenny.

Thurs June 4 at 20h00

Fri June 5 at 20h00

Tickets R150. Running time 60 mins

 

ISPA Student Showcase

Experience the next generation of musical theatre talent with a comedy, dance, theatre and musical showcase presented by six third-year students

Thurs June 4 at 18h00

Fri June 5 at 18h00

Tickets R150. Running time 60 mins

 

 

Good to Know:

031 Festival

The Seabrookes Theatre at DHS

June 4 – 14, 2026

Buy five tickets or more for a show, and get 10% discount

Off-street parking / Bar and refreshments / curated mini festival market

Tickets through Webtickets

 

 

THE PAVILION NIGHT MARKET

 

(Some of the participants / vendors / musicians involved in the next Pav Night Market on Saturday May 30. Pic – Shelley Kjonstad)

 

Get ready for an unforgettable evening under the stars as The Pavilion Shopping Centre transforms its parking area into a vibrant celebration of local flavour, creativity and live entertainment at the much-anticipated Pavilion Night Market on Saturday, May 30 from 15h00 to 22h00.

As the sun sets and autumn evenings begin to cool, shoppers can soak up the atmosphere of this one night only rooftop experience featuring artisan shopping, delicious street food, live music and family-friendly entertainment.

The Pavilion Night Market proudly supports micro-businesses and pop-up entrepreneurs, allowing a wide range of shopping, dining, kiddies and entertainment options for visitors. The market has confirmed over 60 carefully-curated vendors including gift ideas, bespoke items, garments, jewellery, handmade crafts, décor items, vintage wares and toys.

Food lovers are in for a treat with an exciting mix of street food favourites, gourmet bites, speciality dishes, indulgent desserts and market styled snacks. Shoppers can relax in dedicated seating areas, enjoy a meal with friends and family, and immerse themselves in the vibrant sounds of live music throughout the afternoon and evening.

Adding to the atmosphere will be live music throughout the afternoon and evening. Among the featured acts on the programme will be Second Note - acoustic soul pop electric guitarist and vocalist duo; market regulars, Many Moore a three-piece acoustic pop jazz soul outfit from Pietermaritzburg; and Zoe Wright, a Durban based acoustic singer who performs a solo relaxed folk and indie set with her ukulele.

The Pavilion Shopping Centre is the second largest shopping mall in KZN and one of province’s most popular and respected destination shopping, leisure and entertainment centres. The Rooftop Market will be close to Undercover Parking B. As one of KwaZulu-Natal’s leading shopping, leisure and entertainment destinations, The Pavilion Shopping Centre continues to create experiences that celebrate community, creativity and culture.

The Night Market will take place at Undercover, accessible via Entrance 5 or Entrance 6. Entry is free and all are welcome.

GUY BUTTERY FOR DARGLE

 

(Above: Guy Buttery, courtesy of Quicket)

 

A historic first: Guy Buttery brings live music to St. Andrew's Church, Dargle — for the first time in 142 years.

World-renowned guitarist Guy Buttery will make history on the May 23, 2026, as he performs the first ever concert at St. Andrew's Church in the Dargle Valley, a landmark occasion for both the local community and South African cultural life.

Consecrated on November 30, 1883, by Bishop Macrorie, the modest stone church was erected through the collective efforts of the surrounding farming community and has stood quietly in the foothills of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands ever since. In all that time, as best as research can determine, no formal concert has ever taken place within its walls. Until now.

Guy Buttery, Standard Bank Young Artist Award recipient, multiple SAMA winner, and one of South Africa's most celebrated acoustic guitarists will perform alongside special guest Quintin Song, a versatile multi-instrumentalist of rare and distinctive voice. Together they will bring an afternoon of intimate, world-class music to one of the Midlands' most historic sacred spaces.

The concert promises to be a truly singular occasion, the ancient timbers and corrugated iron walls of St. Andrew's offering an acoustic and atmospheric setting unlike any conventional venue. With the Dargle Valley as its backdrop and 142 years of quiet history as its witness, the church will hear music for the very first time.

Seating is strictly limited and booking is essential. Find the ticket link here. https://www.quicket.co.za/events/373941-guy-buttery-the-dargle-church-sessions-23-may/#/

 

Details:

-Date – Saturday, May 23 2026

-Venue – St Andrew’s Church, Dargle

-Address – The "Dargle Church", Dargle Valley, KZN Midlands (14 km along the Dargle Road from the R103)

-Time – 15h30 to start shortly after

-Price – R200

-Contact – Gilly - 083 271 7338 / mwjambo@mweb.co.za

-Tickets –15h30

 

 

 

 

MARIA CALLAS - PRIMA DONNA - A BALLET BY MARIO GAGLIONE

 

(Pic courtesy of Webtickets)

“Maria Callas has long been a source of fascination and inspiration for me. Her unwavering commitment to music and theatre through a turbulent life, speaks of a resilience I deeply admire”, says Mario Gaglione.

A senior soloist and Associate choreographer with Joburg Ballet, Gaglione, over the last few years, has emerged as a significant choreographic voice in the South African dance landscape.

His ballet Maria Callas – Prima Donna, a self-funded ‘passion project’ independent from Joburg Ballet, which premiered last year at the Lesedi, Joburg Theatre and was performed again in January in Cape Town by invitation of the UCT Summer School as their closing show, was warmly received by audiences in both cities.

The ballet is now heading to The Milkwood Theatre, Danville Park Girls' High School, Virginia, Durban North, Durban. Three performances are scheduled for Saturday 23 May at 18h30 and on Sunday 24 May at 14h00 and 17h00.

Divine, enchanting and tragically human, Maria Callas remains one of the most captivating figures in opera history. This ballet brings her extraordinary life to the stage, it weaves together the passion of her artistry, the turbulence of her personal journey and the relentless pursuit of perfection that defined her.

The role of Maria Callas is performed by Joburg Ballet’s principal dancer, Monike Cristina who won the 2026 Naledi Award for ‘Best Performance in a Dance, Physical Theatre or Ballet Production’ for her portrayal of Maria Callas in this work. Cristina, together with four other Joburg Ballet dancers - principal dancers Revil Yon and Ivan Domiciano and soloists Chloé Blair and Gabriella Ghiaroni, brings Gaglione’s intimate ballet on the life of Maria Callas to life.

The ballet invites audiences to step closer to the mystery of Maria Callas, from soaring triumphs to devastating heartbreaks to meet the legend, the woman behind the voice. It blends the physical poetry of dance with rare video interviews with Callas herself, it highlights arias such as Casta Diva and Mon cœur s’ouvre à ta voix and also uses operatic excerpts from La Traviata and Carmen, while the costumes have been sourced from rare vintage collections.

 

Venue: The Milkwood Theatre, Danville Park Girls' High School, Virginia, Durban North, KZN

Date/times: Saturday May 23 at 18h30 |  Sunday May 24 at 14h00 & 17h00

Ticket price: R250

Bookings: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1593624566

FUNK 2026

 

(2025 Finale entitled 'The Never-Ending Encore'. Photo Credit: Paul Henman)

 

St Anne's Diocesan College presents FUNK 2026 featuring Drakondale, GHS, Epworth, Howick, St Anne’s, St John’s, St Nicholas, Michaelhouse, Riverwood and TWC

The show will take place from May 15 to 20 at The St Anne’s Theatre at 19h00

R80 (All tickets)

Booking on www.quicket.co.za

 

In its 27th year, Funk continues to generate tremendous excitement and is a firm favourite on the annual school production calendar!

Funk evolved as an idea to create a dance programme for schools with very specific aims. Firstly to unite schools in working towards a common goal; secondly to give Drama students and their teachers the opportunity to create and rehearse pieces of dance theatre for public performance; thirdly, to enable young people to see that movement, dance and dance theatre is accessible to them and not only in the hands of professional adult companies; and finally, and perhaps most importantly of all, to generate meaning and artistic integrity through dance choreography whilst challenging young people to work outside of their comfort zones.

The task for each school remains constant: to create a 6-minute piece of dance choreography integrating any type of musical or textual accompaniment. The programme accommodates a range of choreographic and performance possibilities and provides the perfect opportunity for schools to experiment with new forms. It is also important to emphasise that this platform is not a competition and should not be seen in the same light as a sports festival or inter-house competition. The highlight of the production is always the mass group Finale, which incorporates all the schools together on the stage.

Funk 2026 is produced by The Theatre-St Anne’s Diocesan College, directed by Lynn Chemaly, with technical direction by Tebogo Makitla and Finale creation by Joslyn Anderson.