Mike van Graan comments on Fourth World Summit on Arts and Culture
The fourth World Summit on Arts and Culture, a project of the International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies (IFACCA), will take place in Johannesburg from September 22 to 25, hosted by the National Arts Council of South Africa. Mike van Graan, Programme Director for the Summit, will write this weekly column in the build-up to the Summit, raising some of the themes and provocative issues that will be debated at the event.
Two of the primary divides in the world today are poverty and culture. Culture has probably overtaken poverty as one of the greatest threats to global security. The recent debate about banning the burkha in France and the rise of nationalism in Europe generally, are responses to perceived threats from immigrant communities with a culture different to that of the status quo, and irrespective of even the middle class positions of many within the immigrant community. Similarly, while they share the misery of poverty, refugees from Somalia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique and the under-classes of South Africa are divided by culture, accounting for the ongoing xenophobic violence.
In a post-9/11 world, and with the Cold War and its ideological divides now assigned to the scrapheap of history, culture is the primary global faultline.
The World Summit on Arts and Culture – held every three years in a different country – will be held in a so-called developing country, and in Africa, for the first time. The event provides a unique opportunity for policy makers, funding agencies, development organisations, artists’ networks, think tanks and multilateral cultural bodies to reflect on the state of the world and its implications for the arts over the ensuing few years.
Such a global gathering allows for key debates to be initiated, for visionary ideas to be launched and for networks to be consolidated so that the Summit is not be an end in itself, but a catalyst that will leave a lasting legacy for the global arts fraternity, and in this instance, for the African arts sector in particular.
South Africa has long been regarded as a microcosm of the world: a wealthy elite on the one hand and a huge underclass burdened by poverty on the other, with the inherent tensions within and between these further layered by racial and cultural conflicts.
It is an appropriate time and place for a global gathering on the theme of the Summit: Meeting of Cultures: Creating Meaning through the Arts, a theme that resonates across a world that is increasingly divided by values, beliefs, religion, traditions and history – in short, by culture.
What do these cultural divides mean for the arts?
Music, theatre, dance, literature, film and the visual arts are seen by some policy makers and politicians as possible bridges between cultures, as safe, non-threatening points of entry into understanding “other” and as facilitators of “intercultural dialogue”.
Yet, the arts can also play a divisive role, reinforcing cultural faultlines as shown by the literature of Salman Rushdie or movies that spark protests by Christian groups or the drawings of a Danish cartoonist or exhibitions that depict religious icons as gay. What effect will the political imperative and the need for social cohesion across cultural divides have on the arts if they are burdened with facilitating intercultural dialogue? To help to make the world a safer place, are public authorities demanding “safe” art?
Many artists hate being – or feeling - conscripted for any cause, even ones they believe in. If they are to use their creative skills for “the public good”, then they want to choose to do this, or not. On the other hand, politicians, government officials, development agencies and public funding bodies often give the impression that when artists or arts projects are supported with public funds, it is legitimate to expect them to align their creative work with the “national interests”, as defined by those who inhabit political power at the time. In an increasingly security-conscious world in which culture is one of the roots of global tensions, is it acceptable for artists to be “conscripted” in the cause of building intercultural communities at local, national and international levels?
What would this mean for South Africa? What if the NAC makes available funds for artists to create art that rejects xenophobia and that affirms good relations with refugees from other African countries? This would be considered in the interests of the greater public good. But what if an artist decides to make an art work that calls for the country’s borders to be closed to foreigners in order for government first to address the needs of impoverished South Africans? Should the artist be prevented from receiving public funds to create this art because it is not consistent with “the national interests”?
For further information about the World Summit, see www.artsummit.org
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
NCAG MEETING
North Coast Art Group meeting to be held at the La Lucia Library Hall on August 8
The North Coast Art Group’s next meeting will be held at the La Lucia Library Hall on August 8. There is a new starting time – meeting at 09h15 with tea at 09h50. The demonstration will take place at 10h10, finishing at 11h50.
This month’s demonstration will be given by Margaret Burnard on painting with Acrylics. It is hoped that this artist will give a workshop for NCAG in September.
More information from Pearl Murray on 082 4924 355 or 031 261 6070.
The North Coast Art Group’s next meeting will be held at the La Lucia Library Hall on August 8. There is a new starting time – meeting at 09h15 with tea at 09h50. The demonstration will take place at 10h10, finishing at 11h50.
This month’s demonstration will be given by Margaret Burnard on painting with Acrylics. It is hoped that this artist will give a workshop for NCAG in September.
More information from Pearl Murray on 082 4924 355 or 031 261 6070.
SING IT SISTA
(Pic: Lauren Laing, Londiwe Dhlomo, Samantha Landers and, seated, Pume Zondi)Nostalgic tribute to top female artists and all-girl groups at Upper Deck.
A nostalgic tribute to top female artists and all-girl groups is the next musical offering from the popular Upper Deck supper theatre on the Phantom Ship at uShaka Marine World.
Featuring the sizzling hot talent of Pume Zondi, Londiwe Dhlomo, Samantha Landers and Lauren Laing, Sing it Sista promises audiences a sleek and festive night out. The show covers most genres of music ranging from the cutesy vocals of the 1920s Brox Sisters and swinging wartime favourites The Andrew Sisters through to the disco beats of The Three Degrees and the contemporary sounds of Destiny's Child.
Also on the musical menu are Bananarama, Clout, Spice Girls, The Supremes, Pussycat Dolls and Wilson Phillips, as well as Chicago and Moulin Rouge's Lady Marmalade. Backing is by the top-notch five-piece uShaka Marine World band with costumes designed and styled for each decade by Bradley Marshall.
Scripted in monologues and dialogues, the show depicts all types of women in different situations, eras and relationships. It includes hit numbers such as Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, My Heart belongs to Daddy, Baby Love, Stop in the Name of Love, Sisters are doing it for themselves, Fire, Substitute, Pussycat Dolls "Buttons" and, of course, Beyonce's Single Ladies. There is also a medley of hits from Adele, Amy Winehouse and Duffy.
The show is produced by Events and Entertainment Manager Wayne Scott and is directed by Charon Williams Ros.
Sing it Sista runs on the revamped Phantom Ship's Upper Deck from August 13 to October 17. Performances Thursday to Saturday nights at 20h00 (dinner starts at 19h00). Tickets R150 pp include the show and an excellent three-course buffet. The Upper Deck also has a new wine and cocktail menu in the bar which now sports its very own mini aquarium tanks.
Booking is at Computicket or 031 328 8068.
REGISTER FOR MOSHITO ’09!
Music conference and exhibition offers leading music industry event in Africa.
Registration for the upcoming Moshito Music Conference and Exhibition opened in July, giving delegates and exhibitors two months to prepare for the leading music industry event in Africa.
Registration forms can be found online at www.moshito.co.za or by contacting representatives on the details listed below - but both potential delegates and exhibitors are urged to register promptly to avoid disappointment.
The Moshito Music Conference and Exhibition will be held from September 2 to 5 at Museum Africa in Newtown Johannesburg. Known by its many supporters simply as Moshito (“rhythm” in Sepedi), this annual event is Africa’s leading music conference and expo and is an essential part of the diary of individuals, businesses and organisations involved in all aspects of the music industry.
With a stimulating conference programme, expanded Expo section and plenty of live events on offer in 2009, the sixth annual Moshito is not to be missed by anyone in the business of music!
To register as a delegate contact Lungile Mzizi on 011 838 9145; 072 228 5579 or fax 011 838 9149. For Expo Stands contact Male Hlalele at 011-838 9145 and fax 011-838 9149.
For further information contact info@moshito.co.za and go to www.moshito.co.za for registration forms.
Registration for the upcoming Moshito Music Conference and Exhibition opened in July, giving delegates and exhibitors two months to prepare for the leading music industry event in Africa.
Registration forms can be found online at www.moshito.co.za or by contacting representatives on the details listed below - but both potential delegates and exhibitors are urged to register promptly to avoid disappointment.
The Moshito Music Conference and Exhibition will be held from September 2 to 5 at Museum Africa in Newtown Johannesburg. Known by its many supporters simply as Moshito (“rhythm” in Sepedi), this annual event is Africa’s leading music conference and expo and is an essential part of the diary of individuals, businesses and organisations involved in all aspects of the music industry.
With a stimulating conference programme, expanded Expo section and plenty of live events on offer in 2009, the sixth annual Moshito is not to be missed by anyone in the business of music!
To register as a delegate contact Lungile Mzizi on 011 838 9145; 072 228 5579 or fax 011 838 9149. For Expo Stands contact Male Hlalele at 011-838 9145 and fax 011-838 9149.
For further information contact info@moshito.co.za and go to www.moshito.co.za for registration forms.
DEDICATION AND INITIATIVE
Classical Notes by William Charlton-Perkins
The KZN Philharmonic’s heavily booked Reneè Fleming Concert in the Durban City Hall on August 27 received a further box office boost this week, thanks to a block booking of 200 tickets by students of the Walter Sisulu University in the Eastern Cape. The students have paid for their tickets without any sponsorship, and the University will fund their transport. Their cultural tour will form part of their academic programme and their experiential learning component. Great initiative, great experiential learning. Concert-goers who have not yet booked seats for Durban’s classical music red letter event of the decade should do so soonest, to avoid disappointment.
Music-activist-turned-film-maker Roger Lucey’s engaging documentary, Aria del Africa, formed part of the 30th Durban International Film Festival. Subtitled New Voices of a New South Africa, it bears the stamp of one who has approached the field of Opera with caution over the past decade and more. Lucey is known for his credentials in World Music circles. Now in the throes of a History of Music thesis at Drake University in the United States, he freely acknowledged his change in attitude towards Opera, having finally discarded his one-time impression of the art form as tainted with widely perceived pre 1994 elitist connotations.
His Aria del Africa is a simple tale told in the medium of film, cleanly crafted and refreshingly free of grandiose expression. It charts the progress of two opera students of the South African College of Music at the University of Cape Town. As the opening credits roll, we are privy to the early moments of Mozart’s Don Giovanni at the Baxter Theatre. By the time the Overture has played out, we have been introduced in cut-aways to the protagonists, 23-year old baritone Musawenkosi Ngqungwana (who plays Leporello onstage), and soprano Musa Spelman (Donna Anna).
Interviews with the young singers are spliced between footage of vocal warm-ups and backstage rehearsals. Inevitably these lead to a triumphant opening night conclusion. In the interim we accompany each student on illuminating visits to their Eastern Cape rural homesteads. These yield profoundly touching perspectives of their faith, courage, and sheer determination to reinforce their talent with dogged hard work and painful personal sacrifice. Déjà vous, in the light of so many comparable scenarios in our own UKZN Opera School and Choral Academy.
The second film dealing with opera on the Durban International Film Festival, the Metropolitan Opera’s The Audition, deals with aspirant opera stars, too. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Susan Froemke, it looks at the intense pressures young opera singers face as they struggle to succeed in one of the most difficult professions in the performing arts.
According the media notice, the film covers the dramatic week leading up to the finals of the 2007 Metropolitan Opera auditions. It focuses on three very different tenor contestants: Michael Fabiano, a fiery 22-year-old grappling with his inner demons; Alek Shrader, a 25-year-old with movie-star looks who attempts to sing nine high Cs in the fiendishly difficult aria that made Pavarotti a star; and Ryan Smith, who at the age of 30, and with little formal training, is pursuing his dream of an operatic career. In short, , The Audition is both a suspenseful competition narrative and a revealing backstage look at what it takes to make it as an opera singer. – William Charlton-Perkins
The KZN Philharmonic’s heavily booked Reneè Fleming Concert in the Durban City Hall on August 27 received a further box office boost this week, thanks to a block booking of 200 tickets by students of the Walter Sisulu University in the Eastern Cape. The students have paid for their tickets without any sponsorship, and the University will fund their transport. Their cultural tour will form part of their academic programme and their experiential learning component. Great initiative, great experiential learning. Concert-goers who have not yet booked seats for Durban’s classical music red letter event of the decade should do so soonest, to avoid disappointment.
Music-activist-turned-film-maker Roger Lucey’s engaging documentary, Aria del Africa, formed part of the 30th Durban International Film Festival. Subtitled New Voices of a New South Africa, it bears the stamp of one who has approached the field of Opera with caution over the past decade and more. Lucey is known for his credentials in World Music circles. Now in the throes of a History of Music thesis at Drake University in the United States, he freely acknowledged his change in attitude towards Opera, having finally discarded his one-time impression of the art form as tainted with widely perceived pre 1994 elitist connotations.
His Aria del Africa is a simple tale told in the medium of film, cleanly crafted and refreshingly free of grandiose expression. It charts the progress of two opera students of the South African College of Music at the University of Cape Town. As the opening credits roll, we are privy to the early moments of Mozart’s Don Giovanni at the Baxter Theatre. By the time the Overture has played out, we have been introduced in cut-aways to the protagonists, 23-year old baritone Musawenkosi Ngqungwana (who plays Leporello onstage), and soprano Musa Spelman (Donna Anna).
Interviews with the young singers are spliced between footage of vocal warm-ups and backstage rehearsals. Inevitably these lead to a triumphant opening night conclusion. In the interim we accompany each student on illuminating visits to their Eastern Cape rural homesteads. These yield profoundly touching perspectives of their faith, courage, and sheer determination to reinforce their talent with dogged hard work and painful personal sacrifice. Déjà vous, in the light of so many comparable scenarios in our own UKZN Opera School and Choral Academy.
The second film dealing with opera on the Durban International Film Festival, the Metropolitan Opera’s The Audition, deals with aspirant opera stars, too. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Susan Froemke, it looks at the intense pressures young opera singers face as they struggle to succeed in one of the most difficult professions in the performing arts.
According the media notice, the film covers the dramatic week leading up to the finals of the 2007 Metropolitan Opera auditions. It focuses on three very different tenor contestants: Michael Fabiano, a fiery 22-year-old grappling with his inner demons; Alek Shrader, a 25-year-old with movie-star looks who attempts to sing nine high Cs in the fiendishly difficult aria that made Pavarotti a star; and Ryan Smith, who at the age of 30, and with little formal training, is pursuing his dream of an operatic career. In short, , The Audition is both a suspenseful competition narrative and a revealing backstage look at what it takes to make it as an opera singer. – William Charlton-Perkins
EVENTS @ SNAP!
Marriott Road wine bar offers Open Mic nights on Thursdays.
Snap! Wine Bar in Marriott Road offers Open Mic nights every Thursday from 19h00 to 23h00.
On August 8, Natalie Chapman and Peter Hoven (Jozi) perform from 20h00 onwards. They will be followed on August 15 by Shannon Hope and on August 22 by Amy White.
There is a R40 cover charge and on offer will be a Beer & Burger/Pasta promo. The music runs from 19h00 to 23h00. For bookings contact 031 309 4160.
Snap! Wine Bar in Marriott Road offers Open Mic nights every Thursday from 19h00 to 23h00.
On August 8, Natalie Chapman and Peter Hoven (Jozi) perform from 20h00 onwards. They will be followed on August 15 by Shannon Hope and on August 22 by Amy White.
There is a R40 cover charge and on offer will be a Beer & Burger/Pasta promo. The music runs from 19h00 to 23h00. For bookings contact 031 309 4160.
CELEBRATION OF WOMEN
National Women’s Day honoured with live band, fashion and beauty and a DJ.
A one-off Celebration of Women is being staged once again at the Catalina Theatre. Taking place on August 8 in honour of National Women’s Day, there will be a glittering line-up of outstanding singers with a live band, fashion & beauty and a DJ.
Join the Catalina Theatre for the Women’s Day festivities on 9 August and enjoy the ambience of the special performance on a perfect winter’s evening. There will be prize giveaways & goodie bags for all ladies.
Celebration of Women takes place at 18h30 for 19h00 on August 8. Tickets R150 booked through Thandeka on 031 305 6889 or email tsibisi@mweb.co.za Catalina Theatre tickets are now available online at www.strictlytickets.co.za or www.catalinatheatre.co.za or www.goingplacesSA.co.za / www.goingplacesSA.com.
The Catalina Theatre is still functioning thanks to the generosity and support from Rainbow Chicken, National Arts Council and Ethekwini Municipality.
A one-off Celebration of Women is being staged once again at the Catalina Theatre. Taking place on August 8 in honour of National Women’s Day, there will be a glittering line-up of outstanding singers with a live band, fashion & beauty and a DJ.
Join the Catalina Theatre for the Women’s Day festivities on 9 August and enjoy the ambience of the special performance on a perfect winter’s evening. There will be prize giveaways & goodie bags for all ladies.
Celebration of Women takes place at 18h30 for 19h00 on August 8. Tickets R150 booked through Thandeka on 031 305 6889 or email tsibisi@mweb.co.za Catalina Theatre tickets are now available online at www.strictlytickets.co.za or www.catalinatheatre.co.za or www.goingplacesSA.co.za / www.goingplacesSA.com.
The Catalina Theatre is still functioning thanks to the generosity and support from Rainbow Chicken, National Arts Council and Ethekwini Municipality.
LIVE POETS SOCIETY MEETING
The Live Poets Society next meeting to take place on August 4.
The next meeting of the Live Poets Society will take place on August 4 at 17h30 for 18h00. The theme for August is Philosophy so poets are invited to put on their philosophers’ hats and provide some great philosophy. There will also be an Open Mic session where anything goes.
The Guest Poet is Mphutlane Wa Bofelo, who has just published an anthology titled Bofelosophy.
There is no entrance free and all poets and lovers of poetry are welcomed.
The meeting will take place in the Anchorage Room at the Point Yacht Club on the Victoria Embankment. There is ample safe parking available. More information from Danny Naicker on 083 282 0865 or email: dnaicker@metsond.co.za
(Regular patrons are reminded that LiPS meetings have been moved from the last Tuesday of the month to the first Tuesday of every month.)
The next meeting of the Live Poets Society will take place on August 4 at 17h30 for 18h00. The theme for August is Philosophy so poets are invited to put on their philosophers’ hats and provide some great philosophy. There will also be an Open Mic session where anything goes.
The Guest Poet is Mphutlane Wa Bofelo, who has just published an anthology titled Bofelosophy.
There is no entrance free and all poets and lovers of poetry are welcomed.
The meeting will take place in the Anchorage Room at the Point Yacht Club on the Victoria Embankment. There is ample safe parking available. More information from Danny Naicker on 083 282 0865 or email: dnaicker@metsond.co.za
(Regular patrons are reminded that LiPS meetings have been moved from the last Tuesday of the month to the first Tuesday of every month.)
BELLY DANCE FUNDRAISER
Maya Performance Group to present their Miss Belly Dance South Africa fundraiser on August 15.
The Maya Performance Group is to present their Miss Belly Dance South Africa fundraiser.
The Maya Dancers will be entering the Miss Belly Dance SA competition in September. The fundraising show taking place on August 15 will help the dancers with the costs of the trip to Johannesburg.
The show will also give them an opportunity to showcase their numbers for the competition. Maya Dance Company is entering two group choreographies; Lucille and Ioleen who will perform solos, Julie and Candice in a duo, and Carla who will dance in seven categories (six of which are a pre-requisite for the title of Miss Belly Dance SA).
The fundraising concert takes place on August 15 at 15h30 and 17h00 at the Lutheran Church Hall in Renshaw Road (off Deodar Avenue) in Glenwood. Tickets 50 (R35 children under 8) booked through Senta Seele of the Maya Dance Company on 082 829 3658.
For more information email: senta@mayadance.co.za or visit www.mayadance.co.za
The Maya Performance Group is to present their Miss Belly Dance South Africa fundraiser.
The Maya Dancers will be entering the Miss Belly Dance SA competition in September. The fundraising show taking place on August 15 will help the dancers with the costs of the trip to Johannesburg.
The show will also give them an opportunity to showcase their numbers for the competition. Maya Dance Company is entering two group choreographies; Lucille and Ioleen who will perform solos, Julie and Candice in a duo, and Carla who will dance in seven categories (six of which are a pre-requisite for the title of Miss Belly Dance SA).
The fundraising concert takes place on August 15 at 15h30 and 17h00 at the Lutheran Church Hall in Renshaw Road (off Deodar Avenue) in Glenwood. Tickets 50 (R35 children under 8) booked through Senta Seele of the Maya Dance Company on 082 829 3658.
For more information email: senta@mayadance.co.za or visit www.mayadance.co.za
REJECTED ANGELS
Second and third year DUT Drama Students present dance drama inspired by Albinism.
The Durban University of Technology, Television, Drama and Production Studies is to presents the annual Dance Drama, this year entitled Rejected Angels - a season of thought-provoking contemporary dance inspired by Albinism.
"Discrimination against albinos is a serious problem throughout sub-Saharan Africa, but recently in Tanzania it has taken a wicked twist. Many people in Tanzania and across Africa, for that matter believe albinos have magical powers and witch doctors are now marketing albino skin, bones and hair as ingredients in potions that are promised to make people rich".
Rejected Angels addresses rumours and strange beliefs made by witch doctors that if you use a bald head when fishing you will get rich and If you spread an albino blood on the ground in a mine, you will find gold. These rumours come and go but the problem is, the people who follow witch doctors do not question them.
This production involves all the second and third year Drama Students who specialise in Theatre Dance and showcases four works by acclaimed Durban based choreographers Mdu Mtshali, Sifiso Majola, Musa Hlatshwayo, Sifiso Khumalo and Directed by a Dance Lecturer Mdu Mtshali.
Rejected Angels runs from August 17 to 21 August at 19h00 at The Courtyard Theatre (DUT Mansfield Road). Bookings on 031 373 2194 or email: lebohangs@dut.ac.za
The Durban University of Technology, Television, Drama and Production Studies is to presents the annual Dance Drama, this year entitled Rejected Angels - a season of thought-provoking contemporary dance inspired by Albinism.
"Discrimination against albinos is a serious problem throughout sub-Saharan Africa, but recently in Tanzania it has taken a wicked twist. Many people in Tanzania and across Africa, for that matter believe albinos have magical powers and witch doctors are now marketing albino skin, bones and hair as ingredients in potions that are promised to make people rich".
Rejected Angels addresses rumours and strange beliefs made by witch doctors that if you use a bald head when fishing you will get rich and If you spread an albino blood on the ground in a mine, you will find gold. These rumours come and go but the problem is, the people who follow witch doctors do not question them.
This production involves all the second and third year Drama Students who specialise in Theatre Dance and showcases four works by acclaimed Durban based choreographers Mdu Mtshali, Sifiso Majola, Musa Hlatshwayo, Sifiso Khumalo and Directed by a Dance Lecturer Mdu Mtshali.
Rejected Angels runs from August 17 to 21 August at 19h00 at The Courtyard Theatre (DUT Mansfield Road). Bookings on 031 373 2194 or email: lebohangs@dut.ac.za
Sunday, August 2, 2009
MASTER HAROLD … AND THE BOYS
(Matthew Venturas as Hally, Loyiso MacDonald as Willie and Thabani Sibiya as Sam)Lovers of good drama should not miss this production. (Review by Caroline Smart)
Last year, director Shaun Gray presented an excellent production of Paul Slabolepszy’s Saturday Night at the Palace at Seabrooke’s Theatre at Durban High School. This year, his sure directorial hand is behind another classic play, Athol Fugard’s Master Harold …and the Boys, which is currently running at the Catalina Theatre on Wilson’s Wharf with performances for schools as well as for the public.
The story deals with a 17 year-old white schoolboy, Harold “Hally”, who spends much time with Sam and Willie, his mother’s two black servants in her Tea-Room in New Brighton, Port Elizabeth. Sam is Hally’s best friend and confidant with whom he has had a strong bonding relationship for most of his life.
Set in 1950, the year apartheid was enforced; the beginning of the play sees the trio amiably discussing everything from words like “magnitude” to historical figures that have made an impact on the world. Hally battles with his homework, he has to produce a 500 word composition focusing on an annual cultural event. A ballroom dancer himself, Sam suggests the hugely popular annual championships held in Port Elizabeth. What follows is Fugard’s clever comparison of ballroom dancing to the global theme of universal humanity where deliberate “collisions” are avoided. People don’t “bump” into each other on the dance floor – it’s “a world where accidents don’t happen.”
However, things take a complicated turn when Hally is plunged into gloom. His alcoholic father is coming out of hospital, an act which will undoubtedly disturb the peace of the home he shares with his mother. The stress pushes him to the point where he flares at Sam - the white “baas” bigotry of his father rising within him to irrevocably slash the trusting relationship between them. Intensely moving, the play is a stark reminder of the apartheid regime which contaminated so many lives.
Initially banned from production in South Africa, Master Harold …and the Boys was first produced at the Yale Repertory Theater in the US in 1982. It is based on a personal incident in Fugard’s youth, written in an attempt to atone for his behaviour at the time.
The play requires strong maturity from the actor playing Sam, an upright man whose search for knowledge is insatiable while offering Hally the benefit of his own wisdom and global vision. Tall and imposing, Thabani Sibiya gives a very strong and moving performance, especially in the scenes following Hally’s outburst.
Matthew Venturas gives an equally good performance as Hally, presenting a confused youth faced with an untenable future and hitting out at Sam as the first available punching bag. He handles this complex role with confidence and energy but more projection is required from him as the Catalina is notorious for its acoustic problems.
As Willie, Loyiso MacDonald is endearing, amusing and vulnerable – even when shining his shoes! He’s caught up in the confrontation between Sam and Harold and is helpless to save the situation.
Considering that they weren’t even born when the play was first produced and were small children when South Africa won its democracy, all three actors put in very credible and passionate performances. All kudos to Shaun Gray for another fine production.
Mervyn McMurtry has produced a well-designed set which, although a little too pristine for a struggling Tea-Room, makes optimum use of the wide stage of the Catalina. Adorned with advertising posters of the period and featuring a suitably garish jukebox, it offers enough acting space for the amusing sequences where Sam tries to teach Willie the finer points of ballroom dancing.
I would strongly urge lovers of good drama to see this production.
Master Harold …and the Boys runs until August 16. Tickets R65 (concessions R50 and scholars group booking R40pp - one free teacher per group of 10 pupils). Shows are 11h00 weekdays for school groups. Public performances are Thursdays and Fridays at 20h00, Saturdays at 17h00 and 20h00 and Sundays at 14h00 and 18h00.
To book call Thandeka on 031 305 6889 or email tsibisi@mweb.co.za Catalina Theatre tickets now available online at www.strictlytickets.co.za or at www.catalinatheatre.co.za or www.goingplacesSA.co.za / www.goingplacesSA.com.
The Catalina Theatre is still functioning thanks to support from Rainbow Chicken, National Arts Council and Ethekwini Municipality. – Caroline Smart
Saturday, August 1, 2009
NO TEARS
Eager Artists continues its performance growth with dramatic work dedicated to struggle hero Andrew Zondo. (Review by Caroline Smart)
The African National Congress’s Statement to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of August 1996 (www.gpsa.co.za/articles/anc_truth.htm) informs that between April 1986 and September 1988, a “number of attacks on civilian targets with no connection to the state occurred.”
In conceding that MK personnel were responsible for such attacks on “soft targets”, the ANC maintained that the context in which they occurred was relevant. Acknowledging that breaches in policy did occur in a number of instances, it deeply regretted civilian casualties and informed that the leadership had taken steps to halt operations in conflict with policy. The document continues:
“The December 1985 blast in an Amanzimtoti shopping centre, in which five people were killed and over 40 people injured, provides a clear example of the manner in which the behaviour of the apartheid regime was a significant factor in provoking certain attacks which were in breach of policy.
“Andrew Zondo, aged 19, admitted to placing a bomb in a rubbish bin in the Sanlam Centre in Amanzimtoti on 23 December 1985. On December 20 1985, the Pretoria regime had launched a raid on Lesotho in which nine people were killed. In anger, Zondo left a bomb at the shopping centre. Andrew Zondo spoke with unmistakably sincere regret for the deaths which had occurred. Those responsible for the Lesotho massacre received medals at a secret ceremony. Zondo was sentenced to death five times and refused leave to appeal.“
This information forms the backbone of Eager Artists’ latest production, No Tears which deals with the life and times of Andrew Zondo who was hanged after his co-accused turned state witness. As Thembinkosi Ngcobo, Head of Parks Recreation and Culture for Ethekwini Municipality, indicated to the audience - one could view Zondo as a hero or a villain but before making that assessment, the content of No Tears should be seriously considered.
Still in its final formation stages, No Tears shows the potential of reaching the dramatic standard of the theatre company’s successful It’s a Man’s World which was co-directed by Eager Artist’s Artistic Director Jerry Pooe and Roël Twijnstra from the Theatergroep Siberia in Rotterdam. It was good to see Roël in the audience this evening, after having been at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown to witness It’s a Man’s World’s well-received appearance on the fringe festival.
No Tears has a strong cast who, apart from needing to understand the concept of “looking for the light” when there are specific lighting spots on the stage, put in good performances. Eager Artists is blessed with having not one youthful and passionate actor to play Andrew Zondo in Bongumusa Shabalala but two - with his perfect replica being his twin brother, Musawenkosi!
Other acting honours go to Xolani Dlongolo as a fellow prisoner and Elizabeth Kaskie as Andrew’s mother. Good support comes from Eager Artists stalwarts Xolani Henema (Andrew’s father) and Denis Mbele as the sell-out (impimpi) as well as from Nhlakanipho Maphulo (the other fellow prisoner) and Sphindile Myeni (doubling as Andrew’s girlfriend and the gossipy neighbour).
No Tears performed to schools this past week and there will be a further public performance at Stable Theatre tomorrow (August 1) at 19h00 – tickets R30 at the door. The play is expected to return to Stable Theatre in September, by which time I am confident that it will be a production to be reckoned with!
More information on Eager Artists on 031 301 8752 or 078 498 6228– Caroline Smart
The African National Congress’s Statement to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of August 1996 (www.gpsa.co.za/articles/anc_truth.htm) informs that between April 1986 and September 1988, a “number of attacks on civilian targets with no connection to the state occurred.”
In conceding that MK personnel were responsible for such attacks on “soft targets”, the ANC maintained that the context in which they occurred was relevant. Acknowledging that breaches in policy did occur in a number of instances, it deeply regretted civilian casualties and informed that the leadership had taken steps to halt operations in conflict with policy. The document continues:
“The December 1985 blast in an Amanzimtoti shopping centre, in which five people were killed and over 40 people injured, provides a clear example of the manner in which the behaviour of the apartheid regime was a significant factor in provoking certain attacks which were in breach of policy.
“Andrew Zondo, aged 19, admitted to placing a bomb in a rubbish bin in the Sanlam Centre in Amanzimtoti on 23 December 1985. On December 20 1985, the Pretoria regime had launched a raid on Lesotho in which nine people were killed. In anger, Zondo left a bomb at the shopping centre. Andrew Zondo spoke with unmistakably sincere regret for the deaths which had occurred. Those responsible for the Lesotho massacre received medals at a secret ceremony. Zondo was sentenced to death five times and refused leave to appeal.“
This information forms the backbone of Eager Artists’ latest production, No Tears which deals with the life and times of Andrew Zondo who was hanged after his co-accused turned state witness. As Thembinkosi Ngcobo, Head of Parks Recreation and Culture for Ethekwini Municipality, indicated to the audience - one could view Zondo as a hero or a villain but before making that assessment, the content of No Tears should be seriously considered.
Still in its final formation stages, No Tears shows the potential of reaching the dramatic standard of the theatre company’s successful It’s a Man’s World which was co-directed by Eager Artist’s Artistic Director Jerry Pooe and Roël Twijnstra from the Theatergroep Siberia in Rotterdam. It was good to see Roël in the audience this evening, after having been at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown to witness It’s a Man’s World’s well-received appearance on the fringe festival.
No Tears has a strong cast who, apart from needing to understand the concept of “looking for the light” when there are specific lighting spots on the stage, put in good performances. Eager Artists is blessed with having not one youthful and passionate actor to play Andrew Zondo in Bongumusa Shabalala but two - with his perfect replica being his twin brother, Musawenkosi!
Other acting honours go to Xolani Dlongolo as a fellow prisoner and Elizabeth Kaskie as Andrew’s mother. Good support comes from Eager Artists stalwarts Xolani Henema (Andrew’s father) and Denis Mbele as the sell-out (impimpi) as well as from Nhlakanipho Maphulo (the other fellow prisoner) and Sphindile Myeni (doubling as Andrew’s girlfriend and the gossipy neighbour).
No Tears performed to schools this past week and there will be a further public performance at Stable Theatre tomorrow (August 1) at 19h00 – tickets R30 at the door. The play is expected to return to Stable Theatre in September, by which time I am confident that it will be a production to be reckoned with!
More information on Eager Artists on 031 301 8752 or 078 498 6228– Caroline Smart
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
