SEPTEMBER

Hereunder:

• Theatre Highlight! - Pregnant Pause - Brilliant play with superb performances by Michael Richard and Charmaine Weir-Smith at the - Old Mutual Theatre on the Square
• Theatre Highlight! - Hello and Goodbye - Fugard the cruel observer of human behaviour - Tesson Theatre, Johannesburg Civic Theatre
• CRAZY DIAMOND – A Tribute to Pink Floyd” set to get rockers grooving at The Vinctory Theatre
• ROAD by Jim Cartwright - Groundbreaking play at WITS Amphitheatre, Braamfontein
• 15th Out in Africa Gay & Lesbian Film Festivalll Monty! BOOK AND
• SHOW EVENING at LEGENDS Tuesday 23 September!- Meet LIDIA THERON & PHILIP LIEBENBERG and see show by GUILLAUME
• See FREE lunchtime concerts at WITS
• Alliance Française of Johannesburg Cultural Events - September 2008
• TRIO ON A TRIP - Pianist Charl de Plessis at Centurion Theatre on 19 September, 20.00

PREGNANT PAUSE
Old Mutual Theatre on the Square
9th - 27th September

The artistry of two great South African actors, Michael Richard and Charmaine Weir-Smith combine with the brilliance of director Sylvaine Strike in yet another masterful offering by producer Daphne Kuhn.

During the past year I had seen all the productions at this little big theatre and I have yet to be disappointed. Daphne Kuhn has an ability to select the very best South Africa has to offer at this 200-seater Old Mutual Theatre on the Square. In fact, Daphne Kuhn is fast establishing herself as one of thsi country's great producers.

Pregant Pause has been brought back to this stage because of popular demand. And, it has all the ingredients to make it an even bigger hit than before. It is an hilarious and offbeat view of parenthood and “Belly laughs along a bumpy road” is probably the best way to describe this comic creation by award-winning director, Sylvaine Strike who has given us such winners as Black and Blue, Coupe and Travellers.

What masterful comic timing by two award-winning and seasoned actors! Michael Richard (Yin Tong, Fiddler on the Roof, Decadence) and Charmaine Weir-Smith (Veldfire, 2 FOR THE PRICE OF 1) shine in this collaboration. Their portrayals of Dr Smit and midwife Geraldine van Niekerk must account for one of the funniest stage performances I have ever witnessed.

Also, Michael Richard's impersonation of the character's mother is hilarious!

The production explores the joyous highs and challenging lows of pregnancy and parenthood. It is an authentically South African piece, tapping into the South African suburban mindset as a couple embark on the most momentous journey of their lives. It is a journey fraught with complexities and challenges on every level, resulting in an hilarious but always truthful and detailed exploration of life as a parent.

This is a show for everybody – those who are parents, those who have parents, those who would like to be parents…and even for those who could think of nothing worse than being parents!

If you miss out on seeing thsi production you will miss out on life!

Bookings are now open for this delightful and original new play that received rave reviews from the critics…

“…worth all the labour pains…” AS Star Tonight
“What a team! What a baby!” PF Artslink
“Marvelously inspired” MJ Business Day

Enquire about group booking discounts for schools, ante natal groups, families - and for fundraisers. For bookings call Strictly Tickets on 011 483 3532 or 083 918 8551 or the theatre on tel. 011-883-8606 - or simply book on-line http://www.strictlytickets.com/

For further media enquiries call Daphne, Sue or Mika on tel. 011-883-8606



The Victory Theatre - 18th to 21st September 2008
Rock lovers and die-hard fans of one of the most successful rock bands of all time will soon have the chance to thrill to the sounds of Pink Floyd when “Crazy Diamond” takes to the stage for 5 shows only at The Victory Theatre from 18th – 21st September 2008.

The brain child of veteran director, Richard H Nosworthy, “Crazy Diamond” will take audiences on a scintillating 2 hour journey following the history of Pink Floyd, as seen through the eyes of Roger Keith Barrett – aka Syd to his friends – and paying tribute to him. Barrett was one of the founding members of Pink Floyd, and even though he only stayed with the band for the first two years, his influence on the band continued long after his departure through their following 40 years or so existence.

Audiences will feel electrified as they follow the Pink Floyd story which highlights Barrett’s influence he had on both the band’s style of music and the lyrics they have written over the years. It also sheds light on the band’s early influences; explains why their work often contains very long songs with elaborate free flowing solos and discusses their innovative use of modern technology and Musique concrete.

“Crazy Diamond” covers a wide spectrum of Pink Floyd’s music and will soon have die-hard Floyd fans or just your regular “rocker at heart” enjoying the sounds of music ranging from the band’s first album The Piper at the Gates of Dawn and continuing the journey through A Saucer Full of Secrets to the more “modern” Floyd music of The Wall to A Momentary Lapse of Reason and the last Pink Floyd album The Division Bell.

Over 30 songs will be performed along this scintillating journey of rock at its very best, including Jugband Blues, Echoes, Speak to Me, Breathe, Happiest Days of our lives, Another Brick in the Wall, parts 1,2 and 3, The Dogs of War, Shine on You Crazy Diamond and many more, all ensuring the audiences will be provide with a never to be forgotten show.

Taking centre stage in this production is undoubtedly one of Africa’s most talented guitarists and multi-award winning songwriter, Mel Botes. Mel has always acknowledged that Pink Floyd has had a big influence on his music career, with their influence being evident in both his writing and style of playing and can be seen in Mel’s original works; “David’s Confession” and in “Flight of Bird” on and he has been in his element while collaborating with Richard Nosworthy to bring “Crazy Diamond” to the stage. This is a second collaboration between this talented pair, the first being “Flight of Bird” which was directed by Nosworthy and starred Botes .

Mel says “This production has been a big challenge for me and a very valuable learning curve. It’s been a wonderful opportunity to use everything I’ve learned about playing music over 30 years to help me interpret Pink Floyd’s”.

Joining Mel on stage in “Crazy Diamond” will be Simon Orange (Hammond organ, piano and backing vocals), Jaconell Mouton (keys and sax); Theuns Botha (drums) and Barry Steenkamp (bass). Backing vocals will be provided by Hannah Erasmus and Elaine Page.

Pink Floyd is known for its elaborate concerts with big budget lighting rigs, visual effects and sound systems, and “Crazy Diamond” pays tribute to these too. There are specially produced supporting images which are projected onto screens and a voice over guides the audience through the years as the music takes them through the time-warp that as Pink Floyd’s music.

The show runs at the Victory Theatre, Houghton Estate for 5 shows only from 18th – 21st September so book now in order to avoid disappointment!
The shows on Thursday 18th September and Friday 19th September are at 20h00, with two shows on Saturday 20th September at 15h00 and 20h30 and on Sunday 21st September at 18h00.

Patrons can book for either the Show Only or can enjoy a mouth watering dinner before the show in the theatre’s restaurant, and take advantage of the special dinner and show packages that are on offer at the Victory Theatre.
Ticket prices range from : R115 – R223 for show only (including Computicket charges) or R216 – R300 (including Computicket charges) for their various dinner and show packages.

Bookings can be made by contacting the Victory Theatre Box Office on 011 728 9603 or through Computicket.

DO NOT MISS OUT – book now for the greatest rock show to be seen in Gauteng!

For more information, log onto http://www.melbotes.co.za/

ROAD - at Wits Amphitheatre, Braamfontein
16 – 27 September @ 19h30
RUNNING TIME: Two hours including interval
BOOKING: www.computicket.com or www.strictlytickets.com
ENQUIRIES: catherine.pisanti@wits.ac.za / (011) 717-1376

'Why is the world so tough, it’s like walking through meat in high heels?’

Jim Cartwright’s exceptional writing debut broke radical new ground when it was first produced in 1986. The play has since won many awards and was voted the 36th best play of the twentieth century in a poll by the Royal National Theatre.

There is poetry in the words of Road. The heightened nature of the language, combined with the harsh realities of the characters, make Road an intoxicating mix, uncomfortable and magical. What could be better for students to grapple with?

Director Leila Henriques said: “Co-director Sarah Woodward, assistant director Ruth Heyns, together with a fantastic company, have worked together with me with much rigour and humour to bring this production together. We have reached unfamiliar places: ‘the last stop, the looked over and left out’, where ‘we’s all shovelled here, unsorted and slung up the side’.

“The challenges have been great: dense imagery; Lancashire accents; a play that actively subverts our narrative expectations; and twenty-four highly charged characters – both socially and emotionally. The students have welcomed the challenge. They embraced the work with gusto and commitment. The result is a passionate and poetic ride through a world so different from South Africa, and yet strangely familiar.”

Tickets are very reasonably priced at R 56, 50(includes Computicket’s service charge) and a discount price of R 35,50 (includes Computicket’s service charge) is available for Wits staff, pensioners, students and block bookings of ten and more. WitsTix nights (pay R 10,00) are 16 September @ 19h30 and 25 September @ 17h30.

Light meals and a full cash bar can be enjoyed in Café Dulce, situated in the Wits Theatre Foyer.
Free, covered parking in the adjacent Senate House (the entrance is on Jorissen Street) ensures peace of mind.

15TH OUT IN AFRICA SA GAY & LESBIAN FILM FESTIVAL
Johannesburg Thu 4th – Sun 14th September 2008
Nu Metro - Killarney Mall
Cape Town Thu 11th – Sun 21st September 2008
Nu Metro - V&A Waterfront

www.oia.co.za ▪ 021 461 40 27 ▪ info@oia.co.za

The Out in Africa SA Gay & Lesbian Film Festival is turning 15 this year and bringing some reel buds to the big screen this spring!

The Festival reflects the significant changes that Gay cinema is undergoing by truly reflecting reality and ousting stereotypes, offering a broad choice of films ranging from comedy to documentary, feature films and shorts, local and international titles. Among the highlights are Eytan Foxs’ The Bubble, Jamie Babbit’s Itty Bitty Titty Committee, the award-winning XXY directed by Lucía Puenzo, the Oscar-nominated documentary For the Bible Tells Me So by Daniel Karslake, the hugely entertaining Times Have Been Better and Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin.

While our films and the panoply of topics they touch on entertain, panel discussions and especially our guests turn the festival into a unique inter-active experience. Our guests this year are Emmy-award winner Bennett Singer (Director of Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin, an award-winning documentary selected by Justice Edwin Cameron. The film reveals the life of the gay man who mentored Reverend Martin Luther King. Cameron will attend some of the screenings and engage with the director and Rustin’s life partner Walter Naegle, also a guest of the Festival.

Lisa Thrasher (Producer of Itty Titty Bitty Committee) is an Independent Film Producer and serves as the President of Film Production & Distribution for POWER UP (Professional Organisation of Women in Entertainment Reaching UP) – she will be running a Producer’s Seminar in Johannesburg and Cape Town, which are free and open to all – see the printed programme and website www.oia.co.za for further details.
The picture on the left shows Lisa Thrasher (left) pictured with Stacy Codikow

Also in attendance will be Jamie Babbit, the Director of Itty Titty Bitty Committee. Babbit has enjoyed success as a television producer/director, serving as both for the WB television series Popular, as well as directing episodes of critically acclaimed shows such as Ugly Betty, the L Word, Alias, Nip/Tuck, Malcolm in the Middle and The Gilmore Girls.

Must see movies:




Brother Outsider

CELEBRITY CHOICE – EDWIN CAMERON
Dir: Nancy Kates & Bennett Singer
USA 2003 83mins
This is a thrilling and important story – the life and work of Bayard Rustin, the gay man who mentored Martin Luther King. A visionary crusader, Rustin has been called the “unknown hero” and the “invisible man” of the American civil rights movement.
Why invisible? Because he dared to live openly as gay man during a time of homophobia so fierce that it kept most LGBTI people deeply closeted. Why an outsider? Because as a black gay man he challenged stereotypes within both the black and the white establishments of his time – stereotypes that still affect black gays and lesbians in our world. Brother Outsider, a moving and engaging record of Rustin’s life, reveals the price he paid for his openness and chronicles his triumphs and setbacks over 60 years —including his role as chief organizer of the huge 1963 March on Washington.
This story is one that will warm South Africans, black and white, gay or straight, while making them reflect on what remains to be done for justice in our own country.

Director Singer and Walter Naegle, Rustin’s life partner, are guests of the Festival. Cameron will introduce the screening on 5 September in Jhb.

Winner of 25 awards and honors, including eight Best Documentary awards, seven Audience Favorite awards and the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Documentary.
Turin IG&LFF 2003 - Jury Award for Best Documentary,
Chicago L&GFF 2003 - Jury Award
San Francisco IL&GFF 2003 - Audience Award for Best Documentary
Outfest/Los Angeles L&GFF 2003 Audience Award for Best Documentary,

25 Cent Preview
A gritty, ‘in the moment’ gallop through the red-light district of San Francisco, this is a journey into the uncensored life, loves and tricks of its street hustlers. Honest, riveting performances and a fast pace ensures compelling viewing that reveals far more humanity and understanding than you would expect.

Another Woman Une Autre Femme
Dir: Jérôme Foulon
France 2004 106min
Dignified, elegant and aloof, pharmaceutical saleswoman Léa, turns heads and hearts wherever she goes. However alluring her detached persona is, it points to a deep, dark secret that is kept successfully hidden from everyone but her transsexual friend Joy.
When she is bullied into going to Paris on business, she must not only dodge the advances of her amorous co-worker, but also resist the magnetic curiosity that leads her to initially watch from afar and then introduce herself to the spouse and two children she abandoned over ten years ago.

This impressive flm sympathetically and realistically captures Léa’s anguish at her deception, as well as the confusion and betrayal felt by those left behind.


Gender DynamiX panel discussions at the times indicated above.
See p60 in the printed programme for panel details.

Jhb Sat 6 / 7pm (+Panel) Mon 8 / 7.30pm
CT Sat 13 / 6pm (+Panel) Wed 17 / 7.15pm

Itty Bitty Titty Committee
Shy, heartbroken Anna is a plastic surgeon’s receptionist. Her life is transformed when the office is defaced by sexy Sadie, a member of the underground women’s rights faction C(i)A or Clits in Action. Pulsating with a radical brand of gender politics accompanied by grungy, punk lesbian-rock, this loud, feisty activist comedy is an endearing introduction to dissident feminist groups and the ‘ballsy’ female anarchists who run them.

The Bubble
Hottie Israeli Noam and gorgeous Palestinian Ashraf drive this captivating ode to transcendental love – sexual, familial, and platonic – that encapsulates the surreal lives lived by young gays and straights, Jews and Arabs, men and women in Israel today. From the director of Yossi and Jagger.

Outing Riley
Laid-back and cleverly crafted, this light amusing coming-out family comedy disarms stereotypes and expectations of what a gay man is meant to be and how he is meant to act.

Times Have Been Better
(Le Ciel sur la tête)
Dir: Régis Musset
France 2006 91min
In imitable quirky French style, the proud liberal parents of thirty-something, banker Jeremy descend into crisis when he celebrates moving into a new house with his older, long-term boyfriend by fnally announcing to the family that he is gay. Seen from the point of view of his erstwhile loving and open-minded family, his upbeat father plummets into farcical, almost pathological, despair as he becomes obsessed with his son’s ‘position’ in the relationship. His supportive mother ventures on a voyage of self-discovery, befriends her bitter gay co-worker and re-evaluates the meaning of motherhood. Now that their shining light, Jeremy, has temporarily dimmed in their eyes, the youngest brother is unwittingly hauled into the spotlight. Questioning the strength of familial and other relationships that are often taken for granted, this delightful movie explores difficult personal questions in a fresh and approachable way.

Savage Grace
Careening from New York in 1946 to London in 1972, via Paris and Spain, this true story with a stellar cast (Julianne Moore, Eddie Redmayne) charts one family’s descent from decadence into a dysfunction that would make Jerry Springer proud.

Shelter
Dir: Jonah Markowitz
USA 2007 97min
Young, talented artist Zach has sacrificed his dreams of going to art school in order to look after adorable nephew, Cody, which his self-centred sister seems incapable of doing. Stoic, despite his dim prospects as a line chef, he surfs, avoids on-again off-
again girlfriend Tori, paints on any piece of real estate going and hangs out with his best-buddy, Gabe, who lives on the richer side of the tracks. One summer Zach is left to his own devices while Gabe chases pipes in far-fung locales. When Gabe’s studly older brother, Shaun camps out at the family home, Zach and he hook up to catch a few waves. Although the chemistry between them is undeniable, Zach becomes confused by this emotional curve-ball and its implications and has some important decisions to make. With great surf scenes and sensitive lensing, this summer coming-out and falling-in-love romance elegantly sidesteps clichés.

2008 Melbourne Queer Film Festival – Audience Choice Award
Best Feature

Cape Town Pride fundraiser is on Saturday 13 September 8pm

XXY
Living in a coastal Uruguayan town ‘problem’ teen Alex has been isolated and protected by her parents. A top plastic surgeon comes to assist with a solution. While the adults agonise over the conundrum of Alex’ gender, she and the surgeon’s closeted son get on with their own exploration of sexuality and identity. Beautifully shot, sparsely scripted, with stellar performances.

Documentaries:

For The Bible Tells Me So
Dir: Daniel KarslakeUSA 2007 100min Homosexuality is a sin – or so a sector of fundamental Christians would have us believe. In this intimate yet provocative film, the families of five gay Christian Americans discuss what homosexuality has meant to their family, and how familial love and acceptance has triumphed over the alienation and rejection endorsed by their churches. Adding intellectual fuel to the fire, the filmmaker debunks myths surrounding homosexuality through a cartoon illustrating scientifc fact, two Harvard theologians deconstruct the scriptures (and the contextual meaning of ‘abomination’), and world experts, including our own Archbishop Tutu, express their opinions on discrimination and the intentional misinterpretation of the scriptures. In this thorough, positive and ultimately hopeful documentary, the filmmaker presents a complex subject with both personal and intellectual arguments that encourages people to examine their
beliefs rather than mindlessly accept the words of others.

2008 Oscar nominated
See p60 of the printed programme for Panel details

The Festival is funded by:
The Atlantic Philanthropies, the National Film and Video Foundation, the Italian Institute of Culture, the Goethe Institut, the British Council, the Cape Film Commission, Nu Metro, Exclusive Books and Killarney Mall.

http://www.oia.co.za/

THE FULL MONTY SET TO GET SPRING TEMPERATURES SOARING IN GAUTENG IN SEPTEMBER

Following a highly successful inaugural season in Cape Town where the show was certainly the talk of the town and got tongues wagging on the cold winter evenings, The Full Monty – The Broadway Musical is now gearing up to get temperatures rising once again, this time in front of Johannesburg theatre audiences, when it opens at the Johannesburg Civic Theatre on 12th September 2008 for a short 4-week season until 12th October 2008.

Cape Town audiences responded enthusiastically to the “Daredevil Six” – a nickname – which has now stuck like glue - given by a member of the Cape Town media to the 6 male leads who dare to “go the Full Monty” in the show, and the “The Full Monty” fast became the talk of the town.

The show enjoyed great responses and positive reviews from the local Cape media, including:”….a new musical that crackles with freshness and sparkles like a polished diamond. Brimming with a delightful and wicked sense of humour, it is sexy and naughty, perfectly balanced with poignant dramatic moments and touching emotional elements”
- DD, The Writing Studio

“…The Full Monty is a thoroughly enjoyable night out that is impossible to walk out of without a smile stretching across your face…”- ZH, Cape Argus Tonight

“..The production features the top-class experience of SA’s best….A fantastic performance by the cast as well as by the backstage crew for putting together a perfect package that is sure to keep all eyes glued to the stage – especially the women on that last scene…”
- Sindy, Biz Community

“…If there are six guys that everyone will be talking about, it’s the six daredevils of The Full Monty”
DD – News24,com

Steven Hicks, the lead actor who plays Jerry Lukowski had this to say; “You can imagine how nervous the 6 of us were when we stood on that stage for the first time in front of a paying audience, knowing what was to come and the characters’ roles we needed to play, but the Cape Town audiences’ response was so amazing for us, we just knew we were part of a hit show! We loved performing the show there. Now we can’t wait to do it all again in Johannesburg!”
Steven continues “The big question is….Johannesburg….are you ready for The Full Monty? We certainly are ready for you!”

Set in Buffalo, New York, THE FULL MONTY tells the endearing story of six average guys of odd shapes, various ages and very different backgrounds out to earn some respect and a few dollars by stripping as a last way out. When a local male strip show is quite a hit with the town’s ladies, these cash strapped and unemployed steelworkers, a security guard and a has-been disco dancer, figure they can cash in big time if they go “the Full Monty”. If they can pull it off is quite another matter!

The highly entertaining show promises an evening of vibrant musical theatre, genuine humour and exposure to a variety of hilarious and vivacious songs ranging from big band Broadway to Rock and all the way back again. Brilliant ballads, some hip-swinging Latin, a pants-dropping finale and maybe one life-changing moment will certainly put a smile on everyone’s face, if not charm your pants off! After all, it’s not called The Half Monty…

Says Johan Kruger from Creativentertainment™: “THE FULL MONTY is first and foremost about pure entertainment for everyone. It's not a strip show and it's not about nudity – it is a great Broadway musical comedy with all the qualities associated with musical theatre. THE FULL MONTY is more than just a night out – it’s a way out through friendship and perseverance – through heartfelt humour, excellent music and the determination to be someone. It’s a show everyone can associate with but most of all, it’s a chance to escape from reality and enjoy a great night out!”

The South African cast features Steven Hicks (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Grease – The Musical) in the lead as Jerry Lukowski with Tiaan Rautenbach (Kompleks) playing the role of Dave Bukatinsky, Jerry’s somewhat overweight best friend. The six-man strong “Hot Stuff” will also include recent Naledi Award-winner Mike Huff (Fame, My Fair Lady, Fiddler on the Roof, Hairspray) playing the guys’ former manager-turned-choreographer Harold Nichols with Clinton Hawkes (Grease – The Musical) as Malcolm MacGregor, a security guard living with his mother, Shaun Brian Murphy (African Footprint, Jesus Christ Superstar, Hairspray) as the hugely talented Ethan Girard and Thokozani Nzima (Soweto Story, Rent) as Noah “Horse” T. Simmons, a disco-era dancer still going strong.

Joining the “Hot Stuff guys” on stage is legendary stage and television star, Judy Page (My Fair Lady, Fiddler on the Roof) as Jeanette Burmeister, a weathered showgirl, rehearsal pianist and voice of reason, who will be schooling the guys in show business and life in general, whilst renowned television and stage personality, Ilse Klink (Chicago, Menopause – The Musical, Rent) will be playing Vicky Nichols, Harold’s loving wife. Popular solo artist Natalie Chapman and Tessa Denton feature in the roles of Pam Lukowski and Georgie Bukatinsky, Jerry’s ex-wife and Dave’s wife respectively, whilst Matthew Counihan (Peter Pan) will play Jerry’s son, Nathan.

The remaining roles are performed by the equally talented Jo Galloway, Bella Mariani, Mortimer Williams, Cobus Venter, Marlee van der Merwe, Gemma Donnelly, Derrick Anderson, Aidan Lithgow, Phumi Mncayi, Byron Lee Olivato and Dominique Paccaut.
With the exception of West End director David Bownes, the South African production comprises an all-South African creative team, a cast of 22 performers, a 10-member orchestra and a creative team that includes Clinton Zerf as musical director, Henri Noppé as choreographer, Denis Hutchinson as scenic and lighting designer and Lyn Leventhorpe as costume designer.

THE FULL MONTY is presented by Creativentertainment by arrangement with DALRO and in association with M-Net as media partner.

With just four weeks for Gauteng audiences to enjoy this internationally renowned musical, be sure to DROP EVERYTHING AND BOOK NOW!
“The Full Monty – The Broadway Musical” runs at the Johannesburg Civic Theatre from 12th September – 12th October 2008.

The show performs nightly from Tuesdays – Fridays at 20h00, Saturdays at 16h00 and 20h00, Sundays at 14h00 and 16h00. An Age Restriction of 13 applies.

Bookings can be done through the Civic Theatre Box Office on 011 877 6800 or through Computicket.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

• Pensioners and Students can enjoy a 50% discount on performances of “THE FULL MONTY” taking place on Tuesdays at 20h00, Saturdays at 16h00 and Sundays at 14h00 and 18h00. Bookings need to be done directly through the Civic Theatre Box Office on 011 877 6800. Terms and conditions apply.


• Group Bookings of 10 tickets and more can enjoy a discounted rate. Contact the Civic Theatre Box Office on 011 877 6800 and ask for VIP Ticketing. Terms and conditions apply.


• Contact Collett Dawson on 082 653 1338 or collett.dawson@absamail.co.za
  For additional information and photos, corporate or group bookings : http://www.thefullmonty.co.za/
  
  THE FULL MONTY – “A night out for the ladies became a way out for the guys”

BOOK AND SHOW EVENING @ LEGENDS Tuesday 23/9 WITH LIDIA THERON & PHILIP LIEBENBERG, AND SHOW BY GUILLAUME Well-known writer, Lidia Theron, and new kid on the block, Philip Liebenberg, writer of "Daar's 'n gay pastoor in my kop" (There is a gay pastor in my head), will give talks on their respective books and sit for a Q&A session at Pretoria gay nightclub, Legends, on Tuesday, the 23rd of September at 8pm. The versatile singer Guillaume will do a show thereafter, which will be followed by the dance floor opening, as the next day is a public holiday. It promises to be yet another night of wonderful diversity at Legends. Entry is only R50, and R30 for students.

About Lidia:
It is not too late if you haven’t yet read the book Jy bly my kind, written by Lidia Theron, to do so now. It is a must. It is about a mother’s acceptance of a gay child. The book is not meant necessarily for gay people or for the parents of such children only. Lots of other people said after reading the book, that it was very informative and gave them a different view of gay people. The publisher’s comment on the back of the book:

"What is a mother’s reaction when she finds out her daughter is in love with another girl – or her son with another boy?

How does she comfort her husband when he cries out: “We have lost our child!”?

How does she handle questions like: “What will people say?” or: “What did we as parents do wrong?”

How does she deal with the shame and feelings of guilt that accompanies it?

How does it affect her standing as a believer, towards her church?"

The book has since changed the lives of many gay people and their families and it's an honour to have Lidia, who is a pensioner and resides in Betty's Bay, SW Cape, here in Gauteng as guest.

About Philip:

Philip Liebenberg is the pastor of Die Kapel, Melville, Johannesburg, South-Africa. He also authors the series 'Espresso vir jou siel', which is a series of books containing essays and devotional writings as well as sermons preached by Philip. Philip is a gay pastor although his congregation is not a gay-only church.He is a published author: Penguin South Africa published a book on his life journey as a very spiritual child and later as a married pastor, struggling to come to terms with his sexuality and spirituality. The title of the book is "Daar is 'n gay pastoor in my kop!"What makes Philip’s book so unique is that he comes from a Pentecostal/Charismatic background and this is the first time in South Africa that a book by someone (a gay pastor) coming from one of these churches is being published. Following in the footsteps of the groundbreaking '‘n Kas is vir klere', this book will give voice to the experiences of numerous gay and lesbian Christians from a Pentecostal/Charismatic background, who not only have to deal with the usual rejection from their churches when they realise they are gay, but with the terrible stigma of being labelled as “demon possessed”.

About Guillaume:

Guillaume needs no introduction - since his very popular album "Da-Idi" in 2001, he has since launched several more. He was one of the top 5 most favourite artists at KKNK 2003, where he launched his album "Swart of wit", which has since gone gold. He is back in 2008, with his new look and his new album, called "Nader aan jou", produced by Coleske Artists, who was also responsible for Eden's latest success, "Knieë lam".

The authors will be available for book signing and a chat afterwards, and books will be on hand for sale to the public (cash only).

ayspeak
Contact: Coenie Kukkuk
wbvd@law.co.za

Alliance Française of Johannesburg Cultural events - September 2008

Thursday 4 September - 6.30pm Special show (puppets, sculptures...): "A la Corde"By Les Grandes Personnes More Venue: Alliance Française of Johannesburg (open-air performance)Free entrance

Saturday 6 September - from 10amParade of giant puppetsBy Les Grandes Personnes MoreVenue: Gauteng Carnival (Johannesburg CBD) Free entrance

Tuesday 9 September - 6.30pm Opening of the exhibition "The Muse and the Shaman "By Marina Aguiar More Venue: Alliance Française of JohannesburgThe exhibition ends on Saturday 20 September Free entrance

Saturday 20 September - 7pm Video screening : "Angels of stealth" by Rodney Place More Venue: Alliance Française of Johannesburg Free entrance

Monday 22 September - 6pm Opening of the exhibition "The Great (Im)migration"By Pene Meniere & Susie Goodman More Venue: Alliance Française of Johannesburg The exhibition ends on Saturday 27 September Free entrance

Thursday 25 September - 6.30pm Poetry evening: "Invitation to a voyage, destination Indian Ocean "With Nassuf Djailani & Stephen Gray More Venue: Alliance Française of Johannesburg Free entrance

TRIO ON A TRIP - Pianist Charl de Plessis at Centurion theatre on 19 September, 20.00

South African pianist CHARL DU PLESSIS has been known for his slick piano playing, but on 13 and 19 September he will take his music into a super smooth dimension with his new show TRIO ON A TRIP.

Teaming up with bassist WERNER SPIES and drummer HUGO RADYN, Du Plessis recorded a complete new album of smooth jazz during 2007. For this exciting project, he composed six new tracks for piano trio on this album. The rest of TRIO, recorded live at POP PLANET STUDIOS in Johannesburg, features songs from Du Plessis’ most-loved collection of ballads, swing tunes and Latin American music.

This virtuoso pianist has amazed audiences with his suave style of playing jazz, classics and rock 'n roll. In TRIO ON A TRIP Charl du Plessis perform new funky tunes of his own and pays tribute to some of the greatest old-timers with hits like YMCA and First Trip like never heard before. Teaming up with bassist WERNER SPIES and drummer HUGO RADYN this promises to be an unforgettable night of musical bliss.

Charl du Plessis is one of the only pianists in South Africa who simultaneously works in the classical as well as jazz and pop music genres. He is best known for his work as pianist for NATANIEL. Du Plessis just returned from a classical concert tour of China and Japan and will perform for two only one night in the Centurion Theatre.

The piano style of Charl du Plessis has been descibed as "wonderful", "sophisticated" and as "music with a X-factor". There are pianists and pianists and then there is Charl du Plessis.

TRIO ON A TRIP. A show for the musically informed and hungry. Book now at Computicket.

For bookings contact http://www.computicket.com/