Mzansi Fela 2011 Festival

The Annual Mzansi Fela Festival will once again take place at the SA State Theatre.
This fun, exciting and entertaining arts extravaganza event of the year is getting bigger and better. Since its inception in 2007, the festival is regarded as the training ground for upcoming artists as well as a platform for established artists. Mzansi Fela Festival is getting stronger every year and is testimony to the festive spirit of Tshwane. The festival features music, dance, theatre, poetry and comedy performed only by local artists.

The two week long festival will kick off on 1 December with a march from the Union Buildings to the State Theatre where the official opening will take place with various free performances at Lillian Ngoyi Square. DJ Cleo will be spin the discs until late.

The Parlotones will take on the Opera stage on 2 December, followed by Thandiswa Mazwai on 3 December and Lira on 9 and 10 December.

Comedians such as Kedibone Molaudzi, Donovan Goliath, Roni Modimola, Justice Kubheka, Jacques Barrett (Australia) and Carl Joshua Ncube (Zimbabwe) will take on the Drama stage on 1 December, followed by Judith Sephuma and Mathapelo on Jazz on Sunday, 4 December.

Theatre lovers will be able to watch productions such as Money Maker, by Julian Seleke-Mokoto, Love at First Fight presented by Follow Spot Productions, Lime Lights on Rites, presented by Ntsoana Contemporary Dance and Rhetorical, directed by The State Theatre’s Resident Director, Mpumelelo Paul Grootboom. Theate performances will take place between 2 and 12 December.

Moving Into Dance Mophatong will present a four dance piece on Inception, Silent Departure, Inside and Fractured 2 from 9 to 11 December.

Rock bands will include the likes of Outside The New, Son of 1000, The Christian Heath Band, NeVaMe and Chiba Fly, on 9 December.

On 8 December, Kgafela Oa Magogodi, Lefifi Tladi, Natalia Molebatsi and Afurukan will present poetry.

Hip Hop lovers will be entertained by Black Coffee on 9 December.

Community Theatre groups will also showcase their works during the day from 2 to 9 December.

The festival ends on 12 December, 2011.


Tickets are available at Computicket from R10 to R220

For more information, photographs and interviews please call:

Anton van Rensburg on 072 192 8311
Mixael de Kock on 083 651 4424
Lia Church on 011 646 8501
e-mail: ops.mavhold@mweb.co.za

Sleeping Beauty at the State Theatre

This very special 10th Anniversary production of teh SA Ballet Theatre's Sleeping Beauty is absolutely a must. Now on at the State Theatre. See: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDOPu1NJxLQ&feature=youtu.be

Godfrey Johnson's Season in the Sun

Fleur du Cap winner, Godfrey Johnson will be presenting Season in the Sun,
a musical celebration with a healthy dose of comedy and pathos.
The show will include songs by Jacques Brel, Noel Coward, Cole Porter, Madonna, Kurt Weill
and new material by Godfrey Johnson.
In 2007, Johnson won The Fleur du Cap Award for best performance in a cabaret and has been nominated twice for his one man shows, "Flirting with Coward" and "The Shadow of Brel",
both directed by Sanjin Muftic in Cape Town.
In 2010 he performed with Pieter-Dirk Uys in the award-winning "Bambi Sings the FAK and other struggle Anthems" at The Fugard Theatre and was also responsible for the musical arrangements.

Johnson has performed over 20 one-man shows and has appeared at every arts festival in South Africa as well as performing in Montreal, Amsterdam and recently performed at The Jermyn Street Theatre in London with Claire Watling in "Kissed by Brel".
He has starred in numerous films, television programmes and musicals; as Riff Raff in “The Rocky Horror Show" and as Noel Coward in "Noel and Marlene" opposite Pieter-Dirk Uys.
Most recent film credits include the lead in David Moore's, "Once Upon a Road Trip" and Robert Silke's "The Satyr of Springbok Heights". He also directed the musical "The Cape Town Show"
in 2010 and 2011.

What the press have said about Johnson.

"His interpretations are from the heart, with deep understanding." - Meganshead
"Casts a spell that you never want broken." - Zane Henry - Argus Tonight

There are special group bookings discounts
- and on Tuesdays nights tickets are two for the price of one!

Fundraisers and dinner show packages as well as school group outings and can also be arranged.
Performances will take place from Tuesdays – Friday at 8.15 and Saturdays at 6pm and 8.30 pm

Bookings can be made by calling the theatre on tel. 011-883-8606
or the Call Centre on 0861 22 5598
or book online – www.strictlytickets.com or www.theatreonthesquare.co.za

The MOUSETRAP - 60th anniversary!

Official celebrations for the 60th anniversary of The Mousetrap are well underway in London’s West End. To celebrate they are licensing 60 professional productions of the play all over the world during the anniversary period (1st September 2011 to 31st December 2013) to mark this historic milestone, and our South African production is one of their Diamond 60!

Starring Clare Marshall, Ashley Dowds, Mark Rayment, Robert Fridjhon, Bronwyn-Leigh Gottwald, Matthew Lotter, Clyde Berning, and Sarah Richard, The South African production is Directed by Award-Winning Director Alan Swerdlow.

Please find attached pics of the cast in rehearsals.

Pieter Toerien presents
Agatha Christie’s
THE MOUSETRAP
From 18 Jan 2012
At Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre
Performances: Wed – Fri @ 8pm, Sat @ 5pm & 8pm, Sun @ 3pm
Tickets: R150, R100, R75
All bookings at the theatre and Computicket (011) 511 1818

SECUNDA GROUP IS THE BEST OF THE BEST

Two days of nail-biting theatre productions came to a thrilling end on Sunday when Zase Laduma Arts Projects from Secunda walked away with the R8 000 first place prize and the “Best of the Best” title for their play ‘The Perfect Problem’.
“Zase Laduma Arts Projects are making a name for themselves among community theatre groups and won numerous 2011 SANCTA Festival prizes for ‘The Perfect Problem’. The judges were really impressed by the standard they set with The Perfect Problem,” said manager of the Best of the Best festival, Tonderai Chiyindiko.

Second Prize of R5 000 went to Cape Town-based group Africa Jam with the play ‘Uhlazo’ who are also 2011 Zabalaza Festival Winners and the Hillbrow Theatre Project earned R3000 for their performance of ‘Ga Sepatala’ which won the 2011 Inner City Schools’ Drama Festival. B & T Productions came all the way from Port Elizabeth, but their play ‘My Bra Se Tjirrie’ walked off with R1 000.

“Many of the participants are non-profit organisations and put on productions dealing with issues that affect their communities and the country,” said Chiyindiko. “A festival like Best of the Best doesn't just acknowledge the work these groups do by awarding them prize money. These community festivals give them a platform to showcase their talented community members, and also give them a platform to ensure that their voices are heard and their stories are told.”

The festival, which was hosted by Sibikwa Arts Centre in Benoni, attracted a wide variety of theatre groups from around South Africa as well as within the SADC region. Regional participants expected included groups from Malawi, Zambia, Lesotho but they could not make it for various reasons. In the end we had one group from Botswana and two from Zimbabwe.

The judges included Dr Robert Malcolm Mclaren co-founder of South African theatre organisation, Workshop ’71, and Zimbabwean arts education trust, CHIPAWO; award-winning and accomplished artist and acclaimed playwright, director, actor and cultural activist Gamakhulu Diniso; and award-winning actress Motshabi Tyelele.

“The festival gave us a powerful and challenging view of the Rainbow nation - and its neighbours - from the grassroots,” said Mclaren. “For two days we were taken on nearly 30 short but compelling journeys through themes and stories from all over the country and in seven different languages. Theatre is vibrant and alive, if disturbing - the question is, is society?”

His sentiments were echoed by Tyelele, who commented that all but one play was on violence – “it was a bit disturbing to see that the common themes of all the shows was violence in society. But rather than feel upset about the content of the plays, people should be motivated by the content to make a difference in their own lives.

“It was a really wonderful experience. It's a good initiative by Sibikwa. The festival made me realise how important theatre is in these communities and there is a need for professionals to get involved in mentoring these young artists. There is a lot of talent in these communities and they could thrive with some professional guidance.”

ENDS

Media Queries
Bridget van Oerle/ Christabel Zulu
BUZ Publicity
011 482 3467/3489
083 263 6991/084 5522 417
FAX 086 694 4054
christabel@buz.co.za

Ice Dance Sensation returns to SA for Xmas Spectacular

The international ice dance sensation The Imperial Ice Stars make a triumphant return to South Africa this summer with the World Premiere of their dazzling new production of The Nutcracker on Ice. The Nutcracker on Ice will open at the Teatro at Montecasino in Johannesburg on 8 December 2011 for a limited season (till 15 Jan only), before moving to Cape Town’s Artscape Theatre (19 Jan to 11 Feb). Over the last seven years, The Imperial Ice Stars have performed to more than three million people across five continents, at some of the world’s most prestigious venues – London’s Royal Albert Hall and Sadler’s Wells, Singapore’s Esplanade Theatre, Montreal’s Place des Arts and Moscow’s Red Square.

This award-winning troupe has built up a worldwide following and established an unrivalled reputation for their sophisticated portrayals of classic works, and for executing the most complex and daring manoeuvres on the ice. Their previous world tours (Sleeping Beauty on Ice, Swan Lake on Ice and Cinderella on Ice) have been greeted with nightly standing ovations and five-star reviews.

In the summer of 2009/2010 more than 125,000 South Africans saw The Imperial Ice Stars’ production of Cinderella on Ice.

For their latest production, The Nutcracker on Ice, acclaimed Artistic Director Tony Mercer – the world’s leading creator of contemporary theatre-on-ice - has once again teamed with four-time figure skating World Champion and dual Olympic gold medallist Evgeny Platov, and dual World Champion Maxim Staviski to create choreography that further raises the bar, with ever more breathtaking high-speed leaps and throws, and awe-inspiring acrobatics, coupled with the most graceful and sublime ice dancing.

To Tchaikovsky’s memorable score, the 25-strong cast of World, European and National Championship skaters will astound and mesmerise audiences with their adrenaline-rich, dramatic performance, in the intimate setting of a frozen theatre stage.

Set in early 1900s St Petersburg, The Nutcracker on Ice boasts sumptuous sets by leading Australian scenic designer Eamon D’Arcy in this his fourth Imperial Ice Stars show, opulent and stylish costumes from renowned Russian designer Albina Gabueva who created the sophisticated costuming seen in Cinderella on Ice and Swan Lake on Ice, and magical special effects.

This brand new production follows the classic Russian tale of Maria, the little girl whose love brings to life her cherished Nutcracker doll - a magical Christmas gift from her mysterious godfather - leading to adventures with the Mouse King, the enchanted Prince, and the Sugar Plum Fairy.

The story was originally penned nearly two centuries ago, in 1816, by the German author E T A Hoffman, and was later adapted by the French writer Alexandre Dumas in 1847. From this adaptation, the Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and choreographer Lev Ivanov created their ballet, The Nutcracker, which was first performed in St Petersburg in 1892 and has since become a perennial Christmas favourite the world over.

The Imperial Ice Stars’ Artistic Director, Tony Mercer, explains “The art form of ice dance lends itself beautifully to this well-loved tale. Not only does the story entail some graceful romantic ‘adagios’ with lifts and jumps, but the exotic ‘divertissments’ from Spain, China, Arabia, Russia and Egypt allow us to introduce gymnastic elements, human flying sequences, stunning ‘on ice’ acrobatics and interwoven special theatrical effects.”

Pieter Toerien, presenter of The Nutcracker on Ice, says, “I am absolutely delighted that The Imperial Ice Stars have chosen South Africa for the world premiere of their latest outstanding production. The Nutcracker on Ice marks their fourth ice show in this country, and with each tour the audience numbers have grown significantly, as South Africans have embraced and appreciated the quality, exceptional talent and theatricality of these world class skaters. The Imperial Ice Stars can be assured of a very warm welcome when they return here in December!”

The Nutcracker on Ice will thrill and enchant all ages. Tickets go on sale from 28 June and are available at all Computicket outlets, online at www.computicket.com or through the Call Centre on (011) 340 8000.

Performances: Tuesday – Friday @ 7:30pm, Saturday @ 2:30pm & 7:30pm, Sunday @ 2:30pm & 6pm. (Please note that the performance schedule changes slightly over the Christmas and New Year dates with extra holiday matinees added. Please check Computicket for a complete list of all the performances available).

So, you think your family is crazy….

My mother is Italian, my father is Jewish and I am in therapy! Oi, Mamma Mia, Vot a Family!
Start the Festive season season on a side-splitting note with the New York comedy hit My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish, and I’m in Therapy!, at the Studio Theatre at Montecasino - Commencing 14th November 2011.
Created onstage in the Big Apple by comedian Steve Solomon, this uproariously funny one-man play tells the story of an Italian-Jewish family and the crazy characters that surround it… and drive our hapless hero straight into the therapist’s chair.

This hilarious comedy stars versatile and accomplished local actor Michael Richard, who has his work cut out for him in a one man tour de force- navigating his way through a tricky minefield of voices, dialects and sound effects, conjuring an array of wacky family relationships.

Richard has been directed by the multi award-winning Charmaine Weir-Smith, with whom he recently teamed up for two successful seasons of the Sylvaine Strike comedy Pregnant Pause. The top-flight production team is completed by Wilhelm Disbergen , who will undertake the set design, and Jane Gosnell, who is taking care of lighting.

My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish, and I’m in Therapy! won the Broadway.com audience award for favourite new off-Broadway play of 2007, and has earned rave reviews, in New York and in South Africa.

You don’t need to be Jewish or Italian to appreciate this off-the-wall comedy – you just need to know what it feels like to leave a family dinner with heartburn and a headache…

Described as “one part lasagne, one part kreplach and two parts Prozac”, this play promises to be just the tonic needed to get the year end off to an upbeat start – and tickets are a lot cheaper than a visit to the shrink!

A PERSONAL NOTE FROM STEVE SOLOMON
A friend once told me “Steve, going out for dinner with you is like crashing your family reunion.”
I’ll explain.
I’ve always loved making people laugh this way and for as long as I can remember, I’ve always had a knack for imitating the voices of those around me. A native of Brooklyn, I grew up in the multi-ethnic neighborhood of Sheepshead Bay. This was the perfect training ground for me, a budding dialectician and the class clown. (I did a very authentic-sounding Chinese restaurant delivery boy)

I loved to write jokes but I wasn’t a performer. I mean, in college, I dabbled in entertaining by emceeing events, but I wasn’t a performer. As an adult, I was a physics teacher and a school administrator. I had a head for business. Sure, I used humor, dialects and sound effects when teaching my students, but that’s the closest I ever got to a stage. I was like the real-life version of Gabe Kaplan’s “Welcome Back Kotter.” So I submitted my jokes and stories to periodicals. Friends and professional stand-up comics that I knew in the business. With the coming of the internet and e-mail, I had an outlet for my comedy writings.

But writing jokes for others to read and perform? This wasn’t where my heart was.
Blinded by the glitz of show biz, I decided to live the world of academia and business behind and turn my attention to my true love, making people laugh. I was sick and tired of the regular paychecks, the prestige and the educational glamour of an administrator’s life. I was ready to hit the road with my jokes and voicebox full of funny voices and make 20 bucks a show.

For years I have toured the United States and Canada with my show My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m In Therapy! And now it’s landed “me” right back where I started, in New York. From Sheepshead Bay to the Great White Way. And now with Michael Richard playing me in South Africa!

The story you’re about to see is true. Well…most of it. The Characters portrayed are real-exaggerated, but real; except for my mother, sister and Grandma They’re exaggerated in real life. In fact, I play them down on stage- artistic license if you will, since nobody would believe that characters like them could be real, After my family saw the show, they filed a petition in the courts to have my “artistic license” revoked.

My Dad used to say “some of us are blessed with the ability to work for as long as they WANT to” My addendum: “some of us are blessed with the ability to work in the field they love for as long as they want to.” I have been blessed.

Steve Solomon , New York City



MICHAEL RICHARD- BIOGRAPHY
Leading South African actor Michael Richard was schooled in Zimbabwe before studying drama at UCT. In 1974 he joined PACT as a member of Ken Leach’s famed Arena Company.After playing Hamlet for PACT in 1978, Michael left the company to become a freelance performer, although he was enticed back as an associate actor for four years in the mid-1980s.
In the 37 years that Michael has been on stage, he has been blessed to have worked with directors who challenged him in a huge variety of roles from Shakespeare to rock-opera; from comedy, tragedy, farce and musicals to several pantomime dames!
Other productions include Othello A Midsummer Night’s Dream “Fangs”, “Laughing Matters” “Wild Honey”, “Fiddler On The Roof”, “Amadeus”, “Educating Rita” “Full Circle” and “ Ying Tongl”. He also worked with Richard E Grant in his latest movie” Wah Wah” and John Malkovich in Betrayal

In addition to his radio and television work, Michael has won many awards, most notably for “Children of A Lesser God”, “Keen”, “Othello”, “Death Defying Acts” and “Decadence”. He was also nominated for best actor as King Arthur in “Camelot” and as Tevye in” Fiddler on the Roof” and Martin in God of Carnage. Other memorable plays include PREGNANT PAUSE with Charmaine Weir–Smith directed by Sylvaine Strike; Pterodactyls in which he acted with his wife and daughter, The God of Carnage , Duet for One and most recently The History Boys with his wife and son.

Show Details:

MY MOTHER’S ITALIAN, MY FATHER’S JEWISH, AND I’M IN THERAPY
Studio Theatre, Montecasino
From Wed 16 November
Performances: Wed – Fri @ 8:15pm, Sat @ 5:15pm & 8:15pm, Sun @ 3:15pm
Tickets cost R150
All bookings at the Theatre & Computicket (011) 511 1818

Pas de Quatre avec Force Deserving of Awards

The worldwide hit, Menopause The Musical® opened to a standing ovation at Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre last weekend. The star of the show is no doubt Brenda Radloff in the role of the “Earth Mother” – what a performance and what a fine singer and comedy actress! But, the other members of the four-woman cast also delivers brilliant performances.

They are all well-known faces in a variety of roles in several television series and many theatre productions for which they received a number of well-deserved Awards: Kate Normington plays the role of an ageing “Soap Star”; Ntambo Rapatla is the “Power Woman” and Judy Ditchfield portraying the “Iowa Housewife” to the finest degree of character observation.

Four older actresses giving us some of the most superb singing, acting and dancing that we have experienced in a long time - a "Pas de Quatre avec Force" and deserving of being considered for many an award! The show will run for a ten week season. Menopause The Musical® is a joint venture produced by leading South African theatre & entertainment producers HAZEL FELDMAN and PIETER TOERIEN.

“Menopause The Musical® turns every woman’s dreaded lifetime experience into an incredibly funny and light hearted comedy which will obviously be enjoyed by women of all ages but also their male counterparts, families and friends.” says Hazel Feldman. It all started with four women at a Bloomingdale’s lingerie sale with nothing in common but a black lace bra and hot flashes, night sweats, memory loss, chocolate binges, not enough sex, too much sex and more.

A joyful parody of 25 relyricised classic baby boomer hits, the 90-minute show features chart-toppers as "I Heard It Thru the Grapevine; You No Longer See 39" and the disco favourite "Stayin‘ Awake! Stayin‘ Awake!"

Inspired by a hot flash and a bottle of wine, American writer/producer Jeanie Linders created the show as a celebration of women who are on the brink of, in the middle of, or have survived The Change. Since its first performance, the show has evolved as a "grassroots" movement of women who deal with life after 40 and all the challenges that result in the mental, physical and spiritual freedom of the post WW2 baby boomer generation.

"Most women know intuitively that every other woman is experiencing hot flashes or night sweats. There is always a close friend or two who can sympathize or identify with her," says Linders. "But when they are sitting in a theatre with 400 women, all laughing and shouting‚ 'That’s me! That’s me on stage!' they know what they are experiencing is normal. They aren’t alone…or crazy. It becomes a sisterhood."

According to The New York Times, “[Menopause The Musical] has no trouble winning over its audience…because elsewhere the subject is almost never treated with humour from the woman’s point of view.” The Miami Daily Herald wrote “Menopause The Musical is the little revue that set the world on fire – at least that portion of the world that knows the term ‘hot flash’ as reality, not a news bulletin or punch line.” And the positive reviews and audience testimonials continue to arrive daily. Joy Behar from The View said, “You’ll love it. It’s hilarious. Go see it.”

Menopause The Musical®
Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre
From 11 November to 8 JanuaryPerformances:
Tues – Fri @ 8pm, Sat @ 4pm & 8pm, Sun @ 4pm
Tickets: R250, R200, R150, R75
All bookings at Theatre & Computicket
(011) 511 1818
http://www.montecasinotheatre.co.za/

Festive and Stately Beauty at the SA State Theatre in Pretoria

CELEBRATE THE FESTIVE SEASON WITH ‘THE SLEEPING BEAUTY’AT THE SOUTH AFRICAN STATE THEATRE
This must be the best bargain of the year! The SABT at the SA State Theatre and the Royal Ballet at Covent Garden are opening within days of each other with the same Sleeping Beauty. The only difference is the ticket price! At SABT you can expect to pay in the range R55 to R250 but, at Covent Garden you will be payuing R 165 BP sterling - taht is almost R 2000 per seat!

The South African Ballet Theatre (SABT) will once again present the magical fairytale ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ at the South African State Theatre from Thursday, November 17th to Sunday December 18th 2011. SABT traditionally celebrates the end of the year with a season at the South African State Theatre and ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ makes for ideal family entertainment.

‘The Sleeping Beauty’ has not been staged in Pretoria since 1997.
Based on the original choreography by Marius Petipa, and set to Pytor Tchaikovsky’s sweeping score, this season will feature SABT stars such as Principal dancer Burnise Silvius, and recently promoted Principal dancer Shannon Glover.Also appearing in ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ are a host of well – known characters such as Princess Aurora, the evil fairy Carabosse, the Lilac Fairy, Puss in Boots and Little Red Riding Hood.

The season is performed to a recorded score performed by the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Sonja Bass. The production is suitable for ages three and up.
SABT is the country’s foremost professional ballet company and has established itself as a major player in the performing arts with impressive productions of classical ballets, new works by South African choreographers and collaborations across international boundaries. 2011 marks the Company’s tenth anniversary.

Bookings for ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ are through the Computicket on 0861 915 8000 or http://www.computicket.com/

SABT management has endeavored to keep ticket prices for the twenty performances as low as possible with prices ranging from just R55 to R250. Opening night is a half-price night while SABT Friends, Pensioners and block bookings are eligible for discounts throughout the season.

See CCSA's reviews at:

http://curtaincallsa.blogspot.com/2011/10/perfect-season-sa-ballet-theatre-star.html

http://curtaincallsa.blogspot.com/2011/09/sleeping-beauty.html

http://www.facebook.com/barend.craven#!/media/set/?set=a.10150296554872127.333234.617932126&type=1

Beautiful and a little beastly!

This festive season a little holiday magic will dazzle on stage, pantomime
style, with The People’s Theatre production of Beauty and the Beast.
It will run from 7 November to 24 December.

Following the successes of Alice in Wonderland and Fun, Magic and Tales from
Africa, directors Jill Girard and Keith Smith have now brought this all-time
favourite fairytale to life. With a cast of delightful actors starring Gavin
Gomes (Beast) and Alexandra Snyman (Belle) as well as a spectacular set,
innovative, funky musical treatments and new songs that will make a
traditional favourite delightfully contemporary, this is Beauty and the
Beast in wonderful style.

The play tells the story of Beauty’s father, who picks a rose from the Beast’s
garden and gets caught. To save himself, he makes a promise to send his
daughter to the Beast when she is older. He does so unwillingly but in the
end, Beauty and the Beast fall in love…

To add humour and great antics, traditional pantomime-style spoilt-rotten
ugly sisters Cynthia and Prudence played by Nomsa Makhubu and Mary-Anne
Wright, a wicked fairy (Davina, played by Lebogang Mphahlele) and a good
fairy Koisanni (played by Noni Mkonto ) and an apprentice Fairy Dewdrop,
played on alternate days by Jaydene Marais, Skye Proctor and Miguel Da Silva
will keep the action going with compelling variety. A dictatorial
housekeeper (Mrs Bollocks, also played by Lebogang) has been added to the
script to keep audiences in stitches.

Sir Sid (Noni Mkhonto) and Sir Thomas Twit (Gavin Gomes) are the bumbling
suitors who try impressing King Ben (Gomes), while his younger daughter
Belle (Alexandra Snyman) treats a rather ineffectual father, Mr Brown (Adam
Pelkowitz) with great affection.

A delightful, colourful set by Grant Knottenbelt and beautiful costumes by
Linda Wilson make Beauty and the Beast a guaranteed winner for children,
teachers, mother and fathers. It is indeed, perfect family entertainment.

“CrashDance” explodes on UJ Arts Centre Stage

The audience at the world premiere of internationally-acclaimed French choreographer extraordinaire Redha’s ‘CrashDance’ jumped to their feet as the lights faded on the huge circular cage in which the dancers hung suspended and lifeless in mid-air at the end of the performance. The applause just went on and on and on until, eventually the great master took a rare bow on stage. It was also his birthday! See video extracts at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6_VOMaBpHw

It is when an audience lingers in a foyer after a performance, chatting excitedly, that one knows instinctively that the experience will loiter in the collective memory for many years to come. It has happened in South Africa’s dance world before: When I was 13 years old in 1967, the ballet ‘Raka’ premiered at the Civic Theatre, now renamed the Joburg Theatre. Based on the epic 1939 poem by the genial N.P. van Louw and set to 12 tone music by Graham Newcater and the unforgettable choreography of the great Frank Staff, the audience simply could not leave the theatre afterwards. The premier of ‘CrashDance” was very similar and one can only hope that this work also will be filmed and distributed worldwide. At the time, Raka was commissioned by the Performing Arts Council of the Transvaal (PACT) and the ballet proved such a success that it was soon made into an international hit film by 20th Century Fox. There is no reason why ‘CrashDance’ cannot be South Africa’s next international high art sensation.
The opening indeed was a triumphant event and the Tshwane Dance Theatre – seven boys and six girls – after 6 weeks of daily toil, non-stop learning and total devotion, emerged a leaner meaner and world-class company. Esther Nasser, the TDT’s Artistic Director has shown, despite great difficulties and the constant need to trim the budgets, that she still has the flair and impeccable taste to bring to our audiences works that can compete on any stage abroad. Tonight’s offering was right up there with the very best one could wish for.

In this work the dancers are taxed beyond all limits and at times one feels as if all of reality becomes suspended. Over and above a myriad of dancing skills required for the intricate and demanding choreography of this work, the members of the TDT also had to become gymnasts and acrobats!

It is hard to single out any one dancer but, I will be forgiven if I make mention of Mari-Louise Basson. On opening night she also entered her 6th month of pregnancy, while dancing like never before! Of all the dancers she was the one who performed most of the acrobatic work but, then that is not quite so unusual in that she had received master classes directly from her hubby who is one of the world’s greatest trapeze artistes and teaches at the circus school in Toulouse.

Set in a huge circular cage - symbolic of the human cranium - the dancers represent the memories, the experiences, the ideas and the aspirations of both the individual and society. New ideas enter the cage and engage in combat with old ideas; some ideas and thoughts merge to create fresh insights and other ideas again climb out of the cage to enter the collective conscious.

Redha collaborated with South Africa’s multi-award winning Sbonakaliso Ndaba in molding TDT Artistic Director Esther Nasser’s very edgy and sexy conceptualization of a dance work which incorporates both the terse movements of the martial arts and the weightless motion of dancers flying through the air. Pascal Angelier, acclaimed French trapeze teacher, came to South Africa to guide the TDT dancers in exploring movement in, over and around the cage.

Designs by Wilhelm Disbergen reflect current fashion’s pre-occupation with urban elements incorporated into the rigid framing of the human body. This exciting production teeters on the very edges of the mirror which has become humanity’s daily playground and will appeal to young an old but, for very different reasons!

This production of the Tshwane Dance Theatre (TCT) is generously supported by the South African National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund. “CrashDance” will be on the stage of the UJ Arts Centre for a short season until 29th October – thereafter transferring to the stage of the State Theatre Arena in Pretoria from 2nd to 6th November.

1. UJAC Theatre, Johannesburg

Sat 22 Oct 15:00
Tue 25 Oct 20:00
Wed 26 Oct 20:00
Thu 27 Oct 20:00
Fri 28 Oct 20:00
Sat 29 Oct 15:00

2. State Theatre Arena

Thu 3 Nov 20:00
Fri 4 Nov 20:00
Sat 5 Nov 15:00
Sat 5 Nov 20:00
Sun 6 Nov 15:00


Ticket Prices:

R 100.00 per person

R 50.00 per person for students and pensioners

Block Booking R 50.00 per person for 8 or more persons

Tickets-R100 per person
Tickets-R50 for students and pensioners
Block booking -R50- for more than 8 people

The Perfect Season! SA Ballet Theatre Star Shining Bright!

It is not for nothing that our family motto reads: Le Coq à chanté de bon matin! There I was - this holy Sunday morning - attending yet another performance of the SABT’s Sleeping Beauty at the Joburg Theatre which, for all intents and purposes, has become my church. And, believe me: It was worth the earlier rise!

In today’s cast we saw the exquisite principal, Burnise Silvius, dancing an Aurora as she had never danced the role before! Arms, hands, feet – every elegant extension – were absolutely flawless. Coupled to her beautiful technique, Silvius is also intensely musical and well on her way to earning the title of prima ballerina assoluta. She is, without any doubt in my mind, the company’s star.
Today was the third time during this season that I saw young Humberto Montero dancing. This boy’s Prince Florimund had just become better and better during the course of this season. He is a really competent dancer and any ballerina, I am sure, would love to dance with a partner that shows off the very best of her!

ChloéGrové as the Lilac Fairy is so beautiful and so delicious and so very very good! What more can I say Chloé?

In the pit was Sonja Bass, making a small JPO sound HUGE! Yes, girl, you now work that Tchaikovsky like a seasoned ballet conductor! This Madam had evolved from a very fast-paced and, at times, hectic opening night (it was a first ballet night for her!) to a remarkably sensitive and supportive Maestra, never taking her eyes off the dancers while controlling simultaneously the musicians with an iron baton! Had it not been for the sumptuous and scrumptious Sleeping Beauty that the SABT so magnificently unfolded on that stage this morning I could happily have sat with my eyes closed just listening to the exquisite tones of that JPO Big Band Sound!

To Trish Downing and Iain MacDonald: Good Stuff!

To the Company: Thank you for all the pleasures you gave me this season!

SABT Babies Shine Like Stars!

I went to the Joburg Theatre this morning just to see if those babies of the SA Ballet Theatre still were as wonderful as they were on opening night when, because of unexpected injuries - and with 15 minutes’ notice - they took over from the star cast and danced themselves into star cast. Well, at this morning’s 11:00 performance, they did it again and even better!
No doubt Shannon Glover is a star. When a dancer has all the technique and poise they become stars if they also has great musical sense. Glover has really got it - every time she beautifully anticipates a note and pulls it from the orchestra pit. All the great ones seem to have this in common.

Sonja Glass, the conductor of the JPO, has become a really fine ballet conductor since opening night. She has gained sensitivity to both the dancers and understands the music so much better. It was pure Tchaikovsky that flowed from that pit today! Congratulations Sonja!

Humberto Montero gave a solid but cautious performance on opening night but, today, excelled himself in the Grand Pas de Deux which really is the Prince’s only big moment in the ballet. And, what a wonderfully supportive dancer he is!

I never mentioned the Lilac Fairy on opening night. That was for no particular reason other than my being overwhelmed by the other young stars. Today I have to mention Nicole Ferreira. Great performance! Brava girl, bravissima!

The Bluebirds were even more a spectacular than on opening night when I thought their performance amazing. Jessica Overton and James Fraser, from Corps de Ballet, once again repeated their flawless performance and young Fraser even bettered his opening night score to 12 /10! Nice lean and strong body he has and that is going to be a real asset to the company in years to come.

All of these babies from the SABT makes one confident for the future.

The SABT company is in the best form it has been for many years. I would have been proud to show any of my international friends this production. It sparkles with excellence, enthusiasm and dedication. Don’t miss it. Quiet a number of performances for the remainder of the week and including coming Sunday. Bookings may be made through the Joburg Theatre on 0861 670 670 or www.joburgtheatre.com and for more information contact Edgar at SABT on 011 877 6893 or email edgar@saballettheatre.co.za

‘Reading Gay’ set to sizzle at UJ’s Con Cowan Theatre

In celebration of Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) History Month, the month-long annual observance of LGBT history, gay rights and related civil rights movements, UJ Arts and Culture in collaboration with the Artscape New Writing Programme proudly presents READING GAY, presents a season of staged readings of multi-award winning new South African gay plays from 26 to 30 October 2011.

The plays in the season all feature in “SA Gay Plays 1” compiled by Robin Malan and published by through his independent press, Junkets Publisher. “The social issues addressed in the collection include more than just LGBT themes,” says Grace Meadows who is the Manager of Performing Arts at UJ and the producer of the season of readings. “Sexual awakening, issues of identity and abandonment are interlaced with the added grit of revenge, passion and sex. Most important of all is that the work is young, fresh and compelling,” she adds.

The Season Director of READING GAY is Alby Michaels who has pulled together a formidable team of new young directors, UJ students, UJ alumni and professional guest performers to tackle the five plays:

• Wednesday 26 October at 19:30: Capetownian Jade Bowers directs "The Boy Who Fell from the Roof" (2007) by Juliet Jenkin leads the line-up. A heartfelt story about a boy, Simon, who, with his best friend, Georgina, falls into the cold bath waters of homosexuality, race, love, death and growing up in contemporary Cape Town.

• Thursday 27 at 19:30: UJ Arts Academy alumnus Motlatji Ditodi directs Gideon van Eeden’s "Myth of Andrew & Jo" (2010) which is the last of the plays in the collection which toured to Dublin. A contemporary tale of a gay couple, a lesbian couple and a pregnancy – how will the live, how will they love and how will they laugh?

• Friday 28 October at 19:30: Musical Theatre star Neels Clasen directs Ashraf Johaardien’s “Happy Endings Are Extra,” (2006) which was the first of the plays in the collection to be invited to Dublin. A provocative story of love and betrayal unravels as one man comes to terms with the life he’s leading and the one he’s left behind.

• Saturday 29 October at 19:30: Alby Micheals, who is the resident Director of the UJ Arts Academy, takes on "Dalliances" (2008) by Pieter Jacobs. Leo and Janet are friends. Ken is involved with Andy. When Ken meets Leo and make out in a lift, the lives of these four characters intersect with extraordinary results. Jacobs scooped the KKNK Nagtegaal Debut Prize for his Afikaans play “Plofstof” earlier this year.

• Sunday 30 October at 16:00: television personality, Jacques Bessenger who plays Renier in Erfsondes 2 on SABC2 directs the lesbian themed "Careful" (2009) by the late Fiona Coyne. "Careful" was her last play. “(It is) about woman and lesbianism, about friendship and fear, or fear and friendship, and being willing to take the risk to care, both about oneself and others.” (Fiona Coyne) “This season is a precursor to the PLAYING GAY Festival we are planning for next year; a multi-layered and textured smorgasbord of performing and visual arts aimed at social interchange,” says playwright Johaardien who is also the new Head of Arts and Culture at UJ.
READING GAY is supported by LIBERATI, UJ’s LGBT student society and Babylon Bar, Gauteng’s premier gay clubbing experience. Readings are each on for one night only at the Con Cowan Theatre located at UJ’s Bunting Road Campus (adjacent to the SABC in Auckland Park). Tickets are available at R30 for public audiences and R20 for valid student card holders through Computicket. Season Tickets at R100 for all five plays are available from the UJ Arts Centre on the Kingsway campus. For further details contact 011 559 3058 or visit www.uj.ac.za/artscentre.

Alby Michaels

Alby has been performing from a young age- whether with or without an audience. In 1998 he graduated at the University of Pretoria, cum laude, and made his professional debut that same year in Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s The Little Prince, according to him – a good omen.
Highlights of his stage career include Vonke Uit die Vuurklip, in which his portrayal of Stefanus earned him a Vita award nomination in 1999, Amy’s View (Toby) directed by Alan Swerdlow in 1999, Adamas (Adam) directed by Louw Verwey in 2001, Skilpoppe (Ching Kung) directed by Lizz Meiring in 2001, Jo’burg Zoo Storie (Albie) directed by Christo Compion in 2000, Vlerkdans (Anton) directed by Lizz Meiring in 2001, Macbeth (Malcolm) directed by Janice Honeyman in 2000, The Artful Dodger (Oliver Twist) 2002 and Alan Strang in Equus, directed by Thorsten Wedekind in 2011. The small screen beckoned in 1998, when Alby made his television debut as Eugene in Die Netwerk. His credits include Jozi Streets (2004), Binnelanders (2005) and 7de Laan (2006) as well as Luke Taylor in One Way in 2006/2007.

In 2003, Alby joined the Business Against Crime campaign as co-creator and artistic director of the educational theatre project, No Time for Crime. Not only where the learners exposed to groundbreaking edutainment, but also took part in several Youth Against Crime Festivals across South Africa. He received a School Enrichment Award in 2006 for his efforts and contribution.
Although his portfolio reflects a range of diverse projects, it is directing that offers the greatest career satisfaction. South African theatre audiences have experienced Alby’s disciplined attention to detail and abundance of creativity in shows such as Jozi (2002), You Cant Keep a Good Love Down (2003), SING with Tobie Cronje, Lizz Meiring and Terrence Bridget (2008/2010), Vrou in die Maan for Lizz Meiring (2009), Youth Oratorio composed by Jeanine Zaidel-Rudolf (2009), It Takes Two for Rocco De Villiers (2009), The Crucible for Promusica (2011) and [K]not for Eloise Clasen (2011).

Alby sites his involvement with the University of Johannesburg Arts Academy as the most rewarding experience of his career thus far. He joined the Academy in 2004 as Resident Director, describing it as the perfect environment in which to live and express his passion for directing as well as education and training. Highlights from the 27 productions he has directed for the academy include; Die Keiser (2004), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (2004), Metamorphoses (2006), We Shall Sing for the Fatherland (2006), Cabaret (2007), Our Town (2007), African Dust (2008), Jozi Ma Sweetie! (2009), The Far Off Off Broadway (FOOB) Festival (2011) and Flash – a musical blog (2011).

Neels Clasen

Neels Clasen has been an active member of the South African entertainment business for the past twelve years. During this time, he has made his marks as actor, singer, director, writer and lecturer. His most notable theatrical acting credits include leading roles in musicals like FAME (2003), WE WILL ROCK YOU (2006 – 2008 both locally and abroad) and MAMMA MIA (2010). In the musical theatre genre, Neels has also been seen in numerous Barnyard Theatre productions as well as three Janice Honeyman pantomimes at the Joburg Theatre.
Between 2006 and 2008, Neels was co-writer and actor on the comedy series KOMPLEKS I & II, nominated for four SAFTA awards including best writing and best comedy series. Other television credits include CINEMAGIC (presented with Barry Ronge), DIE CASPER RASPER SHOW, SOUL BUDDYZ (2005 – 2007), ZERO TOLERANCE, ISISDINGO and currently BINNELAND. Feature films include SLASH, SECRET OF THE WHALES and PLATTELAND, due to be released later this year.

Neels Clasen has directed numerous theatrical plays, musicals and corporate entertainment events. During his time as lecturer at the Tshwane University of Technology, he directed HELLO AND GOODBYE, NAG VAN LEGIO, WAITING FOR GODOT, ROOIKEPPIE AND THE SEVEN BERGIES as well as his acclaimed production of RENT in 2009. Other Directing highlights include Bruce J. Little’s THE LITTLE POOF I & II, FRIDA KAHLO’S EYES and numerous musical revue shows written and directed, for the Barnyard Theatre, Peermont Casino group and uShaka Marine World.

“I’m incredibly excited about HAPPY ENDINGS ARE EXTRA. I think it’s a brilliant play dealing with so many levels of the human condition. I’m truly looking forward to the reaction this play will evoke”.

Jacques Bessenger

Jacques Bessenger, a drama graduate from TUT, is a well-known face in the South African performing industry. He is best known for his roles in Song vir Katryn (Mossie) and Erfsondes 2,3&4 (Renier) SABC 2. He has also acted supporting roles in local TV series and soaps like Binnelanders, 7de Laan, Getroud met rugby, Villa Rosa, Justice for All, Jozi Streets and Thisa. He is also known for his part as Matthew Dekker in the SABC mini series House of love. Earlier this year he worked on a feature film, ‘Ordinary People’ which will be released world wide in April 2012. His passion for stage has seen him in productions like The Crucible (playing both minister Paris and Hale), The quiet violence of dreams (Grahamstown), The Zoo Story (Grahamstown), Die Afrikaner with Guys de Villiers, Varkdop (KKNK), The Picture of Dorian Gray (Lead), Die Kabaret with Amanda Strydom (Aardklop), Loving Apollo and For whom the Southern Bell Tolls. His educational theatre experience includes productions such as Macbeth, Antony and Cleopatra, Kringe in ‘n bos, Die keiser and various productions for the ATKV Children’s Theatre Company.

He is well experienced in the industrial and corporate theatre industry having worked for companies such as Eskom, The Nelson Mandela Foundation 46664, Hewlett Packard, Olthaver and List in Namibia, Department of Economics and productions for Bluemoon productions. As a director he directed the ACT/DALRO/Nedbank Scholarship Final programme for 2010 and 2011, Ligte Uit- a cabaret and educational programs.

Motlatji Ditodi

Motlatji Ditodi has been performing since the age of 3 throughout primary- and high-school. While completing her BA (Audiovisual Production Management) degree at the University of Johannesburg, she became a member of the (then) RAU Song and Dance, RAU Dramatic, and RAU Contemporary Dance companies. As a student, she played various lead roles in the productions Anything Goes, Jump for Joy (written and directed by Ian Von Memerty), West Side Story, and Cabaret. As a singer she performed with Rocco de Villiers, Antoinette Kellerman (Spier Arts Festival) and with jazz diva, Abigail Khubeka, in Black Street Jazz. She’s taken part in various projects under the WITS Drama For Life programme, notably being a current member of the DFL Playback Theatre Company. Television credits include playing Nombulelo in the SABC 2 sitcom Askies, as well as soon to be aired Thembi in the SABC 1 drama Zone 14.
She’s had some directing exposure from being Assistant Director to Alby Michaels (Resident Director at UJ – APK Campus). She assisted the UJ Drama and UJ Song and Dance company productions of The Far Off-Off Broadway Play Festival, and Flash – A Musical Blog respectively in 2011. Myth of Andrew and Jo will be her directing debut.

Jade Bowers

Jade Bowers graduated from the University of Cape Town with a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Drama and Sociology, she is currently doing her Honours degree at the University of the Witwatersrand with a focus on directing and design for the stage.
She has worked as a production manager, stage manager, festival director for WALE 4.0, director and designer.

Bowers has worked with the likes of Jay Pather, Mwenya Kabwe, Daniel Galloway, Ashraf Johaardien and Janni Younge.
She currently has her own production company, Jade Bowers Design and Management.

UJ ARTS & CULTURE is a world-class professional receiving house and performing arts training facility offering a diverse range of vocational programmes, hands-on practical training and community outreach programmes on all four UJ campuses. Facilities include the UJ Arts Centre including the Main Theatre, Gallery and Studios as well as the Experimental Theatre on UJ's Kingsway Campus and the Con Cowan Theatre and studios on the Bunting Road Campus.

The Sound of Heavenly Music

This week the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO) performed as I have never heard those musicians perform before! While having dinner before the concert I said to my companion "Oh well, it is Schubert and Beethoven again but, at least, we have the world premiere of Phelelani Mnomiya’s Afroverture that will be new.” It is at the very moment when life and its pleasures seem to have become jaded that one is about to be surprised. And, not only was I in for a most satisfying surprise but, also for an experience of intense awe and majesty! By the end of the evening one had become acutely aware that the sound that came from that stage had filled one’s being with a rare wonder and a sense of godliness.

But, before I tell you about the entirely “new” Schubert and Beethoven that came to fill my senses during the course of the evening, it may be good rather to “start at the very beginning, a very good place to start!”

This unforgettable concert opened with Mnomiya’s Afroverture – an absolutely beautiful work with incredibly complex rhythms and melody lines super-imposed one upon the other like onion skins. I was so proud of being South African and being able to listen to such genius.
This is the first stand-alone overture that Mnomiya has written and the composer describes it as a piece of “absolute” music. While the title can lead one to assume that the work comprises a fusion of styles the composer says: “Afroverture has more to do with where I am as a composer, than being a stylistic tag.” That may be so and I agree that the work has way more in common with Bernstein than the African continent. But there is present in the composition an undeniable suggestion of African singing styles and rhythmic patterns which are skillfully woven throughout the dense orchestration.

This overture was written and orchestrated earlier this year on a commission from the South African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO). Congratulations to the JPO for performing new home-woven works! Now it remains for the work to receive the exposure it merits from being available on CD and of being cast on our radio waves.

Let us now talk about Simon Wright.
Firstly, I am saddened by the fact that Maestro Wright is in the country only to conduct this week’s three concerts of the same programme. Wright is a musician in every sense of the word and he managed to tease from that orchestra sensitivity rarely heard on any concert stage anywhere in the world.

Respected by all as a musician of the utmost integrity, Wright has stood in front of many orchestras greater than the JPO but, he managed to elicit from one of a handful of African orchestras the kind of sound you would expect from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on one of their best nights.

After the performance I went to talk to him he towered above my 1.88 metres!
Simon Wright is both a physical and intellectual giant. He does not use a podium – he does not need one as he towers above even the harp and double bases! Despite his bodily bulk, he is sensitive in the extreme and conducts the orchestra in an unusually controlled fashion, giving the audience access to the full range of nuance and colour that a performance of Schubert should contain.

My blasé attitude of “I had heard it all before”, very soon dissipated as Maestro Wright, delicately, lead the listener into the first movement of the Schubert Symphony No. 3. I soon realised that I had in fact never heard or understood Schubert before. Wright made all four the movements sound like world premiere experiences.

And, it was only on hearing the Beethoven 5th Piano Concerto (The Emperor) - after the interval - that then I fully understood why there was this break with the convention of the symphony being the last offering of the evening. Like the Schubert, Beethoven became a heavenly rendition and very much indicative of a collaboration of the gods: Conductor, orchestra and pianist cooperated in a musical conspiracy that resulted in a “godly first time” experience for most of the audience. There was no way that one could have listened to any other music once the thunderous applause following the piano concerto had died down.

The Beethoven 5th Piano Concerto is a warhorse of many notes and played to death everywhere that one goes, but, the Du Toit/ Wright/ JPO alliance in this instance gave the Johannesburg audience a rare “virgin” moment.
Francois du Toit is one of the finest pianists that I have ever heard. For him it is more than sheer technique and fireworks: It is also about soul, sincerity and the utmost respect for music. His playing is reflected in his admirabel sense of occasion, his impeccable style of dress and his neat, lean and fit body. When he walked, confidently, onto that stage dressed in his tails, white tie, crisp white shirt and off-white cumber band, you already knew that the offering on hand wiould be the best that that anyone could ever give.

I can continue many hours discussing the gracious way in which piano and orchestra fused into one entity; how this performance transcended to be piano concerto and symphony all at the same time; how Du Toit didn’t smudge a single note; how the arpeggios sparkled like ice cold champagne bubbles; how the huge chords sunk into a bed of warm orchestral sound. All I need say is that if a true music lover missed this concert it can only be regarded as a tragedy for him or her.

The first concert of the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra’s Fourth Season for 2011 was an once-in-a-lifetime experience and, unless I can have my Schubert and Beethoven stirred up this way in future, I really am not interested.

In conclusion, I bow to conductor, pianist and orchestra and I say: “Your Majesties, for the first time in my life Beethoven did not only march through my brain – his music also danced on in the most pleasant of music-induced dreams for the remainder of the night! Even now, as I write, I continue to hear the heavenly ring of divine sound! Thank you.”

A Star is Born! SABT Triumphs!

Soloist, Shannon Glover, catapulted to the status of Principal Dancer in an opening night in which she suddenly was thrust into the role of Princess Aurora in this superb production of the SA Ballet Theatre’s Sleeping Beauty at the Joburg Theatre’s Mandela Auditorium.
It was an opening night of great excitements as Glover and Humberto Montero - with 15 minutes’ notice - took over the leads from the company’s opening night stars, Burnise Silvius and the visiting Australian guest star who injured his calve just before the curtain went up.

And, it was an absolutely beautiful performance! The SABT hasn’t been in such great form for many many years! It was a total delight to see the company dance in the spectacular costumes and absolutely charming sets by the late Anthony Farmer who was in his late eighties when he designed this breathtaking production many many years ago! It is a feather in the cap for all concerned that the original masterpiece has been so beautifully preserved!

But, the star of the night was no doubt Ms Glover who had worked her way through the ranks since 2004 she was accepted onto The South African Ballet Theatre’s Graduate Programme and during her Graduate year performed the solo in ‘Kopano’ and the role of Clara (including the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy) in ‘The Nutcracker’. In 2005 she was accepted into SABT as a member of the corps de ballet. And, she has shone brightly ever since.

Shannon was promoted from Senior Solist to Principal after the performance. Good move SABT!
As he stepped onto the stage in Act III as Prince Florimund, Humberto Montero appeared to be cautious but he gave a solid performance and truly showed off the beaming Aurora in the plethora of fish dives – beautifully executed and to thunderous applause! And, the audience roared with delight quiet often – from the Blue Bird Pas de Deux through to the Cats and Little Red Riding Hood with her Wolf – we had endless fun and delight on an evening of rare ballet de leux

Here I need to make mention of two of the company's baby-members - two dancers from the Corps de Ballet who gave an absolutely flawless performance as the Bluebirds. This is one of the most demanding Pas de Deux in the entire ballet repertoire and no gala night is without it. Jessica Overton and James Fraser were absolutely flawless when they danced this very difficult show stopper - and they did stop the show! What an achievement! Here are two future stars!
During the current season of this fairytale ballet, The Sleeping Beauty, the delight will be more than before as three well-known theatre couples add their own slight and charm to the performances with a number of guest appearances during the run.

From 30 September to 16 October 2011, theatrical star couples such as Des and Dawn Lindberg; Michael De Pinna and Carolyn Steyn (nee Barkhuizen); and Lena Ferugia and Robert Davies will grace the stage (as the royal king and queen in respective performances) along with the dancers from the SABT.

The SABT company includes stars such as principal dancer Burnise Silvius and international guest artist Adam Thurlow, his second time performing with The SABT, who will dance in the principal roles, and local guest artists Yolandi Olckers and Turiso Magongwa performing the Bluebird couple.

Based on the original Marius Petipa choreography, The Sleeping Beauty promises is a memorable family entertainment experience.

Des and Dawn Lindberg are well known throughout South Africa for their work as entertainers, singers and theatre producers over the past four decades. Dawn studied ballet with Sheila Wartzki, and has a teacher’s diploma in the Cecchetti method. She also studied contemporary dance in Detroit USA and danced with Bluma Rubin and Rhoda Orlin.

Dawn, together with Artistic Director Iain MacDonald, looked regal and enjoyed this rather unusual stage appearance thoroughly!

Michael de Pinna and Carolyn Steyn co-present the radio show Whispers on Radio Today where they regularly interview celebrities and Film-making couple Lena Ferugia and Robert Davies is indeed fit for their roles as on stage royals.

The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra will accompany for this very special ballet season, except for performances on 6, 7 and 13 October, when it will be danced to recorded music. The conductor for the JPO for this production is Sonja Bass, her first time conducting for the ballet.

Ticket prices for The Sleeping Beauty range from R50 to R320, except for the Sunday morning (11am) performances, when all tickets are just R110 - an affordable and family treat that cannot be missed - be it by a balletomane or just someone who loves the beautiful!

Bookings may be made through the Joburg Theatre on 0861 670 670 or www.joburgtheatre.com and for more information contact Edgar at SABT on 011 877 6893 or email edgar@saballettheatre.co.za

"THE CHILLI BOY" ROMPS BACK TO JOZI

"The Chilli Boy" – one of the most successful shows in South African history – is back in Johannesburg. Geraldine Naidoo’s surreal and groundbreaking play has come a long way since it premiered nine years ago at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown. This theatrical phenomenon has kept South African audiences flocking to theatres over the past few years and also had a successful run as one of the shows selected as part of the "West End Festival of Performance" in London in 2007.

"The Chilli Boy" is the hilarious portrayal of an old Indian woman reincarnated as a white gangster from Boksburg. At the age of 30, the gangster starts suffering flashbacks from his previous life as an Indian woman. These visions prompt him to don a sari while cooking delicious Indian curries and biryanis. He no longer wants to brawl his way around the streets of Boksburg as his newly discovered maternal instincts start to determine his behaviour. His tough reputation is threatened by the resultant turmoil.

Naidoo has created a play that tackles issues of cultural identity, racial difference and masculinity in an extraordinary and highly entertaining way.

“The play continues to attract huge audiences from across the vast racial and cultural spectrum that constitutes contemporary South African society,” Naidoo said.

While Naidoo's conception, writing and direction have been lauded as brilliant, it is the masterful performance of multi-award winning actor Matthew Ribnick that has had audiences gasping for breath.

“Many audience members describe Ribnick as a “cultural chameleon”. In just over an hour, he skilfully snaps back and forth between characters ranging from the ordinary to the bizarre,” Naidoo said.

Bouts of raucous laughter are punctuated with poignant moments of absolute sincerity as the audience comes to grips with a remarkable story told by a “madman” with a few hats.

"The Chilli Boy" is on at the Fringe at the Joburg Theatre from October 5 until November 6.

Shows run weekly at 20:00 from Wednesdays to Saturdays, with a 15:00 matinee on Sundays. Ticket prices are R130 for all shows. Group discounts are available by contacting the Joburg Theatre on 011 877 6854. The show is not suitable for persons under the age of 12.

Bookings can be made through www.joburgtheatre.com or by calling the Joburg Theatre’s ticketing call centre 0861 670 670.



Media Queires:
Bridget van Oerle/ Christabel Zulu
BUZ Publicity
011 482 3467/3489
083 263 6991/084 5522 417
FAX 086 694 4054
christabel@buz.co.za

PO BOX 1149 Auckland Park 2006
Arts and Culture Trust Publicist of the Year 1999/2004
Nominated in 2008 as one of SA top 10 PR Agencies by the advertising industry publication The Annual
Finalist in the category Sponsorship by a small Business for an Arts Project in the 2009 Business and Arts South Africa Awards

Meet Simba at African Tales

Hey moms, your kids will have the opportunity to meet Simba the Lion during selected performances of Fun, Magic and Tales of Africa at the Peoples Theatre during September. The production directed by Jill Girard and Keith Smith is a great African adventure.

The iconic friendly Lion will make his guest appearance during this delightful family show on Saturday, the 24th of September 2011 at 10:30am and 2:30pm, to celebrate the launch of the new Twistees BBQ flavour and dazzling new packaging for their entire range.

The Peoples Theatre is located at the Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein. To secure your ticket for Fun, Magic and Tales of Africa and enjoy seeing Simba the Lion and many more of the continent’s wonderful creatures “in the fur”, book at Computicket or call the theatre at 011 403 2340/1563.

To find out more about Simba Baked and win great prizes, visit www.simba.co.za/whatsnew or visit the Simba Baked page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/simbabaked .

To find out more about Fun, Magic and Tales of Africa or to book tickets call 011 403 1563 / www.peoplestheatre.co.za .



Bridget van Oerle/ Christabel Zulu
BUZ Publicity
011 482 3467/3489
083 263 6991/084 5522 417
FAX 086 694 4054
christabel@buz.co.za

PO BOX 1149 Auckland Park 2006
Arts and Culture Trust Publicist of the Year 1999/2004
Nominated in 2008 as one of SA top 10 PR Agencies by the advertising industry publication The Annual
Finalist in the category Sponsorship by a small Business for an Arts Project in the 2009 Business and Arts South Africa Awards

New Mnomiya work debuts during JPO season

The JPO’s fourth symphony season will see the premiere of a new South African orchestral work, in addition to lively renderings of classical favourites.

From 5 October to 10 November, the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra will conclude its 2011 programme of symphony concerts with a summery flourish, accompanied by top international and local soloists and a trio of eminent conductors. This season sees musicians from Venezuela and Germany taking centre stage, in addition to several of South Africa’s leading lights.

Concerts take place on Wednesday and Thursday evenings at the Linder Auditorium in Parktown, with selected programmes repeated on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons at Unisa’s ZK Matthews Hall in Pretoria.

Among the season’s highlights is the debut of the work Afroverture by leading choral composer and conductor Simon Bhekathini Phelelani Mnomiya, affectionately known as “SBP”. Commissioned by SAMRO, the Southern African Music Rights Organisation, it takes the form of an overture with mainly Western instrumentation, apart from congas and bongos.

This new composition will be performed at the Linder Auditorium on 5 and 6 October – and at Unisa on Friday 7 October at 8pm – by the JPO under the baton of English conductor Simon Wright, who has earned widespread acclaim for his interpretations of challenging orchestral and choral repertoire.

Also on the menu is Schubert’s Symphony No. 3 , D.200, D major, and the orchestra will be joined by soloist Francois du Toit, one of South Africa’s leading concert pianists, for Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5, Op. 73, E-flat major (Emperor).

The JPO’s resident guest conductor, Bernhard Gueller, takes over the reins for the next three weeks of the season. German musician Antje Weithaas, described by FonoForum as “one of the great violinists of our time”, makes the trip to SA to perform Berg’s Violin Concerto with the JPO on 12 and 13 October. Completing the week’s programme is Haydn’s Symphony No. 101, D major (The Clock/Die Uhr), as well as Beethoven’s Symphony No.1, Op. 21, C major.

Fellow German Maria Kliegel, a cellist and Grammy-nominated recording artist fondly known as La Cellissima, is the featured soloist on 19 and 20 October, as well as on Sunday, 23 October at Unisa at 3pm. The JPO, conducted by Gueller, will accompany Kliegel in performing Elgar’s Cello Concerto, Op. 85, E minor. Audiences will also be treated to renditions of Britten’s Suite on English Folk Tunes, Op. 90 (A Time There Was...) and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 9, Op. 70, E-flat major.

Glorious voices will ring out through the Linder Auditorium on 26 and 27 October, when Opera Africa soloists Kelebogile Boikanyo, Teresa de Wit, Chris Mostert and Otto Maidi and the Opera Africa Chorus will sing Mozart’s Mass, K. 427 (417a), C minor (Robbins Landon), accompanied by the JPO and led by Gueller. The orchestra will also perform contemporary composer Luciano Berio’s Rendering.

Rising young Venezuelan conductor Christian Vásquez, currently music director of that country’s Teresa Carreno Youth Orchestra, steps into the hot seat on 2 and 3 November at the Linder, as well as on Friday the 4th of November at Unisa at 8pm. He will be joined by the JPO and fellow countryman Edicson Ruiz on double bass, for Dittersdorf’s Double Bass Concerto, E-flat major. At 26, Ruiz is only a year younger than Vásquez, with both musicians symbolising the exciting new talent currently emanating from South America.

The programme for the three concerts on 2, 3 and 4 November also features Rossini’s La Cenerentola (Cinderella): Overture, Hoffmeister’s Violone Concerto, D major, Danzon No. 2 by Marquez and Estancia: Four Dances, Op. 8a by Ginastera.

The JPO’s final symphony concerts for the year, on 9 and 10 November, once again feature Vásquez wielding the baton and Peter Bruns, who has made a name for himself on the international stage as one of Germany’s foremost cellists, working his magic with Lalo’s Cello Concerto, D minor. The JPO will also perform Elgar’s Serenade, Op. 20, E minor and Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 5, Op. 100, B-flat major.

The Wednesday and Thursday night concerts at the Linder Auditorium start at 8pm, with the periodic Unisa Sunday-afternoon concerts starting at 3pm and Friday-night concerts starting at 8pm. Tickets are available at Computicket or at the door. For more information, call 011 789 2733, e-mail info@jpo.co.za or visit www.jpo.co.za .





Media Queries:
Bridget van Oerle/ Christabel Zulu
BUZ Publicity
011 482 3467/3489
083 263 6991/084 5522 417
FAX 086 694 4054
christabel@buz.co.za

PO BOX 1149 Auckland Park 2006
Arts and Culture Trust Publicist of the Year 1999/2004
Nominated in 2008 as one of SA top 10 PR Agencies by the advertising industry publication The Annual
Finalist in the category Sponsorship by a small Business for an Arts Project in the 2009 Business and Arts South Africa Awards

Alice Who? This ain’t Wonderland

Alice follows her drug addiction down the rabbit hole and meets the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Tarts. Alice thinks she is in a happy place but what does the White Rabbit grow in his garden and why does the Mad Hatter want Alice at his tea party?

The UJ Dance Company presents a new look at Alice in Alice Who? An all dance theatre production that is exciting, fresh and more than a little crazy featuring music from all genres in a thought provoking piece that will make you understand that This ain`t Wonderland.
Alice Who? is not children’s theatre but a dance production in the style of “theatre of the absurd”.

It is the brainchild of director and choreographer Owen Lonzar, who hasworked on many productions for Pieter Toerien Productions and Janice Honeyman. He also works extensively abroad.

Tickets cost R50, with discounts for Pensioners, UJ Staff, students and groups of 10 or more. Book at Computicket.

Visit our Facebook page or our website for information on other upcoming productions at the UJ Arts Centre on https://www.facebook.com/pages/University-of-Johannesburg-Arts-Centre/162815443178 and www.uj.ac.za/artscentre.

The run ends on 15 October 2011.

Dates: 8 & 12 - 15 October 2011
Time: Various starting times
Ticket prices: R50 [R30 for pensioners, students and groups of 10 or more]
Venue: University of Johannesburg Arts Centre
Kingsway Campus, Kingsway Avenue, Auckland Park
Contact: Ehllené or Precious on 0115593058

The Sleeping Beauty

The South African Ballet Theatre (SABT) presents the magical fairytale ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ at the Joburg Theatre from Friday September 30th to Sunday October 16th 2011.
Based on the original choreography by Marius Petipa, and set to Pytor Tchaikovsky’s sweeping score, this season will feature SABT stars such as Principal dancer Burnise Silvius, international guest artists Lily-Ann Bones, Daniel Convery and Australian Adam Thurlow who returns to SABT for his second guest appearance.

Also appearing in ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ are a host of surprise local celebrities in the roles of the King and Queen as well as members of the SABT Academy and SABT Development Schools.

The well – known fairy tale of the spell placed on Princess Aurora by the evil fairy Carabosse, is told in four acts with appearances by the Lilac Fairy, Puss in Boots, the Bluebird couple and of course, Little Red Riding Hood.

The season is accompanied by the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (except for performances on October 6th, 7th and 13th which are performed to a recorded score) under the baton of Sonja Bass. This season marks the first time that SABT works with a female conductor.

The production is suitable for ages three and up.

SABT is the country’s foremost professional ballet company and has established itself as a major player in the performing arts with impressive productions of classical ballets, new works by South African choreographers and collaborations across international boundaries. 2011 marks the Company’s tenth anniversary.
Bookings for ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ are through the Joburg Theatre on 0861 670 670 or www.joburgtheatre.com.

SABT management has endeavoured to keep ticket prices for the 18 performances as low as possible with prices ranging from just R50 to R320. All tickets for the Sunday morning performances at 11h00 are R110.

For additional information please visit www.saballettheatre.co.za

PRINCIPAL CASTING:
Please note that this cast list is subject to change
PRINCESS AURORA PRINCE FLORIMUND LILAC FAIRY
Friday 30 September @ 8pm Burnise Silvius Adam Thurlow Sanmarie Kreuzhuber
Saturday 1 October @ 3pm Shannon Glover Humberto Montero Nicole Ferreira
Saturday 1 October @ 8pm Lilly-Ann Bones Daniel Convery Chloé Grové
Sunday 2 October @ 3pm Burnise Silvius Adam Thurlow Sanmarie Kreuzhuber
Thursday 6 October @ 11:00am Sanmarie Kreuzhuber Jonathan Rodrigues Chloé Grové
Thursday 6 October @ 7.30pm Shannon Glover Humberto Montero Nicole Ferreira
Friday 7 October @ 8pm Lilly-Ann Bones Daniel Convery Chloé Grové
Saturday 8 October @ 3pm Burnise Silvius Adam Thurlow Sanmarie Kreuzhuber
Saturday 8 October@ 8pm Sanmarie Kreuzhuber Jonathan Rodrigues Chloé Grové
Sunday 9 October @ 11am Lilly-Ann Bones Daniel Convery Nicole Ferreira
Sunday 9 October @ 3pm Lauryn Summerley Jonathan Rodrigues Sanmarie Kreuzhuber
Thursday 13 October @ 11.00am Shannon Glover Humberto Montero Nicole Ferreira
Thursday 13 October @ 19:30 Lauryn Summerley Jonathan Rodrigues Sanmarie Kreuzhuber
Friday 14 October @ 8pm Burnise Silvius Adam Thurlow Sanmarie Kreuzhuber
Saturday 15 October @ 3pm Shannon Glover Humberto Montero Nicole Ferreira
Saturday 15 October @ 8pm Sanmarie Kreuzhuber Jonathan Rodrigues Chloé Grové
Sunday 16 October @ 11am Burnise Silvius Adam Thurlow Sanmarie Kreuzhuber
Sunday 16 October @ 3pm Lilly-Ann Bones Daniel Convery Nicole Ferreira
ENDS
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
PHOTO: BURNISE SILVUS AS AURORA Photographer: John Hogg.

SABT Fans SABTZA

“What is this thing called Swing?”

Louis Armstrong once asked the question “What is this thing called Swing?” in a song penned in 1939.

On Friday, 7th October at 8pm at the Theatre of Marcellus, Emperors Palace, audiences will have that question answered for them. Two of Mzanzi’s brightest musical stars, GARTH TAYLOR and WINNIE KHUMALO, are set to get audiences swinging at a wonderful evening of Big Band, brassy sounds.

SWING WITH GARTH TAYLOR features special guest star WINNIE KHUMALO in a celebration of one of the most-loved musical styles, adored over decades and influenced by greats like Frank Sinatra to Louis Armstrong. Along with songs from these two icons of Big Band are renditions of South African originals by both Taylor and Khumalo, like you have never heard them before – in big band splendour!

Taylor and Khumalo will be accompanied by a ten-piece big band led by Andrew Baird.

SWING promises to deliver cool, rhythm-filled, finger snapping, toe tapping, sky-reaching entertainment. The repertoire includes hits such as Fly Me To the Moon, I’ve Got You Under My Skin, What A Wonderful World, These Boots are Made for Walking, My Girl, My Way and many more.

The second part of the evening is a pure celebration of the hits of these two great local artistes’ hits, given new life with live big band sounds and dancers.

Both artistes are loved for their big radio hits: Taylor with his recently-released songs My Girl and Pillow and Khumalo for the beautiful I Just Want to Live my Life.

The Theatre of Marcellus is the perfect setting for this show with big names and big sounds.

There is only ONE show on the 7th October at 8pm. Tickets range from R95.00 to R150 and are available at Computicket.


ABOUT GARTH TAYLOR

Garth Taylor believes that music is a universal language that knows no boundaries and the opportunity to combine his unique style with that of Winnie Khumalo is a thrilling new challenge. Multi-talented is the word that best describes this exciting artist.

He co-produced his 2009 album Stripped Down Soul’d Out which saw Taylor going back to his roots with good results: the album spawned the huge hit If I gave you my soul.

His latest August 2011 release, My Girl, masterminded by Unie Moller (the UK promoter who created the smash hit all-girl group La Vuvuzela) is set to take the international market by storm with the new sound of Garth Taylor.

Garth Taylor is no newcomer, with a career that spans almost two decades. His hits range from Why which remained at number 1 for five consecutive weeks and is now a classic. Only With You remained at number one on Cape Town charts for six consecutive weeks.

Garth has shared the stage with industry greats, both local and international, such as Simply Red, Shaggy, Jonathan Butler and the late Brenda Fassie.

In June 2011 he was a headline artist in Bangkok Thailand at the Thailand International Festival and his journey into the world of Swing gives an added dynamic to his well-established career.

Garth always finds the time to help raise funds and awareness for foundations that care for abused women and children. He works for numerous charities and takes pride in being a Shout ambassador. He is a lover of the outdoors, plays golf and is a keen fisherman.

Website: http://www.garthtaylor.com

ABOUT WINNIE KHUMALO

Winnie Khumalo is a Soweto-born singer, much-loved actress and a popstar with a string of hits to her name.

She was introduced to the music industry at the tender age of 15 when she released the albums Hey Laitie, Tshina Tshina (Produced by Sello Chicco Twala) and an album entitled Dlamini in the 1980s. Winnie Khumalo also recorded a gospel album titled Izono Zami in the 1990s produced by Pastor Langa Dube.

A highlight of Winnie Khumalo’s music career was working with the late Brenda Fassie (as a backing and lead vocalist). She has also had the pleasure of working with Pure Magic, Sipho Mbele, Brothers of Peace (B.O.P), Bongo Maffin, Zonke Dikana and DJ Cleo.

Versatile Winnie Khumalo acting credits include her role one of the biggest TV series in South Africa, Muvhango, Mponeng (in which she played the role of a sangoma) and the stage play The Journey.

After a break from live performance and recording, Winnie returned with a mature album simply titled I just wanna live my life produced and distributed by Kalawa Jazzmee Records’ Oscar “Oskido” Mdlongwa.

This album, which sold over 25 000 copies (Gold) and more than 50 000 mobile downloads, became one of the best selling albums within the SA Music Market. Its title song I just wanna live my life is a house tune that still dominates the charts and on high rotation on all major radio
stations in the country.

The video for I Just wanna live my life was nominated for Best Dance video and Best Afro Pop video in the Channel O Music Awards but was also nominated in the South African Music Awards (SAMA), alongside DJ Oskido, Liquid-Deep, Big Nuz and Rhythmic Element in the category Record of the Year.

Winnie was selected to take part in the Shoprite Checkers Women of the Year competition as well as the Museke online Africa Music Awards.
Along with Sello Chicco Twala, she composed the hit song Mina Ngiyohlala Nginje which topped the charts.

Winnie also performed alongside South African president Jacob Zuma during the 2009 ANC election campaigns. In 2010 she made a return to the stage playing Brenda Fassie in Jerry Mofokeng’s musical The Brenda Fassie Story.

Her soon-to-be-released album is entitled Woman and she is delighted to be sharing the stage with Garth Taylor, exploring the wonderful world of Swing.

Watch YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvksCEJMjrU

Listen YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mT4qaZGrdi0

Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Winnie-Khumalo-fans-n-family/322445994498

ALL PRESS AND MEDIA ENQUIRIES

Bridget van Oerle/ Christabel Zulu
BUZ Publicity
011 482 3467/3489
083 263 6991/084 5522 417
FAX 086 694 4054
christabel@buz.co.za

PO BOX 1149 Auckland Park 2006
Arts and Culture Trust Publicist of the Year 1999/2004
Nominated in 2008 as one of SA top 10 PR Agencies by the advertising industry publication The Annual
Finalist in the category Sponsorship by a small Business for an Arts Project in the 2009 Business and Arts South Africa Awards