KZN Theatre, Arts & Events Diary
Week of Thursday 14 July, 2016
Prepared by Publicity Matters (see all their details at end of this listing for interviews and queries)
Family Holiday Theatre:
Buddy Holly
Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre: 23 July – 7 August
This July, Durban audiences can enjoy the story of pioneering rock legend, Buddy: the Buddy Holly Story at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from 23 July – 7 August
Catalina UnLtd, continuing in the great tradition, presents the smash-hit musical, Buddy: the Buddy Holly Story. This production, under the capable direction of Themi Venturas, brings together a top professional team. The show is filled with toe tapping hits including Buddy Holly classics like That’ll be the day, Everyday, Oh Boy! Maybe Baby, Peggy Sue, Big Bopper’s Chantilly Lace, Ritchie Valens’ smash hit La Bamba and Chuck Berry’s Johnny B Goode. Audiences can expect a rocking and rollicking fun show that tells the story of an amazing music industry legend whose life was tragically cut short.
Bookings are through Computicket with discounted performances at 02.30pm and 07.00pm Sat 23 and 2.30pm Sun 24 July at R70. General public performances at R120 are from 26 July – 7 August at 07.00pm. Schools performances (R50 per learner) are at 02.30pm on 29 July and 2 & 4 August. Booking for schools can be done through the company, email info@catalinatheatre.com for more information.
Theatre:
Lenny
Playhouse Drama Theatre: 21 - 31 July
A powerful new play commemorating the life of former political activist Lenny Naidu is to be staged in the Playhouse Drama theatre this month. Written and narrated by Jayshree Parasuramen and starring Rahul Brijnath, Lenny tells a moving human story about a man who gave his life for to the struggle for freedom of the people of South Africa. Directed by Themi Venturas, the production’s world premiere season takes place in the Playhouse Drama Theatre in Durban from 21 to 31 July 2016.
“Whilst Lenny is a story based in the history and facts of the ANC stalwart Lenny Naidu who was killed during the latter years of apartheid by the Third Force based at Vlakplaas, the story is also universal. It is about families who are torn apart by history unfolding, and those that are left behind. It is about chance, but most of all it is about one human’s propensity for brutality on another - the sort of brutality that was inflicted by the apartheid era, or the holocaust, or the Russian pogroms, or the killing fields of Cambodia,” said Jayshree Parasuramen
Show times in the Playhouse Drama are as follows: 21 July at 7.30pm (opening); 22 July at 7.30pm; 23 July at 3pm and 7.30pm; 27 and 28 July at 11am (schools performances); 30 July at 3pm and 7.30pm; with a final performance on Sunday 31 July at 3pm. Tickets are R120 for the public performances of Lenny. Booking is through Computicket on 0861 915 8000 or online at www.computicket.com. Alternatively call the Playhouse Box Office on 031-369 9540 or 369 9596 (office hours). Tickets for the school performances are R30 per learner. To secure school bookings, call 072 9260692 or 083 610 9931 or 031 826 5585 (o/h).
Sweetie Darling
Playhouse Loft Theatre: 19 - 24 July
Copy Dog in association with The Playhouse Company proudly presents Sweetie Darling, a new one-man stage comedy by multiple award-winning playwright-director Clinton Marius (Lollipop Lane, The Fantastical Flea Circus, B!*ch Stole My Doek). Starring the popular Durban actor, Bongani Mbatha, Sweetie Darling will play in The Loft Theatre from 19 to 24 July 2016.
Sweetie Darling is a romantic comedy about a young man who goes all out to prove himself. While he sets up a picnic in the park for his sweetheart, he recounts the ups and downs of his journey to happiness. As he finds himself, and love, he also finds his path to spiritual growth.
Performances of Sweetie Darling in the Loft Theatre will be at 7.30pm from Tuesday to Saturday, 19 to 23 July, and at 2.30pm on Sunday 24 July. Tickets are R50 (Tuesday and Wednesday performances) and R85 (Friday to Sunday). Booking is through Computicket on 0861 915 8000 or at www.computicket.com. Bookings can also be made via the Playhouse Box Office on 031-369 9540 (office hours).
“Sometimes, life isn’t simply black and white.”
Waiting for Nelson
Courtyard Theatre: Sat 23 July at 6pm
East London born and Johannesburg based actor, writer and director Mbasa Tsetsana will be bringing his award winning production, Waiting for Nelson, to the DUT’s Department of Drama and Production Studies to the Courtyard theatre at Saturday 23 July at 7pm.
This professional staging will be doubled billed with a student version of Waiting for Nelson under the direction of DUT directing student Sphephelo Dlamini. Audiences will have the rare opportunity to see two versions of the same production performed one after the other with an interval in-between. The second version will be followed by a Q&A with writer, directors and cast.
For more information contact the Departmental Secretary, Lebohang Sibisi on (031) 3732194 / lebohangs@dut.ac.za. Tickets are R30 at the door, students R20.
Early Bird tickets for Tim Plewman’s
Defending the Caveman
Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre: 6 – 17 Sept
There are early bird specials for tickets to Tim Plewman’s fabulous one man show: Defending the Caveman – with 20% off the ticket price throughout July
Tim Plewman, by public demand, once again dons the Caveman’s skins and steps onto stage to add to his record breaking slew of sold out performances of the longest-running and most successful solo comedy in South African theatre history. The Broadway production still holds the record of the longest running non- musical solo comedy of all time. What more can be said about this wonderful show that so humorously exposes the hunter and gatherer in us all and has played to over a million people?
Tickets through Computicket, with 20% off the ticket price throughout July.
AIDS2016:
HIV/AIDS Creatives for AIDS2016
AIDS2016: the world's largest global health conference, now significantly in its 21st year, returns to our shores, monopolising the public spaces, media and mind-set of Durban from 18 – 22 July. At that time, the global creative community, taking the lead from Durban creatives, will be hosting a myriad project, events, exhibitions and engagements which talk to an HIV/AIDS theme.
Through Positive Eyes
Durban Art Gallery: from 17 July
Award-winning photographer Gideon Mendel and UCLA professor David Gere have, for the last 10 years, been building Through Positive Eyes, a participatory photography project in which people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) share their stories in the form of photos, video, and narrative.
The project has now culminated in a multi-faceted Through Positive Eyes exhibition, to be shown throughout the southern African region, the European Union, and the United States, beginning in July 2016 and continuing through 2020.
The exhibition in its current form has been curated by David Gere (Los Angeles), Stan Pressner (New York) and Carol Brown (Durban).
Artivist
Durban Art Gallery: from 17 July
Complementing Through Positive Eyes, there will be additional artworks on display at DAG: artists include artists Daniel Goldstein (San Francisco) whose sculptural Medicine Man is an iconic image and will be included with mandala-like presentations of photographs. Gordon Mundie (London) has created a “bag of shame” and an interactive stigma installation using UV light and invisible ink and New Delhi-based curator Parthiv Shah’s contribution is a beautiful series of hand-made books displayed as artworks. The team of artivists have chosen favorite images from the project and included other works giving these images their own individualistic spin. The exhibition culminates in a gallery transformed into a small theater, in which a sophisticated sound-and-light show, designed by New York theatrical designer Stan Pressner, is enacted, entiled “Banishing Stigma.”
The exhibition in its current form has been curated by David Gere (Los Angeles), Stan Pressner (New York) and Carol Brown (Durban).
The Butterfly Project
Denis Hurley Centre: for Aids2016
The Butterfly Project is a project initiative of the US Consulate Durban, the Denis Hurley Centre and the office of the Premier, funded by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), aimed at getting KZNs teenagers involved in AIDS2016 to envision an AIDS free generation.
100 young people a day, over six days, have created butterflies out of recyled plastic in workshops at the Denis Hurley Centre in the heart of Durban working towards a huge public art installation which is now on display at the DHC over AIDS2016 before being dismantled and elements sent for display at participating communities. Alongside the butterfly-making workshops, DramAidE and facilitators affirmed the health education message that behavioural change is necessary to work towards an AIDS free generation.
For more info, contact Seth Pyoos on tel: 031 301 2240 or seth@denishurleycentre.org.
South African Voices:
Towards a Museum of HIV Memory and Learning
KwaMuhle Museum: now open
South African Voices: Towards a Museum of HIV Memory and Learning is a collection of artefacts, artistic, historic and photographic items that pay tribute to those who suffered and succumbed, and those who live with HIV every day in South Africa.
South African Voices is a partnership project between eThekwini Municipality, Avacarehealth and info4africa. It will be situated at KwaMuhle Local History Museum, on Bram Fischer Road. This is adjacent to the AIDS2016 Conference parking.
“Created as a legacy project of AIDS2016, South African Voices documents a critical and defining chapter in our collective history in South Africa. It offers all people space to celebrate the achievements and reflect on the journey we have taken from the dark days of denialism and calls to "Break the Silence" at AIDS2000, to having the largest HIV treatment programme in the world,” says project director, info4africa’s Debbie Heustice.
Make a Plan:
Possibility and Empowerment in a Time of AIDS
South African Voices: Thursday 21 July at 6.30pm
David Patient and partner Neil Orr will be launching their eighth book: Make a Plan: Possibility and Empowerment in a Time of AIDS, in Durban on Thursday 21 July as one of the events which form part of the opening season of South African Voices: Towards a Museum of HIV Memory and Learning at KwaMuhle Museum.
David Patient is well known throughout southern Africa for education and wellness programmes addressing HIV and AIDS. His work with partner Neil Orr has gone beyond teaching people how to get and stay healthy. Through personal interface and eight books, Patient and Orr have taught millions that the path to long-term health is travelled best through living a life of purpose and meaning. Positive Health has sold 20 million copies. They have trained tens of thousands in workshops and reached millions through popular broadcast media programmes.
David’s personal story also features in South African Voices: Towards a Museum of HIV Memory and Learning. Also available will be the seventh revised edition of their best seller, Positive Health.
In My Own Voice
Playhouse Opera: 21 – 24 July
In My Own Voice, a courageous new musical by Musa Njoko chronicling her challenges of living with and surviving HIV Aids for 22 years, is to be staged in the Playhouse Opera theatre in Durban. Presented by Musa Njoko Music and Entertainment in association with the Playhouse Company, and supported by Ethekwini Municipality, the production runs from 21 – 24 July.
Veteran AIDS Activist Musa Njoko who in 1994 was one of the first people to consciously and publicly disclose her HIV status, has crafted an original musical theatre production which chronicles her astonishing life. In her production, In My Own Voice, she shares her triumphs and challenging personal journey as one of the country’s earliest AIDS activists.
Show times for In My Own Voice in the Playhouse Opera Theatre are at 7pm on Thursday and Friday, 21 and 22 July, at 3pm and 7pm on Saturday 23 July, with a final matinee performance on Sunday 24 July at 3pm. Tickets are R120 per person (R60 pensioners and students). Booking is through Computicket outlets at branches of Shoprite Checkers, or telephonically on 0861 915 8000, or online at www.computicket.com. Alternatively, bookings can be made by callingthe Playhouse Box Office on 031-369 9540 or 031-369 9596 (office hours).
Music:
Kloof Musical Pops
St Agnes Church Hall, Kloof: Friday, 29 July
On Friday, 29 July, at St Agnes Auditorium in Kloof , the Rotary club of Kloof will present the Kloof Musical Pops. The first half of the programme will feature The KZN Youth Orchestra conducted by Lyk Temmingh performing symphonic greats such as Handel's La Rejouissance, Brahms' Hungarian Dance no 5, The Radetsky March, and some popular tunes such as Sway, Can't Take my eyes off you and New York New York .
The second half of the programme will get yourhands clapping and toes tapping as Platform Jazz puts a swing on the evening andpresents big band greats such as Mack the Knife, What a wonderful world and In the Mood . Led by Cathy “Hotlips” Peacock, the band will also feature Melvin Peters, Bruce Baker, Duncan Wooldridge, Kirsten Sayers, Andreas Kappen, Jeff Judge and Shelley McLean.
The evening will start at 6.30pm and will be set up in supper theatre style for patrons to bring picnics and drinks. Ticket prices are R150 and R130 for pensioners and students. Booking is through Computicket. Proceeds of the evening will go to the 110 year old Kloof Rest Home which is in urgent need of repair.
Quark: Friday 15 July
Alliance Française de Durban Activities: Fri 15 July
The Alliance Française will also be hosting Quark on Friday 15 July at 7pm. Quark is collaboration between two musicians from very different backgrounds, Fiona Tozer (guitar) and Dan Wilson (bass). The duo will be bringing the Jazz and Folk genres together to create an eclectic sound with lyrical content relating to the story of the human race and its place in the cosmos Quark is a unique experience that will leave you wanting more.
For more info: Alliance Française de Durban : 22 Sutton Crescent, Corner Lilian Ngoyi (Windermere) Road, Morningside / Tel : 031 312 9582 / Contact Denise (Administrator) at afdbn@global.co.za or Frédérique (Course Coordinator) at courses.afdbn@alliance.org.za
Website: http://www.alliance.org.za/durban/
Rowan Stuart embarks on national Winter Tour
In association with Concerts SA, Durban's Soul Folk singer-songwriter-guitarist Rowan Stuart will be embarking on a multi-province tour this month, with performances in Gauteng, the Free State, the Northern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, joined by Andy Turrell on bass guitar.
Rowan has created an inimitable brand of Soul Folk music, with pop and world influences. Recalling Sting's imaginative storytelling, Death Cab for Cutie's sense of space and beauty, and John Mayer's tight grooves, Rowan uses his notable prowess on the guitar as the foundation for his creativity.
Artist Links
Website: www.rowanstuart.com
Reverbnation: www.reverbnation.com/rowanstuart
YouTube: www.youtube.com/rowanstuartvideo
Facebook: www.facebook.com/rowanstuartmusic
iTunes: www.itunes.com/rowanstuart
Instagram: www.instagram.com/rowanstuartmusic
Events Listing
Port Shepstone – South Coast Lions Show
Friday 15 July – 6pm –R50 (adults) / R25 (under 18’s and pensioners) / Free (under 12’s)
Address: Port Shepstone Country Club, Old Saint Faiths Rd
Bookings: lionsshow@sheppielions.co.za / 083 301 2883
Community:
Get Involved: IBV Children’s VIP Day
Durban Exhibition Centre: 13 August
The seventh annual Children’s VIP Day hosted by the International Bank Vaults at the Durban Exhibition Centre on Saturday 13 August. The special day invites over 3,000 less privileged children from Durban and surrounds to the DEC where they will be treated to a day of interactive fun, treats, games and pampering in the company of sports stars and entertainment celebrities as part of IBV, through their IBV Humanities Division.
The organisers are encouraging businesses of all sizes to get involved, donate! If it is stock or even your time, there are 3,000 children that will truly appreciate it! A little will sincerely go a long way! They are setting up book and stationary drop off stations so members of the public can donate their learning materials, books etc. The two venues will be IBV International Vaults at Gateway and at the Pavilion Hotel near North Beach.
To get involved, contact Shivani Gosai on 031 566 3984 / shivani@ibvglobal.com.
For more info: Visit www.ibvinternationalvaults.com. Or watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tToRlHdYW9s
Art:
There Are Places I Remember
Durban Art Gallery: now open
There Are Places I Remember (Hidden memory: Places of our city) is an exhibition art project between the sister cities Bremen/Germany and Durban/South Africa
Working with the subject of art and memory, 11 visual artists from Bremen focus on places in Bremen, each of which –apart from the tourist attractions in the city– has a special meaning for the corresponding artist. The involved artists had previously taken part in various ways in the Culture-Exchange project The Designing of the Concordia Tunnel 2012 realized between the two cities. The artists’ work on the theme by utilizing various media: painting, photography, printing, installation, collage and video. The results are on currently on an exhibition at the Durban Art Gallery.
Supper Theatre / Musical Revues:
All of Me
Rhumbelow Durban: 15, 16, 17 July
A show with Melanie Roberts in her inimitable diva style. Shemual Mahabeer on piano. At last! Melanie performs her first ever solo show in 33 years of being in showbiz. 4 countries, 200 shows some devised and written by herself and over 400 corporates has brought her to now...go solo.
A kaleidescope of songs from the 40's to now, combined with her cabaret and musical theatre songs and into the pot an array of styles from pop to swing, jazz to ballads.....all woven together with her irreverent wit, conversations with the audience and anecdotes from 33 years of performing. Expect to hear Elton John, Billy Joel, Elvis, Ed Sheeran, Gloria Gaynor, Turner, Bruno Mars, George Gershwin, Sting, Carpenters, Ella Fitzgerald, Carole King, James Brown, Cole Porter, Beatles....and much more.
Gowns are by Karen Monk Klijnstra and hair by Faye @ Hoi Polloi. Book at Computicket or phone or email Roland for bookings. Email : roland@stansell.za.net / events.durbantheatre.com / Cell 0824998636.
Clive Scott in Warts and All
Rhumbelow Durban: 22, 23, 24 July
Clive Scott has always made people laugh, whether it was as Ted Dixon (aka “Hey Stupid!”) in The Villagers and Isidingo or in his various roles in “Oh George”, “Life Begins at 40”, “The John Ross Story” and “River Horse Lake”. You just have to look at him…
Now, this beloved South African veteran of stage and screen has gathered all his experience, wisdom, funniness and poignancy to bring you a one-man show encompassing all of it.
Clive Scott stars in his autobiographical one man show, Warts and All, An iconictribute to some of South Africa’s best loved theatre moments, you had better bring the tissues – for the tears of laughter that are sure to roll.
Friday 22 – Sun 24 July. R 140-00 a ticket; Bring food picnic baskets; Discounts R 120-00 a ticket. Pensioners & Block Bookings 8 or more; Bar Available; Book at Computicket or Phone or email Roland for bookings Cell 0824998636 / email roland@stansell.za.net / events.durbantheatre.com.
Magical Mayhem
Rhumbelow Durban: 29, 30, 31 July
The South African Magical Society (S.A.M.S.) hosts its annual showcase highlighting the best of Durban’s magical talent. The show, titled Magical Mayhem has many brand new facets for patrons to enjoy. The show’s producer, Ricki Gray, already no stranger to Durban audiences, explains that the family friendly show is designed to attract audiences that have enjoyed previous shows hosted by S.A.M.S. as well as attract new audiences. “There are many new surprises in store,” explains Ricki. “For example, this year Roland Stansell, long-time member of the magical society, is hosting the show as Grand Panto Dame, Miss Direction.”
The show will feature both amateur and professional magicians and will include a variety of magical acts, from illusions to cards and from mentalism to comedy. By popular demand, once again, magicians will not only be performing on stage, but at the tables. This style of magic, called close-up or intimate magic will allow audiences to experience magic like never before; up close and personal.
R 140-00 a ticket; Pensioners and Block Bookings (8 or more) R 120-00; Children (under 13) R 70-00
Bring food picnic baskets; Burgers & Chips etc on Sale; Bar Available; Book at Computicket or Phone or email Roland for bookings Cell 0824998636 / email roland@stansell.za.net / events.durbantheatre.com.
Ends
PHOTOS ARE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST & FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Publicity Matters or visit www.pubmat.co.za
Information correct at time of distribution
Illa Thompson
Publicity Matters
arts, theatre, culture, festival, social justice, sports and events publicists
tel / fax 031 201 1638
mobile 083 326 3234
illa@pubmat.co.za
roaming pubmatgal@gmail.com
twitter @pubmat
facebook publicity matters group and page