St Mary's Scoops Sixth Victory in Highway Regional of the SPAR KZN School Girls' Hockey Challenge

St Mary’s DSG, scooped their sixth victory in the Highway Regional of the SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge which took place at Curro Hillcrest on Sunday, May 21.

This regional, which has always been a hotly contested one, saw six teams play 30 minute one-way games in round robin format on a perfect autumn day.

St Mary’s claimed their first victory in the first game of the day against Westville Girls High who went full out in an attempt to place themselves in the regional final, but were unable to score against Saints’ 2.

Try as they did but Westville, who battled against St Mary’s for this title in the regional final last year, could not edge out Kloof High either from the runnings for the finals. After losing to St Mary’s they managed to win against Curro Hillcrest and Hillcrest High scoring a bonus point for three or more goals. But it was the second to last game of the round robin against Kloof , which could have been the game changer, where they drew, resulting in Kloof going up against the defending champions. The teams were evenly matched, but in the last 30 seconds Westville Girls High were awarded a penalty for a deliberate foul in the D. A perfect opportunity for them to score from right in front of the goal, but they were unable to convert this into a winning result.

The finals of this regional, was a tough one coming late on a hot, long day, and Kloof tried valiantly to claim the title from St Mary’s.  But Saints were in top form and pushed for goals, and within the first 10 minutes had already scored twice. 

While they dominated much of the game, the Kloof players fought back hard, with the diminutive Dashal Naidoo’s nifty dribbling and Kaelin Hartog’s incredible ability to send the ball flying away from their goal supporting their team.  Their goalie Zama Ngidi, had courage of steel as she fought off shot after shot at the goals with gargantuan determination. 

St Mary’s played a very technical, hard and skillful game, using fancy teamwork to own the day. Leah Piggot, claimed the first and third goals, while Hannah Shirley claimed the second, both taking advantage of the flurry in the D. Piggot hit a hard first shot, and then later after the team had tried twice for goals and had been thwarted by the opponents goalie, she managed an excellent and unexpected reverse stick past the courageous Ngidi. The end result was 3-0.

St Mary’s will join nine regional winners at the Grand Finals at their school in Durban on July 29 and 30. Regional winners include King Edward High School, winners of the Ugu and Sisonke Regional, Ferrum Skool (Newcastle), St Anne’s College (PMB North), St John’s DSG (PMB Central), Amanzimtoti High School (Durban South), Our Lady of Fatima (Durban North) and Durban Girls College (Durban Central) and Wartburg Kirchdorf (Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi) and another from the Northern Coastal regional to be played on May 28 at Grantleigh in Richards Bay. 

For more info like the Facebook page.

Results:

1 St Mary’s DSG, 2 Kloof High School, 3 Westville Girls High School, 4 Thomas More College, 5 Hillcrest High School, 6 Curro Hillcrest Christian Academy

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SPAR KZN School Girls' Hockey Challenge - Grantleigh College

The Northern Coastal KZN Regional of the SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge, will take place at Grantleigh College in Richards Bay on Sunday, May 28.

This regional, the last in the series of ten in this year’s Challenge, features eight schools playing pool games with the top scoring teams of each pool facing off in a regional final on Grantleigh’s astroturf. Pool games will be 20 minutes one way, and the finals 30 minutes, with 15 minutes played each way.

Richardsbaai Hoërskool, Felixton, Richards Bay Christian School, John Ross College and Eshowe High School will play in Pool A, while Grantleigh College, St Catherine’s School, Empangeni High School and Mandini College in Pool B.

Hosts and defending champs, Grantleigh College has twice represented this regional at the Grand Finals, the first in the inaugural tournament in 2011 and then again last year. They snapped the regional title away from four time winners, Empangeni High, who no doubt will be eager to reprise their victory once more. Last year’s regional although ended with a show-down between Richardsbaai Hoërskool and Grantleigh, so it remains to be seen who will dominate this time.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, Grantleigh coach Garth Bishop says “The team is quietly confident however the competition will be tough and it is going to take lots of hard work to try defend the title.”

“Last year was a really tough year, we performed really well against the bigger schools, but unfortunately couldn’t sustain the performances later in the tournament. It has just shown how we need to play at a consistent level if we want to achieve again this year.” 

“We participated at the Nedstar Hockey clinic in Pretoria, and although not all the results went according to plan we managed to take significant strides forward as a team. The Irish Men’s hockey coach, Craig Fulton, also gave the girls some areas to think about while playing if they want to achieve at a higher level.”

“We expect that this will probably be one of the toughest years as there are a number of schools who have really improved over the past few seasons and it is probably the most open competition in the last few years,”  continues Bishop. “It would be great to win the regionals again as the finals in Durban is definitely a highlight of the season for all the players.”

Winners will meet nine other teams from around KZN at the Grand Finals at St Mary’s DSG in Kloof on 29th and 30th July. They will join Wartburg Kirchdorf, winners of the PMB Inland Regional, St Mary’s DSG winner of the Highway Regional, King Edward, winners of the Ugu and Sisonke Regional, Ferrum Skool (Newcastle), St Anne’s College (PMB North), St John’s DSG (PMB Central), Amanzimtoti High School (Durban South), Our Lady of Fatima (Durban North) and Durban Girls College (Durban Central).

For more information like the Facebook page.

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SPAR KZN School Girls' Hockey Challenge - Wartburg Kirchdorf claims their victory - May 13

Wartburg Kirchdorf claimed their fifth consecutive victory at the Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi Regional of the SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge at Wembley College in Greytown this Saturday.

The cold, rainy and blustery weather did not dampen the spirits of the five first schoolgirls’ hockey teams, as they took to the astro. But is was the defending champions, Wartburg Kirchdorf who owned the day despite all the teams having had a tough time in the conditions. As the weather was less than ideal, games were shortened to 20 minutes one way instead of 30 minutes as originally planned for this regional. 

In the final game, Wartburg psychologically worked some magic asthey scored the game’s three goals within the first four minutes. Michelle Engelbrecht, managed to score the first and third goals, while her cousin Elona Engelbrecht,  who plays for KZN U19 Inland Kites Team (although she is only U17), the second – with all three goals secured with skillful reverse stick precision. 

Wembley fought back bravely, and managed to keep the decisive opponents out of the goals for the rest of the game, but, this resulted in them having to play a more defensive game. Goalie Ashleigh Mason was not going to allow any more passages into her goal, and valiantly defended it backed up by some rather determined Wembley defence.

An elated Wartburg Kirchdorf coach Lisa Misselhorn said “We are thrilled to have once again taken the honours. This was initially a very tough regional for us, as we were not playing with our heads. I knew all along that the bodies would not give up, they are strong, but we needed to pull together to play a more strategic team game. In the end this all seemed to come together and I think they worked extremely well as a team in the final game against Wembley.”Kevin Engelbrecht, a relative of the Engelbrecht girls, was acknowledged as the most promising umpire for this regional.

Wartburg Kirchdorf join winners from the Ugu and Sisonke Regional, King Edward, Ferrum Skool (Newcastle), St Anne’s College (PMB North), St John’s DSG (PMB Central), Amanzimtoti High School (Durban South), Our Lady of Fatima (Durban North) and Durban Girls College (Durban Central). The remaining two regionals are to be played later this month.

The Grand Finals takes place at St Mary’s DSG on 28 and 29 July.

For more info like the Facebook page.

Results:

1 Wartburg Kirchdorf, 2Wembley College, 3 Greytown High School,  4 Deutsche Schule Hermannsburg, 5 Domino Servite.

21st anniversary of The Route of the Prince Impérial, Louis Napoleon, A Franco-Zulu Cultural Celebration and Commemoration

This year marks the 21st Anniversary of the establishment of La Route du Prince Impérial, Louis Napoléon (The Route of the Prince Impérial, Louis Napoleon), a bold tourism initiative that follows the scenic pilgrimage route through KwaZulu-Natal, taken by a mother in mourning as she followed the footsteps of her son to where he was killed during the Anglo-Zulu War in 1879. 

The Prince Impérial, Louis Napoléon was killed in an ambush at uQweqwe, near Nqutu, on 1 June 1879. The following year on the anniversary of his death, his mother, the Empress Eugenie, spent the night in vigil at the very spot, which is now marked as a monument to him.

Who would have thought that 138 years later, the monument would play an important role driving a small, but vital tourism injection into the community at uQweqwe.

This year, the Alliance Francaise, Pietermaritzburg and the French Presence in KwaZulu-Natal cultural tourism research development project, present a programme of engaging activities with a number of partners during the month of May – Africa month. Both associations play a valuable networking function in connecting France, Reunion Island and other Francophone countries with South Africa.

Early May sees a call to action for people to support Art in the Park. The Pietermaritzburg Amateur Music Society then sets the tone for French week with its Musique Sacrée concert of French Sacred music at the Lutheran Church, Hayfields at 14H30 Sunday 21 May 2017.

A week later, on The Midlands Amble, a Sunday gathering at Albert Falls commemorates the first night’s “camp” of the Empress Eugénie, when she came on her sorrowful pilgrimage.

On Monday May 28, a guided visit to the Msunduzi Museum will see a programme of school activities which includes a history presentation on the Anglo-Zulu war as well as readings and worksheets on related topics.

The Empress Eugénie and The Prince Imperial wines produced by Domaine des Dieux ofthe Hemel-en-Aarde Valley in Hermanus are celebrated during this week, and on Africa Day, Wednesday May 31 at 13H00, the annual Prince Imperial lunchtime concert takes place at The Old Prison / Project Gateway in Pietermaritzburg. The concert features the Sobantu School Choir, the Sobantu acapella group, the dance performers from Chistlehurst Arts & Academics, as well as the Impisi Emnyama Zulu dancers, and Exquiniqué Fashion that will present its own unique brand!

That night a Franco-Italian pizza evening at Pizzology further celebrates the historical genealogy of the Bonapartes and the present day entente cordiale that exists in our country.

Dr Andrew-John Bethke will be giving a special anniversary organ recital at 19H00 in the Lutheran Church, Hayfields on Thursday evening 1 June - the commemoration day of the Prince’s death and the anniversary day of the Route.

On Friday 2 June, The Embassy of France, the French Institute, the Alliance and the Napoleon Foundation, Paris present a concert at the Tatham Art Gallery to celebrate local talent and welcome His Excellency the Ambassador of France, Mr Christophe Farnaud and other international guests.

The evening starts with the launch of the publication by Otterley Press of The French Prince: Tragedy to Transformation by Glenn Flanagan followed by the award ceremony of Les Palmes Académiques to Heather Peel, Head of French at Hilton College for her contribution to the teaching of French. A concert follows featuring Sandile Mabaso, a celebrated opera singer from KwaZulu Natal, the Sobantu Secondary School isiscathamiya performers, the Impisi Emnyama Zulu Dancers and the Chistlehurst Academics and Arts Dance group, who promise a finale with great French flair.

A memorial mass will be celebrated on June 3 at 09H30 at the Allard House Chapel, KZN’s first Roman Catholic Church (built in 1852) performed in association with the memorial mass in the Imperial Chapel in Biarritz, France. Well known choral leader Michael Lambert, will be directing the Scola Musicae Sanctae choir.

Following this mass the dignitaries will depart for Dundee along the Prince Imperial Route pausing for tea with the French Augustinian Sisters in Pomeroy, culminating in a French soirée at Elisabeth Durham’s Chez Nous B ‘n B in Dundee. At the soirée the convener and project leader of La Route du Prince Impérial, Louis Napoléon, Glenn Flanagan will present a visual résumé of highlights of the past 21 years of Route development.

The next day the delegation will visit the Jojosini Primary School in the community where the monument is situated, to inspect the sponsorship of rain tanks and library donated by Panteix /Antalis and local donors.

The ceremony to commemorate the 138th anniversary of the death of the Prince begins at 10H15.

The Ambassador of France will lay a wreath on the Prince Imperial memorial; inkosi Mdlalose and Induna Mbatha will lay wreathes on the tombs of Trooper Abel and Trooper Rogers and Gugu Buthelezi (voluntary site guide) will lay a wreathe for the nameless Zulu guide killed in the same ambush on 1 June 1879.

After the ceremonies, sporting events organized by Nathi Sibisi of the uQweqwe community will take place.

“We have an exciting line-up of Franco-Zulu related activities in Pietermaritzburg, in Dundee and the uQweqwe community during May and the first weekend in June,’ says Glenn Flanagan. “We welcome Francophiles and everyone who enjoys a slice of history, as well as those who are keen to experience the value of creating and developing fascinating historical and cultural links between different cultures and how this can benefit our communities – both rural and urban.”

The 21st Anniversary celebrations of La Route du Prince Impérial, Louis Napoléon is supported by the Embassy of France, the Alliance Française, TKZN, SA TOURISM, local municipalities, local tourism authorities and the Napoleon Foundation, Paris.

For the full programme go to the Facebook Page: French Presence in KZN: La Route du Prince Impérial, Louis Napoléon.

Durban dancer, choreographer, and arts activist receives a coveted Ordre des arts et des Lettres from the French Government

In a glamorous event hosted at Durban’s Alliance Française on Tuesday 25 April, Durban’s Lliane Loots was awarded the honour of Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Order of Arts and Letter  by the Ambassador of France to South Africa, Mr Christophe Farnaud.

In a moving acknowledgement and celebration of Loots lifes work in growing, making and supporting dance in South Africa, and in conjunction with the support she has offed to French artists visiting and working in South Africa, this Knighthood was gently and beautifully bestowed by Ambassador Farnaud on his very first visit to Durban.

The Ordre des Arts et des Lettres is a medal of honour that is bestowed by the French government in recognition of significant contributions to the arts and the propagation of the arts and in significant connection to also enriching the French cultural inheritance. It is an award that was established in 1957 by the French government and, in 2017 three South African – all in the dance sector - will be receiving it; Lliane Loots, Gregory Maqoma and Georgina Thompson.

Loots presently holds the positions of Dance Lecturer in the Drama and Performance Studies Programme at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (Howard College Campus). She has a Master’s degree in Gender Studies and is presently completing her PhD looking at contemporary dance histories on the African continent. She is delighted to hold the founding position of Artistic Director for the Centre for Creative Arts’s annual JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience (a festival that will make its historic 20th edition in 2018). She has also recently been invited onto the Grahamstown National Arts Festival’s Artistic Committee (for dance).

Loots founded FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY as a professional dance company in 2003 when it grew out of a dance training programme that originally began in 1995. As the artistic director and resident choreographer for FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY (now the longest surviving professional dance company in Durban), she has won numerous national choreographic awards and commissions and has travelled quite extensively in Europe, America and the African continent with her dance work. Loots and FLATFOOT are also known for the vast amount of youth dance education and development work done in KZN, and, through JOMBA!, for putting Durban on the global dance map. 

This award has honoured all of these divergent parts of Loots’s life as a cultural worker in Durban and her award was accompanied by support from the FLATFOOT company as they stood by her to receive the medal of honour.

European Film Festival 2017 in South Africa

European Film Festival 2017 in South Africa

Treat yourself to the best of European Cinema

The European Film Festival is back for the 4th time at Cinema Nouveau theatres in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban from 5 to 14 May.

The lineup of films represents 12 countries, including Ireland and Croatia for the first time. Each film reflects the skills and take on the world of filmmakers who are not limited by national borders. American Honey, an award-winning British-made road movie set in America’s mid-west, is as much a magical mystery tour into Americana as it is a coming-of-age drama. King of the Belgians is a comedic piece coming out of Belgium, which sees the Belgian king and his entourage crossing the Balkans in a madcap adventure, after learning of a coup back home. Acknowledged by the Rotterdam International Film Festival, this movie is a road trip with a difference, at once thoughtful, hilarious and wild.

Strike a Pose is a Dutch documentary exploration of “Madonna’s men”, the male dancers who served to consolidate the pop icon’s message and status as an outspoken advocate for LGBT-rights. This winner of a jury award at the Key West Film Festival is an unrelenting documentary which exposes new aspects of a well-known story. Germany’s Toni Erdmann is the outlandish tale of how the passing of a family dog sets off a series of events with a major impact on a father-daughter relationship. Touted as an academy award winner for best foreign film in 2017, this is a must see, by all accounts.

Festival Director Katarina Hedrén who returns as the curator for the second time is delighted with the pickings: “With this year’s selection which includes films of different genres, textures and moods, the aim is to entertain, amuse and offer opportunities for reflection, new discoveries and recognition,” she says. “The theme binding the films together is cinematic excellence through acclaimed and award-winning films from 12 European countries.”

The 2017 selection is a mixed pot in terms of film themes, which span from animal rights to family dynamics. Dramas and documentaries, comedies, tales of grief and a children’s adventure sit side by side on this eclectic and exciting programme. 

“The films are new, but the commitment remains the same: to offer audiences in South Africa an opportunity to experience acclaimed and award-winning European cinema,” adds Hedrén.

Motheo Matsau, Chief of Marketing and Sales at Ster-Kinekor Theatres, adds: “Our Nouveau cinemas are synonymous with the screening of the very best in art-house and foreign language films from across the globe, and the European Film Festival content certainly delivers on that promise.”

“European filmmaking has seen another year of highly creative output, and filmmakers continue to produce works that challenge and uproot. We are happy that Festival Director Katarina Hedrén’s 2017 film selection has given even more variety to the European Film Festival.”, says Norbert Spitz, Director of the Goethe-Institut, on behalf of the European partners.

The European Film Festival is coordinated by the Goethe-Institut South Africa, hosted by Ster-Kinekor Cinema Nouveau, and organised in partnership with the Delegation of the European Union to South Africa and 12 other European cultural agencies or embassies in South Africa: the General Representation of the Government of Flanders, the French Institute, the Italian Cultural Institute, the Camões Institute, the British Council, and the Embassies of Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland and Spain. The European Film Festival is part of the EuropeFest, presenting in South Africa in May 2017 a diverse range of EU Member States cultural events.

For more information, visit www.eurofilmfest.co.za or join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook: #EuroFilmFestSA.

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April 2 is Autism Awareness Day: Pledge to be Non verbal

Action in Autism:

April 2 is Autism Awareness Day: Pledge to be Non verbal

People with autism experience difficulty with verbal and non-verbal communication and social interaction. Over 50 % of people with autism struggle with verbal communication and spoken language. For people who cannot express their basic needs or experiences in a way that the rest of the world understands, life can be isolating and extremely lonely. 

Action in Autism has committed to acknowledging World Autism Day on April 2 by asking people to make their pledge to be non-verbal for 2 hours – from 10am to 12pm. To respect, acknowledge and accept difference, the public is asked to join the organisation and thousands of our people with autism, and pledge to use an alternative means of communication – signs, gestures, pointing, typing or drawing – during this time. 

“The Action in Autism family will be at the Botanic Gardens in Durban from 10am to 12 noon on April 2, and we invite everyone interested to pack a picnic basket and blanket and join us,” says Chairperson of the organisation, Liza Aziz. “We invite people to be part of a meaningful activation that tangibly demonstrates that speaking is not the only form of communication. In this way we are able to honour those who experience their worlds and means of communication in a different way to most.”

Action in Autism, which does not receive any funding from government,  invites all people who would like to support the organization through cash or kind or through volunteering time. A fundraiser will be held on 22 April at 7pm at St. John’s Hall.  Tickets are only R80 and are available from their offices.  For more information about Action in Autism and the support to parents and families provided by the organisation, please call 031 207 4858 or email info@actioninautism.org.za.

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Interview with Captain of the Durban Girls’ College First X1 Hockey team, Lori Niemand

Captain of the Durban Girls’ College First X1 Hockey team, Lori Niemand, is looking forward to leading her team out onto the 3 Schools’ Trust Astroturf as they attempt to retain their Durban Central regional champion title in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge on Sunday, March 26.

The DGC link, who lives in Durban North, has full colours for hockey and plays for KZN, seems to be as much at home on the turf, as she is in water, on stage and in the classroom. The busy 18 year old has received rewards for her efforts with special honours for synchronized swimming having competed for SA five times, half-honours for art and full honours for academics. 

Her passion for the game started when she began playing hockey in Grade R at DGC and says that the thing she most loves about hockey is “the close bond you form with your team members and the excitement of matches.”

With supportive parents, she has been able to pursue her many sporting interests. “My dad is such a good role model and sports idol,” she enthuses. “He has taught me to always be determined and to have a good work ethic. I really admire him for the effort and hard work he puts in to accomplish such a huge achievement of completing 21 Comrades. He continues to train despite the weather or the early mornings, he has showed me how to be motivated and that you can do anything you put your mind to.”

"My mother has always been there to support both me and my sister at every possible event,” says the sports star, whose sister, Tayla, was also captain of the 1st team at DGC in 2012, and “still plays hockey and is running in marathons.”

“Our coaches are amazing, and guide us so well and that helps create this bond within the team. They encourage us to play hard and do our best. And no matter what the outcome is, always show good sportsmanship.”

Niemand says that while art is her favourite subject, she hopes to become a chiropractor one day, and intends studying Chiropractics at Durban University of Technology when she leaves school.

With the SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge coming up this weekend, the captain says “We always enjoy the SPAR tournament, and we all love those fabulous hampers. I’m really looking forward to the hockey season this year with my awesome team and coach, Ms Meek. Ashleigh Thomas (vice-captain) and I are very excited for the season ahead.”

With all these activities and commitments how does she manage. “My motto is “Keep it simple, but significant. And always remain humble”  and that helps a lot!”

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SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge Durban Central Regional 3 Schools Trust: Sunday 26 March

SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge

Durban Central Regional

3 Schools Trust: Sunday 26 March

The sixth regional of the SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge sees nine Durban Central Schools’ battling it out for the honours at the 3 Schools Trust Astroturf on Sunday, March 26,

Winners of last year’s central regional, Durban Girls’ College will no doubt be going all out to defend their title, having owned this space since the inaugral tournament in 2011 and have won gold in the Grand Finals three times in a row in 2013, 2014 and 2015, with two silvers in 2012 and 2016 and a bronze in 2011.

Joining them on the astro next Sunday will be Maris Stella, St Henry’s, Durban Girls’ High School, Hoërskool Port Natal, Inanda High School, the INK team, a combined team of players from the Inanda, KwaMashu Ntuzuma districtsand two newcomers to the tourney, Durban Girls Secondary and Rossburgh High.

The regional, which is hosted by Durban Girls’ High, will be played in two pools, with each game lasting 20 minutes.

“This is always an exciting regional to watch, as there are some strong teams with healthy competitive spirits determined to claim the title.” says Tournament Director Les Galloway.  “We are particularly pleased to welcome both the INK and Inanda teams back, and we welcome the Durban Girls’ Secondary and Rossburgh High teams to their first regional. This tournament is a fantastic example of how the enthusiasm of the game can spill over to other schools and encourage them to offer hockey as an extra-curricular sport and help to grow the sport.”

“We are always thrilledto welcome new blood to the tournaments, as it provides an opportunity for the teams to meet with new schools, new styles of playing and new challenges,” says Max Oliva, MD of SPAR KZN. “This tournament promises some exciting games, and if any of the other regionals are anything to go by, we are not only in for a fantastic sporting festival, but a wonderful opportunity to meet with like-minded sports lovers, and enjoy the social connections these tournaments offer.”

The winners of this regional will go through to the Grand Finals at St Mary’s DSG in July and will join Amanzimtoti winners of Durban South regional, St John’s DSG (Pietermaritzburg Central) and St Anne’s (Pietermaritzburg North), Ferrum (Northern KZN) and the winner of the Durban North regional which takes place at Crawford La Lucia on Saturday, March 25.

For more info like our Facebook page.

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Flatfoot Dance Company in association with The Playhouse Company presents SADHANA

Flatfoot Dance Company in association with The Playhouse Company presents SADHANA
23 – 26 March 2017
Drama Theatre – Playhouse Complex
 
 
The Flatfoot Dance Company presents Sadhana at the Drama Theatre, Playhouse from March 23 to 26.
 
This newest offering from the same acclaimed team that brought the award winning Bhakti to Durban is choreographed by Lliane Loots, who once again, steps boldly into Eastern mystical philosophy and its confluence with African rhythms and dance, to create a dance theatre feast for the senses.
 
 “it is a rare and very precious moment for me to make dance work that allows for a more inward and contemplative artistic journey,” says Loots, “and so I am relishing this creative process that allows me to collaborate with Durban’s finest dance and musical talent. The very make-up of the cast of dancers and musicians tells a story of multiple histories and identities and so the chance to explore what being South African means to all of us in our own divergent artistic ways, is the very fabric of Sadhana.”
 
Loots joins forces with the six Flatfoot Dance Company dancers, Sifiso Khumalo, Tshediso Kabulu, Mthoko Mkhwanazi, Jabu Siphika, Kim Mccusker-Bartlett and Zinhle Nzama, who bring their own brand of contemporary African dance that is seeing this company being invited all over the world. For Sadhana, they are joined by Kathak aficionado and master, Manesh Mahara, known for his intrepid Kathak solo work.  This is his third performance collaboration with Loots who says, “Manesh is probably one of South Africa’s finest dancers at the moment and both myself and Flatfoot have been graced to work collaboratively with him over the past 3 years. His ability to share his own Kathak style so generously with us and his ability to cross borders into contemporary dance, makes him the biggest jewel in the Sadhana ‘crown’. Sometimes, in rehearsal, I get so mesmerised by his beauty as a dancer that I completely forget my role as choreographer!”
 
Sadhana is a Sanskrit word that means (in loose translation) a journey towards enlightenment that honours both intellectual, emotional and spiritual seeking. Sadhana is a term rooted in Eastern mystical philosophy and Loots, as choreographer, comes to this to encompass a type of journeying we all do as South Africans as we fight for memory and the promises of our own ‘enlightenment’. Sadhana is about what we are prepared to shed in our own voyages to decolonising both the mind and body. Politically powerful and deeply beautiful to watch.

It works on a kind of fusion/trans-cultural dance language that uses the rhythms of classical Indian dance styles (specifically Kathak) overlaid on the African contemporary dancing body – be these ballet or contemporary trained. The work itself has the aesthetics of a long pilgrimage that is taken by both dancer and audience as we journey into the heart of what defines us as African – as both social and spiritual beings.
 
Stalwart South African musician Madala Kunene whose unique African guitar rhythms set up the sound score of the work, integral to the piece . He is accompanied by djembe drummer Mandla Matsha and tabla player Revash Dookhi.
 
Filmmaker and long-time collaborator with Loots and Flatfoot, Karen Logan creates the video installations for Sadhana and continues her keen attention to creating insightful and visually beautiful landscapes that echo Loots’s choreographic visions.
 
Lighting is by award winning designer Wesley Maherry whose creations have found a base in Flatfoot’s work over the past 14 years.  
 
Sadhana runs as an ‘in association production’ with the Playhouse Company from 23 to 25 March at 7.30pm and on 26 March at 3pm at the Drama Theatre (Playhouse Complex). Tickets are R85, with students, scholars, pensioners at R65, and can be purchased through Computicket.

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SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge Northern KZN Regional: Pongola, Saturday 25 February

SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge

Northern KZN Regional: Pongola, Saturday 25 February

The SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge moves north this weekend when the first regional of the seventh annual tournament takes place in Pongola on Saturday, February 25.

Hosted for the second time by Pongola Akademie, the regionals sees nine first team girls’ schools battling it out for the prized title in what promises to be a strong regional. Schools participating including defending champions Sarel Cilliers (Glencoe, Umzinyathi), Newcastle High School, Ferrum High School and St Dominics also from Newcastle, Utrecht High School, Dundee High School, Vryheid High School, Pionier High School (Vryheid) and Pongola Akademie. 

Defending champions Sarel Cilliers, who made their maiden appearance at the finals in Durban last year, having scooped the honours from five times northern regional champions Ferrum High, will no doubt be determined to hold onto their title, with Ferrum eager to claim it back.

Twenty-five minute games with two pools will be played on two fields with the winners of the pools going into a semi-final format. In Pool A are Pionier, Ferrum; Vryheid, Sarel Cilliers and Newcastle, and in Pool B Utrecht, Dundee, Pongola and St Dominics.

The tournament not only aims to support the development of the players, but also that of the umpires. Each school brings their best umpire to represent them on the day and at the end of each regional, one umpire is recognized as the “Most Promising Umpire”.

“Seven years down the line, and we continue to enjoy watching the impact that this tournament has on developing the game in the province,” says Tournament Director, Les Galloway. “There is definitely an increased interest in the game not only from the players perspective but also from the schools and the supporters point of view. We have seen more astroturfs being installed in the province, and a growing spectator base – all boding well for the increased support on all levels for the game.”

New Managing Director for SPAR KZN, Max Oliva said, “With this being the first tournament of my tenure as M.D, I look forward to the fantastic hockey that will be on display throughout the respective tournaments. We are proud to be associated with our sponsorship of girls hockey within our province and these events have grown into something we are particularly proud of. At SPAR we encourage our customers to enjoy a healthy lifestyle, so what better way to do this than providing a platform for a competitive yet super-friendly sporting engagement. We wish all our competitors and their supporters a great day on and off the field.”

Winners of the Northern KZN Regional will participate in the Grand Finals of the SPAR KZN School Girls Hockey Challenge that takes place at St Mary’s DSG over the weekend of 28 and 29 July.

For more info like the Facebook page.

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South African film, The Wound to open the Panorama programme of the Berlin International Film Festival

South African film, The Wound to open the Panorama programme of the Berlin International Film Festival

South Africa / Germany / Netherlands / France

By John Trengove

European premiere

Just after celebrating its selection to have its world premiere in competition at the Sundance Film festival in the USA, the film-makers of the South African film The Wound, have received news that the film has been selected to open the Berlin International Film Festival’s Panorama section in February 2017.

Produced by Urucu Media, directed by John Trengove and co-written by Trengove, Thando Mgqolozana and Malusi Bengu , The Wound stars multi-talented musician and novelist, Nakhane Touré in his acting debut, with Bongile Mantsai and Niza Jay Ncoyini.

The Wound tells the story Xolani, a lonely Xhosa factory worker who joins the men of his community in the mountains of the Eastern Cape to initiate a group of teenage boys into manhood. When a defiant initiate from the city discovers his best kept secret, Xolani's entire existence begins to unravel.

Speaking from Cape Town, producer Elias Ribeiro said “We could not have wished for a stronger start for The Wound. We will have the spotlight in the two top festivals in North America and Europe, and that bodes well for its future, as Pyramide, our International Sales Agents will be representing the film at their booth inside the European Film Market in Berlin in February.”

The Berlin International Film Festival website describes the Panorama programme as a showcase of “new films by renowned directors, debut films and new discoveries. The selection of films provides insight on new directions in art house cinema. Traditionally, Auteur Films – movies with an individual signature – form the heart of the programme, and aims to take quality independent film out of its niche into the spotlight of the international market.”

“The fabrication of masculinity has long been a consistent theme in Panorama,” said the statement from the festival. “Producer Elias Ribeiro previously delighted festival audiences in Panorama 2015 with Necktie Youth.”

John Trengove commented: “I was interested in what happens when groups of men come together and organize themselves outside of society and the codes of their everyday lives. I wanted to show the intense emotional and physical exchanges that are possible in these spaces and how repressing strong feelings leads to a kind of toxicity and violence. As an outsider to this culture, it was important that I approach this story from the perspective of characters who are themselves outsiders, who struggle to conform to the status quo of which they are part.”

The Wound is a co-production between South Africa, Germany, The Netherlands and France and was shot on location in the northern region of South Africa. The film was developed with the assistance of The Hubert Bals Fund and ARTE International Prize. The Department of Trade and Industry and The National Film and Video Foundationas well as The World Cinema Fund supported production and the film pre-sold to broadcasters ARTE France and ZDF in Germany. The film’s intended release in South Africa is July 2017.

For more information about The Wound, visit www.urucumedia.com/thewound

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Sharlene Versfeld

Versfeld & Associates

Public Relations and Communications

Email: sharlene@versfeld.co.za

Twitter: sharlvers

Website: www.versfeld.co.za

Memorial for award-winning Durban filmmaker Junaid Ahmed - December 14 at 7pm

Memorial for award-winning

Durban filmmaker Junaid Ahmed

The family and friends of the award-wining Durban film-maker Junaid Ahmed who passed away on November 1 this year, extend a warm invitation to all who knew him to join them in a celebration of his life at the Suncoast Cinecentre on Wednesday, December 14 at 7pm. 

Born in Durban in 1959 Junaid went to Southlands High School and graduated from the University of Durban Westville in the 1980’s with BA (Honours) degree in Drama.

Junaid’s passion was always in the creative industries and he had a varied and prolific career in the arts.  He produced, workshopped, acted in and directed many theatre productions at various community venues including the Asoka Theatre, the Market Theatre and at the National Arts Arts Festival. He also wrote and directed the acclaimed musical, Bombay Crush, which starred well-known SA actress Kajal Bagwandeen.

A former board member of the National Interim Film Fund Board (now the National Film and Video Foundation), the international award winning director and producer also had a string of successful film projects to his name. His short film highlights include directing The Vow for Miramax and Channel 4 Films. He also produced the short film Lucky, which was screened at over 80 international festivals in 2006 and was nominated for the 2006 British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Best Short film award, and it won Best Short Film at over 40 international film festivals.

He directed the feature film More Than Just A Game for which Sony Pictures International (SPI) acquired the international distribution rights and was broadcast in over 40 countries. Together with Helena Spring, Junaid was, at the time of his death, producing a slate of nine films supported by the NFVF. The first of these - Hard To Get opened the 2014 Durban International Film Festival, and was released in cinemas later that year. Then in February this year their co-produced film Happiness is a Four Letter Word  (with Khanyi Mbau, Renate Stuurman and Mmabatho Montsho in lead roles) was the best performing film of all new releases, in South Africa on its opening weekend. They were currently working on their next film Keeping up with the Kandasamys directed by Durban’s Jayan Moodley, which is in post-production.

Prior to his filmmaking career, he spent ten years as the secretary general of the Congress of South African Writers (COSAW) for some time, he edited poetry anthologies and his articles on arts and culture related issues were published in a number of international publications. 

He is survived by his wife Liza, sons Tariq and Jarred and daughter Taegen.

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Action in Autism’s Year End Social

Media Release

Action in Autism’s Year End Social

Action in Autism is hosting its annual Year End Social on Saturday, 3 December from 10am to 2pm at the George Campbell School Grounds. This event is free to all people with autism and their families and there will be snacks and refreshments, a jumping castle, fun and games for all.

Action in Autism, based in Sydenham, houses an early learning intervention centre for children ages 2 to 6 years, and provides free support, advice, research and information to people with autism and their families. A free monthly diagnostic clinic is offered to families who do not have access to medical aid, and Action in Autism runs bi-annual training workshops, hosted by a team of professionals, that aims to share information and transfer skills and techniques for communication to parents and professionals.

Anyone wishing to attend this social, to make a donation to help cover costs or for more information about Action in Autism,  can call 031 2074858, or email info@actioninautism.org.za.  The webiste address is www.actioninautism.org.za for more info on the organisation.

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Train of Salt and Sugar – wins Best Film at Joburg Film Festival

Media Release

Train of Salt and Sugar – wins Best Film at Joburg Film Festival

The Mozambiquan Train of Salt and Sugar directed by Licínio Azevedo, which had its African premiere in competition at the Joburg Film Festival won the Festival’s inaugural Best Film Award on Saturday. This follows its Independent Italian Critics Award (Boccalini d’Ouro) for Best Film at the Locarno Film Festival at the Piazza Grande in Locarno, Switzerland in August this year.

Train of Salt and Sugar, which is due for a two week independent release in Johannesburg and Cape Town next week, is set in the civil-war-torn northern Mozambique during the late 80’s. It has been hailed by some critics as the first “great African Western”.

The film has been produced by Ukbar Filmes (Portugal), Ébano Multimédia (Mozambique), Les Films de l’Étranger (France), Panda Filmes (Brazil), and avant-garde South African company Urucu Media with the support of M-Net and M-Net’s Portuguese channel Jango Magic in Africa.

“We are completely overwhelmed by this fantastic acknowledgement,” says Elias Ribeiro of Urucu Media. “This movie has been an incredible labour of love for all of us. This harrowing story based on true facts revealed such fascinating complexities of the human lot and mixed with a dose of magic realism, the director has managed to capture the imagination of audiences to provide us with a riveting story that engages and fascinates. Thanks to the Joburg Film Festival for providing us with the opportunity to present this film at its first edition.”

Train of Salt and Sugar, a selected project at the 2014 Durban FilmMart, will have a  short theatrical release in Johannesburgand Cape Town from the 11th of November for two weeks only. Joburg screenings will be at the Bioscope, check their website for schedule (www.thebioscope.co.za), and in Cape Town at the Labia with a daily screening at 6:15 pm.

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Train of Salt and Sugar – a film by Licínio Azevedo for Joburg Film Festival

Media Release

Train of Salt and Sugar – a film by Licínio Azevedo for Joburg Film Festival

 In a harrowing revelation of a particular time and place, comes a universal story of mankind’s extraordinary collective ability to survive and press-on against all odds.  This is the latest film by celebrated Brazilian-born, Mozambiquan-based auteur Licínio Azevedo: Train of Salt and Sugar which will have its African premiere in Competition at the Joburg Film Festival on October 29, 2016.

Set in the civil-war-torn northern Mozambique during the late 80’s, the film has been hailed by some critics as the first “great African Western”, when it premiered in August this year on the 300-square metre screen in at the Locarno Film Festival at the Piazza Grande in Switzerland to a crowd of more than 7000 people. The film won the Independent Italian Critics Award (Boccalini d’Ouro) there for Best Film.

With script by the director together with Teresa Pereira, adapted from the book of the same name written by Azevedo, the story unfolds in Mozambique in the midst of civil war. A single train connects Nampula in Mozambique to Malawi. No civilians are allowed and yet hundreds risk their lives through 700km of sabotaged tracks. Salomão and Taiar are two soldiers who don’t get along. Rosa is a young nurse on her way to her first job, who soon becomes an object of desire. Mariamu, her close friend, only hopes to trade salt for sugar. Amongst bullets and laughter, life goes on and stories unfold as the train advances under attack, ever so slowly, towards the next stop.

“I was in Cuamba, the capital of the province of Niassa in the north, the last train stop before the border to Malawi, its final destination,” says Azevedo.  “The city was isolated from the rest of the country by road. The train’s arrivals got increasingly spaced in time and a large crowd would gather in the station to meet them. I had the chance to see one of the arrivals and see the terrible state of those who disembarked, weeks after starting the journey in which they risked their lives.”

“I was interested in the people that travelled on this train taking salt from the coast to exchange for sugar in Malawi. Then they returned to Mozambique and sold the sugar. This was to support their families. But is was a hellish journey.”

Produced by Ukbar Filmes (Portugal), Ébano Multimédia (Mozambique), Les Films de l’Étranger (France), Panda Filmes (Brazil), and avant-garde South African company Urucu Media with the support of M-Net and M-Net’s Portuguese channel Jango Magic in Africa. Internationally the film won production awards from Ibermedia, CNC, Fundo Setorial, Euroimages to name a few. Urucu Media previously produced best South African Film Award winner at DIFF, Necktie Youth by Sibs Shongwe La-Mer in 2015 and will release in early 2017 the anticipated feature debut by John Trengove The Wound, which won two awards at the Venice Film Festival for work-in-progress.

Train of Salt and Sugar was filmed in southern Mozambique and stars Matamba Joaquim as Taiar, Melanie de Vales Rafael as Rosa, Thiago Justino as Salomão, António Nipita as Sete Maneiras and Sabina Fonseca as Mariamu.

Getting permission from the government to film was not easy says Azevedo “The authorities finally gave us the go ahead when we had already started shooting. We were grateful that the Ministry of Defence, actually supported the production and ended up giving us thirty soldiers who trained our actors.”

The film, shot over 7 weeks on 13 wagons of a train, was a challenge for the production and creative team. Describing the process, Azevedo says “It was practical and infernal. It would have been impossible without the unconditional support from the Mozambican Railways. During the shooting, the sound engineer did an amazing job, sieged by the sounds of wheels creaking, the engine running… back then they couldn’t ever turn off the engine because if they did so, the engine wouldn’t start. That’s a little piece of realism we brought into the movie. The train’s cacophony is permanent, a fundamental sound track that was punctuated by Schwalbach with traditional African instruments, drums and using the mbira to punctuate the love scenes.”

Although the film is set in a specific period, South African producer Elias Ribeiro, of Urucu Media believes that it tells a story that speaks to many realities of conflict around world, and moves beyond its specific locale. “Its tangible tension, terrifying cruelty, yet inspiring and heart-warming humanness is what will speak to any audience across the world.”

Train of Salt and Sugar, which was a selected project at the 2014 Durban FilmMart, has it’s SA premiere at the Joburg Film Festival on 29 October at 4 pm. Entrance is free of charge on a first comes first basis at the iconic Alexander Theatre in Braamfontein. Melanie de Vales Rafael (Rosa), the director and Urucu Media team will be in attendance at the premiere in Johannesburg. It will play again at 4 pm on the 2nd and the 5th of November at Nouveau Rosebank as part of the festival, patrons will need to buy tickets for these screenings in Rosebank.

Following the festival run the film will have a limited theatrical release in Johannesburg  and Cape Town from the 11th of November for two weeks only. Joburg screenings will be at the Bioscope, check their website for schedule (www.thebioscope.co.za), and in Cape Town at the Labia with a daily screening at 6:15 pm.

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Sharlene Versfeld
Versfeld & Associates
Public Relations and Communications
Mobile: +27 (0) 83 326 3235
Tel: +27 (0) 31 811 5628
Post: P O Box 30547, Mayville, 4058
Email: sharlene@versfeld.co.za
Twitter: sharlvers
Website: www.versfeld.co.za

ISEA2018 INTERSECTIONS - 24th International Symposium on Electronic Art - for Durban

Media Release

ISEA2018 INTERSECTIONS - art, science and technology for empowerment and change
The 24th International Symposium on Electronic Art to be held in Durban, South Africa

The world’s most prominent nomadic international arts and technology event - the International Symposium on Electronic Art - ISEA2018 is coming to Durban in 2018. This was announced at the opening of the 3rd Annual DUT DigiFest  in Durban this weekend. This is the first time in the 24 years of annual festivals around the world ISEA will be taking place on African soil.

 Durban University of Technology’s Faculty of Arts and Design, The Trinity Session, eThekwini Municipality and Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau will be hosting this prestigious symposium in July 2018, and they are collectively looking at how the DUT DigiFest could be used as an important catalyst for the development of creative content, thought and ideas for the event.

 Following the international announcement of Durban as the host for ISEA2018 in Hong Kong earlier in 2016, September 9 and 10 saw the local announcement of the plans to come at the DUT DigiFest. This was coupled with a coming together of interested parties from different disciplines, industries, research and government to exchange ideas on what a locally relevant program and direction for ISEA2018 could be.

As partners in ISEA2018, DUT’s deputy vice chancellor Prof Thandi Gwele and Executive Dean of Arts and Design and DigiFest Festival director Dr René Alicia Smith welcomed ISEA2018. 

Head of International and Governance Relations of Ethekwini Municipality, Eric Apelgren expressed the municipality’s enthusiasm and support for this prestigious event and how ISEA2018 and DigiFest can manifest new opportunities for Durban and its people.

Marcus Neustetter, co-director of The Trinity Session and executive director of ISEA2018 presented the opportunity of locally relevant, engaged and cross-disciplinary projects for empowerment and affecting change in Durban and South Africa. “In this sense, the theme INTERSECTIONS of the symposium, events and exhibitions in 2018 positions creative technological innovation as an activist engagement into public space and public practice,” he explained. “Creative collaboration between artists, artisans, designers, technologists, entrepreneurs, engineers, scientists and inventors will take place in a context where survival is the most basic instigator for solutions. In such a scenario, technological developments follow and support these solutions. In addition, the role of the artist is essential in providing opportunities to build new and exciting interactions between people and place.”

 A formal call for expressions of interest for ISEA2018 will be made in early 2017. The committee also welcomes engagement from interested parties – for further information contact the committee via Isea2018@onair.co.za

http://www.isea-web.org/2016/02/isea2018/

Vincent Mantsoe concludes JOMBA! Next Stop The Wits Theatre

Vincent Mantsoe concludes JOMBA! Next Stop The Wits Theatre

After premiering with sold out houses and standing ovations in Germany and his African premiere receiving standing ovations at the JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience in Durban this weekend, dancer and choreographer South African born Vincent S.K Mantsoe brings his new solo work KonKoriti home to Johannesburg, with a one night only performance at The Wits Theatre on 8 September 2016 at 8:00pm.

Like much of this award-winning choreographer’s work, KonKoriti has a spiritual core, made tangible in physical expression. It is a return to Mantsoe’ original solo format, with him at helm of the choreography, costuming and light design. The music is by Kayhan Kalhor with The Brooklyn Rider and The Master Drummers of Burundi. KonKoriti is described as; ‘a state of being’ a tireless pursuit, for self-righteousness. , inspired by the physicality, spirituality, power, pride of a “person”.

Mantsoe premiered the work in Germany in June this year, and had his African premiere at JOMBA! 2016 this Saturday. Now in collaboration with The Wits Theatre, and with support from Institut Francais South Africa (IFAS), Mantsoe concludes his South African visit with this special performance of KonKoriti at The Wits Theatre.

“It is with great honour and excitement that I will be performing here. The Wits Theatre has been my stage professionally since I started dancing. First presenting my work during the FNB Dance Umbrella, then winning most of my awards there and premiering my work together with Moving into Dance. Beautiful, exciting memories. So I am looking forward to presenting my new work at Wits,” said Mantsoe.

Based in France, Mantsoe is acclaimed for his unique choreographic style, which has evolved on his early Afro-fusion dance training under the mentorship Sylvia “Magogo” Glasser and Moving into Dance and draws on African, Contemporary and Asian movements. His work is strongly focused on preserving cultures, particularly his own South African culture, in the 21st century. He has been commissioned to perform around the world, garnered multiple dance awards, and has been involved in residencies and collaborations in Australia, Canada, the USA, Denmark, Japan, Germany, South Korea, France and South Africa.

“I was honoured that Vincent wanted to perform his new solo show at the Wits Theatre. He is a dancer and choreographer who I have enormous respect for and staging his work at the theatre is an affirmation of the theatre being a place of innovation and excellence, “said Gita Pather: Director of Wits Theatre.

Tickets are R 200:00 and can be purchased through www.webtickets.co.za or R230:00 at the door.

Facebook: Wits Theatre

Twitter: @Witstheatre1

https://www.wits.ac.za/witstheatre

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