So you think you can dance - SABC destroys pleasurable viewing.

On Saturday 25^th of September 2010, I found myself attempting to watch  the “theoretically” meant to be a talent show, So you think you can dance, which has turned into one of the most nepotistic, tactless and for me, tedious shows on South African television. Read the “So you think you can dance” article post to find out more.

This critique is not so much on the show but, on the show’s broadcaster, SABC. I am a huge devotee of dance, from classical, traditional to contemporary street dance.





Now, as I was watching, the show felt more and more like a soccer match between Alexandra F.C. and Soweto Football Club. The camera was ceaselessly on a bird’s eye view, which made the whole experience unpleasant and baffling.  The second performance by Lulu and Darren, an Afro –Fusion dance work, choreographed by Thabiso  Lebuka (last year’s second place winner and former African Footprint member) was aimed to be a splendid performance to be experienced by both the live audience and the viewers at home however, the SABC did not see it that way, by their awful lighting and constant aerial shots for only two dancers.

Lulu Mlangeni

The performers were wearing white costumes which should determine the kind of lighting to use for such a showcase. There were only two of them on stage, which should determine the type of camera angles for usage because,  dreadful television techniques equals to bad viewing, which damages any expected enjoyment from a television experience.  The viewers were refused an opportunity of watching the dancer’s body movements, technique and flair. The only thing they saw was the dancer’s heads moving up and downstage with no readable dance text. And, at the end of the show, they’re expected to spend on airtime costs by voting for their week’s favorite.

Not only was the mentioned above my concerns but, the music cueing was not on time, the microphone’s volume was high and low (if not early or late), as if a group of three year olds were in control. This was noticeable as Didi Moses, one of the judges was commenting on Ashley and Shelly’s Jazz act, and when the music (Maxwell – Pretty wings number) was wrongly cued just before Lulu and Darren’s piece.

Consequently my subject is, “Why employ people with no expertise or know how in television, especially who will be dealing with such a huge show? What impact does that have in our arts and television? Who is at fault and how can we improve?

Lulu Mlangeni and Dada Masilo

This is an embarrassment to the entire world.  So you think you can dance is a franchise show, which has a shared mannerism with other similar international franchises. Other countries have mastered impressive delivery and broadcasting of the show and we’re still rambling behind.

With this being mentioned, I think the SABC ruins good and enjoyable television viewing and watching any show of such aptitude, as I did on SABC, is a total dissatisfaction.

WORD - ARTSA: Rebel Positively

WORD - ARTSA: Rebel Positively: "CONVERSE PARTY @ Arts on MainThe most boring thing with South African celebrity events is, seeing the same faces all the time. I personally ..."

Rebel Positively

CONVERSE PARTY @ Arts on Main

The most boring thing with South African celebrity events is, seeing the same faces all the time. I personally get annoyed and disinterested, except if it’s Bonang Matheba.  For some reason, she always looks different and understands the vitality of IMAGE as a public figure.

Siyabonga Ngwekazi and Slikor

I recently went to the Converse party which was held at Arts on Main, downtown JHB, which turned out to be one of the craziest, fun and congenial party for me so far.  There were a few popular names, such as Mika Stefano (who was wearing that terrible many color Vitamin Water scarf, talk about being a brand representative), Siyabonga Ngwekazi, Slikor (with his zero taste in clothing), Sade Girlibeti, The Cream Cartel Crew… to mention just a few, really.

Converse had three parties happening at once, in Durban, Joburg and Cape Town. They themed them as the Converse Optimistic Rebels Party, following their visual arts website aimed at expanding the way people see art, creating diversity and spank into the visual arts.

Slikor and Mika Stafano

The venue in JHB was well selected, after the cancellation from hosting the event at The Lighthouse. Arts on Main has a creative sensation, which made the party more banging, as one was inspired and entertained at the same time.  Converse also accommodated everyone musically, with DJ’s such as KENT, MILKSHAKE, ROMS and HOUSEHOLD FUNK. They kept the crowd on their feet, with a multiplicity of music ensuring satisfaction from the bohemian guests. 

There’s not really much to say about this party, except that it was off the hinges and made me realize that, Converse is more than just a brand of flat sneakers and vibrant clothes but, an artistically involved trade name that aims to empower young people and assist in the development of South African arts.

Visit their website on www.converse.co.za or www.optimisticrebels.co.za to view some of the selected visual art pieces and to find out more about the brand’s involvement.

WORD - ARTSA: Your chance to become Famous

WORD - ARTSA: Your chance to become Famous: "Remember, i told you guys that, i don't ONLY focus on theatre but a bit of Lifestyle and Entertainment. So here's what i have for you, try i..."

Your chance to become Famous

Remember, i told you guys that, i don't ONLY focus on theatre but a bit of Lifestyle and Entertainment. So here's what i have for you, try it out...You'll never know-

Tropika Island of Treasure 3



SEXY BONANG MATHEBA

 Become SA’s next reality TV start and WIN R1 million with Tropika!

Our favorite smooth drink under the sun has returned once more with what has shown to be popular in TV reality shows, ‘”Tropika Island of Treasure 3”. The show has been a major success over the past two years and this year, it has return with a more ultimate bang.

Tropika is calling for entries to participate in their exciting show, where seven winners and seven celebrities will compete for winning the grand prize of R1 million rand, and the opportunity to become a reality TV star.




DIVA KHANYI MBAU

 


Music sensation JR

  This year’s lineup of celebrities include a mix of music, comedy, TV and radio personalities, from  musician JR, SA’s diva and TV host, Bonang, SA’s beauty queen Tatum, comedian, Loyiso, the (in) famous drama queen, Khanyi, starlet, Dionne to new pop-rock sensation, Snotkop. With this assortment of personalities, the show is bound to be on fire.




Talented DIONNE SONG

 


SNOTKOP

 “So, we’re calling on all South Africans to access that “star” quality in themselves, grab their favorite Tropika, see the pack for details and enter the competition via sms or online before the 31^st October 2010, with the chance to participate as one of the seven contestants in this exciting reality TV show”, said Asheen Dayal, Brand Manager for Tropika.




Beauty Queen, TATUM KESHWAR

 


Funny man, LOYISO GOLA

 

And for a bit of foreplay, visit www.tropika.mobi to play “my celeb slave”, where your wish is a celeb’s command and also to download some sizzling wallpaper. You can also visit Tropika Island of Treasure 3 on www.tropika-island.co.za  or follow Facebook and Teitter for more info.



School of Dramatic Arts @ Khanyi




This might just be your BIG BREAK…Don’t hesitate, try it out.

A BORE AND A WASTE OF TIME!!

The Purr Factory (a musical at the UJ Arts Centre)

Jessica Urbani (Suzie Swishtail), Lonwabolwethu Ganelo (Vincent B. Mouseander), Thato Motsepe (Big Bottomed Bertha), Athenkosi Mali (Calton Wallader) and Angie Senwamere (Tina Troutmaster)

This is one of those shows that, I normally don’t want to review as they reflect both professionalism and third -rate standards, as I find myself conflicted as to how to base my  focus and on what terms should I root my review.

Thato Motsepe as Big Bottomed Bertha

I honestly feel that the UJ Arts Centre should start realizing the compactness, standard and value of their theatre.  That theatre is amongst the premium theatres that this country has to offer and with that mentioned, they should grade the type of shows to produce.  Gruesome shows degrade theatre worth.

The Purr Factory was not bad at all to watch, I have personally seen better. I must say although, I can’t wait for another musical, so I can erase it in my mind. 

The show is supposed to be targeted for children, a children theatre effort, with no “performers to children” interaction, excluding the pointless “meet and greet” endeavor at the end of the show.  I think research is important when producing such theatre work. 

The show is intended to be a musical with a so so musical quality, excluding a duet by Suzi Swishtail (Jessica Urbani) and Carlton Catwallader (Athenkosi Mali).  Apparently, as per programme, there is credit for the choreographer. And my question is ‘what choreography?; ” Owen Lonzar, the “supposed”  choreographer, seemed to have not been given the script, music and storyline. I feel like, he didn’t even know that the show needed dancing,  because   what seemed to be the choreography was very  frenzied, with no rhythm and one couldn’t tell the genre of dance. One moment I saw Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” sequence and the next a jazzy routine, cart wills and splits …I was like, what is going on here? Very shocking for a show that has over half a year worth of pre-production.

Lonwabolwethu Ganelo as Vincent B. Mouseander

On a positive side, the makeup was beautiful. Dennis Hutchinson did an amazing job with the set design and the costumes gave the show a bit of life, designed by mother and daughter, Ann and Kirsten Bailes. I sense like one of these days’ people will go to the theatre not for the performance but, merely to admire the set and costumes, especially in musicals.

As I mentioned earlier, I didn’t even want to review this show. I was not even feeling like watching it, apart from a few friends of mine performing. As for you, reading …I have no idea why you should go watch it  but, if you really feel bored  one night, with nothing on TV, all your friends busy, not feeling like Twitter or Facebook,  grab your sister’s son or daughter and go try it out. You’ll totally regret it but, it will be better than watching a repeat of the news on the E-News Channel.

The show is @ The UJ Arts Centre till the 25^th of September 2010. Ticket cost R60 for adults and R30 for children, students and pensioners. Book at Computicet or contact 011 559 3058 or visit www.uj.ac.za/artscentre

UJ ARTS CENTRE

WORD - ARTSA: PUBLICISTS WITHOUT BACKBONES - KILLERS OF JOURNALI...

WORD - ARTSA: PUBLICISTS WITHOUT BACKBONES - KILLERS OF JOURNALI...: "I recently went to watch a show at the Joburg Theatre and to my surprise found myself viewing it from seat number CG 41…that is as bad as wa..."

PUBLICISTS WITHOUT BACKBONES - KILLERS OF JOURNALISM!

I recently went to watch a show at the Joburg Theatre and to my surprise found myself viewing it from seat number CG 41…that is as bad as watching from the parking space. There is nothing upsetting to me as being seated in the balcony, side(s) or front seats during a theatre performance. If you don’t have an available centre middle row seat for me, then don’t invite me, spare me for another night or performance.

So as I was sitting there trying to watch as I did not have my binoculars (I didn’t expect to be so far from the stage), I realized how high the level of my critique was, not that I was distressed but, I felt I was very reciprocated, not biased at all. I wouldn’t seat there again, but I was very objective in my thinking which made my review a very good and reliable read. Not that, I am biased at times but, this time I got a chance to view the show from an audience perspective, especially those not fortunate enough to buy a purple, green or pink  color  ticket, for the  audience that has gotten accustomed to the balcony.

At that point I started thinking of how many publicists suck up and make friends with journalists so as to have a good review. I went on to think about the HIGH class treatment that media personnel have gotten used to in order to speak lies about productions. How some journalists don’t even bother watching shows anymore, “as long as so and so is in it, then it has to be good. I’ll just show up at the opening ceremony”. Journalists should not be given high, special treatment because that’s not  an experience of a “common” reader that will base his or her views on whether to watch a show from an article on the newspaper or television show or online.

I think publicists are losing the plot. Yes, they must have VIP sections for journalists, for interviews and networking but, this sucking up that happens, becoming friends and all these shady acts are slaughtering truthful reporting, therefore killing the arts which in turn kills journalism altogether.

South African theatre is very wobbly, everyone knows that but, it’s been ages since I read an article reporting on such an issue, based on a certain performance. Performers need to know where and how to change their artistic direction and that mainly come from journalistic critiquing and audience relation.

If publicists don’t change their approach, we’re definitely headed for a catastrophic disaster, both in the performing arts and journalism.

(By the ways, I wasn’t the only one in that balcony…just saying).

MBEKI AND OTHER PAINFUL NIGHTMARES

Characters of Thabo Mbeki and Julius Malema

Remember I told you guys about the Wits 969 Festival which has collaborated with the National Arts Festival and Arts Alive, yes, its ON and BANGING. Firstly I don’t like this group effort they have going on, as I feel , it is limiting people from attending the actual festival(NAF) because, they’ll just wait for the shows to have a re-run or feature at another festival , but anyways…


I went to watch Mbeki and other Nightmares at  Wits. I am not one for pure drama but, this one was one of the best politically based theatre work by students that I’ve ever seen.

The show premiered last year, taken to the National Arts Festival and now featured at the 969 Festival.

Tsepo Wa Mamatu and cast member

Mbeki and other Nightmares is about the politics within the leading political party, ANC. It begins from Thabo Mbeki’s departure to JHB after having been appointed president for the party, till the last straw when the party reappoints him from his position, appointing the current presidency in Jacob Zuma. The show also reveals  the so seen as “unintelligent” behavior and stimulus of the ANC Youth League President, Julius Malema.

Written and directed by Tsepo Wa Mamatu, the show deeply takes you through a political journey that you know but, not so much to understand. I was shocked, disillusioned and found myself crying to what I thought didn’t affect me. I’m not really fond of South African politics but, Wa Mamatu knows exactly how to direct the audience’s emotions and tell his story about all of us.

The show left me wondering how things are in that cabinet place called the  Parliament. From what I saw in the show, I can tell you that, things are very rough up there… Wa Mamatu shows us the ravenousness from politicians, the backstabbing and outrageous acts  for power. He tells us that, power corrupts not only the powerless but everyone.

The directing is astonishing; the acting is one I’ve never witnessed from any student production. The actors  were in character from start to end, considering that, generally the youth is very ignorant of politics. I was totally blown away. I’m sort of out of words describing the feeling further, except to persuade you guys to go and watch this show. You will not regret it. And you must come back and let me know of what you thought… Enjoy!

It is showing till the 11th of September 2010, during the Wits969 Festival @ the Wits Main Theatre. Drop me an e-mail or comment for more information.

Jock of the Bushveld – The musical

The JOTB Ensemble

Beautiful African story told in a Western style… Shame!!

When I walk into the foyer and suddenly confronted by a garland of white Afrikaans old audience, I get petrified and begin to think, “Here we go”. Not that I’m against the audience but , just my fear of been taken to a world I don’t know and that world not portrayed simple enough and easily comprehendible for a young black township audience like myself, or anyone that doesn’t really know the history behind the story.

Suzzi Swanepoel as Fifi

This was the case with Jock of the Bushveld which opened on the 4th of September @ The Joburg Theatre, Nelson Mandela Stage. I NEVER sleep during a theatre performance, regardless of the genre. I found myself struggling to keep awake during Jock’s performance, bearing in mind that, I’m a sucker for musicals.

I was very disappointed but again, I was sort of expecting it …considering that dreadful Shaka Zulu The musical which was also presented by Packed House Productions and ABSA. I honestly feel bad for ABSA and their money being wasted so appallingly.

I respect Deon Opperman’s music composition and creativity even though, I’m not so sold on his directing but he’s good anyways. The only problem I have with the guy is his Western take on everything, especially when telling (South) African stories. He did the same thing with Shaka. It was very soft, lacking that African or animal drama. Like hard drumming, intense dramatization(s) that make you feel like you’re in a jungle while sitting in a middle high class theatre row at the Mandela Stage. This production didn’t have that, not even close.

JOTB Ensemble

I felt the show was long, uninteresting and pointless. I hope the lovers of the book do forgive me, but it’s the truth. Jock (Vaughan Gardiner) did not feel like a dog at all for me and I was not moved by the relationship he had with his master (Cobus Venter). The choreography was nonexistent (very saddened by Esther Nasser), considering the energetic nature that is associated with African animals. The music did not have any culmination or high rise; it was in a same level all throughout. A happy song sounded the same as a sad song. On the other hand, the costume (Sarah Roberts will never disappoint you, especially with African or animal stories) and stage design (Stan Knight’s work and lighting by Gerda Kruger) was beautiful though.

I think I’ve said enough but, above all, I am not so sure if South Africa has potential to create good musicals with international standards. There’s a lot we need to learn, one being, using EVERYTHING and EVERYONE we have in the entire country. Spreading opportunities evenly is vital. TUT and WITS School of Arts has massive talent, especially in musical theatre, with young, vibrant and fresh music composition capability.

People like Deon need to teach young people and assist in attracting funding for them and then create, tell and produce African stories with vuma , spirit and energy to represented Africa…Stop it with this ridiculous Western influence….If we want to grow.

Siyasanga Papu as Mama Hips

I am not discouraging you guys from watching this show but, do bear what I’ve mentioned in mind.

Jock of the Bushveld – The Musical, showing @ The Joburg Theatre, Nelson Mandela Stage, book ticket at Computicket.

Into the deep nights of Jozi

This was one of the shows that stood out for me during the DFL Festival. This year was not that amazing, as many shows were from the Arts Fest and others were just too awful to watch. I think there must be a fine line between edutainment and experiments...Anyways, you must definitely check out this show whenever you hear about it. I'm not sure if they're going to bring it back back in JHB but, keep your eyes locked down.

It is a must for any theatre lover...Here's my review. Enjoy...

SHOW: Deep Night @ The Drama For Life Festival


By Siyabonga Mposula

We all do countless things to belong and be loved. And most of the times these actions leave us empty and miserable due to the fruitless nature of the consequences.

Set in the heart of Johannesburg outside a night club director PJ Sabbagha tells a story about lives lived with many fantasies and desires which have turned into tragedies. The dance work is about the challenges most young people face as they strive for independence, growth and self determination. He deals with the plague of the HIV/Aids and its effect on the youth.

Lulu Mlangeni in Deep Night

Deep Night is a portrait of teenage life in Johannesburg and a fight to find the meaning of life as a young person. This is seen through Dada Masilo’s solo, which shows the audience her pain, struggle and perplexity which has left her naked and without self respect.

Deep Night is full of metaphors communicating the message, such as the leaf blower which represents life, which keeps blowing us away, leading us into temptations and predicaments. Sabbagha takes the audience to a life in the streets of Johannesburg. He uses plastic hair as a symbol of beauty of which everyone strives for in order to belong. From this beauty comes “… bruising physicality and exciting imagery to weave a dreamlike stream of consciousness meditation on love, lust longing and loneliness”, writes Sabbagha in his directors notes.

Deep Night @ The Dance Factoory, Newtown

Deep Night is not a dance work created “just” for entertainment; it has relevance to a contemporary society with power to change minds and play a huge role in community health education.

MTV Base Party @ Club Inc

I know this has nothing to do with theatre but...what the heck.

We are giving away tickets to the MTV Base Party for this Friday at Club Inc in Braamfontein. Send me you name and phone number before Tuesday morning, so i can confirm your tickets.

This is one of the most craziest, most hottest and banging parties in Johannesburg. Do not miss out, just drop me a text below (comment) or mail me at siya@ujobserver.co.za or s.mposula@gmail.com

Your name, phone number equals to a free ticket(s) to the craziest party in JHB.

Party in style. Show off your swag and be cool with MTV Base...Hala!