Wednesday, July 27, 2011

WOMEN IN DANCE AND MUSIC CARNIVAL 2011

Stand by for an enormous collaboration of women, as they work out their talents in a super-energetic explosion of music and movement that celebrates the female variation of our species!

Sibikwa Arts Centre, as part of their Seriti sa Basadi (Dignity of Women) Festival 2011, has provided a vital platform for women of all ages to express themselves through music, song and dance – and, in so doing, to bridge the generation gap via the joy of performance.

A vibrant cross-section of community dance groups have committed to appearing in this exhaustive day of celebration. In the afternoon, Ladies in Jazz will lay down some irresistible rhythms, and they will be joined by two giant female puppets – courtesy of The Giant Match. If these towering temptresses, along with the day’s performers – don’t get you swaying, nothing will!

Celebrity appearance
We’re happy to confirm that Lira will be making an appearance in the afternoon – so have your cameras ready , as you may be lucky enough to have your celebrity snap taken with the Afro soul queen herself.

Day of joyous indulgence
Enjoy the music and dance – and maybe even indulge in the rejuvenating luxury of a hand massage or Indian head massage. Whatever your mode of hanging loose, be sure not to miss out on this jamboree outpouring of fun and pleasure.

Hare-e-eng ‘Friends of Sibikwa’ MembershipSibikwa officially launched its membership drive through the ‘Ha-re-eng ‘Friends of Sibikwa’ Membership Card. The card, which one can obtain for R30 entitles the member to generous discounts on all Sibikwa Arts Centre shows and festivals which include a R10 discount on every ticket the holder buys. In addition, the card entitles the holder to bring in three friends to any Sibikwa Arts Centre show, event or festival to also receive a R10 discount per every ticket they buy. If it’s the holder’s birthday, he or she qualifies for a free show upon production of valid proof such as ID or passport.

Women in Dance & Music Carnival

VENUE:            Sibikwa Arts Centre in 13 Liverpool Park (cnr Bolton), Benoni
DATES:             Sunday August 14th     
TIMES:             10am – 4pm
TICKETS:         R20 to enjoy the day’s happenings.     
                         R30 for admission to Ladies in Jazz [Bring your own booze]


For further information, call Tonderai on 011 422 2132 or e-mail tonderai@sibikwa.co.za

RECOGNITION OF SOUTH AFRICAN ART

The due date for ImpACT Awards nominations closes this coming Friday, so please pass this on to anyone who is in the arts and might be worth a nomination.

The due date for nominations for the ImpACT Awards for Young Professionals, which will be presented at the 14th annual ACT Awards, is this coming Friday, the 29th. Artists up to the age of 30 years that fall within the first three years of their professional careers are eligible for nomination.

“The encouragement and acknowledgement of excellence is of utmost importance to the future of South African creativity. ACT, which is the Arts and Culture Trust,  is grateful to the Distell Foundation for sponsoring the ImpACT Awards for Young Professionals and we value the opportunity to support emerging artists and enhance excellence in the sector,” says Pieter Jacobs, General Manager of ACT.

Emerging artists at a time in their careers when they have shown commitment to and reached some professional standing in their chosen discipline may be nominated in one of four categories:

- Visual Art (Painting and Printmaking, Sculpting, Public Installations & Photography)
- Performing Arts (Dance, Acting, Musical Theatre & Physical Theatre)
- Music & Singing (Classical, Contemporary & Jazz)
- Design (Craft, Graphic Design, Fashion Design & Web Design)


Winners of the ImpACT Awards are selected by an independent panel of judges. Awards will only be presented if a satisfactory number of quality nominations are received in the various categories and the adjudication panel reserves the right to carry over such awards to the following year.

The closing date for nominations is 29 July 2011. For guidelines and nomination forms please visit the ACT website at www.act.org.za.

Monday, July 18, 2011

BURN THE FLOOR with MAGICAL DANCING FEET at The Joburg Theatre

As a young South African theatre and arts writer, I’ve NEVER had such a breathtaking theatrical experience. 

Its one of those experiences that; one would go, “One day I would love to check this out in New York”, or anywhere else in the world”. So when I heard that, The Joburg Theatre was bringing BURN THE FLOOR to the Mandela stage, I could not stop checking my calendar and anxiously wait for the opening night.
And last night was finally the time I’ve been going on and on about, on my twitter account, facebook, BBM and any other social network known to man.

BURN THE FLOOR is the show most dance lovers would associate with the likes of So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing with the Stars, Step it Up and Dance and other dance work phenomenon most of us watch on YouTube. The show is under the direction and choreography of Jason Gilkison, most of you might know as one of the guest choreographers for So You Think You can Dance, America and for the most recent Step Up 3D, the movie.
 It’s a reinvention of ballroom with a twist of magical dancing feet. The energy is enough to leave you sitting at the edge of your seat as the dancers make you feel like you’re watching a dance movie with all the dance moves on fast-forward. The dances vary from Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, the Viennese Waltz, Tango to a gripping passionate scene of the Paso Doble. 
 If you thought you’ve seen fast moving dancing feet from the Pansula dance, you’re eyes will stop blinking as you watch the speed entailed from this show. The choreography features a magnificent combination of pure ballroom technique, velocity, liveliness and most importantly, the entertainment factor. 
 Most dancers often forget to “perform” and end up putting focus more on the routines, choreography and director’s notes, forgetting the essence of adding their own flavor, spirit and passion which in turn, enables the viewer to bring about the same atmosphere towards a performance.

I’ve seen many dance shows and have also seen dancers fall down and tremble upon reaching a trance phase while performing. With BURN THE FLOOR, you’d swear the dancers are ALL possessed and attacked by some spiritual sensation which enables them to literally burn the floor more and more as the music plays. 

As an audience, you can factually see their feet rambling, the heads banging, the bodies shifting from one step to the other and the delight thereof from their faces, as though dancing is the only language they know to speak. 
I would actually encourage all theatre and dance lovers, especially dancers and choreographers to make a date for this show, as I believe it will change the way they look at dancing and they’ll be sure to learn the recipe of quality dancing as an art.

BURN THE FLOOR will run till August 14th, shows are Tues – Frid at 8pm, Saturday at 3pm and 8pm and Sundays at 2pm and 5:30pm. Tickets are priced from R195 and are on sale on http://www.joburgtheatre.com/ or by purchasing a “print at home” ticket online or alternatively calling the theatre on 0861 670 670 and for group bookings, one can call 011 877 6853.


Let me know of your views and opinions by dropping your comment and let’s chat as to how South African theatre can one day produce such magic.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Desperate First Ladies returns to Gold Reef's Lyric Theatre

This singular and always-glamorous grande dame will be holding forth alongside occasional collaborator Pieter-Dirk Uys and a number of special guests in the side-splitting comedy show Desperate First Ladies, which returns to Gold Reef City’s Lyric Theatre over – you guessed it – the weekend preceding Women’s Day, from 5 to 7 August 2011.

Tannie Evita will be chatting to a different prominent South African woman at each performance in a manner that promises to peel away their layers to reveal the humanity (we hope) and humour (we pray) behind our country’s power-poppies.



Sitting in the hot seat with Evita at the various performances are: 702 Talk Radio presenter and regular marathon runner Redi Tlhabi (née Direko) on Friday, 5 August; DA party spokesperson and shadow minister of rural development and land reform Lindiwe Mazibuko on Saturday, 6 August; and Sindy Mabe, who is the anchor of e.tv’s Sunrise breakfast show and an avid book lover, on Sunday, 7 August.
Evita is South Africa’s most famous white woman – yes, even more so than Helen Zille and Amor Vittone – and is the consummate political survivor and opportunist, having ditched the Nats to become chef to the current ruling elite.

In Desperate First Ladies, Evita will also graciously share the stage with a chorus line of other outspoken and iconic women from all walks of life, including Cape Malay DA firebrand Mrs Petersen, rof bergie Wilhelmina Opklim, and the (maybe) former first lady of Libya, Madame Gaddafi. Oh, and look out for guest appearances by the likes of Mother Teresa, who is manning the telephone exchange in heaven while Marilyn Monroe and the other angels are on strike!



Don’t miss Desperate First Ladies, a series of uproarious satirical sketches designed to celebrate Women’s Day in fabulously glamorous style, at the Lyric Theatre this August. Performances take place at 20:30 from 5 to 7 August. Tickets are priced at R150.00. Book through Computicket or the Lyric Theatre box-office on 011 248 0000. Log onto www.goldreefcity.co.za or follow @GoldReefCitySA on Twitter to keep up with Gold Reef City news and events.

Friday, July 8, 2011

BURN THE FLOOR sets the stage on fire @ the Joburg Theatre

Joburg Theatre is proud to announce the exclusive visit to South Africa of the world’s most popular dance show BURN THE FLOOR – on The Mandela stage and for a limited season only from 14th July until 14th August 2011.





BURN THE FLOOR is the show that revolutionised the image of dance, which then launched the many reality dance shows, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, DANCING WITH THE STARS, SUPERSTARS OF DANCE, to name but a few, that audiences have grown to love.



With the creativity of world-famous ballroom choreographer Jason Gilkison, BURN THE FLOOR takes ballroom to a whole new level.  Gilkison’s unique choreography combines the classic ballroom styles with a modern flare. “I wanted people to see that ballroom has come of age again,” says Gilkison. “This is a new interpretation of what this generation is doing with ballroom and how they’re experiencing those dances.”
Gilkison is currently choreographing the new STEP UP 3D movie






BURN THE FLOOR performances begin in The Mandela on Thursday July 14th 2011 and the limited season must close on Sunday August 14th 2011.

Tickets are priced from R195 and are on sale now exclusively by visiting
www.joburgtheatre.com and purchasing your print-at-home ticket on the internet, or by calling the theatre’s new direct ticketing line on 0861 670 670.


Thursday, June 30, 2011

The National Arts Festival with the support of the French Institute of South Africa,
the Embassy of France in South Africa and the Institut Français
proudly present

FRANÇOIS SARHAN
at the National Arts Festival
in a unique double bill
Telegrams from the Nose & Lectures of Professor Glaçon
9 July 2011 at 7pm & 10 July 2011 at 3pm
at the Great Hall


Lectures of Professor Glaçon – Photo © Hannah Paton  

Last April, French composer and artist François Sarhan drew his audience into the creative world of the eccentric Professor Henry Jacques Glaçon with a series of thought-provoking and witty events, ranging from exhibitions to music and books, via musical performances with world-renowned Portuguese percussion band, Drumming Grupo de Percussão.

The French artist will be back in South Africa to perform for the first time Telegrams from the Nose, the result of his artistic collaboration with South African visual artist William Kentridge, presented at the National Arts Festival as part of a double bill including the Lectures of Professor Glaçon.

In the multimedia project mixing Sarhan’s original score with Kentridge’s video, the backdrop is a large canvas painted by Kentridge on which are screened Telegrams from the Nose, a video consisting of a stylish combination of anamorphosed human shadows, small black animated silhouettes in cut-out paper, geometrical shapes evoking Russian constructivism, letters in movement and text. In phase with Kentridge's images, the music of "Telegrams" scrolls through a series of hurried, scratched out, dislocated "Shostakovian vignettes". It is a work of memory and allusion, without any direct quotations.


Telegrams from the Nose – Photo © John Hodgkiss

 As always with Sarhan, it is the text (the spoken voice) that carries him away: here the composer pursues his quest for a modern melodrama. A lyrical narration, like a voice sample imported directly from everyday life (or an archive or old film), is used as the guiding thread, harvesting instrumental events.

N.B. For those who will miss the performances of Telegrams from the Nose & Lectures of Professor Glaçon at the National Arts Festival, there will be another chance to watch this double bill at the Market Theatre from 8 to 10 September 2011 within the framework of the Refuse the Hour season. 



Wednesday, June 29, 2011

ANGUS TAYLOR and RINA STUTZER

ANGUS TAYLOR and RINA STUTZER
6 – 27 July 2011
UJ Art Gallery
Free!

Angus Taylor and Rina Stutzer primarily deconstruct postmodern concerns and delve into aspects of this philosophy in the quest for elusive answers to complex questions. They furthermore do it in an aesthetically pleasing and highly professional manner. Taylor’s work focuses broadly on the human condition. He specifically addresses the simultaneous occurrence of order/disorder and continuity/discontinuity in three-dimensional language and through dialogue between method and matter, found and modelled objects by for instance combining cast stainless steel and red earth. He has developed significantly since an experimental exhibition at the UJ Art Gallery in 2006 and is presently considered one of the foremost sculptors in the country.
His marriage to fellow artist Rina Stutzer brought an interesting collaboration between the two about: her work explores changing habitats with the human as hybrid occupant through painting with patina on metal surfaces, thus ensuring a constantly changing surface. The two artists intersect successfully through the combination of sculptural and painterly mediums and methods. With lecture and walkabout.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

The Imperial Ice Stars - World Premiere of The Nutcracker on Ice - at the Teatro at Montecasino in December!

ICE DANCE SENSATION RETURNS TO SOUTH AFRICA WITH CHRISTMAS FAVOURITE!

The international ice dance sensation The Imperial Ice Stars make a triumphant return to South Africa this summer with the World Premiere of their dazzling new production of The Nutcracker on Ice.

The Nutcracker on Ice will open at the Teatro at Montecasino in Johannesburg on 8 December 2011 for a limited season (till 15 Jan only), before moving to Cape Town’s Artscape Theatre (19 Jan to 11 Feb).


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

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


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

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

Friday, April 15, 2011

Vuyani Dance Theatre, celebrating more than a decade of sustainability presents its revamped Four Seasons.

Gregory Vuyani Maqoma, one of South Africa's leading choreographers is presenting his ‘revamped’ 2010 work, Four Seasons, at the Dance Factory, Newtown Johannesburg from 5 to 8 May, 2011.



This return season of Four Seasons is in celebration of VDT’s many years of proud sustainability and has been made possible by funding from The National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF). This funding has been allocated for a three year period and has enabled VDT to grow its management team. The team, together with a new Board and patrons, Judge Edwin Cameron, Advocate Pinky Mokgatla and Consular Paul Mees, is a blend that bodes well for the company in the years ahead.



The limited season opens with a red-carpet, Black-Tie/Green-Tie event celebrating VDT’s more than a decade of sustainability in regards to good governance, on Thursday 5 May 2011.  It will be hosted by VDT’s patron Judge Edwin Cameron and invited guests will comprise media, Citigreen companies, corporate companies, and government organisations.



Four Seasons, fresh from a successful run at KKNK, features the full company of eight dancers: Thabo Kobeli, Teresia Mojela and Shawn Mothupi (from the original cast), Sibusiso Ngcobo, Thulani Chauke, Phumlani Nyanga, Nosiphiwo Samente and Charlston van Rooyen. 

Four Seasons is at the Dance Factory, Newtown Johannesburg for a very limited season: four performances only, Thursday 5 May – Gala evening (by invitation only), Friday 6 and Saturday 7 May at 8pm and Sunday 8 May at 2.30pm. Booking is at Computicket.  Tickets are R90.  Students / Pensioners / block bookings (10+) - R40.



Four Seasons is funded by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund and is further supported by Business & Arts South Africa (BASA) and Breinstorm Brand Architects; also Nedbank Arts Affinity and The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT).


For more information about Vuyani Dance Theatre call 011 838 7666 or visit the VDT website atwww.vuyani.co.za



Saturday, March 19, 2011

Pre Human Right's Day Party for FREE!! @ Liquid Chefs, Rosebank

Lets raise our glasses, as we toast to our rights this
Human Rights Day
with Rhythm100Radio
with a 6hour jam packed show of #HomoNoHomo and The Recovery
featuring
Mika Stefano, Saz, DJ Cosmo and Lehasa Moloi.
Sunday 20th March
17:00 - 23:00
@ Liquid Chefs, Rosebank, Johannesburg
Come early for Cocktail specials...
A percentage of drinks will go to HURISA (Human Rights Institute of South Africa)
Twins on Decks, DJ Voodoo, Biz, Shluda, DJ Cosmo and Saz will be in the mix...



Come on time and look at the new Flud Watch range...
They will be available at discounted prices...
Also stand a chance in winning tickets to Dreamgirls South Africa and the Channel O Sessions with Slikour and TKZee
If you cant make it, feel free to tune in on http://www.rhythm100radio.co.za/
or on www.r100.mobi on your BB
Did I mention its free...
#NoCoverCharge...

Invite, courtesy of Mika Stefano. For more information visit www.mikastefano.com

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

JENNIFER HUDSON'S dual ESSENCE covers!





CHRIS BROWN'S F.A.M.E. (FORGIVING ALL HIS ENEMIES)


Calling Dancers & Dance Fans!

DON’T FORGET MARCH 21ST

The dance happening of the year is just around the corner, so if you have an itch in your dancing shoes, brace yourself for a whole bunch of learning, doing and experiencing, in The Dance Explosion.

Both established and new dancers from around Gauteng are invited to participate in, and showcase their work at, the Sibikwa Centre For The Arts in Benoni South on Human Rights Day, March 21st.


The event was a rousing success last year with over 20 dance companies participating – and more fireworks are expected this time around.

If you’re into dance, you owe it to yourself to throw your name into the hat. These groups have already committed themselves to the vibrant melting-pot that is The Dance Explosion:
Amagqoza Cultural, from Daveyton; Most wanted B/Boys crew, from Soweto; United Generations, from Thembisa; Phelane Theatre Production, from Daveyton; Linyelo Dance Theatre, from Katlehong; Batsumi Cultural Group, from Thokoza; Etwatwa Performing Arts Productions, from Daveyton; Etwatwa Kempton Rockers, from Kempton Park; Alba Creative Arts Performance, from Etwatwa; Sizwe and his Company, from Johannesburg CBD; 325 Home Boys, from Orange Farm.

STRETCH YOUR HORIZONS

Dancers – like all other artists – can’t work successfully in a vacuum. They need input and stimulation from their peers; in short, someone to ‘bounce off’.
This is where the Dance Explosion comes into its own. It’s a great place to not only show off one’s work, but also to see what other dancers are up to, and share ideas an opinions on where dance is at in South Africa today – and where it’s going.



STILL TIME TO PARTICIPATE!

Dancers and choreographers who are interested in taking part in the Dance Explosion may still apply – just do it now! Contact Sibikwa at 011 422 4359 or sibikwa@iafrica.com

Although registration for this exciting event had officially closed on March 1st, the organisers have extended the deadline in order to accommodate companies and individuals who missed the mark. Their reasoning: the greater the diversity, the better.

To find out more about Sibikwa, visit:www.sibikwa.co.za

Killer Moves – Flash Republic’s official launch hits The Alex!

Flash Republic, the internationally adored dance outfit with the audacity to bring a post-punk and rock sensibility to the table, has been tearing up the airwaves in the last couple of months with their latest album, Killer Moves.



Not being the types to hide in the shadows, the audacious, boundary-breaking, once-trio/now-quintet have now decided to give this already-celebrated album the launch it truly deserves! Joining forces with their new production partner, Strike Productions, the dance moguls will be showcasing tracks off their new album - backed by the most incredible sound, lighting and visuals that ‘The Alex’ has ever seen.


Add favourite local DJs Ryan Dent, Roger Goode and Craig Massiv, and everyone there is in for a night to remember!
The word from Flash is: “Please join us to celebrate the release of our best work yet. And thank you to all of you for your massive support of the new album. Flash Republic salutes you!



Fans can keep in touch with Flash Republic and their sounds by surfing to:
www.theflashrepublic.com
www.facebook.com - Flash Republic Pagewww.twitter.com/flashrepublic
www.justmusic.co.za


Flash Republic would like to thank the following sponsors for their continuos support and generous contribution to the launch: Adidas, Cheap Monday, David Guillson @ Carlton Hair, Patron, Rockit Distribution and AKG, Tiger of Sweden, Safilo Strike Productions and Yamaha.


Bookings can be made at any Computicket outlet (at Checkers Hyper and Shoprite), or online at www.computicket.com


VENUE: The Alexander Theatre, 36 Stiemens Street, Braamfontein.
DATES: Saturday March 26th
TICKETS: R100 from Computicket / R120 at the door
TIME: Doors open 21h30 Flash on around 23h30

Spotlight on Education at 2011 Franschhoek Literary Festival

The 4th annual Franschhoek Literary Festival is on from 13 to 15 May this year, and one of the key aspects to be addressed in various panel discussions is that of literacy and education.


In How to Fix our Schools on Saturday 14 May at 10:00, Professor Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Free State (Knowledge in the Blood), discusses solutions to current challenges faced in the South African education environment with Anne van Zyl, Head of the Oprah Winfrey Academy, and Melvin King, Head of Bridge House Primary, regulated (for once) by John Maytham.


Jansen also looks at the question Can Books Help to Heal a Nation? at 16:00 on Saturday 14 March with author Elinor Sisulu (co-founder of the Puku Children’s Literature Foundation) and Carole Bloch (co-ordinator of the PRAESA Early Literacy Unit at UCT). This session is chaired by SAfm’s Karabo Kgoleng.


In Leadership and Innovation Jansen debates fresh directions for South Africa with Justice Malala, economist Francis Wilson and sustainability consultant Camaren Peter at 10:00 on Sunday 15 May.

At 14:30 on Saturday 14 May Leon de Kock, Head of English at Stellenbosch University, puts three authors who teach creative writing – Kei Miller, Finuala Dowling and Kobus Moolman – on the spot with a leading question: Can You Teach Writing?


As part of the FLF’s commitment to create a reading and writing culture in the Franschhoek valley, the festival brings the grand finale of the Franschhoek Schools Spelling Bee on Saturday 14 May at 15:00, with primary school word experts spelling their way to glory.


The FLF is presented in association with Porcupine Ridge Wines and the Sunday Times, and is further made possible through the generosity of Franschhoek guest house owners and voluntary workers who give their time and energy to make it an event to remember. Ticket proceeds and other donations go towards the FLF Library Fund.

The full FLF programme is available on www.flf.co.za. Bookings are open and tickets can be booked on www.webtickets.co.za. Ticket prices remain unchanged at R60 per event, unless otherwise indicated.

Mix it up at Bushfire 2011

Swaziland is getting ready for a three-day fever-pitch party when the fifth annual Bushfire Festival scorches into town over the weekend of 27 to 29 May 2011.


Top South African music acts such as wildly popular electronic dance duo Goldfish, “silent gig” pioneers Tonik and house music innovator Black Coffee, as well as leading Jamaican-Canadian dub poet D’Bi.Young, have already been confirmed for this year’s line-up.


House on Fire, venue for  Bushfire 2011
 

More acts will be announced soon, ensuring that Bushfire 2011 will be a piping-hot fiesta of live music, theatre, poetry, dance DJs, film, interactive workshops, a crafts and design fair-trade market, a global food fair and much, much more.
Bushfire is an explosion of entertainment that lights up the picturesque kingdom of Swaziland every year at the acclaimed House on Fire performance venue. It is the country’s biggest live music happening, attracting in the region of 20,000 visitors during the three days of the event.


The festival’s theme for 2011 is “Mixing the Point”, and the focus will be on artistic and cultural collaboration, on a pan-African and international level – and audiences can expect some serious musical fireworks!

Says festival founder Jiggs Thorne: “The main concept of the theme is to promote cultural meeting points through collaboration, cultivating creative synergies and celebrating our common humanity, finding harmony in contrast.



D'Bi. Young, one of the performers


“Bushfire celebrates bringing diverse people together and encouraging integration. Bushfire’s eclectic programme of World-music and multi-disciplinary performances reflects our theme ‘Mixing the Point’–and this year we’ll be introducing some very exciting collaborative projects to the line-up.”
Every year, Bushfire attracts an array of premier music acts from Southern Africa, Africa and the globe – cementing its status as one of the top festivals in the region.


Part of its allure is the enchanting venue, located on Malandela’s Farm in Swaziland’s Malkerns Valley. Eclectic, unusual and fantasy-rich – from the soapstone sculptures to the quirky performance amphitheatre – this rural dreamscape was the brainchild of Thorne, a Swazi-born entrepreneur and artist.


This international arts festival is not only about having an awesome time with good friends in a gorgeous setting, but is also a pioneer on the continent in socially responsible and sustainable event-staging. It supports the growth and development of the arts while highlighting the need to raise funds for some of the most pressing social needs facing Swaziland.



 As such, 100% of the profits from the Bushfire Festival will be donated to Young Heroes, an NGO providing education, healthcare, food and general support to Aids orphans.

Pre-booking for House on Fire is essential, as only a limited number of tickets are available.

 Discounted early-bird tickets are available online at www.computicket.com at R400 for a full festival pass, or R650 for a full festival VIP pass, which includes access to a raised, comfortable seating area in the new “Top Deck”, with a private bar and waiter service and VIP parking.

One-day tickets range in price from R150 to R200, and one-day VIP tickets vary from R350 to R400.

Children enjoyed discounted rates, with free admission for under-fives.
Tickets are also available internationally at www.swazi.travel. The website includes information on where to stay during the festival, from backpackers and campsites to chalets and hotels.

 Visit www.bush-fire.com for more information and updates on the festival’s artist line-up.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

CHRIS BROWN’S “F.A.M.E.” ALBUM IN STORES 22ND MARCH 2011

Newest Hit Single “Look At Me Now” Featuring Lil Wayne And Busta Rhymes Is
The No.1 Most Increased Song At Urban Radio For Second Week In A Row

UJ Arts Centre Spotlight (March and April)

If you have not been to the UJ Arts Centre yet this year, we have a range of exciting programmes in store for you to choose from.
SHOWS

Rhythmic Fire
19 March

A spell binding bellydance performance evening featuring world renowned performers Aziza and Karim Nagi as well as top bellydancers from Africa. Presented by Goddess Divine Productions, A Bellydance Goddess and Dancing Divine Collaboration.
15 Mins of Fame
1 – 9 April

A new season of dance, by the acclaimed Tshwane Dance Theatre (artistic director - Esther Nasser) will be staged at the UJ Arts Centre in April. Works by Timothy le Roux, Celeste Botha, Marie-Louise Basson and Thabo Rapoo will be showcased.  Book at Computicket.
The Crucible – Arthur Miller
18 – 21 April

Come and see Arthur Miller`s The Crucible as you have never seen it before, with a top-drawer slate of actors, including Stephen van Niekerk (Isidingo), Kim Cloete (Isidingo and Rasdien), Motlatji Ditodi (Askies), Jacques Bessenger (Erfsondes), Cindy Swanepoel, Onida Cowan, Angus Meyer, Christien Le Roux, Clive Gilson and Clifford Hughes, directed by Alby Michaels. The Crucible, presented by Promusica and UJ, promises to be a feast for theatregoers` senses. From physical theatre to puppetry, from masks to music, from symbolism to simplicity, you will just have to expect the unexpected! Grade 12 English teachers should not miss this excellent teaching opportunity! Book at Computicket or, for large group bookings, contact the UJ Arts Centre.
Concerts
Sundowner Concerts

Concerts are held on Mondays at 17:30 and are free.

The Naledi Theatre Awards Winners 2011

Just thought you guys will be keen on this year's Naledi Winners. Nothing hectic really, in my opinion...I wasn't moved as last year and the previous year. Lets hope next year will be better.

The Winners:

BEST PRODUCTION OF A MUSICAL (The Joan Brickhill Award) – Sponsored by Christopher Seabrooke
Evita - a Pieter Toerien production directed by Paul Warwick Griffin.

BEST PRODUCTION OF A PLAY
Death of a Colonialist, produced by The Market Theatre, written by Greg Latter and directed by Craig Freimond.

BEST NEW SOUTH AFRICAN PLAY OR MUSICAL PRODUCED
The Girl in the Yellow Dress, produced by The Market Theatre (Johannesburg), Live Theatre (Newcastle) and The Citizen's Theatre (Glasglow). Directed by Malcolm Purkey and written by Craig Higginson.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A LEAD ROLE (PLAY)
Jamie Barlett, for his portrayal of the veteran teacher Harold Smith in Death of a Colonialist.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A LEAD ROLE (PLAY)-
Marianne Oldham, as the English coach in The Girl in the Yellow Dress.

BEST PERFORMANCE IN A MUSICAL (MALE)
Sponsored by Christopher Seabrooke

James Borthwick, for his portrayal of Juan Peron in Evita.

BEST PERFORMANCE IN A MUSICAL (FEMALE)
Sponsored by Christopher Seabrooke

Angela Kilian, for the title role in Evita.

BEST CUTTING-EDGE PRODUCTION
Butcher Brothers - Presented by The Market Theatre, originally produced by Dark Laugh and supported by Wits 969 2010 and a part of Arts Alive 2010. Directed by Sylvaine Strike.

BEST DIRECTOR OF A PLAY OR MUSICAL
Sponsored by Percy Tucker

Craig Freimond - for Death of a Colonialist.

BEST COMEDY PERFORMANCE (PLAY, MUSICAL OR REVUE)
Matthew Ribnick - for his performance in Geraldine Naidoo's Monkey Nuts.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE/CAMEO
Nat Ramabulana - for his contribution to Master Harold and the Boys.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE/CAMEO
Kate Normington - for her contribution to Mamma Mia!

BEST MUSICAL DIRECTOR/SCORE/ARRANGEMENT
Sponsored by Matrix Sound

Charl-Johan Lingenfelder and Louis Zurnamer (MD) - for Evita.

BEST ORIGINAL CHOREOGRAPHY
David Gouldie - for Evita.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY A NEWCOMER / BREAKTHROUGH
The Brett Goldin Award

Khaya Maseko - for his contribution to African Tapestries.

BEST PRODUCTION OF A PLAY OR MUSICAL FOR CHILDREN
Beautiful Creatures - Produced by Ed Jordan and Alan Glass, in association with Showtime Management. Directed by Paul Warwick Griffin.

BEST THEATRE LIGHTING DESIGN
Sponsored by Chauvet

Jannie Swanepoel and Gareth Hewitt Williams - for Evita.

BEST COSTUME DESIGN
Penny Simpson - for Evita.

BEST THEATRE SET DESIGN
Johan Engels - for The Boys in the Photograph.

BEST THEATRE SOUND DESIGN
Sponsored by Wharfedale Pro

Freddy Malesa - for Songs of Migration.

BEST COMMUNITY THEATRE PRODUCTION
The award was shared between:
Awaiting Trial
by Movers Theatre Production; directed by Velaphi Mthimkhulu.

and
We Can, This is our Home
presented by SANCTA One Act Festival in Mpumalanga; directed by Mandla Sibaya.

SAARKIE Release Their Second Album ‘IDENTITEIT’ - For the love of South African Music

Saturday the 12th of March sees SAARKIE - South Africa’s only Afrikaans All Girl Rock band - release their second album, namely IDENTITEIT. The album is produced by Sean Manley and Zanda Traut and was recorded at Manley Studios in Pretoria where some of SA’s most renowned artists have recorded before.
 

"It was a privilege for Manley Studios to record SAARKIE's new album, Identitiet. It is an energetic, fun, positive rock album with a few twists!
The vibrant colorful personalities of these girls shone through every day in the studio even in the toughest of times. I am very proud of what we have accomplished - the songs are all very strong and the album sounds great!
The hard work is done and its time for SAARKIE to rock SA!” – Sean Manley, Producer



SAARKIE’s musical growth since the release of their debut album, Luister, in 2009 is evident in the fact that all of SAARKIE’s members are now graduate musicians with the result that they have improved in mastering their instruments to write better quality songs. With IDENTITEIT they bring a unique combination of songs and instruments to the South African music industry which will definitely leave a lasting impression in the world of rock.
 

“IDENTITEIT represents a metaphorical journey through the lives of each of the members of SAARKIE, as well as every music listener, to find their own identity. The album encourages listeners to have enough self confidence to discover their own identity and to live their lives according to it.” - SAARKIE



The album also contains a collaboration between SAARKIE and renowned South African rocker Jan Blohm in the form of the song ‘Nader Aan My’. Jan Blohm wrote the song for SAARKIE and also sings it with them on the album.
 

“It was an absolute honour and highlight to be associated with a celebrated artist such as Jan Blohm. We are extremely excited about the song and it fits perfectly with SAARKIE’s vibe.” – SAARKIE.

Pictures by Hannes Danz 

27 March '11: Joburg: Francophonie day to feature prominent hip hop Congolese band LEXXUS LEGAL

Pursuing the promotion of cultural diversity, urban cultures and artistic exchanges between South Africa, France and the African Continent,
the French Institute of South Africa and the Alliance Française of Johannesburg
proudly present:

FRANCOPHONIE DAY
featuring Congolese rap band Lexxus Legal
Sunday 27 March 2011 from 2.30pm
Alliance française of Johannesburg


Lexxus Legal - Photo © Luc Mayitoukou
 

Every year in March, as part of the International Day of Francophonie, the French Embassy and its cooperation and cultural network invite all francophiles to celebrate the francophone culture and the French language.

Joburgers are invited to join in with music and rhythm with the Congolese rap band Lexxus Legal, the African musical trio Guitafrika and the Ivorian jumbee trio Woyo Tout Terrain, South African choreographer Fana Tshabalala who will present his work Lost and Found, performances of the giant puppets from the Giant Match Association and the screening of the enchanting animated musical French movie The Illusionist, an exhibition by French artist Eric Gauss on the impact of human beings on the environment, amongst others.

During their visit last September in Johannesburg while performing at the Africa Unites Concert at the Moshito Music Conference, the prominent band of the Congolese hip-hop scene Lexxus Legal moved crowds with their rhythm and engaged words… while their lyrics are often described as hard and without any indulgence condemning the evils haunting Africa in general and their country the Democratic Republic of Congo in particular, the band nurtures and shares the dream of a peaceful and united Africa with more equity and deciding of its own destiny.
Within the framework of the Francophonie month, the Embassy of France in South Africa has launched the 2011 edition of the Francophonie Competitions which offers citizens from South Africa and Lesotho the opportunity to win 13 fabulous trips to France… Application and online registration on
www.intofrench.org before 20 March 2011.

Event and Venue Details
Sunday 27 March 2011 from 2.30pm
Free Entrance
Alliance Française of Johannesburg, Cnr Lower Park Drive & Kerry Road, Parkview
Telephone: 011 646 1169 |
damien.meyrignac@alliance.org.za
Safe parking availablewww.alliance.org.za and www.ifas.org.za/culture
 

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

DREAM GILRS - The smash HIT!! Musical

The sensational international musical, DREAM GIRLS opens in two days time at The Montecasino, Teatro. Friday, 11th of March 2011 will see a new defination of South African musical talent as the cast of this phenomenal musical production will set on stage and give to all theatre lovers (young and old) what i would like to call, a sizzling sensation of music, dance and pure flair!



Now, i don't want to bore you with my thoughts and opinions about this show...as yet. Instead, I have combined a few images from the show, just to entice you why this show is a MUST see.I have also attached the show details below and more info in terms of booking etc.


INTRODUCING DREAMGIRLS SOUTH AFRICA 2011 LEADS, CAROLINE BOROLE (alternate Effie), HAYLEY CHRISTIAN (Michelle), BJORN BLIGNAULT (James Early), TRACY LEE OLIVER (Deena), AUBREY POO (Curtis), LINDIWE BUNGANE (Effie) and CANDIDA MOSOMA (Lorrell).  Photo credit: Brendan Croft.

Do check my review after the opening night and drop me your views and comments as per usual.



Book now at Computicket outlets, by visiting www.computicket.com, or by calling 083 915 8000. Group bookings, contact email  sales@showtime.co.za For all Teatro group hospitality bookings contact Montecasino Hospitality & Corporate Events on 011 510 7905 or montecasino.hospitality@tsogosun.com 


International cast, Margaret Hoffman (Michelle), Adrienne Warren (Lorrell), Syesha Mercado (Deena) in DREAMGIRLS. Photo credit: Joan Marcus.

For more information, please visit the official DREAMGIRLS website at www.dreamgirls.co.za
SHOW INFORMATION:
J O H A N N E S B U R G
VENUE:
Teatro at Montecasino
DATES:
 From Friday, 11 March 2011 for a limited season
SHOW TIMES:
No Monday performances.   
Weekdays: Tuesdays  – Fridays 20h00
Weekends: Saturdays 15h00, 20h00; Sundays 14h00, 18h00
PRICES:
Terrific Tuesday Specials:  One price - R195 inclusive                        
Wednesday/Thursday/Sunday Evening:  From R120 - R350 inclusive
Friday/Saturday (both shows)/Sunday Matinees:  From R120 - R380 inclusive
BOOKINGS:
Computicket by calling 083 915 8000, visit
www.computicket.com or
visit your nearest Computicket outlet
CORPORATE & GROUP BOOKINGS:
  Jeanette Oosthuizen,
sales@showtime.co.za
GROUP HOSPITALITY PACKAGES:
Montecasino Hospitality & Corporate Events, 011 510 7905 or
montecasino.hospitality@tsogosun.com
 C A P E   T O W N
VENUE: 
Artscape
DATES: 
From Wednesday, 08 June 2011 for a limited season
 SHOW TIMES:
No Monday performances
Weekdays:  Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursday, Fridays 20h00.
Weekends:  Saturday 16h00, 20h00; Sunday 14h00, 18h00
PRICES:
Terrific Tuesday Specials:  One price - R195  inclusive                        
Wednesday/Thursday/Sunday Evening:  From R120 - R350 inclusive
Friday/Saturday (both shows)/Sunday Matinees:  From R120 - R380 inclusive
BOOKINGS:
Computicket by calling 083 915 8000, visit
www.computicket.com or visit your nearest Computicket outlet or call Artscape Box Office 021 421 7695
CORPORATE & GROUP BOOKINGS:
  Jeanette Oosthuizen,sales@showtime.co.za