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
 

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 

SIBONGILE KHUMALO - One Night Only

JOBURG THEATRE presents SIBONGILE KHUMALO
in
A SPIRIT ASCENDING


Joburg Theatre, in association with MJB Co-ordination, presents SIBONGILE KHUMALO in A SPIRIT ASCENDING on The Mandela stage, for one show only, on March 21st.

Sibongile Khumalo occupies a space in South African music that only jazz can create – a space which bridges cultures. She moves with effortless ease between the ‘traditional’ and ‘modern’, the ‘foreign’ and the ‘indigenous’ and combinations of the above and yet remains intrinsically South African in feel and place.

 

She is South Africa’s first lady of song: the most celebrated member of a musical dynasty marked by an extraordinary vocal gene-pool and passion for making music; a singer who exemplifies and crowns the rich and multi-sourced Southern African singing tradition.

You can expect two hours of music that will touch your soul, uplift your spirit, challenge your senses.  A SPIRIT ASCENDING is a show that will explore divine and spiritual love, as well as the common, everyday variety through old and new material.

Sibongile will also present Sifiso Khanyile, a veteran of the stage as a backing singer, who now steps up as a solo performer, and is the first artist to be signed up to Sibongile's label Magnolia Vision Records (MVR).

 

Tickets are R150, R180, R200 and R230, 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.

Tickets for Joburg Theatre’s shows no longer add the traditional ticketing agency booking fee, so the price you see advertised is the price you pay.  Subsequently, the theatre’s tickets are no longer available at Computicket.