» Theatre and entertainment

Rocking the gardens: Rock Festival Emmarentia Dam 9 and 10 Oct

liz — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:46:13 +0000

Rocking the Gardens is set to be huge this year! This rock festival will showcase some of South Africa’s top talent, including bands, dj’s and comedians. Eat, drink and save the world by treating yourself at the Green Market or getting pampered at the Daisy Den.
When: 9 & 10 October 2010
Where: Emmarentia Dam, Johannesburg
Price: Full Weekend Online: R230 At the Gate R280; Saturday (only) Online R150 At the Gate R200; Sunday (only) Online R100 At the Gate R120
More info: Tel: 021 481 1832 info@rockingthegardens.com www.rockingthegardens.com

This week’s pick of things to do and see in Joburg from Adrian@fiftytwo.co.za

liz — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 20:52:05 +0000

This week’s pick by Adrian of Fifty Two: Bohemian and Burlesque
Genre: Theatre of Dreams
What: Get into character and dress to the extreme – the more outrageous, enchanting, intriguing – the better. This is Madame Zingara and anything goes. Well known for their uniqueness in staging a captivating cirque, a fine show, a feast to the eyes – there isn’t a theatrical extravaganza in South Africa like it. Think Cirque du Soleil, Oompa Loompas, Moulin Rouge, Midsummer Night’s Dream or Avatar – all things wild and wonderful define this show. Super natural creatures, exotic contortionists, magic, acrobats, colour and sound. Here, all engines fire.
FiftyTwo review: “Was that for real?” we ask after leaving the show’s merriment – our senses totally roused, imaginations soaring. This is enchantment. As you step into Victoria, the plush mirrored dome, you’re whirled into a world of dream, mystique and wonder. The love magic tour is sheer escape – known to rock audiences – we highly recommend you book today and with the edginess that is Joburg the show will take a form of allure unknown in other corners of this country. All boundaries are blurred, all art forms fused, all dance styles combined and music mixed. Welcome to the known and unknown, anticipate anything and ogle as theatre unravels as an illusion before you.
Tip: When you arrive go pick out some fanciful hats, wigs and moustaches from the Bijoux Boutique – their in-house dress up store – there’s something for everyone. If you don’t secure seats, just show up and it’s been known that Madame Zingara will sprinkle magic dust and somehow welcome each person waiting at their door.
Interesting fact: The tent was shipped in from Belgium and one of the few 1920’s Vaudeville originals left worldwide. It boasts mahogany walls and is framed in hand carved teak columns and stained glass windows. This wonderland has toured the globe for the last eight years.
Where: Melrose Arch
Book: October to February 2011 from Monday to Saturday – call the box office on 021 001 3366 but hurry. (Prices start at R350)

SA Music Festival at The Market Theatre

liz — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 06:21:00 +0000

Celebrating and showcasing the sounds of SA with performances by the likes of The Parlotones, Jozi, Karen Zoid and many more. Tuesday to Sunday, Jun 15-Jul 11.
Jun 26: Steve Hofmeyr
Jun 27: RJ Benjamin
Jun 29: Zindala Zombili African Dancers
Jun 30: Jozi
Jul 1: Bongo Maffin
Jul 2 & 3: The Parlotones
Jul 4: Ligugu LemaSwati
Jul 6 & 7: Lira
Jul 8 & 9: Kwani Experience / UJU
Jul 10 & 11: Karen Zoid

venue	Market Theatre Miriam Makeba St Newtown Johannesburg
time	8.30-10.30pm
cost	R200

contact	Lusanda Zokufa 011 832 1641 or 072 367 7867

House of the holy Afro

liz — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 15:34:37 +0000

Posted on Jobusy http://www.jobusy.com/index.php/house-of-the-holy-afro/ 16 June 2010 by Nora A.Remark

Brett Bailey’s ‘House of the Holy Afro’ is finally showing in Joburg after six years of performances in Europe and Australia. It’s a show and a party in a space that’s usually a theatre but is now a pop-up club. Hi energy, super slick, crosses many musical genres and celebrates everything we’re celebrating right now – the fabulousness of 21st century Africa. It’s original, inspired and quirky – from the 11pm starting time to the Afro kitsch outfits, from the camp drama to the disco make-up. Think Zulu Lulu on steroids – in a glitter pit. On every night at 11pm (except Mondays) until 11 July – so a perfect party spot after the evening match. Market Theatre Laboratory, Newtown.

Chill out at Sunday Concerts during winter at Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens

liz — Sun, 30 May 2010 10:22:27 +0000

Sappi Sunday Picnic concerts Concert Lawn, Walter Sisulu NBG 13h00 – 15h00 R50 Check www.sanbi.org for concerts on 20th June; 1st , 15th and 29th August and 12th September. You need to get there early as these concerts are very popular, for good reason. A day chilling in the warm winter sun on a comfy camp chair with good friends, a picnic hamper and a glass of chilled white wine does wonders for urban stress levels. I have diarized these days ….

06 June 2010 Mzansi Choir & Jazz Ensemble (they are singing at the FIFA World Cup Concert on 10th June ). Look forward to the magnificent voices of the 25 member Mzansi Choir and their Jazz ensemble. The concert will celebrate South Africa’s diverse cultural heritage and include a special tribute to the FIFA World Cup

4 July Leading South African band Watershed perform hits from newly released CD

18 July Afro Blue Jazz Quintet Jazz musician Lex Futhsane and Sinnger Linid Maxolo perform well known jazz standards and African originals

26 September Some of SA’s finest Jazz musicians in a traditional ‘jazz jamboree’ include jazz singer Andrew Massey and retro swing band

See Archive Aug 09 for Post http://lizatlancaster.co.za/blog/spring-is-here-another-wonderful-day-at-the-national-botanical-gardens

Events in Newtown during the World Cup

liz — Fri, 28 May 2010 04:43:01 +0000

From JhbLIve Newsletter 27 May 2010: Johannesburg’s creative minds are gearing up for a six-week long extravaganza of arts, culture, entertainment and literature. The Newtown Festival is set to showcase to visitors, both local and international, the finest that South Africa has to offer. This cultural festival offers an array of goodies throughout June and into early July. The bulging entertainment menu includes music, dance, theatre, spoken-word poetry, literature, film, photography, and visual art held in a variety of indoor and outdoor venues. Some of the Newtown 2010 Festival’s highlights include music acts like Oliver Mtukudzi, 340ml, Pops Mohamed, Ray Phiri, Blk Sonshine, Babu, Strings & Skins, Tumi, Desmond and the Tutus, Heels over Head, Bheki Khoza, and Ladies of Song.

The Market Theatre will be presenting ‘House of the Holy Afro’, Brett Bailey’s eclectic mish-mash of shamanistic ritual and gospel set to a thumping beat. ‘People’s poet’ Mzwakhe Mbuli will be in action at Xarra Books, as will Phillippa de Villiers, Masoja Msiza, Myesha Jenkins, Boikanyo and many more. The Market Photo Workshop, Museum Africa, the Workers’ Museum and the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre will host a number of art and photography exhibitions, many of which deal with the theme of soccer. A selection of the continent’s best cinematic offerings will be screened during the 4th annual Africa on Screen Film Festival at Museum Africa.

Visit www.newtown.co.za for more details of performances and eve

FiftyTwo no 18: Chill out amongst the turbines this Friday night

liz — Tue, 25 May 2010 08:14:12 +0000

FiftyTwo:18 Adi’s Weekly things to do & see in Joburg [adrian@fiftytwo.co.za]

This week’s pick: Turbine Hall, Newtown Genre: Architectural heritage & underground dining
What: The completed Turbine Hall, with bells and whistles, is the finest example of both inner city regeneration and preservation. This architectural icon eclectically fuses the old and new. The mod industrial look, of today, is compatible with the finishes the forgotten landmark once had. The original steel and copper of Joburg’s first coal-fired power station have creatively been included in the contemporary sleek surfaces. The energy of our reviving city is immediately felt, from its modest exterior to the celebrated interior, and AngloGold Ashanti will fortunately ‘live’ this structural phenomenon. The company’s headquarters rest within the confines of the neglected power station, today a powerhouse.
FiftyTwo review: In a nutshell FiftyTwo say: a touch of the Tate Modern, in style and offering. Moving on from the five-star design there’s silver service facilities, and honestly, hiring any of the available spaces would guarantee you ‘with-it’ status amongst many. Head underground to the champagne cellar or bar, dine at the private dining room or indulge at the Chef’s table. Amazingly each eatery can be privately hired and we think the ultimate wedding venue will beckon recognition. There’s talk of the bar opening its doors every Friday night – see you there. In the meanwhile the space opens irregularly to the public so look out for these affairs.
Tip: One night only, this Friday 28th May, Turbine Hall opens to us all. Round up a group of friends, be witness to superb entertainment, listen to jazz and eat amongst the turbines. Alternatively visit at your convenience – the structure, the gallery and much more, won’t disappoint.
Interesting fact: The site was left derelict and decaying. Turbine Hall and the boiler houses were invaded by squatters in 2001 and described as, “One of the harshest living spaces in Johannesburg where the filth alone could drive away the most incessant compassion.”
Where: 65 Ntemi Piliso Street, Newtown. GPS coordinates -26.203367 degrees south and 28.034900 degrees east Book: Friday 28th May (19h00 for 19h30), R240pp, RSVP to Elza Smit – Tel: 011 575 4208, email: elza.smit@theforum.co.za

Fifty Two’s suggestion for week 17 of 2010; Thanks Adi

liz — Wed, 19 May 2010 19:02:04 +0000

This week’s pick: Foxwood House Genre: Suburban Theatre
What: Hidden amongst the homes of Houghton stands an intimate theatre – Foxwood House. This space seats a small audience of 100 and its far-from-mainstream programmes include top shows, their drag performances are highly rated. This is the Cinema Nouveau of theatre. The owners, both involved in the artsy scene bought the home in 1989 and together set up this unusually cool theatrical homestead. Foxwood turned boutique not long after and has slowly transformed into an eight roomed guest house. The properties lush garden and secretive nooks define this as one of the most inviting residences to check into. There’s a colourful history linked to the house which has and continues to draw fame and talent to its gateway.
FiftyTwo review: This attentively maintained destination is no stranger to the passionate fogey, you might become a goer yourself – with ever changing line-ups and overly edgy shows this unique space is understated. Having staged shows for seven years Foxwood has recently identified its need to increase performances from once to thrice weekly. An awesome way to enjoy your Joburg weekends. Audiences are interesting and vary depending on what’s staged, the avant-garde, the aged, the gay – any appreciator of intimate theatre will traipse across the city. FiftyTwo highly appreciated taking wine into the theatre – this only added to the culture club air about it. The Cape Dutch inspired dining room is your perfect pre-dinner possie and the fairy-lit courtyard, a charming, post act hangout.
Tip: Book a table and dine out on a hearty homemade meal – there many Foxwood fables to be learnt and the inherited family furniture (Paul Kruger’s personal collection) is certainly worth taking a peek at.
Interesting fact: It is said that the first owner’s daughter, the glamorous Miss Oates (an Australian) was proposed to by Fred Astaire at Foxwood house. And as the story goes, whilst carried away in joyous dance, Astaire made an imprint on the wooden floor boards, which can still be seen today.
Where: 13 5th Street, Houghton Book: Join their Theatre mailing list by emailing admin@foxwood.co.za – or call 011 486 0935 to find out what’s currently on.

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Book early to avoid disappointment: local musicals and theatres showing in Joburg during the World Cup

liz — Sat, 15 May 2010 12:00:15 +0000

Shows can be booked through w ww.computicket.com or contact the theatre directly. Great World Cup fare coming up

SHOWING AT JOBURG THEATRE www.showbusiness.co.za Boys in the Photograph

A passionate musical dealing with the power of soccer to heal rifts and bring a fractured community together. Set in Belfast, Ireland, the game of soccer is recreated on stage with some of the most originally exciting choreography to be seen in musical theatre. Full of the heart searing ballads and stirring anthems of composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and the extraordinary wit and compassion of author Ben Elton. Showing from 18 May to 11 July

Johnny Clegg is performing on 26th and 27th June at the JOBURG THEATRE . By combining African music structures with Celtic folk music and international rock sounds, Johnny along with bands Juluka and Savuka pioneered a new and unique sound, establishing himself as South Africa`s biggest musical export. From Europe to the States, from Australia to Potchefstroom, audiences in sold out venues have danced to Cruel, Crazy Beautiful World, Crocodile Love, I Call Your Name, Take My Heart Away, and African Sky Blue.

SHOWING AT EMPEROR’S PALACE African Footprint

Since opening at the world famous Casino de Paris on 9 March 1990, the African Footprint cast has travelled some 9000 kilometres wowing audiences in 12 different cities who nightly jumped to their feet shouting for more. This proudly “Made in South Africa” production continues to celebrate the vibrancy and cultural diversity that South Africa will be offering the many international guests who will soon be visiting from all soccer loving nations around the world. This dazzling musical fuses the hypnotic heartbeat of the African drum, the cheerful pennywhistle and the inspiring words of Don Mattera with Kwela-jive, traditional gumboot, tap, contemporary ballet and hip-hop pantsula into an “explosive stampede of song and dance.

The show runs from 27 May – 20 June 2010. Tickets can be booked through the Emperors Palace Box Office on 011 928 1297 or through Computicket on 083 915 8000 or www.computicket.com and are expected to sell fast. Wednesdays to Saturdays at 20h30 and Sundays at 15h00. Ticket prices range from R185 – R340. There are various dinner/show packages also available; contact the Emperors Palace Box Office on 011 928 1297 for further information

SHOWING AT MARKET THEATRE Biko: Where the Soul Resides 19 May – 13 June; Martin Koboekae’s play explores Steve Biko’s life from 1968 when he led the black student break-away from the white-controlled National Union of South African Students (NUSAS) to form an all-black South African Student Organisation (SASO). The play ends with his death in September 1977 in a police cell. The play captures some important snippets from Biko’s political and social activism without ignoring his life as an ordinary man who had various relationships and who partied with friends and often had severe altercations with colleagues. The play is profoundly relevant as it explores the life of one of the most selfless sons of Africa who gave his life for freedom. For special offers on shows, book directly with The Market: Tiny Macevele Tel: (011) 832 1641 ext 135 Cell: 082 564 3452 Anthony Ezeoke Tel: (011) 832 1641 ext 121 Cell: 083 246 4950 www.markettheatre.co.za Tuesdays – Saturdays @ 20h15 Sundays @ 15h15 Ticket prices: Tues – R60, Wed & Thurs – R80, Fri & Sat – R130, Sun – R90

Third World Bunfight’s House of the Holy Afro 11 June – 11 July MARKET THEATRE – maintheatre House of the Holy Afro is a slick, glamorous package of Afro-kitsch to electrify your eyes, ears and bodies on the dance floor! House of the Holy Afro consists of seven singer-dancers together with celebrated DJ Dino Moran’s driving housebeats and over-the-top club poetry of Odidi Mfenyana. The production weaves these melodies together with driving house beats and electrifying African choreography and design, taking you on an unforgettable trip through the rhythms of 21st century Africa.

AT THE VICTORY IN ORANGE GROVE Umoja From April through to December; Traveling to the beat of drums, from the dusty streets of Soweto to all corners of the world`s best & biggest stages, Umoja tells the moving tale of indigenous South African music from the earliest rhythms to Kwaito. For more information visit http://www.umojatheshow.com.

AT OLD MUTUAL THEATRE ON THE SQUARE Nelson Mandela Square Sandton. Back from Broadway and its huge international success DRUMSTRUCK by WARREN LIEBERMAN’S Drum Café, will burst onto the Old Mutual Theatre on the Square stage again for the World Cup season! This interactive and spectacular musical will have bums on seats with drums on seats – for an evening of sheer entertainment for all. Book through http://events.strictlytickets.com/strictlytickets

THE STATE OPERA Shaka Zulu: the Musical from 26th June – 18th July The celebrated story of the legendary Zulu King, Shaka, now on stage for the first time in musical form. This spectacular production features sizzling choreography, an originally created musical score and the cream of South Africa`s performance and production design talent. Book through www.computicket.com

AND OF COURSE LAST BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST The FIFA Kick-off Celebration Concert at the Orlando Stadium on 10th June 4 pm. Football and Music Unite for this FIFA World Cup Kick Off Concert featuring a number of top International and Local artists in a music and theatrical extravaganza that ‘will leave South African audiences breathless.’ Much as I do not like FIFA and the way it operates, the line up of stars should make it a great concert. Book through www.computicket.com

Fifa World Cup Kick-Off concert on 10 June Orlando Stadium Soweto

liz — Tue, 04 May 2010 10:04:53 +0000

Fifa concert ready to rock

May 4, 2010 11:01 AM | By Staff Reporter for TIMES LIVE

The final line-up for the Fifa World Cup Kick-Off concert has been announced, and includes local favourites Freshlyground, Hugh Masekela, the Soweto Gospel Choir, the BLK JKS and The Parlotones.

Acclaimed African hip-jop artist K’NAAN, who recently recorded the uplifting “Wavin’ Flag (The Celebration Mix)” song will also take to the stage alongside international artists Alicia Keys, Amadou & Mariam, Angélique Kidjo, the Black Eyed Peas, John Legend, Juanes, Tinariwen, Vieux Farka Touré and Vusi Mahlasela. Columbian songstress Shakira, who sings the official world cup anthem with five-time Sama winners Freshlyground, will also perform at the event the night before the first match.

The concert will take place at the newly-renovated Orlando Stadium in Soweto, and will be broadcast live on SABC 1 on10 June from 20:00.

“I am very humbled and flattered to be part of this global event and am looking forward to the concert with great interest and excitement,” said legendary South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela.

Event organisers envisioned the concert to showcase the rich cultural diversity and musical heritage of South Africa. Tickets can be purchased at Computicket and start at R450.