» 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.

2010 Celebration Concert at Orlando Stadium, Soweto

liz — Fri, 28 May 2010 04:32:46 +0000

Good news for music fans who can’t make it to the grand 2010 World Cup Kickoff Celebration Concert at Orlando Stadium in Soweto, the spectacle is to be screened live on SABC1, and also shown live around the world, from 8pm to 11pm on June 10. It has also been announced that nine-time South African Music Award-winner and Afro-soul sensation, Lira, has been added to the main programme, while a host of other local acts have been signed up to contribute to the concert’s afternoon warm-up spectacle.

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.

FNB Dance Umbrella 27 Feb to 14 March

liz — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:08:16 +0000

FNB DANCE UMBRELLA 2010 presented by First National Bank in association with the National Arts Council and The Market Theatre, runs from 27 February to 14 March 2010 with performances at various Johannesburg theatres:

the Wits Theatre complex in Braamfontein
the UJ Centre for the Arts in Auckland Park
The Dance Factory
The Market Theatre Main Theatre and Barney Simon Theatre.

Works presented at the Market Theatre includes:

BLACK!… WHITE? by Nelisiwe Xaba fnb-dance201002 2 & 3 March 2010 @ 20h30 Main Theatre This work explores the themes of racial and social stereotyping and how these distort people’s perceptions of one another.

“ELEV(I)ATE” by choreographer Athena Mazarakis and digital artist Tegan Bristow 3 & 4 March 2010 Market Theatre Foyer Mazarakis and Bristow have worked together on two previous projects, Coming To (2007) and Chalk vision (2007) and wish to further their collaboration between the moving body and a digital arts interface in this new project.

KONEXION choreographed by. Wanted Posse and Indigene Dance Company 5 & 6 March @ 20h30; 7 March @ 14h30 Main Theatre With the 21st century bringing exchange and missing, Konexion is an appropriate creation which illustrates the result of a dialogue between cultures; a conversation where everyone has something to say and a gesture to share.

ASYMPTOTE - Choreographed by Frauke and Orlando 9 & 10 March @ 20h00 Barney Simon Theatre Asymptote is an Ankoku Butoh dance that explores the materiality of the body and its relationship to the natural world.

DOUBLE BILL UMFULA WA MA DADA by Dada Masilo and INDLELA by Luyanda Sidiya 9, 10 & 11 March @ 20h15 Main Theatre Umfula Wa Ma Dada is a work Dada Masilo created in residency in Israel and Indlela by Luyanda Sidiya which is inspired by the different paths we take to find ourselves as human beings.

FAUX CIELS (FAKE SKIES) by Eric Languet 12 & 13 March @ 18h30, 19h30 and 20h30 Barney Simon Theatre This work is an interactive work with an audience and will look at what can and cannot be said through dance. A minimum of 10 people will be allowed at each performance. Book by calling (011) 492 0709.

A NEW UNTITLED WORK by Sbonakaliso Ndaba 12 & 13 March @ 20h15 14 March @ 15h00 Main Theatre Sbonakaliso Ndaba created this new work at Cape Town’s celebrated Jazzart Dance Theatre company. The idea for this work was inspired by a programme seen on 3rd Degree that dealt with illegal mineworkers.

Tickets for the FNB Dance Umbrella are available at the door or can be booked at Computicket – 083 915 8000 and prices range from R60 to R100.

The Met Operas show at Cinema Nouveau Rosebank and Cedar Square

liz — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 11:10:08 +0000

I have written before about the live New York Met opera productions which are screened at Cinema Nouveau in Rosebank and at Cedar Square in Fourways. Pucinni’s Turandot is showing at the moment. What a production. If you are in Joburg … don’t miss it. Upcoming operas include: Offenbach’s Tales of Hoffman from 15 January; Strauss’s Der Rosenkavalier from 5 Feb; Carmen from 19th Feb; Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra from 12 March ; Ambrose Thomas’ Hamlet from 18 April and Rossini’s Armida from 28 May. Don’t miss these wonderful productions which also take you behind the scenes at the Met. Only one thing better and that would be to be in New York at the Met LIVE!!