We All Benefit Concert

I received this press release from the Performing Arts Network of South Africa. It was a fabulous show and it is made even better by getting such positive feedback.

PANSA would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to everybody who made the We All Benefit on Sunday 1 June possible. We are exceptionally pleased to announce that, through the combined efforts and talents of all who participated, we have raised over R70 000 and a mountain of goods for our beneficiaries. We’d also like to make a special mention of the sizable donation from the Premier, Ebrahim Rasool, and his office.

Perhaps equally important was the emotional impact of Sunday’s event. Our artists opened their hearts and in doing so touched those of the audience. From Brett Bailey’s provocative display in the foyer, to Mbali Kgosidintsi’s honest and touching poem, to Oliver Mtukudzi’s quiet genius, to "Corne’s" swapping of audience shoes... we went on a very unique journey. Melodic sounds, foot stomping, tears, raucous laughter: the We All Benefit was a tribute to the wealth of culture born in Africa, and available to us in South Africa... Thank you!
Karen and EricaPANSA

A list of thank yous: Director Luke Ellenbogen, Stage Manager Jesse Kramer,able assistants Lesoko and the crew, the phenomenal Aki Khan and Eastern Acoustics, the fabulous Allison Foat of Diva PR, the Baxter Theatre, The Baxter Theatre staff, Amanda from Pulse Organic, Paul Harris, Peter Basford, Errol Strachan and the many many others who donated their goods and their time.

And a big Thank you to our performers:David Kramer, Neo Muyanga, Marc Lottering, Oliver Mtukudzi, Nik Rabinowitz, The Rudimentals, Tucan Tucan, CODA, Mark Elderkin, Faniswa Yisa, Louw Venter, Theatre Sports, Magnet Theatre, Mbali Kgosidintsi, Laroumba and West Drum, Matthew Gair, Tristan Waterkeyn, Erica Glyn-Jones,Winslow Schalkwyk, Primrose Mrwebi
Beneficiaries:
The SA Red Cross Emergency Fund
Bonne Esperance Refugee Shelter

Cape Town Book Fair

Paul and I went to the Book Fair over the weekend. My goodness, I never realised that there are so many publishers, and all those fabulous books! It was a bibliophile's heaven. So many books and so little time. It was fantastic getting an insight into the world of books, meeting publishers and authors and listening to talks.

One of the talks we heard was by Tim Plewman about his book Defending the Caveman. He gave over 1400 performances most of which were sold out. I asked if he ever got bored with the show which he said, "Tired but never bored". He has written a play called Designer Genes based on a similar theme. He will be taking it to Grahamstown and then hopefully we will get to see it at a theatre near you. Angela

Siyaya Choir to tour USA

The Cape Times has an article on the Siyaya Choir, based in Guguletu. They are seven young people who use song and dance to educate people about AIDS. They will perform their show "An African Chord" in theatres in New York, Chicago and Washington. The group were looking for a different approach to educate people about living with AIDS, the importance of treatment and preventing alcohol abuse. They compose their own songs which they perform in clinics and schools. Angela

We All Benefit Concert

Yesterday's concert was fabulous and well done to Karen Jeynes and Erica Glynn-Jones for putting the show together in just over a week. The concert featured poetry, music, drama and comedy. Local artists donated their time for this stand against xenophobia. Each act reinforcing our link to each other as human beings and fellow Africans. Karen lives close to Du Noon and wanted to do something to take a stand against what was happening. As an artist she decided that this would be the best way to do something.
What was also exciting was that the theatre was fully booked with people waiting to get tickets. The vibe was fantastic and I couldn't help thinking that it would be fabulous if our theatres were always full like yesterday afternoon. Angela

Artscape New Writing Programme wins International Award

The Cape Times today reported that Pieter Jacobs has won the Hilton Edward Award for design and direction for the play Dalliances, at the International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival. He was also nominated for the Oscar Wilde Award for best new writing for theatre. Daleen van der Walt was nominated for best female performance. It is the third time that the Artscape New Writing Programme was invited to participate in the festival. Capetonians will be able to see Dalliances during the Spring Drama season at Artscape. It is a challenging drama that questions ethics and moral values. Angela