The Joseph and Mary Affair at the Theatre in the District

The description of the play did not do justice to the fantastic performance. The basic explanation is the interaction between 2 factory workers and a security guard in producing a nativity play, exploring tolerance and religious beliefs. It sounded rather dry and I am never sure how tolerance and religious beliefs can be a comedy.

Speedy is determined to put on a nativity play with Gertie and Munnier. Gertie, the machinist, is fantastic. The way she smacks her lips and bluntly comments on people and life, like when reading everyone's horoscopes is priceless. Munnier is the shy security guard and wants to know what a Moslem is doing in a Christian play. Slowly he comes out of his shell and gets some of the best lines. Speedy is great as the dispatch clerk with ties to the managers and his authoritative way of ordering people around. There is a wonderful interchange between Gertie and Munnier about the Mary / Miriam story. As well as the interchange about the ko'an and not the koran. Throughout the practice the different elements from the nativity story and daily life in a clothing factory get woven together coming to a very poignant end.

The audience was a treat with people screaming with laughter throughout the play, loving the innuendo and bantering between the three charachters. My "Cape Afikaans" is not that hot, so I lost some of jokes in the quick interactions. I am impressed that the actors were able to keep up the fast pace throughout the one-act play of over an hour, it was a roller coaster ride using all the emotions. Quite deservedly the cast got a standing ovation from the full house. I hope that this continues every night. The details are on the Encore website www.encoreonline.co.za. The play runs until the first week of December. You have to see it and will get value for your money.

This is our second show seen at the Theatre in the District, both of which have been excellent. The Theatre is focussing on productions linked to the Coloured and District 6 community providing a platform for new artists and fringe productions.

Mlindi Kulashe is the first recipient of the Keith Mackintosh Scholarship Fund

The Cape Times (24/11/08) reports that 17 year old Mlindi Kulashe from Nyanga was awarded the UCT School of Dance award from the Keith Mackintosh Scholarship Fund. Mlindi began his training in 1999 with the Cape Town City Ballet Male Development Programme under the direction of Mackintosh. He has danced Fritz in The Nutcracker(2006) and will appear in the forthcoming production at Artscape. He will also be performing in the Mirlitons pas de trois. As noted in the Cape Times, this is a performer whose future will be worth watching.

The Keith Mackintosh Scholarship Fund aims to suport emerging talent within the local performing arts field, particularly in classical ballet.

Flirting with Coward

Go and see Godfrey Johnson and his refined interpretation of Noel Coward. There was a lovely combination of the po-faced seriousness through the humourous songs, interspersed with more serious numbers. Reciting "Marvellous Party" gave an appreciation of Coward's humour and an insight to the decadence of the times. We had a friend along who knows Noel Coward's work well and thought that it was a great interpretation. It was an elegant laid back evening, just the thing after a hectic week. I was glad to hear my two favourite songs "Mrs Worthington" and "Mad Dogs and Englishmen". That wonderful tongue-in-cheek understatement.
Angela

That 80s Show

Last night we went to On Broadway to see The 80s Show and had great fun. I am showing my age when I say that it was my era, matric and the first years of Varisty. It was a wonderful trip of nostalgia for me, with each song fetching old memories long forgotten. The show started with snatches of TV show theme tunes which had us all guessing. I obviously spent a lot of time in front of the TV back then.

I loved the way each costume change introduced a new 80s feature such as the leg warmers, Madonna fish net glove, the fighter pilot sunglasses and, oh my goodness, the white jacket. There was the lovely recognition and the cringe factor of "did we really wear that?" There was a nice touch of a DVD in the background with snippets from the 80s. I won't spoil it, but look out for the sketch - very well done and fascinating to watch the picture unfurl.

Part of the set were cubes which the cast kept moving around. I was being slow and didn't figure it out until someone told me it was supposed to be the rubic cubic cube - aah! Althought the moving around was slick, it did get irritating after a while. But hey I was too busy singing along, wriggling in my seat and clapping for all I was worth to really mind. What was great was that they included songs that didn't make it past the 80s but which were really hot back then. The cast had excellent voices and Bronwyn who sang "Must have been an Angel" and "Forever young" had the perfect voice and hit the high notes effortlessly. The medelys were great and provided a wonderful combination. Call for the encore, the medley is great. It was one of those evenings where I didn't want it to stop, just keep on singing.

Just a warning, my guests were more 60s and 70s children and although they remember the songs, sang along and had a great night out, felt that there was something missing - but then you can never say what is missing. So it won't necessarily appeal to everyone. It felt like a high school romp - but then that was my time. I would definitely go back again and see how the show develops during its run. I would love to hear what others thought of the show.
Angela

Eat Your Heart Out George........

Guess what, Ida Levin is the talented Errol Hendricks. I was right! Mind you it took a bit of studying as there was still the element of doubt. Oy, don't you hate it when men look better in those stunning evening dresses? There weren't many people on our night, so I hope that more people get to see the show. It's a good laugh in an intimate setting.....and the food at The Carvery is really good.
Angela

Africa Centre's Book Launch

On Tuesday (11 November), the Africa Centre had a swish launch of "The Artist's Handbook". It is a really good buy if you are trying to get going as a business in the arts, with lots of good advice and contacts. A wonderful evening to network and meet up with people. I was pleased to meet up with a past colleague (from my community development days) and find that she is also now in the arts field - truly a small world.
As always there were guest speakers. Ismail Mahomed , CEO of the National Arts Festival, was controversial hitting out at the lack of leadership in the arts from both the state and artists themselves. He made a call for the energy of the past when new critical works were produced. He also emphasised that the arts is a business and should be approached as such. It gave me encouragement that there is a role for Encore Entertainment Guide to help promote the arts.
Angela

Oy Vey, its Ida Levin

Paul and I were invited to see Ida Levin last week at The Carvery in Sea Point. It was a captivating journey through the highs and lows of this kugel's life. I must really congratulate Ida on the gracious way that she coped with the technical problems, the flu and static hair. It was done so well that it could have been part of the script. The first half was great, ending with the her left with nothing, and horror of horrors, living in Brakenfell (local Cape Town joke). It was a good combination of story telling with songs where the audience was invited to sing along.
I personally hate participative theatre as I feel such a twit - especially when it comes to singing - and so hide at the back. There was someone in the front who obviously didn't know that anyone who responds is fair game. I cringed on her behalf even though it was very funny.
The second half seemed to lose steam. Our friend George commented that Ida didn't come across as strongly kugel as in the first half - maybe the 'flu got to her. During the evening George and I had a debate as to whether Ida was a woman or a man. I was convinced that she is a man as the build is not quite right, eventhough she has a stunning figure and I love the fabulous clothes. Despite the technical hitches it was a good night out, and I must admit that I am a sucker for sing-alongs, must be the Brit in me.

Tygerberg Children's Choir

The Tygerberg Children's Choir won second place in the children's choir division at the World Choir Games held in Austria in July - Well Done Guys! You can find out why they are so good at their Christmas Concert Series held during the weekends of November at the Endler Hall or 29 November at the Cape Town City Hall. More details on the encore web site www.encoreonline.co.za Angela