Encore: How it all started

I thought that I would introduce myself better and the intention behind the blog.

It has been a dream for over 12 years to start a publication about the performing arts in Cape Town. I use the word publication because magazine sounds very grand, especially for someone with much experince but not in publishing. The idea started when I was part of the Silapha oureach committee of the then Nico Malan Opera House (now Artscape) looking at how to make the complex more accessible and relevant.

I felt that there was a need for some means of advertising shows well in advance so that people had no reason for not attending a show. I must admit that I was guilty of saying that I love going to the theatre but never actually getting there. Since starting Encore we go at least twice a month, and love every performance.

In April 2007 I started an electronic newslettter which lists as many different performances as we (Paul and I) can find in the newspapers, web sites and referrals. I thought that the newsletter would be about 5 pages long, I had no idea just how much is going on in just Cape Town and the newsletter averages 22 pages! Just over a year later we have at least 4000 readers.

Towards the end of 2007 we started the long learning curve of electronic media and slowly getting the hang of web sites and blogs. In May (2008) we started the web site which gives us much more space to give details about the different performances and we want to start including articles on local artists, companies and other interesting information about the theatre.

I started the blog as a way of joining a conversation about the theatre and relevant issues. What I didn't bank on was feeling shy about sharing my thoughts. I am an enthusiastic member of the audience and not really qualified in any way to comment on shows. What I am hoping is that this will be a space where other enthusiastic members of the audience can share their comments on shows. Just think the whole of the Western Cape becoming theatre critics!

Or just a place to be enthusiastic about theatre. What do you think?

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

Field Band Foundation to perform in Norway

Going through "Die Burger" newspaper last week I came across an article by Ema Buffel about South Africa sending a field band to the Spilleglede Music Featival in Stavangar Norway. The 53-member South African contingent will join over 9000 musicians and 240 orchestras in performances, street parades, workshops and the Norwegian championships for school orchestras. The fesitval runs from 20-24 June and the band will spend 10 days in Flanders on their way to Norway. The Field Band Foundation was started in 1997 and now has 26 bands with 4000 members nationally. The Foundation aims to provide access to the performing arts to young people who would not normally have the opportunity. What an honour! Angela

We all Benefit Concert by PANSA

The Performing Arts Network of South Africa (PANSA) is organising the We All Benefit concert as a stand against xenophobia. The concert will be at the Baxter Theatre on Sunday, 1 June at 3pm and tickets are only R50 from Computicket. Audience members are asked to bring along donations such as cash, toys, blankets, non-perishable food and toiletries. This is one event to show your support for the current refugee crisis as well as our local artists.

The fantastic artists who have donated their skills and time are David Kramer, Neo Muyanga, Nik Rabinowitz, The Rudimentals, Tucan Tucan, Theatre Sports, Magnet Theatre, CODA, Louw Venter, Lara Bye, Mbali Kgosidintsi, Eddy Mansami, Matthew Gair, Tristan Waterkeyn, Winslow Schalkwyk, Andy Lund, Primrose Mrwebi and Erica Glyn-Jones. Brett Bailey will be creating something special in the foyer.Angela

Cabaret revisited

I have been thinking about the production all weekend. The first part is light and fun showing the decadence of the Kit Kat Club and all its characters. What has got me thinking is the second half which is darker and reflects the growing influence of the Nazi party. The introduction is quite subtle in the beginning and then becomes more and more prominent like the dancers in one scene that turn their hats around to look like the German helmet, and songs ending with a salute. There is also the song "If you could see her through my eyes" which is funny until the last line which hits you in the face. It made me realise how easily such changes can happen and that we need to be aware of what is happening around us. Cabaret provided a lot of food for thought. Angela

Cabaret

Last night we went to see Cabaret at the Artscape and it was fabulous. I only know the film version which I now realise is very watered down. However, as a friend pointed out, you are looking at the characters as they were portrayed in the film. Regardless it was both spellbinding and chilling. It is also so relevant today with the xenophobia of the last week.

I spoke to the Director, Teddy Davis, who said that he had begun the preparations for the show two years ago. It was a hige risk as Cabaret was last played in 1995 by Capab and it was a flop. It must be so satisfying seeing the full houses and raptuous applause at an excellent (amateur) production - there was nothing amateur about the acting. Cabaret has another week, but I am told that it is sold out. They are putting on an extra show on 1 June so there is a last chance there. Well done to everyone on and back stage! Angela