Fantasia - The Magic Returns Artscape 30 December - 4 January

A dance extravaganza featuring various dance styles paying tribute to animated films such as The Lion King, The Jungle Book, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast and many more

Liewe Heksie Die Boer 22 & 23 December

Afrikaans children's theatre about the adventures of Liewe Heksie

Fest Artscape 19-20 December

The play by Darron Araujo explores the issues of sex, power, parking and school plays. A wild comedy about serious matters.

Christmas Classics 16-24 December Artscape

The Cape Town City Ballet presents highlights from classical ballets.

The Nutcracker Artscape 12 December - 10 January

The traditional Russian version of this fairytale ballet. Eduard Greyling is the guest artist as Drosselmeyer at selected performances

Dance Joint Student Concert Artscape 11-13 December

Jazzart's annual makietie where the students get to strut their stuff. Described as organised chaos

Die Avonture van Pippie Langkous Die Boer 10-19 December

Afikaans children's theatre about the fearless Pippie Langkous and her different adventures.
Will also be performed in January at the Oude Libertas Amphitheatre

Snake Magic Baxter Theatre 8-20 December

A musical that captivates and inspires children and adults alike

Groet die Grotvrou Die Boer 7-9 December

The women's answer to Defending the Caveman - exploring the female psyche.

Evita for President Evita se Perron 4 October - 13 December

While Jacob's Zunami washed out the old and threatens the new, Evita Bezuidenhout is still prepared to become President after the next election. Here you will be able to make up your own mind as familiar opinions become controversial and laughter defuses fears and doubts.

If Evita makes good on her promises of fining 4x4 owners and double fining any woman undr 60kg driving a 4x4 - she has my vote

Die Slapende Skoonheid Die Boer 6 & 7 December

Afrikaans children's theatre of the classic fairy tale Sleeping Beauty

The Chilli Boy Baxter Theatre 2 December - 10 January

A hilarious tale of an Indian woman who is reincarnated as a white gangster from Boksburg.
My friends went to see it at the Baxter last Christmas and said that it was brilliant the way the actor captured the different characters.

Starbrite Baxter Theatre 3-13 December

Cape Town Opera's musical about the birth of Jesus with a local twist

Let's Mix it 2.8 GLX (fuel injected) Baxter Theatre 16 December - 3 January

The third incarnation of the Mix it brand. Talk Show Host Hadji Fatgiyah Bardien will be interviewing her international guests from her newly renovated lounge/studio together with the regulars

Goldilocks and the 3 bears Baxter Theatre 6-24 December

The classic children's fairy tale of the adventures of Goldilocks in the forest. Suitable for children aged 4- 8 years

Rock me Amadeus Barnyard Theatre 14 October - 31 December

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart comes back to life as a sexy, romantic composer and gets the chance to rock 'n roll.
I have been told that this is a fabulous show

Noddy's Special Treat Artscape 8-20 December

Children's theatre. Noddy has won a prize and has to choose someone to share it. Who is the lucky fellow?

High School Musical Artscape 28 November - 4 January

The Disney movie brought to life on stage featuring all the much loved characters and songs, performed by South Africa's hottest young stars and an electrifying live band

Embo Khonnexion Artscape 3-6 December

This is the stories of the wind - a magical journey gathering seeds through indigenous music, poetry and dance and the meeting of the first nations - Xhosa and Khoesan

Three Wise Men -

Marc Lottering, Riaad Moosa and Nik Rabinowitz star together for the first time, directed by David Kramer. At the Baxter Theatre 18 November - 10 January
People are raving about it in the newspapers. Sounds like it is a sure bet this season.

Calling Cape Town Theatre Goers

Right, the time has come for me to put my money where my mouth is. I am going to start putting up the different shows on the blog in the week that they open. I'd like to invite you all to say what you thought about the show. The only "rule" is that the comment is not offensive to anyone.

To be honest, every new thing I try with Encore is terrifying - what happens if it doesn't work? What if no one is interested? Who am I to give a crit on a show? All I know is what I like, I am not a theatre boff (groupie maybe :0 ). What about that poor guy up there, singing his heart out and I don't like it? .....blah blah blah.

And then I thought, "Hey, this is essentially a diary and so what if no one reads it?" "Yes," the voice goes, " but I want it to be a way for people to get to know of shows before they close early, or is all sold out.... After all Cape Town waits to hear what everyone else says about the show before buying tickets." Then reason kicks in, "if people are interested they will find it".
Well if anyone is reading this - hi.. and why don't you add your thoughts about the shows.
Angela

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

A MECCA Award for Peter Hayes

Peter Hayes took his play "The Tricky Part" to fesitvals in Canada and won the best visiting play. He has performed the play at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown (2006&2007), the Downstairs Theatre in Jo'burg and here at the Baxter. We went to see the play in September 2007. The best that I can describe this emotional performance is captivating. I hung on every word waiting for what was going to happen next. The production was not well supported but those who attended were blown away. It is fabulous that South African artists are recognised internationally. It just confirms that immense talent that we have at home. Now we need more people to support the productions. Well Done Peter!!!!
Angela

What is Culture?

We are starting to build Encore into a business and are working with a consultant on a marketing plan. When asked about our focus we said the performing arts. What was interesting was the assumption that this was the formal disciplines such as classical music, opera and ballet offered in the formal theatres. We were asked "what about the rich culture in the townships?" In my mind that is included in performing arts. Our challenge is to find the artists and include their events in the diary.

It got me thinking about our perceptions of the performing arts and culture as something separate and something that is "good for you". A bit like having to take horrible tasting medicine because "its good for you". But culture and performances are part of our identity and found in public spaces, community halls and any place where people come together to celebrate. Instead of seeing the performing arts as a luxury, it should be a part of our daily lives, something that is easily accessible. I was reading a document where there was the statement "the pleasure of the arts can not be restricted to a priveleged few". Hear, hear we all need more beauty in our lives.

If anyone knows of artists and events,especially grassroots events, send us an email (paul@encoreonline.co.za) and we will gladly put it in the newsletter and on the web site. The deadline for the newsletter is the first Friday of the previous month but there is also the calendar for events planned well in advance so people can get extra notice of forthcoming events.
See ya at the "theatre"!

The Full Monty

We went to see the stage production of The Full Monty the other night. The show was good but the audience was literally dead. Nobody seemed to give these guys an apllause afterwards. I suppose the lack of response was because the ladies in the audience were accompanied by there husbands or boyfriends. We gave thenm a standing ovation anyway.

When speaking to the actors in the bar after the show, they said they thouraghly enjoyed the show and were wondering who the two people in the middle of the auditorium were that stood up at the end to give a standing ovation. When we asked about the nude scene at the end they said that part of the show was the longest two seconds of their lives.

The Full Monty is on at the Artscape until the 17th of August before going to Johannesburg in September. Ladies go out and see it, before it's to late.

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

Cabaret

Life is a cabaret old chum, so come to the ... Cabaret

We went to see the Cape Town performance of Cabaret last night at the Artscape Arena. We really enjoyed the show and were so impressed at the proffessional standard of the show considering that the cast were all amateur actors and were not gettting paid for performing. Brian Winter took the leading role of Emcee and really held the show together.

The show is quite relevant at the time when there is an uprising of xenophobia against refugees in our townships. The show help's to highlight the problems.

The venue was really intimate and really allowed the show to work well. We must congratulate Teddy Davies and his cast for pulling such a magnificent show together.

The show runs until the 31st of May, so you better try and get tickets.

Paul

In the Nik

Last Saturday (17th) we went to see Nick Rabinowitz at On Broadway. It is the first time that we had seen him and he was brilliant. He uses a combination of English, Afrikaans and Xhosa to comment on daily life. The problem with seeing comedians is that I either can't remember the punchline or else it is definitely not funny if I try to retell a joke. He is definitely on my list of people to follow. Angela

Playground at the Baxter

The Baxter Theatre has a programme called Playground where four original plays are read. The Director and cast have 7 days to rehearse the script. There is the opportunity to produce the play with the greatest audience response. I went to see False Witness not knowing what to expect. Although the cast have the script with them I quickly looked beyond that and became engrossed in a fascinating tale of intrigue. The basic storyline is that a prominent human rights lawyer shoots her husband in self defence or was it? The playwright Paul Johnson has cleverly included many current issue into this fabulous play. No one anticipated the ending. Someone afterwards said, "In true Agatha Christie tradition". I hope that this play "wins" as it will be wonderful to see it performed on a full stage - can't wait

My Soul Sings

This is a bit of a joke between Paul and myself as it is usually what I say after coming out of a fabulous show. Somehow that 60 minutes of suspended time and imagination just makes me feel elated, like I am flying. In the past three weeks. We went to see Hamlet at the HB Thom Theatre, False Witness in the Baxter Playground series and then Nick Rabinowitz at On Broadway. Each very different but with same effect, I suppose a bit like a drug. With the rising prices, especially of petrol, entertainment is normally the first item to be cut back. There is already some speculation as to how it is going to affect the size of audiences. Well in our household, something else must go. How can I lose my escape from the daily grind, my glimpse of beauty and one of the safest highs? I hope that you all keep going to the theatre too. Angela

Arriving late

Last night we watched the Naledi Awards on SABC 3. Lebo M was obviouly having a bad night and went on about having to sit at the back of the auditorium instead of in the front row. Which sounded really bad. However on a radio talk show it came out that he was late and the ushers would not let him go to his seat as it would interupt the performance. Quite right! No one should have their enjoyment of a performance spoilt by someone who can't get there on time. If the ushers let you in, which sometimes they are not allowed to do, sit at the back and go to your seat after interval. OK I am being elitist or whatever, but get there on time, don't inconvenience the rest of us who can. Angela

Kissed by Brel Too

What a great show. I didn't know Jacques Brel music before, but am a fan now. It was a wonderful combination of light and funny songs with the tragic and angry - all full of emotion. Brian Hydenrych and Claire Watling are fantastic and had the audience spellbound. As with any great show time flew and it was all over too soon. Here's hoping to a sell out season for a great show. Angela

High Praise for Poet and Prophetess at World Premiere

In the Sunday Times:
The Cape Town Opera and the Swedish company Norrlands Opera have embarked on an exciting experiment of combining Xhosa and English in an opera. The story is about a fictional meeting between Swedish poet Bengt Linder and Xhosa prophetess Nongqawuse. The story includes the historical event where the Xhosa nation were told to destroy their cattle and crops so that the ancestors would rid the land of the colonialists. The show received standing ovations at the premiere in Sweden. We will have to wait until October to see the show at the Artscape. Congratulations! Angela

Congratulations: Jonny Cooper Orchestra

The Cape Times had the following report:
Congratulations to Jonny Cooper and his 19 piece orchestra on being awarded the Big Band Hall of Fame Award in recognition of their performance and promoting big band music with integrity. Photographs, CDs and other material will be on display in the museum based in West Palm Beach Florida. The Jonny Cooper Orchestra are noted as one of the finest "copyists" of the Glenn Miller sound. You can find out more about the orchestra on www.bigband.co.za
Angela

Classicfeel and Bravo

The Western Cape is being spoilt with two new local publications about the theatre and culture. Classicfeel has been available in Gauteng and has now gone national. It is a beautiful magazine which covers all aspects of culture with the majority of articles about South African artists - what a pleasure. Bravo is an Afrikaans magazine that will be published quarterly. This issue focusses on the ABSA KKNK festival that was recently held in Oudtshoorn - featuring the different Afrikaans actors. I am sure that the next will feature the National Arts Festival at Grahamstown.

Both are great reads and give lovely background information into our vibrant arts scene - a definite must have.
Angela

Angels on Horseback

I really enjoyed this satire on country music with a strong South African twist. I can't listen to John Denver's Rocky Mountain High without thinking about Johan -the apple of my eye. I loved the song about the metrosexual man "who smells like a woman, but tastes just like a man". It is an adult show but it is great fun.
Angela

Spier Festival - infecting Cape Town

I was fortunate to see two brilliant productions as part of the Spier Festival last week. What a pity the Festival wasn't publicised more widely. Dream Time on Friday night was literally out of this world, capturing the dream state through different media, cultures and people. Great use of spaces and buildings and showcased the depth and breadth of talent in this country.

I also saw Not with my gun on Saturday night...a play all South Africans should see - wonderful acting, well written, great drama. I came out with my energy levels sky-high, buzzing after the play. Venue (Cape Town High School) wasn't great so let's hope the play will come back to Cape Town at a more suitable venue e.g. the Baxter.

Can't wait for next year's Festival, which I hope will be marketed and promoted better so more Capetonians can discover the exciting and rich variety of SA's performing arts industry.
Kristina

Not with my gun

Saw the show last night at Cape Town High School. The show was part of the Spier Contempory Art Festival. It deserved the standing ovation it received and makes you wonder what your reaction would be if someone broke into your house, in this case during a batchelor party, and stole your most prized possesion. Paul

Vote for your favourite play

The Fleur du Cap Awards are being held in March. They have started a voting system for the most popular play. Go to their website www.capetheatre.co.za and there is a link on the top right hand side of the page. It will be interesting to see the results. People can also buy tickets to attend the Awards evening from Computicket.