Monday, April 28, 2008

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

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

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

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

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

Our thoughts and comments on performances and the performing arts in the Western Cape, South Africa.