PANSA KwaZulu-Natal presents the 11th Musho! International Theatre Festival from January 13 to 18 at the Catalina Theatre in Durban’s Wilson’s Wharf. The festival is dedicated to small works and the celebration of the skill of the solo or duo performer.
Typically, the Performing Arts Network of South Africa: PANSA, jumps into the new year with vigour by staging a busy festival which showcase smaller theatrical works, all featuring either one or two actors.
Each production is staged for one performance only in a packed programme ending with a master-class for theatre practitioners.
Embedded in the festival are two sessions of Musho! with a Twist – showcasing work which has been created through the Twist Development initiative which is sponsored by the NLDTF (National Lottery Commission) which will take place on Saturday and Sunday afternoons presented as two compact double bills.
“We are delighted that Musho! has made it past the ten year mark and that it keeps on going from strength to strength! It’s great when something in Durban “sticks”. This year the main festival includes a production from the Netherlands and one from Mozambique; a comedy slot; a production for young audiences and a school production. And we welcome back the Musho with a Twist programme,” said festival director Emma Durden.
The festival kicks off with Dutch performer Saskia Driessen in a piece written by Driessen and Barry Hofstede entitled Leave it to Me about saying goodbye, being strong and remaining loyal.
Thursday early evening sees comedian Carvin H Goldstone make his Musho! debut followed by A Beautiful Wreckage: A charming musical comedy created and performed by Grant Jacobs and Liam Mcdermott; directed by Caitlin Kilburn.
Two delicious comedies are on offer on Friday: first up is Sweetie Darling – written and directed by Clinton Marius and performed by Bongani Mbatha about an exasperated man proving his love.
Friday’s second show is a real treat: the delicious Standard Bank Gold Ovation Award winning El Blanco performed by James Cairns who showcases masterful storytelling; gentle humour, fabulous music and an utterly charming whimsical story. Written by Gwydion Beynon.
Fruit Faces: Little fruit faces become pets for Lu and Bo, the Sunshine Babies in Gisele Turner’s new non verbal adventure for small children. Played by Mlu Ngidi and Deaf actor Sibo Masondo, Sunshine Babies follows a glorious day in the life of two little friends.
Saturday starts with fun family theatre: Sunshine Babies. Expect to be enchanted by innocent shenanigans, playful object animation and sweet surprises in a piece designed and directed by Gisele Turner and performed by Sibo Masondo and Mlu Ngidi.
Musho with a Twist takes to the stage on Saturday at noon showcasing two productions from the stable of Twist theatre projects. Saturday 2pm, sees Matty and Sis – a story about two sisters with an all too real relationship filled with laughter, sadness and guilt.
Saturday at 4pm sees Burn Out – an urban comedy, a witty, gruesome, heart-warming tale of blood and guts and glory.
Saturday at 6pm see a production from Mozambique: Culpado – a poignant family drama set during the civil war in Mozambique about a father facing his son after being away for more than 20 years. Will his son recognise him and come to grips with the countries traumatic history? Written by Davido Jose. Directed by Maria Atália. Performed by Davido Jose and Horacio Guiamba.
Caitlin Kilburn as she appears in The Others. A platteland ghost story. Sarie’s grief at the death of her mother is impounded by the responsibility of a heavy set of keys she inherits, with which she must lock the house against the darkness each night. Soon we learn of the burden bound to the holder of the keys. Written and directed by Peter Court. Performed by Caitlin Kilburn. Photo: Val Adamson
Saturday at 8pm brings in The Others – A Platteland ghost story where with the death of her mother Sarie inherits a heavy set of keys with which she must lock the house against the darkness each night. Written and directed by Peter Court. Performed by Caitlin Kilburn.
On Sunday you can expect some high energy shows: The Last Straw – written and produced by Grade 9 Kingsway High School Girls. Be careful what you say, as your words can affect other people.
Sunday at 12 ushers in Musho with a Twist 2 showcasing two productions from the stable of Twist theatre projects.
Sunday 2pm plays host to Run – two brothers come from one of the most prominent families in the village. This all changes after the death of their grandfather, the chief. A story about decision making, hope and love.
Sunday 4pm sees The Funeral, a weird and wonderful exploration of identity though the great unknown of death itself. Written and performed by Simo Mpapa Majola. Directed by Phala Onkeditshe Phala. S
unday 6pm is Termite! – subtitled ‘Tall Tales for Big People’ – this is an astute combination of physical theatre, satire and a dash of lunacy; blending traditional folk tales with modern South African life. Written by Greig Coetzee. Directed by Peter Mitchell. Performed by Mpilo Nzimande and TQ Zondi.
Monday brings the Musho Festival to a close with Masterclasses in two parts: creating stories from personal history (10 am to 12 pm) followed by comedy in the streets (from 1pm to 3pm) hosted by Gerard Oldhaar, a Dutch street theatre performer, who participants through a series of exercises designed to bring physical comedy to the streets. The workshops are free, but booking is essential, on 031-2014750.
For more information email kzn@pansa.org.za or phone 031 201 4750. Enquiries at the theatre: call 031 837 7400.
Tickets can be booked through Computicket outlets, telephonically at 0861 915 8000, or online at http://www.computicket.com. Ticket prices: R50. Students, OAPS and PANSA paid-up members: R30.
All 10am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm shows on Saturday and Sunday are Pay What You Can.
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