Author: stelsinkins

Flatfoot Dance Company to share the art of dance

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DURBAN’S Flatfoot Dance Company invites visual artists and dancers to be part of a unique and innovative residency at artSPACE Durban from June 22 to 26.
Local artists will have the chance to paint, draw and create around the dancers as they rehearse, dance and assemble choreography at the gallery at 3 Millar Road, Durban.
The week will culminate in a perfomance of Lliane Loot’s stunning days like these on Friday, June 26 at 6.30 pm.
days like these is a dance theatre work created by Loots in collaboration with award-winning filmmaker Karen Logan as a visual film and dance feast that looks at modern day storytelling and the politics of history and memory.
artSPACE durban curator, Karen Bradtke, will select some of the art works generated over the week to put on display in the gallery at next Friday’s event.
The cost is R100 per day for each artist and R350 for the week. For the special evening portraiture session on Wednesday, the cost is R100.
For the Friday event, the charge is R50, but if you have been part of the artist residency, there will be a 50% discount on tickets.
For more information and bookings phone 031 312 0793 or email: info@artspace-durban.com

For information about the Friday night performance, contact Clare at 082 875 6065.

Flatfoot Dance Company will be in residence at artSPACE durban next week.

Flatfoot Dance Company will be in residence at artSPACE durban next week.

Eco-film, The Shore Break, to premiere at DIFF

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A FILM about controversial titanium mining will have co-premieres at the Encounters International Documentary Festival in June and the Durban International Film Festival in July.
The Shore Break unpacks the dilemma faced by a rural community on South Africa’s Wild Coast as to whether to support or resist a proposed titanium mining project that could fundamentally change their lives forever.
In the Amadiba area, the Pondo people have tended their traditional way of life for centuries. A proposed titanium mine and the government’s controversial plan to build a highway across this ancestral ground, has polarised the community with those that see it as the beginning of the destruction of a way of life, and others who see it as a beacon of economic hope for the region.
Nonhle Mbuthuma, a young local eco-tour guide, is a staunch supporter of her people and the endangered environment on which their livelihood and culture depends. She wants to develop eco-tourism in order to protect her community’s homes, farms, graves and traditional lifestyle.
Her cousin Zamille “Madiba” Qunya, a local entrepreneur and self-proclaimed moderniser, is fully supportive of the proposed mining operations and highway construction. Tired of his community living in poverty, Madiba scurrilously courts private capital and questionable government officials.
While the South African President deposes the pro-environment Pondo Royal Family, Nonhle rallies support with little more than dogged determination.
Directed by Ryley Grunenwald, The Shore Break was a selected project at the 2012 Durban FilmMart, the IDFA WorldView Summer School 2013, the Hot Docs Forum 2012 and the Hot Docs Dealmakers 2013.
Co-produced by two South African companies, Grunenwald’s Johannesburg-based Marie-Vérité Films and Odette Geldenhuys’ Cape Town-based frank films, it was in competition at the recent International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IFDA), and was named the best feature length documentary at the 2015 International Environmental Film Festival (FIFE) in Paris.
“South Africa’s Wild Coast is my favourite place in the world — it has a rugged, mysterious beauty, and our family has been visiting there for years. When I heard about the proposed mining and toll road through the area, I could only imagine the extent of the environmental destruction of this pristine area,” says Grunenwald. “I met Nonhle Mbuthuma, who is a leader in her community, on one of my trips there. When I found out her arch enemy in favour of the developments was her own cousin and that the South African Government had dethroned her environmentally-conscious King Mpondombini Sigcau, it felt like something out of Shakespeare. I had to make a film about it.
“In the early stages of filming I was only aware of how the titanium mine and highway threatened whatever was in their pathway.
“However spending time with Madiba definitely made me see things from a broader perspective. He pointed out things that I couldn’t deny: the Wild Coast’s dire need for more schools, hospitals and employment. He believed large-scale development is the only hope for change.
“On the other hand Nonhle wanted development that would last longer than the 25-year lifespan of the mine. She believed alternative development such as expansive eco-tourism could develop the area without their having to give up their land and livelihood.
“Throughout production I kept changing my mind as to who was more ‘right’ about the development of the Wild Coast. The complexity intrigued me and I wanted to allow the audience to see things from both sides.”
“We hope The Shore Break will be seen by a wide audience — not only to entertain but to raise awareness of what’s going on and to stimulate debate about the development of our most picturesque coastline.”

Exquisitely filmed with arresting cinematography, The Shore Break is edited by Kerryn Assaizky, with original traditional cross-over music by local musician Ntombe Thongo, and sand animation by award-winning animator Justine Puren-Calverley.

Nonhle Mbuthuma.

Nonhle Mbuthuma.

International film experts heading to Durban Filmmart

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PRODUIRE au Sud of Festival des 3 Continents, in Nantes, France, and the French Embassy in South Africa have partnered with Africa’s premier film finance and co-production forum, the Durban FilmMart (DFM), which takes place during the 36th Durban International Film Festival from July 16 to 26.
This is the third year that this prestigious film developmental programme has partnered with the DFM, a film industry development initiative funded by the City of Durban and founded by the Durban Film Office and the Durban International Film Festival.
Produire au Sud, focuses on developing film co-productions, and supports potentially talented producers with techniques to develop their skills in line with international trends and standards.
The FilmMart, now in it’s sixth year, includes a finance forum, master classes and Africa in Focus — a programme of workshops, and also offers a series of networking and social sessions with like-minded industry representatives.
For this year’s DFM, Produire au Sud and the French Embassy, SA, will be bringing in three leading international experts, Italy-based documentary director/producer Stefano Tealdi, Cannes-born script-writer expert Sari Turgeman and France-based strategy and development consultant Dominique Welinski.
They will mentor 19 selected film projects in the finance forum and conduct masterclasses for all delegates.
“One of our key objectives is to provide a platform for African filmmakers to promote their stories ,” explains Toni Monty of the Durban Film Office. “Over the years we have recognised story development as a key area requiring the most support. So we continue to focus on this area in an endeavour to support the promotion of our continent’s narratives.”
Says Produire au Sud’s head Guillaume Mainguet: “We have similar objectives, although we are on two different continents.
“Our programme is set within the Festival des 3 Continents which features films from Africa, Latin America and Asia, and it is with this interest in this relationship with the DFM that we are able to support the development of film in Africa.
“Working together we are able to identify and guide projects that have potential to be developed and strengthened through the finance forum programme, as well as provide valuable practical insights through the masterclasses to delegates.
“We will also award one project an opportunity to go to the festival in France and work among others, with internationally experience script experts in a week-long programme in our Produire au Sud (PAS) workshop.”
A number of projects have, over the past two years been awarded an opportunity to participate in the Produire au Sud (PAS) Script Studio through this partnership.
In 2013, the award was given to The Bill directed by Nosipho Dumisa, (co-produced by Travis Taute and Junaid Ahmed) and Whiplash, directed by Meg Rickards (and produced by Jacky Lourens).
As part of the France South Africa Seasons that year, Hhola, Hhola directed by Madoda Ncayiyana (and produced by Julie Frederikse) was also selected.
Last year, it went to Hawa Hawaii, directed by Amirah Tajdin and produced by Wafa Mohamed Tajdin, Bongiwe Selane, Helena Spring and Junaid Ahmed, and Mrs Popplestone, directed by Sarah Ping Nie Jones and produced by Jean Meeran.
• For more information about the DFM and to register as a delegate visit http://www.durbanfilmmart.com

Sculptures on show at the Artisan Gallery

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Sculptural showcase

Opening on Sunday, June 21 at 3 pm for 3.30 pm at the Artisan Gallery in Florida Road, Durban, is an exhibition of Maureen Quin’s bronze sculptures and drawings. Carol Brown will be the guest speaker. There will be two walkabouts, one on June 22 and the other on July 3. With a career spanning six decades, Quin’s versatility reflects both her European and Africa n heritage. Through her long career she has proved to be one of South Africa’s most progressive sculptors. Her training and travels have brought her into contact with both the classical masterpieces in the museums, and with the works of Henry Moore, the Surrealists, the attenuated forms of Modigliani and current trends. The exhibition runs until July 4. Inquiries: Ingrid on 031 312 4364 or email info@artisan.co.za.

Symphony.

Symphony.

STORYTELLING

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AS part of the Ashburton Aloe Festival there will be an evening of storytelling round the campfire.
Taking place from 4 pm to 5.30 pm on Saturday, June 27, The Last Outpost (of Empire) Speaks Back, will be presented by Howard Bradshaw. He will be reading the work of poet, Roy Campbell, and other South African voices.
Spokesperson, Pandora Long, told Weekend Witness eXplore: “We hold this event once a year in order to share the beauty of the Lower Mpushini Valley with visitors at a time when the wild Aloe Candelabrum are in full flower.”
Entry to the event, which is being held at Galago, is R30, which entitles the ticket holder to visit all of the five venues over the two day festival period. Children under 12 are free.
Snack platters will be on sale for R20.
The Festival itself takes place on June 27 and 28. Five beautiful bushveld venues will be open to the public between 9 am and 4 pm; and visitors can enjoy talks, self-guided trails, aloe sales, lunches, live music, a tea garden and pony rides and a birding trail.
Tickets to the festival are R30 for both days and children under 12 are free. All proceeds go towards conservation.
• How to get there: Take the N3 Exit 69, turn right into Pope Ellis Drive, towards Ashburton East. Travel 4km till the ticket booth and follow the signs.
• For more information phone Darlene Bond 082 933 5036.

MUSIC

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THE KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra will be doing a Pop Up concert at the Tatham Art Gallery in Pietermaritzburg at 6.30 pm for 7.30 pm on Tuesday, June 30.
The 15-piece orchestra will be in concert for one hour at the gallery in Chief Albert Luthuli Street.
Patrons can also enjoy delicious canapés and award-winning Bouchard Finlayson before the music starts. The programme will include music by Marcello, Mozart, Piazzolla and selections from Indigo, the new album by Christopher Duigan and David Salleras.
Soloists include Salleras (saxophone), Joanna Frankel (violin) and Duigan (piano).
Tickets for the concert, supported by Parklane SuperSpar, are R180. To book email chris@fotag.co.za, SMA 083 417 4473 or phone 033 342 3051. Booking is essential and the dresscode is smart.
• A reminder that the Fabulous Picture Show, The Friends of Tatham Art Gallery’s annual fund raising drive, will be presented in November.
Donations are very much appreciated and Fotag urges all artists to participate in the exhibition and auction. The general requested or preferred size of artworks for this year is A4. For full details including technical details and submission dates visit http://www.fotag.co.za

THEATRE

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ASPIRING actors and dancers are invited to sign up for the BAD Summer School presented by local theatre professionals.
Designed for those between the ages of 16 and 50 seeking professional and practical hands-on training, the course runs for two weeks, from November 29 to December 13.
Those keen on performance as a hobby or recreational route are also urged to sign up.
Students will learn the foundations of acting and dance, developing their abilities within acting for theatre, as well as contemporary dance movement. The dance unit will be focused on exploring the body in relation to physical technique and expression through movement.
The acting unit will deal with stage performance, and film technique and general presentation skills that will equip candidates in improving confidence, team skills, vocal qualities, and public speaking.
Students will work in a professional collaborative environment and will work towards a final showcase performance and graduation ceremony. They will also receive a certificate of completion.
The Summer School will be conducted by Brenda- Lee Breeh Cele and Nompumelelo Mtshali.
Breeh Cele holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences from the University of KwaZulu-Natal with majors in drama and film.
She is a professional dancer, actress, upcoming film-maker and theatre director and works as a theatre technician at The Hexagon Theatre. Her directorial works include The Bald Prima Donna staged at the Hexagon Theatre and the National Arts Festival in 2014.
A contemporary and hip-hop dancer and choreographer, she performed at the 2013 National Arts Festival in One Lonely Light, at Dance Umbrella (Joburg) and the Jomba Fringe Festival (Durban) in 2014.
She also starred in A Thousand Cranes directed by Peter Mitchell.
Mtshali is currently her final year of a masters degree in drama student at UKZN. She has run drama educational programmes at Sobantu High School (2012), Humming Bird (2013) and the Pietermaritzburg Children’s Home (2013) and is currently a teacher trainer for creatives arts specifically drama, dance, music and visuals arts working for Assitej South Africa.
The two-week summer school will be held at the Hexagon Theatre on Golf Road, Pietermaritzburg, weekdays day from 2 pm to 5 pm.
Space is limited and registration closes on July 2. Applications available by email upon request.
• For more information phone 079 679 4837, email:badsummerschool2013@gmail.com or visit http://www.facebook.com/badsummerschool2013

THEATRE AND DANCE

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CRAWFORD College in La Lucia will be hosting The Road to Hollywood, a vibrant production showcasing the talent of five members of the South African team who will be competing in the 2015 World Championships of Performing Arts, in Hollywood in July.
Competitors had to qualify to compete by winning at least one gold medal at the South African Championships of Performing Arts, a ten-day event encompassing dance, drama, singing, musical talent, variety arts and modelling.
Performing in The Road To Hollywood show are: Crawford College La Lucia pupils, dancer, Emmitt Cawley (overall SA Championships of Performing Arts grand champion), dancer Jemma van Breda (overall winner, variety arts) and singer Bernelee Frick, Westville Boys High dancer, Keegan Barnes and Westville Girls High dancer, Jenna Moodie.
Ravi R is the show compere and other performers include singer Shelley Maclean, Keith Armstrong, deputy head of Crawford College La Lucia;
Luke Holder, head arts and culture at Westville Boys High, John Coldbeck, drama teacher at Crawford La Lucia, Enver Moolla, hip hop teacher at Crawford La Lucia, Deneska Theron, from Crawford La Lucia, Andrew Sutton, from Northwood Boys High (winner of Gateway to Fame), Rachel Scrooby, from St Mary’s, Sanele Sibiya and Lindo Langa, ex- Northwood Boys High pupils, and Annette Louw, from Westville Senior Primary.
Dancers taking part in the show include Donna da Costa (gold medallist, SA Champs Performing Arts), the Beatbreakerz Dance Crew, the Dance Barre dance studio, and Jingles & Jazz Studio.
Melissa von Loggerenberg will do a drama work.
Emmitt, who is hoping to repeat his South African success by becoming overall champion in Hollywood, said: “I am really looking forward to the Road to Hollywood event as it will not only provide a great cause for celebration on break-up day, but a valuable opportunity to practice the routines that we will be performing at the World Championships from July 6 to 23.”
Tickets for The Road to Hollywood, which is at Crawford College La Lucia at 6 pm on Friday, June 26, can be booked with Deidre Frick at 079 045 1100.

THEATRE

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DIM-DEP: Faces of Environmental Success, a new South African musical with a strong environmental and heritage theme, will be staged in the Playhouse Loft Theatre in Durban from July 2 to 5.
The title is inspired by the sound produced by beating an African drum, especially with hands. It is also an abbreviation of Drum and Indigenous Music Development Project — an ongoing initiative run by Atlas Philani Duma’s Sagiya Productions.
Starring Nonkululeko Mchunu, Cherise Hlengiwe Filen, Ntokozo Ngcobo and Lee Ngamlana, with music by Duma, Smanga DJ Sweet Bhengu and Thonbani Mbatha, this musical is classic “edutainment” — an engaging story with a strong environmental message.
The story, crafted through a blend of dialogue, poetry, music, dramatic prose and monologues, is told over two time periods: contemporary urban and Stone Age
The narrators are two women, Sindy and Mpume, who meet in the rainforest near the Drakensberg mountains. Through flashbacks they reflect on the life of early men and women living in the mountains.
The story talks to responsible, environmentally-aware living, reminding audiences of the need to be self-sufficient, nurture the environment, minimize pollution, limit use of power and look back to age-old skills such as agriculture, responsible use of animal products and environmental sustainability.
“The story is a reminder to us all to take care of the environment,” says Duma. “We are reminded that we cannot survive on digital devises alone! Other issues which are touched on, include awareness in cultural development and our rich heritage.”
Dim-Dep also features a great musical score comprised of Afro blues, jazz, bebop, pop, maskandi, Afro jazz and house.
Showtimes are 7 pm on July 2, 3 and 4 and 3 pm on July 5.
Tickets are R80 at Computicket, Shoprite and Checkers stores and from the Playhouse Company.

Ntokozo Ngcobo and Nonkululeko Mchunu star in Dim-Dep: Faces of Environmental Success which will be staged at the Playhouse.

Ntokozo Ngcobo and Nonkululeko Mchunu star in Dim-Dep: Faces of Environmental Success which will be staged at the Playhouse.

CHILDREN’S THEATRE

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IF you are looking for ways to entertain the little ones over the holidays then make a date to see the AUC’s (Actors Unemployed Company) The Pied Piper of Hamelin at the Rhumbelow Theatre in Umbilo.
Adapted for the stage from the Robert Browning version of the classic tale by Marc Kay, and directed by Clinton Small, the show captures the very essence of this wonderful story with all the characters from the original story … and a few that aren’t! Performers will race about the stage enacting one of their favourite stories, filled with magic, comedy, shadow puppets, audience interaction… and RATS!
Showtimes are 10 am on June 27 and 30, 2 pm on June 28, 10 am on July 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17 and 18, and at 10 am on July 2, 5, 12, 16 and 19.
After the show, a short workshop will be held as an introduction to Shadow Puppet Theatre (run by the performers, and at no extra cost!)
Snacks and juices are on sale.
Tickets are R60 at Computicket, email roland@stansell.za.net or phone Ailsa at 083 250 2690.

Adam Dore stars in the Pied Piper of Hamlin at the Rhumbelow Theatre.

Adam Dore stars in the Pied Piper of Hamlin at the Rhumbelow Theatre.