Durban

SA’s struggle for democracy celebrated in a new African opera

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Khumbuzile Dlamini as Winnnie Mandela in 'Ubuntu - The Opera' (pic Val Adamson)

Khumbuzile Dlamini as Winnnie Mandela in ‘Ubuntu – The Opera’. Photo: Val Adamson

Review: Ubuntu – The Opera; Playhouse Opera Theatre, Durban

 AN opera which celebrates the life and achievements of former President, Nelson Mandela, is not a new concept.

I was privileged to see Mandela Trilogy, Cape Town Opera’s musical tribute to Madiba’s extraordinary life when the production toured to the Playhouse a few years ago. And then there was the ill-fated Madiba: The African Opera, which was forced to close after three days at the State Theatre in Pretoria when it ran out of money to pay performers.

Ubuntu – The Opera, featuring a libretto and music composed by Juan Burgers, provides another look at the iconic statesman’s life, but this time also shines a spotlight on his relationship with Winnie Mandela and how their participation in the liberation struggle impacted that relationship. Continue reading →

Auditions for a new play to be held in Durban

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THERE will be auditions for the new play, Zus en Matilde, written by Theo Fransz and directed by Philisiwe Twijnstra, in Durban this week.

Auditions will take place on September 12 from 2 pm to 5 pm. Requirements are a monologue and a children’s game. Book a slot by emailing your name and time you would like to audition to ptwijnstra@gmail.com

The director is looking for two female actors, who can play teenagers. Actors must be available for rehearsals in September for a performance in October 2015 in Johannesburg. The performance fee, accommodation, SnT and transport is taken care off.

Enjoy Freedom of the Mind at the Bay of Plenty in Durban

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Pictured are members of the band, Salt and Light (based at UKZN); accomplished skateboarders / biker riders and visual artists who will be participating in the event Back, left to right: Darren Oatley (Skateboard), Celumusa Dladla (Tall / blue / Keys), Middle left to right Mondli Mbhele (Yellow hat / artist) Sibonelo Mdletshe (Specs / sweatshirt) Head of Parks, Recreation and Culture Unit, Thembinkosi Ngcobo Sibonsiso Mavundla (Hat / drums) Siya Mkhize (White T shirt / guitar) Schogn Lee (Bike) Front: Lindani Nyandeni (White T shirt artist) Photo: Publicity Matters

Pictured are members of the band, Salt and Light (based at UKZN), accomplished skateboarders and biker riders and visual artists who will be participating in Freedom of the Mind (back, from left) Darren Oatley, Celumusa Dladla, (middle from left) Mondli Mbhele, Sibonelo Mdletshe, Head of Parks, Recreation and Culture Unit, Thembinkosi Ngcobo, Sibonsiso Mavundla, Siya Mkhize, Schogn Lee, (front) Lindani Nyandeni. Photo: Publicity Matters

Durban’s Parks, Recreation & Culture Unit is hosting a celebration to honour Heritage month.  Freedom of the Mind is a day-long free family event to be held at Bay of Plenty, next to the skateboard area, on Saturday, September 5, to showcase the breadth of creative talent the city is nurturing. Continue reading →