Theatre
Fresh from the recent National Arts Festival, Jo’burg production Ways of Dying has opened as part of the Market Theatre’s new season. Lara Foot Newton’s inventive stage adaptation of Zakes Mda’s novel is a powerful affirmation of the commonality of human experience and the universal healing power of love. Undoubtedly the most acclaimed work at Grahamstown, this production stars big names like Nomsa Nene and Mncedisi Shabangu. Tel: (011) 832-1641. Book online.
Harrowing, hilarious, scabrous, sarcastic, bleak and poignant, Memories is a Belgian mime-movement two-hander of powerful tragicomic proportions. Ace Belgian
actors Charles Cornette and Bode Owa star in this explosive performance piece which is a brutally funny, savagely honest look at life’s absurdities in the best tradition of Beckett and Chaplin. Their internationally-acclaimed work of visceral physical theatre comes to Pietermaritzburg for one night only, so don’t miss out. The show is on Sunday at 6pm at the Hexagon Theatre. Tel: (0331) 260-5537.
Music
All facets of Durban’s multi-dimensional
arts centre come to vibrant life on Friday as the Bat Centre celebrates
its third monthly Umgubho. The hugely popular affair is a kaleidoscope of
indigenous music, art, theatre and social flair. In the outdoor music
department, the quayside vibrates with Mthoko Mkhize’s Vuthela
Queens, a lively song-and-dance troupe fresh from tour success in
Australia, at 5pm. The cudgels are taken up by the reggae grooves of Winston
Toshmarley’s Revealers and Eric Coolfire’s Rasta Revelations from 7pm.
They’re followed by Richard Ellis’s Orchestrated Junk drumming experience,
whereafter the party kicks into high gear at Zansi restaurant with a live
concert by powerful Durban crossover outfit Zasiye. Forming part of the Umgubho is a concert by inspired Dutch jazz ensemble Millennium Quadrant SA. Led by Eric van der Westen and comprising five top Dutch musicians
and four of their South African counterparts, the supergroup perform a
stunning brew of European and African jazz from around 9pm. The only aspect
of the Umgubho that is not free to the public, tickets for the concert are
R25 and advance booking can be made through Ticketweb. Tel: 332-0451 or 086-0400-500.
It’s time for another Essential Mix party at Cape town’s Rhythm Devine. The fourth in the successful set of “no rules” parties, the Gauloises Essential Mix 3 happens on Friday from 9pm onwards, featuring the city’s best DJs in their respective genres. Rozzano X spins hip hop, Ready D scratches, Nick throwns in the big beats, Fletcher breaks ’em and Alon drops drum ‘n’ bass. Pickle boys Adam and Ralph mix it up on the side. Entrance to Essential Mix 4 will be R25 at the door. Tickets are available at Ticketweb at 0860 400 500. Tel: 082-747-6376.
Jo’burg’s jazz joint the Bassline goes all out with the Sheer Sound All-Stars on Friday and Saturday. The All-Stars are Sipho Gumede on bass, McCoy Mrubata on sax, Paul Hanmer on keyboard, Frank Paco on drums and Errol Dyers on guitar – in other words, a hugely talented grouping which is not to be missed. Best get there early. Tel: (011) 482-6915.
He’s back! The so-called king of jump-up jungle, DJ/producer Aphrodite, has found time in his international touring schedule to come and thrill us once again. Jo’burg’s 206ers will get some dark and driving drum ‘n’ bass on Friday. R40 will get you in to see this musical genius who has worked with the likes of Apollo 440 and Nine Inch Nails. Tel: (011) 728-5333. Website. Aphrodite then moves down to Cape Town, where he’ll be packing the Jam on Saturday night.
It’s Never 2 Late 2 Dv8, says the flyer. So if you missed one of Jo’burg’s most notorious alternative nightclubs in the Eighties, take the opportunity to re-live the experience, Nineties style, at this club DV8 reunion on Saturday. DJs Martin V, Brozz and LZ will be mixing all kinds of music, from ambient and funk to reggae and soul, at the Mega Music Warehouse in the Newtown Cultural Precinct. Tickets are R40 at Computicket. Tel: (011) 834-2181.
Jus’ Jazzin, an unbelievably smooth, ritzy jazz den, is the latest venue to bear testament to Durban’s exceedingly healthy jazz scene. Friday features one of Durban’s most prominent exponents of pure, refined jazz in
the form of Jiqa. The trio features acclaimed keyboardist Sue Barry, Philani Ngidi on bass and renowned stick-twiddler Shaun Petersen on drums. The trio becomes a quartet on Saturday as Jiqa is joined by
emerald-voiced songstress Xolisa Gqoli, who has emerged from backing-vocal
duties with Busi Mhlongo, Sergio Diaz and Elie Kihonia as a seriously
talented lead singer in her own right.
The Substance Dance Xplosion happens at the Wembley Dome in the Jo’burg City Centre on Saturday. This all-night dance party will thril all the city’s ravers with the launch of the Tripoli Trax label in South Africa. Spinning the music will be United Kingdom DJs Kev Bird and Ziad, and local DJs such as Derek The Bandit, Dizzy, Lea and Dave. Tickets are R80 (R120 for VIP) at the usual rave ticket outlets.
TV
Equus, on e.tv at 11pm on Saturday, is the film adaptation of Peter Shaffer’s successful play about a young man (played by Peter Firth) who seems compelled to blind horses. Richard Burton is the psychiatrist who sets out to discover the reasons behind the young man’s disturbing behaviour. Burton’s intense performance earned him an Oscar nomination for best actor, while Firth was nominated as best supporting actor.