WHITE CHRISTMAS

By Clinton Marius

Starring Jonathan Cohen

Hexagon Theatre

One performance only!

Sat 3^rd December at 7.30pm

Booking at Computicket

Copy Dog proudly presents its acclaimed one-man tragi-comedy, White Christmas, at the Hexagon Theatre in Pietermaritzburg for one performance only on Saturday 3 December at 19h30. Written and directed by multiple-award winning theatre-maker, Clinton Marius, the production stars the swiftly-rising young Pietermaritzburg-born, Durban-based actor, Jonathan Cohen.

In the wake of its run at Seabrooke’s Theatre in Durban in March this year, White Christmas recently scooped six nominations in this year’s Durban Theatre Awards, which takes place tonight at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre. The nominations received by Marius are for Best Director, Best New South African Script and Best Production, while Cohen is nominated in the categories of Best Lead Actor, Best Solo Performer and Best New Performer Male.

White Christmas hones in on the Van Niekerk family as they go ‘upmarket’ and spend their annual festive season holiday at the Park Rynie caravan park on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast. But this year’s holiday is different. Way different.

Says Marius, known for his uncanny ability to write across South Africa’s cultural divides in his bench-mark radio series, Lollipop Lane, and his multi award-winning stage shows, The Fantastical Flea Circus, B!*ch Stole My Doek, and Sweetie Darling: “White Christmas is, ironically, a black comedy about a South African family’s 350-year history in this country, and where they stand today. The play is the most personal I have written to date, as it turns a satirical spotlight on my own family. Certain elements have been tweaked for dramatic effect, but the bittersweet account is by-and-large a factual one.”

Appraising the production’s Durban run in March this year, ArtSmart reviewer Keith Miller wrote: “This tragi-comedy one-hander showcases Marius’s skill and insight as a writer as well as his superb use of the English language. He has dug deep into his childhood and upbringing to create a meaningful piece of theatre which is thought-provoking, emotional and thoroughly entertaining… Jonathan Cohen’s performance keeps the audience transfixed from beginning to end. The emotion, vulnerability and intensity he shows towards the end of the play is quite breathtaking and had more than one audience member in tears. White Christmas is a beautifully written piece. It is the type of production which needs a very special performance and very astute direction to bring it to life. On this occasion this has, with distinction, happened.”

Posting on Facebook, the Mercury’s Arts Editor Billy Suter hailed White Christmas as “a piece glistening with vivid vignettes that starts off light and breezy and slow burns to an ending that is unexpected and with clout. A deft script, solid direction and a fine performance. A good show. See it!”

Tickets for White Christmas at the Hexagon Theatre are R100 (R80 students and pensioners). Booking is through Computicket on 0861 915 8000 or online at www.computicket.com. Secure parking is provided.

One Hit Wonderful

Hexagon Dive

Fri 9^th, Sat 10^th, Thurs 15^th, Fri 16^th, Sat 17^th December at 7 for 7.30pm

Doors open at 6.45pm

Picnic evenings – bring your food, but no drinks; there is a cash bar.

Tickets R100pp or R90pp per table of 10 or more

Bookings: hexagon@ukzn.ac.za

You remember these people: Carl Perkins, Jeannie C Riley, Kim Carnes, Eddie Holman, The BodyRockers…?

Yeah, neither do we. Why? Because they had one hit number that rocked the world, and then they faded into obscurity, to become members of that exclusive club known as One Hit Wonders. But although we don’t remember them, we certainly remember their songs!

It’s that time of the year and the gang is back together again for the annual December show, and they are delighted to bring you a selection of the most well-known and dynamic One Hit Wonders.  Sandra Styles, Daniel Rossouw, Ryan Calder and Tammy Calder are once again gracing the Dive stage with their amazing voices and wacky humour. They are joined this year by guest artist, Katherine McLennand. Direction is by Peter Mitchell.

In a tradition that started more than 15 years ago, the annual Dive show takes a look at various styles, genres, eras and artists and provides a fabulous relaxed evening of good music and fun. This year’s show includes One Hit Wonders such as  Lemon Tree, Lollipop, Mamy Blue, Venus, Don’t Worry Be Happy, I Like the Way You Move, Everlasting Love, Eloise, and many more.

The traditional format remains: picnic evenings where patrons bring their own food, but no drinks, as there is a cash bar. It’s time to kick back, relax and remember some great hits and learn a little about who sang them, dragging them out of obscurity into the spotlight once more.

SARAFINA is back!

HEXAGON THEATRE

6 – 10 October (Thurs, Fri, Mon at 6.30pm, Sat at 2pm and 6.30pm and Sun at 3pm)

Tickets R100 (Concessions R50 – R80)

Book at Ticketweb: https://www.webtickets.co.za/event.aspx?itemid=1464524755 (Book online, or book online & collect at Pick n Pay, or buy at selected Pick n Pays)

With the education crisis ever present, Sarafina is even more relevant than ever before. This October the UKZN Drama Department, Pietermaritzburg Campus is set to present this critically acclaimed Musical at the University’s Hexagon Theatre. The play was originally written by award winning Actor/director/ playwright Mbongeni Ngema who also choreographed, produced and composed music for the stage play when it first hit New York stages in the 1980’s.

The play is set in Soweto, specifically at Morris Isaacson High School, a school in which the students of 1976 courageously protested against the imposition of using Afrikaans as a medium of instruction in Township Schools. Led by a fierce young woman known as Sarafina who is committed to the struggle against apartheid, they brave teargas and police shootings, all in an attempt to fight for justice and freedom in the education system that they were subjected to at the time.

Through narrative, song and dance, the production makes accessible difficult political issues in a lighthearted manner. The play comes alive through performances by a vibrant young cast of Second and third year Drama students in the department and forms part of the department’s annual student production. They are also joined by 3 students from the Creative Arts College and one learner from Girls High school.

The play is directed by Ntokozo Madlala, a lecturer in the Drama Department, Musical direction assisted by TChristian, a rising musical producer who performed at this year’s  Pietermaritzburg Jazz Festival and a former Drummer for Simphiwe Dana. Choreography by Brenda Lee Cele who manages Accoustic Assassins and directed And the Girls in their Sunday Dresses earlier this year. The production also features lecturer in the department, Ayanda Khala Phiri, who brings a seasoned colorful performance to the supporting role of Teaspoon. The role Sarafina is shared by Nandile Khumalo and Zazi Kunene, who both bring unique strengths to this iconic role. 

ANDRE THE HILARIOUS HYPNOTIST

Andre The Hilarious Hypnotist moves to the Winston Churchill Theatre

Wed 28^th September to Sat 1^st October

Book at www.webtickets.co.za

Andre The Hilarious Hypnotist has moved his Pietermaritzburg shows to the Winston Churchill Theatre in Leinster Road, Scottsville, due to the uncertainty of student unrest on the UKZN campus. The shows will still take place from Wed 28^th September to Sat 1^st October at 7.30pm with bookings through webtickets.co.za. Any bookings already made will automatically be transferred to the new venue.

Enjoy an evening of fun and laughter with Andre and his hilarious volunteers!

Wed 28^th Sept – Sat 1^st Oct at 7.30pm

Tickets:     Wed special: all seats R70

                  Thurs – Sat R90 (students/seniors R80)

Book at Webtickets 

Andre cannot wait to have his show back on stage at the Hexagon Theatre for his 2016 season, after a sellout run in Durban.  Andre The Hilarious Hypnotist, who needs no introduction, uses volunteers from the audience and convinces them to participate in various crazy, zany and downright hilarious routines. 

It's the type of comedy in which no two shows are ever the same and even Andre is never too sure what he can expect on stage. This year's season which recently sold out in Durban has a added entertainment element to it as Andre has his volunteers partake in suggestions in the audience, something Andre has not done since the early 90's. 

It's 3D in your face as volunteers and audience alike become part of a two-hour rollercoaster of hilarity.

The show is suitable for young and old and can be seen nightly from Sept 28th - Oct 01, at 7:30 at the Hexagon Theatre. Patrons are reminded that tickets can be purchased at webtickets.co.za or nightly at the door. 

For a must see, one of a kind performance, look no further than Andre The Hilarious Hypnotist at the Hexagon Theatre, UKZN 

SARAFINA

HEXAGON THEATRE

8^th – 13^th September (Thurs, Fri, Mon, Tues at 6.30pm, Sat and Sun at 3pm)

Tickets R100 (Concessions R50 – R80)

Book at Ticketweb: https://www.webtickets.co.za/event.aspx?itemid=1464524755 (Book online, or book online & collect at Pick n Pay, or buy at selected Pick n Pays)

Before there was Sarafina the movie, there was Sarafina the play. This September the UKZN Drama Department, Pietermaritzburg Campus is set to present this critically acclaimed Broadway Musical at the University’s Hexagon Theatre. The play was originally written by award winning Actor/director/ playwright Mbongeni Ngema who also choreographed, produced and composed music for the stage play when it first hit New York stages in the 1980’s.

The play is set in Soweto, specifically at Morris Isaacson High School, a school in which the students of 1976 courageously protested against the imposition of using Afrikaans as a medium of instruction in Township Schools. Led by a fierce young woman known as Sarafina who is committed to the struggle against apartheid, they brave teargas and police shootings, all in an attempt to fight for justice and freedom in the education system that they were subjected to at the time.

Through narrative, song and dance, the production makes accessible difficult political issues in a lighthearted manner. The play comes alive through performances by a vibrant young cast of Second and third year Drama students in the department and forms part of the department’s annual student production. They are also joined by 3 students from the Creative Arts College and one learner from Girls High school.

The play is directed by Ntokozo Madlala, a lecturer in the Drama Department, Musical direction assisted by TChristian, a rising musical producer who performed at this year’s  Pietermaritzburg Jazz Festival and a former Drummer for Simphiwe Dana. Choreography by Brenda Lee Cele who manages Accoustic Assassins and directed And the Girls in their Sunday Dresses earlier this year. The production also features lecturer in the department, Ayanda Khala Phiri, who brings a seasoned colorful performance to the supporting role of Teaspoon. The role Sarafina is shared by Nandile Khumalo and Zazi Kunene, who both bring unique strengths to this iconic role. 

Comedy Masterclass

With Aaron McIlroy

Hexagon Theatre

Friday 12^th Aug at 7.30pm

Sat 13^th Aug at 2.30 and 7.30pm

Tickets at Webtickets: https://www.webtickets.co.za/event.aspx?itemid=1464273716

R130 (R100 concession)

Enquiries 033 260 5537

Stand by for a fresh new laugh-a-line theatre experience from South Africa’s ‘Master of Mirth! Following a highly successful premiere run at UKZN’s Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre in Durban earlier this year, and triumphing on the 2016 National Arts Festival Fringe, Comedy Masterclass is the set to take the Hexagon Theatre by storm!

Catch this critically acclaimed latest offering from the artist who brought you Abbamaniacs, The Loser, and most recently The Ranga, when Aaron McIlroy’s Comedy Masterclass plays in Pietermaritzburg for three performances only! Performances are on Friday 12 August at 19h30, and on Saturday 13 August at 14h30 and 19h30. Tickets are R130 per person (R100 for pensioners, students and scholars). Booking is through www.webtickets.co.za.

Join McIlroy as he delves into the science that underpins the world’s oldest coping mechanism, a Sense of Humour. Co-written by McIlroy and Patrick Kenny, and directed by Kenny, Comedy Masterclass is a surreal, comedic roller-coaster ride into the world of laughter, where the rules are subjective and what one person finds funny another may cringe at!

Why do we find things funny? McIlroy attempts to answer the question: "Something is funny because it captures a moment, it contains an element of truth as seen from a new angle, it is something that we have always known and yet are hearing it out loud for the first time. I think that our need to feel intelligent comes into play a lot in finding things funny...”

“Maybe humour is actually the overwhelming joy at feeling intelligent" quips McIlroy. "Say somebody tries to put on their shoes standing up and falls over. They look like a complete idiot, we feel intelligent because we are not the one falling over.. So, we laugh - maybe out of relief that it's not us - this time! Another person makes a clever comment and only a few people get it. If we get the joke we recognise the person as being clever and feel clever ourselves because we understood the concept so, we laugh, again".

So is humour partly to do with self-congratulation at being intelligent? “Probably a huge part of it!  In any event, as ‘Laughter is the best medicine’, come and enjoy your dose. Because, let's face it, there has never been a time when we needed it more.”

Acoustiq Assassins

The Hexagon Dive, UKZN Pmb

Monday 8th August at 6.30pm

Tickets R50, Students R30

Acoustiq Assassins Join forces with Erin Fouree, Sanele Mkize, Thamsanqa Mathonsi, Bathandwa Lerato, Matt Gardener and Austin Lurring for an evening of local Music.

 Acoustiq Assasins brings you a soulful twist with love melodies. Their sound can’t be put in one box as their music has elements of RnB, soft rock and afro soul. They aim to touch souls through their music and their songs have a deep-rooted message which they hope will educate people.

Acoustiq Assassins is a local band made up of 4 talented members Noma Khumalo, Gugu Mdladla, Junior Mazibuko and Siphesihle Bhengu. They believe in creativity, originality and influencing people in a positive way. Their music create images in one’s mind and they are inspired by everyday life and the people of Pietermaritzburg.

 ExperiDance

Hexagon Theatre

Wednesday 3rd and Thursday 4th August at 6.30pm
Tickets R50 available from Webtickets

ExperiDance showcases a number of dance and physical expression pieces, from Epworth High School dance companies and invited schools in the surrounding area, including St Annes and Maritzburg College.

Hexagon Theatre

Friday 29th July and Saturday 30th July at 7pm

Tickets R65.00 available from Webtickets

MO MAGIC

The Hexagon Theatre: Pietermaritzburg, 21-23 July 2016

The Hexagon Theatre, University of Kwazulu Natal, Golf Road, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg

Thursday 21 July 2016 7:30pm, Friday 22 July 7:30pm, Saturday 23 July 2016 3:30 pm (Matinee) & 7:30pm

Running Time: 1h30min

Tickets at Computicket: R100 & R120

http://online.computicket.com/web/event/mo_magic/1043188933

No under 6s & No Admittance After Start of Performance

Press & Show Queries: bookings@momagic.co.za

www.momagic.co.za

Having astonished, amazed and entertained a number of celebrities, personalities and

members of the public with his weekly prime time TV show titled “Magic with Mo” on SABC3,

South African magician Mo Magic brings his theatre show to Pietermaritzburg for four

performances as part of his national tour.

A first of its kind for South Africa, the TV show gained a tremendous following from the viewing

public and rose to second most watched South African TV show on SABC3 behind Isidingo.

Additionally, the only international shows with larger viewerships were Bold and the Beautiful

and Days of our Lives, both on air for decades with a long standing following. The magician

says, I’m thrilled the TV show was so well received. South Africans are clearly appreciating the

art of magic and I’m honoured to be sharing it with them.”

The TVSA blog reported “Magic with Mo has pulled out an ace for SABC3 with a whopping

increase in viewership since its premiere” adding “Not an easy feat on a Saturday night. This

growth is a good example of a show slowly building by being engaging or entertaining. Well

done, Mo.”

An honours degree graduate in electronic engineering, Mo resigned from a lucrative career as a

project manager, in 2010, to pursue his passion for the art of magic. The magician says, “2015

brought with it the realisation of my dream - to share the art of magic with South Africans

regularly on TV, taking it to them in their homes. During 2016, I plan to take the art of magic

to people in their towns and cities to experience live.”

This being his 14th year with the art of magic, the audience can expect to see some of the

magic, mentalism (mind reading magic) and stunts as seen on the TV show, and other routines

saved especially for the 90 minute theatre show. He will also have you in stitches with his

clean comedy and witty ad-libs.

The tour kicked off in Durban with multiple sold out performances in February, then proceeded

to the Wild Coast and Port Elizabeth. The magician is now thrilled to bring the show to

Pietermaritzburg as part of the tour. “I love performing the art of magic and the art form is

best experienced live. I look forward to intriguing and entertaining the Pietermaritzburg

audiences with my theatre show, especially since this will be my first public theatre

performance in the beautiful city.” says Mo Magic.

The brand ambassador for “Child Welfare Durban & District”, Mo Magic will also be using the

tour to spread awareness into the contribution made by the organisation towards “giving

childhood back to children” and has combined a message with an illusion in the show to spread

the news.

The magician’s ambitious nation wide tour makes history in that this is the first time a South

African magician will tour every province with a theatre show, combining magic, mentalism

and comedy. The show will then travel internationally.

Tickets for “MO MAGIC” are available through Computicket and bookings are now open.

CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL – TRIBUTE

Hexagon Theatre

Fri 15^th and Saturday 16^th July at 7.30pm

Tickets R125

Bookings at www.webtickets.co.za  

Durban based iconics, The Black Lapels, are heading to the Hexagon to perform their sell out show – THE CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL TRIBUTE

Featuring seasoned and southern honed journeymen Rob and Garth Warren, stick man, Gareth Gale, David Keytar and the “young gun” himself, “Cool hand”, Luke Wyngaard. This performance will instantly transport you back to the hedonistic days of the sixties, San Francisco and the southern rock style that made Creedence an unforgettable force amongst a host of other “royalty” of that generation. And one that, to date, has sold 26 million records and an induction into the rock n roll hall of fame.

Relive the period, the iconography and experience the socially conscious impact John and Tom Fogerty, together with Stu Cook and Doug Clifford left embedded in the chemical haze of the late 60,s and early 70’s.

A perfect evening of music at the Hex

PreFest Fest

#SirensRock and Sugar Sugar

Hexagon Studio Theatre

Friday 1^st July at 6pm and 7pm

Tickets R40 per show available at the door only.

The Hexagon is delighted to host previews of two shows on their way to the National Arts Festival: #SirensRock and Sugar Sugar.

#SirensRock     6pm

It has always been the way of the Sirens to lure in mariners with their hypnotic songs, and so has it been the fate of sailors to crash their ships on the surrounding rocks and drown for their folly. Except, no ships have come by for decades and following an internal productivity audit, The Sirens need to get their numbers up or face (ex)termination. Aglaope (Nandile Khumalo) tries to stay positive while Peisinoe (Themba Mncadi) seems to have already given up when they discover Image Consultant Cassandra (Lihle Ngubo) marooned on their shore. It seems the Gods are finally on their side as Cassandra pushes them into the 21^st Century, and while Peisinoe eagerly embraces the change, Aglaope soon finds herself at odds with Cassandra and her new-fangled ways. Is Cassandra too good to be true? Can you teach an old Siren new tricks? What are they truly willing to sacrifice in order to succeed?

Written and directed by Masters student Erin Fourie, #SirensRock is a whimsical and slightly musical journey into the then and now of the Greek Sirens.

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SUGAR SUGAR    7pm

Sugar Sugar is based on the true story of Thozamile Taki- the infamous Sugarcane Killer. Sentenced to thirteen life sentences, Taki was defined as a “jackal in a sheep’s skin” by the ruling judge. This drama, woven with song and dynamic imagery, tells the story of love and personal conflict.

Written and directed by Londiwe Ngema.

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A special Fundraising Performance of

THIS IS THE SEVENTIES

Hexagon Dive

Wednesday 15^th June (Thursday is a holiday!)

7pm for 7.30pm (Doors open at 6.45pm)

Picnic show (bring food, but no drinks – there is a cash bar)

Tickets R85pp, or R800 for a table of ten.

Bookings: hexagon@ukzn.ac.za

Enquiries: 033 260 5537

And they’re back! Again! For a special fundraising performance to help fund UKZN’s entry to the Student Festival at the National Arts Festival.

Once again this very popular show featuring those groovy 70’s songs will rock the stage. Erin Fourie, Sandra Styles, Daniel Rossouw, and Brandon Bosch revisit their annual tribute to music of the past. It’s the Seventies – the “Me” Decade – a period of great changes in the music scene, when icons were made, horizons were stretched and musicians broke out of their boxes and went where their dreams (and substances) took them!

The list of musicians reads like a veritable who’s who of 20^th Century icons, and goes from the sublime to the ridiculous, depending on your taste. Names such as John Lennon, Elton John, Neil Diamond, Carole King, Paul Simon, Jim Croce, James Taylor, Gloria Gaynor and groups like The Rolling Stones, ABBA, Three Dog Night, Four Seasons and Creedence Clearwater Revival, conjure up images and memories of a seminal period of music. This was the soundtrack of a decade. Woodstock was over, but it opened the floodgates for a diversity of music which stretched the boundaries of Rock, Pop, Country and Folk, and brought us to (dare we say it?) Disco!

BLOOD WEDDING

by Federico Garcia Lorca

HEXAGON THEATRE

June 7^th to 11^th  at 7pm

Tickets R60/R45 available at www.webtickets.co.za or follow the link on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/events/1596423310648404/

Enquiries 033 260 5537

“To burn with desire and keep quiet about it is the greatest punishment we can bring on ourselves”, so says Leonardo , a former suitor, to a bride-to-be on her wedding day. 
In this contemporary reimagining of the classical play, the unleashed torrent of passion and vendetta culminates in a dance of death combining music, movement, poetic storytelling, surrealism and brutal realism. 
Under the direction of Tamantha Hammerschlag, the cast of postgraduate and undergraduate students of the Drama and Performance Studies UKZN is joined by professionals Ntokozo Madlala, Hazel Barnes, Marcus Henning, TQ Zondi and Mpilo Nzimande. Designs are by Peter Mitchell, music by Bernard Kisbey-Green and choreography by Paul Datlen and Pumelela Nqelenga

BORN TO DIVA

STARRING TONYA KOENDERMAN

Hexagon Dive

Fri 27^th and Sat 28^th May

7pm for 7.30pm (Doors open at 6.45pm)

Picnic shows (bring food, but no drinks – there is a cash bar)

Tickets R90pp.

Bookings: hexagon@ukzn.ac.za

Well known cabaret artist Tonya Koenderman is in town with her new one-man show, Born To Diva.

The show promises to be a musical feast with serial thrillers and gorgeous, slightly revealing costumes.  All your old favourites are featured:  Tina Turner, Shirley Bassey, Bette Midler, Liza Minnelli, Nina Simone, to name but a few. 

In true diva style, Tonya adds her own saucy touch to evergreens:  "Diamonds are forever", "My Baby Just Cares for me",  "Pata Pata", "Special Star", "Simply the Best", "Nutbush City Limits", "Proud Mary", "All That Jazz, and  "New York New York". No diva show would be complete without an opera song, and Tonya performs the classic “Habanera” as only a true opera diva would.

Critics have described the show as “Sizzling!”, “Captivating” and “Top class cabaret”.  The show has already been to Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, East London, Cape Town, George, Durban and even Mauritius, and has received standing ovations, and rave reviews.

Kasi Stories: Stories not Often Told

Hexagon Theatre

Thurs 28^th April at 6pm

Tickets R60 at the door

Kasi Stories: Stories not Often Told tells the story of Xola and Thabo's friendship. We see the two young men at different stages of their lives though the play, as the boys move further apart economically it's their shared reality of failed fatherhood which both hold their friendship together and threatens to tear it apart. Kasi Stories asks pertinent questions about the failure of the father figure in the South African context.

This project is the brain-child of theatre maker Benjamin Bell, after participating in several regional schools festivals in 2015 in South Africa, Ben was shocked to see how little representation there is on stage of the realities of the lived experiences of many young black men. The black young poor man is painted with the heaviest of brushes as the villain, the criminal, the rapist, the idle and the untrustworthy. The bad rap this substantial group of our population receives from the media works to reinforce these crudely drawn stereotypes. By negatively reinforcing these half-truths and whole lies, the young black male gets forgotten---but what is his story? Let us not dictate to him, let us not ignore him until it's too late. This project aims to give a voice to the so often voiceless, let us listen, let us engage, let us activate and forge new narratives.

Ben has collaborated with 2 young black actors in an intense immersive rehearsal process over a three month period to bring you Kasi Stories:Stories not Often Told. The guiding question we will engage with deeply is What Does it Mean to be a South African Man? This question will underpin the exploration of this so often forgotten world influences the nature and methodology of the field work research and ultimately the creative shaping of this piece of work. The piece will be underpinned by a heightened sense of physical play as we revisit and redefine what is truly new South African Theatre.

UMUNTU

Hexagon Studio Theatre
5 to 7 May @6pm
Tickets available at the door

Over the past two months, Drama and Performance  students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal  have been working on a devised theatre piece that- at its core- is a celebration of Blackness.

 In close collaboration with the cast, recently published playwright, Masters student and multi-award winning director Kline Smith draws stunningly captivating performances from over thirty dancers, poets, musicians  and actors in Umuntu.

The diverse, high-energy cast  has created meticulously crafted scenes that are both exciting and thought-provoking. ‎Each scene revists our fractured history while soberly reflecting on life in South Africa twenty-two years after the hangover brought on by the Rainbow Nation celebrations. 

The set is minimalist, except for a piano, a guitar, a drum and a couple of metal frames. Original, fresh content meets loosely adapted short stories and poems by African writers from as far back as the1950s.

 The director and cast hope that when you watch Umuntu, the experience of looking back and looking forward is as moving for you as‎ it has been for them. 

 *Photograph and Poster Credit: Katie-Lee Wisdom

FUNK 2016 MOVES TO THE HEXAGON THEATRE

The Theatre–St Anne’s College

presents

FUNK 2016

6^th, 7^th, 9^th, 10^th & 11^th May

HEXAGON THEATRE

7.30 pm

R70, Booking @ Computicket

Participating Schools:

Carter, Epworth, GHS, Hilton College, Howick High School, MCS, Maritzburg College, Russell Girls’ High, St Anne’s,

St John’s, St Nicholas and TWC.

Funk continues to generate tremendous excitement and has been a firm favourite on the annual school production calendar now for 17 years! This year we have found a new home at the Hexagon Theatre, a specific move to generate greater community involvement in the production.

Funk evolved as an idea to create a dance programme for schools with very specific aims. Firstly to unite schools in working towards a common goal; secondly to give Drama students and their teachers the opportunity to create and rehearse pieces of dance theatre for public performance; thirdly, to enable young people to see that movement, dance and dance theatre is accessible to them and not only in the hands of professional adult dance companies; and finally, and perhaps most importantly of all, to generate meaning and artistic integrity through dance choreography whilst challenging young people to work outside of their comfort zones.

The task for each school remains constant: to create a 6 minute piece of dance choreography integrating any type of musical or textual accompaniment. The programme accommodates a range of choreographic and performance possibilities and provides the perfect opportunity for schools to experiment with new forms. It is also important to emphasise that this platform is not a competition, and should not be seen in the same light as a sports festival or inter-house competition. The highlight of the production is always the mass group Finale which incorporates all the schools together on the stage.

Funk is produced by The Theatre–St Anne’s College, directed by Lynn Chemaly, with the Finale created by Arum Bydawell and is technically managed and administrated by the Hexagon Theatre.

Just a Few Favourites

An evening of popular songs with Derek Cuenod.

Date: 29 April 2016

Time: 6.30 for a 7pm start.

Venue: The Dive at the Hexagon Theatre

Cost: R70pp

Bring a picnic basket with eats. A Cash Bar will be available for drinks.

To book email hexagon@ukzn.ac.za

STARLITE MEDIA brings you an evening of music from ex Pietermaritzburg singer, pianist and cabaret artist Derek Cuénod. The show titled “Just a Few Favourites” has been very well received by audiences in its various iterations since it’s debut in December 2015.

Last performed as part of a Valentines special earlier this year, the show sees Cuénod singing a wide selection of music, which is refined and changed with each performance, as audiences request and comment on new favourites and includes a few of Cuénod’s personal favourites. This performance includes songs such as Your Song, My funny Valentine and Lady in Red.

The toe tapping numbers are sure to get you going while the ballads will tug at the heartstrings as Cuénod brings out the emotional heart of each number. 

The show is suitable for groups and families, so grab a few friends and make it an evening to remember together.

The show will take place at The Dive on Friday 29 April 2016. Doors open at 18:30 and the show starts at 19:00. Tickets are priced at R70 per person. Feel free to bring a picnic basket with your eats. A cash bar will be available for drinks. Tables seat 10 so book a table or part thereof (you will share the table if you book less than 10).

And The Girls In Their Sunday Dresses

By Zakes Mda

Hexagon Studio Theatre

Thurs 21^st to Sat 23^rd April at 7pm

Tickets R50 at the door.

Enquiries 033 2605537

And The Girls In Their Sunday Dresses is a humorous story of two characters, The Woman and The Lady - one a retired prostitute fallen on hard times, the other a domestic worker - waiting in line to buy subsidized rice from a government office. The women strike up an unlikely relationship: one has a chair; the other some food. "All we need is patience and our turn will come," says one.  As they wait to be served, they share stories of heartbreak, and they find they have more in common than initially meets the eye.

This production by StageFront Productions of And the Girls in Their Sunday Dresses is adapted from the short story by Zakes Mda. It is directed by BreeH Cele, and performed by Nompilo Jili and Pertunia Msani. This modern classic will be staged at the Hexagon StudioTheatre (UKZN), from the 21^st to the 23^rd  April 2016 at 7pm. Ticket Price – R50.