VARIOUS VENUES: On Fire Comedy Productions hosts two award-winning comedians from Joburg in Durban this week. Catch Robby Collins and Loyiso Madinga at Mozambik Comedy Night (4 Boulevard Centre, Compensation Rd, Ballito, tel: 032 946 0979). On Wednesday 27 August at 8.30pm they'll be at Amsterdam Comedy Club (143 Helen Joseph Rd, Glenwood, Durban, tel: 031 811 5449). On Thursday 28 August they'll be at New York Comedy Club (101 Innes Road, Morningside, tel: 031312 9605). For more info and bookings call venues.
SIBAYA CASINO: Marc Lottering headlines a feast of comedy that has been cooked up and is ready to be served to Durban comedy lovers on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Sibaya iZulu Theatre. The first ever Curry Balls Comedy Jam will see Lottering share the stage with a cultural kaleidoscope of local comedy acts. With Neville Pillay, Masood Boomgaard, Neil Green, Jem Atkins and Liam E. Shows take place at 8pm. Tickets are available through Computicket and Shoprite.
SEABROOKE’S THEATRE: Following its success at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown. Dear Breeder is showing in Durban for five shows only. Catch it at Seabrooke’s Theatre on August 28 (7pm for 7.30pm in support of the Robin Hood Foundation, tickets are R100 for the charity show); August 29 at 7.30pm, August 30 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm and August 31 at 2.30pm. R80. Contact Karen [email protected]
ELIZABETH SNEDDON THEATRE: The 16th annual Jomba! Contemporary Dance Experience runs from Wednesday to September 7. Jomba! 2014 has decided to give support and offer recognition to five of South Africa’s most awarded and cutting edge dance companies: Vuyani Dance Theatre and Moving Into Dance Mophatong (Joburg), Flatfoot Dance Company (Durban), First Physical Theatre Company (Grahamstown) and the Floating Outfit Project (Durban). Jomba! workshops and masterclasses by all of the participating dancers and choreographers. For a full listing go to www.cca.ukzn.ac.za and go to the Jomba! page. For bookings call 082 875 6065 during office hours or e-mail [email protected]. Tickets for performances are R60 for adults and R45 for scholars, students and pensioners, and booking is also through Computicket or at the venue from one hour before.
THE BARNYARD THEATRE: Born To Be Wild is a tribute to the wildest rock stars and rock anthems. It runs until August 31. The show covers 60 years of music as it rediscovers rock classics. Tickets are R145 from Wednesday to Saturday, with discounted specials of R110 every Tuesday night and R100 for the Sunday matinee. For bookings and enquiries, phone the theatre at 031 566 3045 or visit www.barnyard theatres.co.za/gateway. For further information e-mail [email protected]
CATALINA THEATRE: Air Guitar the celebrated mini-musical is back with a new-look super-charged cast at the Catalina Theatre. Written and directed by Themi Venturas, this show was last seen in Durban at the Catalina Theatre 10 years ago. Running until September 12, the show features Clinton Philander returning to Durban after six years on the Barnyard Theatre circuit. This year’s version of Air Guitar brings the team together along with ace guitarist Barry Thompson and introduces Cuan Austin who replaces Rowan Stuart in the role of the Young Guitarist. Backing the three frontmen is a show band led by Dawn Selby, with Mali Sewell on drums and Jason Andrew on bass. Air Guitar tells the tale of a South African who upon realising that he has not done much with his life, and quickly approaching his 50s, decides to enter the Air Guitar World Championships in Oulo, Finland. Performances nightly from Thursday-Sunday and matinees Saturday and Sunday. Book at Computicket.
RHUMBELOW THEATRE, DBN: Back by popular demand, the spirit of Elvis is captured in a new Rocktainment Production, Elvis Now & Forever, featuring Doug Weich as Elvis and accompanied on stage by his seven-piece band, MSG. Show stages at the Rhumbelow in Durban from Friday to Sunday. Book at Computicket.
COURTYARD THEATRE, DUT: Durban University of Technology’s Drama and Production Studies Department pays tribute to Professor Deborah Lutge and stage their annual dance production, Reunion, in her honour. The 2014 Annual Season of Contemporary Dance, Reunion offers works inspired by Professor Lutge’s 25 years of passionate commitment. Reunion is a one-week event which celebrates enduring strengths and traditional values. Reunion showcases all second and third year Theatre dance specialists and showcases five new works by Durban based choreographers Mdu Mtshali, Mlekeleli Khuzwayo, Sifiso Khumalo, Sifiso Majola, and is directed by Mtshali. Until Thursday, nightly at 7pm at The Courtyard Theatre, Mansfield Road. Tickets at the door.
THE PLAYHOUSE: The 18th South African Women’s Arts Festival in Durban offers drama, dance, music and entertainment. The festival runs until Sunday. It comprises stage productions, dance dramas, a poetry slam, musical entertainment, arts and crafts exhibitions and children’s theatre – all of which focus on the role of women in our country. Shades written by Sharman Macdonald, directed by Ralph Lawson, starring Lisa Bobbert; a memorable Gala Concert; From Then ‘Til Now which is Mark Hawkin’s presentation to commemorate the two decades of democracy; the annual Intergenerational Women’s Dialogue; a poetry slam and open mic session; an arts and crafts exhibition; Beyond the Big Bangs, a new comedy drama by playwright Ashwin Singh; and more. Single ticket bookings through the Playhouse box office on 031 369 9540 or 031 369 9596 (office hours) or Computicket. Block bookings are available at preferential rates. For more or to make a block booking, contact the Women’s Festival hotline on 031 369 9456 or e-mail [email protected]
• To be listed in Boardwalk, e-mail all theatre-related information to [email protected]; subject line: boardwalk, by Thursday.