THE CATALINA THEATRE: Athol Fugard’s Boesman and Lena is a story of two coloured people trapped in a struggle for freedom and dignity during apartheid. Designed primarily as a study aid to high school pupils, it runs until March 16. This production takes place over the course of a single evening and follows Boesman and Lena’s story as they journey across the mudflats of the Swartkops River near Port Elizabeth, carrying all their belongings. They have been uprooted from their home, which has been bulldozed by the white authorities to drive them and other black and coloured people in the segregated settlement further away from their white neighbours.
Schools: 11am weekdays, public: Friday and Saturday: 8pm, Sunday: 6pm (two weekends only). Schools: R45 (one teacher free for every 10 pupils); public: R75 (pensioners, R60). Book at 031 305 6889 or www.strictlytickets.com
SEABROOKE’S THEATRE: Hosts Follow Spot Productions this month. This week Love at First Fight stages, starring Vanessa Harris and Ash Searle. Ends Saturday. Fun for the whole family. R70, pupils, pensioners: R50 pp. Seating unreserved. Bookings: seabrooke’[email protected]
THE BARNYARD THEATRE: Dancing In The Street ends Sunday. The show visits exotic destinations such as the Rio Carnival, the Mardi Gras in New Orleans, the Cape Minstrel Carnival in Cape Town, St Patrick’s Day in Ireland, the Halloween Festival, the Soccer World Cup and a New Year’s Eve celebration at Times Square, New York. Expect tributes to Louis Armstrong, Elvis Presley, Gloria Estefan, Ricky Martin, Carlos Santana, Bob Marley and more.
R135 Wednesday to Saturday, R100 Tuesday nights and Sunday matinee. Bookings and enquiries: 031 566 3045 or e-mail [email protected]
THE PUMPKIN THEATRE: It Takes Two is a tribute show featuring well-known duets from the worlds of rock, country and pop classics. Ends March 18. Runs only on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons. R140 for a meal and show, R80 for the show only. Bookings: 032 946 2121.
THE PLAYHOUSE: Think Theatre’s production of Shakespeare’s tragedy Othello. Ends Monday. Directed by Clare Mortimer, the production is a valuable learning aid for high school pupils studying Shakespeare’s work.
School performances: 9am and April 8, at 3pm. The production will feature the Durban Symphonic Choir joining forces with The Playhouse Company Chorale, performing in collaboration with the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Naum Rousine. Tickets are R85 and R100. Book through Computicket or the box office at 031 369 9540.
COMING UP
RHUMBELOW THEATRE: The Big Hunt. Easter holiday fun for the kids. The hunt is on for the golden egg on the Easter Trail, with singalongs, dancing, creative kids craft and painting. Stars Jaziel Vaugh’hann and Kerry Cherry. Monday, March 26, to Thursday, April 5. 11am. Suitable for ages four to 12. R50. Bookings: [email protected], 031 205 7602
iZulu Theatre, Sibaya Casino: Comedian Mervyn Pillay’s One Nite Stand runs on March16 and 17 at 8pm. The show is a reflection of who we are as a nation, our ups and downs, and the ins and outs of our social, political and economic climates. No under-18s. R100 to R120 at Computicket.
THE PLAYHOUSE:
Drama Theatre: Standard Bank Young Artist Award winner for Drama in 2011, Neil Coppen’s Abnormal Loads runs from March 16 to 31, before transferring to the Market Theatre in Joburg in April.
The new play by the creator of Tin Bucket Drum and Tree Boy, previews are on Friday, March 16, at 7.30pm and Saturday, March 17, at 2.30pm. Opening night is March 17 at 7.30pm. Performances during the run are Tuesdays to Saturdays at 7.30pm, with 2.30pm matinee on Saturdays and Sundays (no evening shows on Sundays). No show on March 21. The production offers powerful socio-historical perspectives for pupils, and two morning school performances will be given on Thursday, March 22. (no evening show). Early booking is advised. Call Computicket or 031 369 9540 (o/h). School bookings and group bookings: Margie Coppen at 083 251 9412.
Drama Theatre: Gospel Extravaganza on Easter Saturday, April 7, at 7pm. Directed by Somizi Mhlongo, the production will feature a line-up of big-league artists headed by Sfiso Ncwane, Sgwili noBabo and Deborah Fraser, with Avante, Abanqobi, Ithemba and Phindile Mkhize joining the roster of talent. Booking through Computicket or call 031 369 9540.
Opera Theatre: Handel’s Messiah, the world’s most popular choral masterpiece, returns on Easter Sunday, April 8, at 3pm. The production will feature the Durban Symphonic Choir with The Playhouse Company Chorale, performing with the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Naum Rousine. R85 and R100 at Computicket or call 031 369 9540.
SUNCOAST CASINO, SUNZONE: Bollywood producer and choreographer Shivani Kara of Eastern Moves Productions captures the feeling of true love with the dance extravaganza Kuch Kuch Happens, running from March 23 to April 21. This is a love story told through music and dance, and flaunts a mix of action, comedy, melodrama and playback songs. Book at Computicket or the Suncoast box office. Seating is reserved.
• E-mail all your theatre-related submissions to latoya.newman@ inl.co.za; subject: Boardwalk, by Thursday noon.