IMBIZO CONFERENCE ROOM: Mbongeni Ngema’s new work, The Zulu, begins its KwaZulu-Natal tour this week in Empangeni. The new narrative stage work draws on the actor-producer-playwright’s childhood memories of experiencing his great-grandmother’s traditional storytelling about the history of the Zulu nation. 8pm with a Saturday 2pm matinee and 3pm show on Sunday. Thursday to August 2. R100 to R150 at 031 580 5171.
THE PLAYHOUSE: The Playhouse’s 2013 South African Women Arts Festival starts with She Died Dreaming, from Thursday to Saturday. This fast-paced story of an ambitious, glamorous and slightly wild career woman seeking that final piece to complete the package – love – will keep you on the edge. Written and directed by Julian Seleke Mokoto, winner of two FNB Vita Awards. Thursday and Friday at 7pm, Saturday at 2pm and 7pm. R65 at 031 369 9596/40.
THE PLAYHOUSE: St Theresa’s RC Primary presents Knowing You, Knowing Me, written and performed by Hamish Kyd, directed by his daughter, Leveen, with musical direction by Dawn Gailliard and musical arrangement by Chris Ruiters. The poignant comedy looks at an important chapter in the life of Lenny Stalk. Lenny’s son, Otis, is a final-year fashion design student. Lenny is a welder. When Otis decides it is time to come out of the closet, Lenny does all he can to “un-gay” his son. Ends Sunday.
THE HERITAGE THEATRE: Shaken, not Stirred stages until August 4. A dangerously sexy escapade featuring songs from Bond movies and Michael Bublé. Look out for Bond girls, Q, Moneypenny, intrigue and the occasional vodka. Starring Lyle Buxton, Rory Booth, Liesl Coppin, Marion Loudon and Samantha Landers. Shows are Tuesday to Saturday: dinner from 7pm, show from 8.30pm; Sunday: lunch from 12.30pm, show from 2pm. R165 Tuesday and Sunday, R195 Wednesday to Saturday – includes a two-course meal. Call 031 765 4197.
HILTON COLLEGE THEATRE: Macbeth ends Thursday. The loyal Macbeth is tempted to perform a deed which runs against all he stands for and the consequences are tragic. The script is the original Shakespearean text with some streamlining. Students, teachers and those less serious will find the production accessible, entertaining and valuable. Join the boys of Hilton for intrigue, spell-binding drama and swordplay. 7pm nightly. R40, R25 pupils. Call 033 383 0126.
CATALINA THEATRE: Hope Springs runs tomorrow to Friday. Based on a real facility called Tranquillity Bay, the story is about of a group of teenagers sent for correctional behavioural modification by their parents. It’s a place where adults dictate every move; what they do, what they eat, what they think. Events take a sinister turn when one pupil decides to spark a rebellion and forms an uprising. Produced by Rising Star Performing Arts Productions. 7pm nightly, with a 2pm Saturday matinee. R60 to R80. Call 031 305 6889.
BAT CENTRE: Catch the Young Basadzi Women of The Poetry every Thursday at The BAT Centre. Experience the world of rhythm and poetry through the eyes of women. This exciting venture provides a platform where women share their thoughts and ideas, communicate their frustrations and pains, aspirations and life’s resolutions while putting them all down on paper, into spoken word. 5.30pm. Free. Call 031 332 0451.
THE BARNYARD THEATRE: Celebrate the music of some of the greatest pop icons – Michael Jackson, Elton John, Tina Turner, Pink and Freddie Mercury – with We are the Champions. Ends August 25. The cast features Rainer Jadischke, Samantha Tirivacho, Jonothan Didlick, Danny Goodman, Andre Byleveld, Dylan van der Linde and Kirsty Madgin. R140 from Wednesday to Saturday, R105 every Tuesday night, R95 for the Sunday matinée. For bookings, call 031 566 3045.
VARIOUS VENUES:
The Durban International Film Festival ends on Sunday. South Africa’s longest-running film festival presents more than 250 screenings in 11 venues across the city. With the best of contemporary cinema, comprising 72 feature films, 48 documentaries and 45 short films, the festival offers a workshop and seminar programme that facilitates the sharing of knowledge and skills by film industry experts. The festival also runs seminars and workshops to stimulate industry capacity. A contingent of 40 African film-makers will participate in Talent Campus Durban, a co-operation with the Berlin Film Festival, and the Durban FilmMart, a film financing initiative in partnership with Durban Film Office. Cost varies according to the venue. Main venues include: Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, Cinema Nouveau Gateway, Nu Metro Suncoast, Ster-Kinekor Musgrave and Ekhaya Multi-Arts Centre in KwaMashu. Call 031 260 2506 or visit www.durbanfilmfest.co.za
• To appear in Boardwalk, e-mail info to [email protected]; subject: Boardwalk, by Thursday noon.