THE PLAYHOUSE: Celebrating its 10th anniversary on a two-night spectacular show is the 99% Zulu Comedy. In a celebratory production that comprises comedy fused with top musicians, the audience will be treated to a variety of performances from the old faces of Amahlay’ eTheku that used to be hosted at the BAT Centre to the newer faces of the 99% Zulu Comedy. Counted as the top two of the biggest comedy brands in the country, the show will be hosted by none other than Skhumba Hlophe from the sitcom on SABC1, Thandeka’s Diary. The show is in partnership with Gagasi FM and the KZN Government. Runs on Friday and Saturday. Bookings: R180 at Computicket and Shoprite/Checkers.
DUT COURTYARD THEATRE: Durban University of Technology’s Drama Department is proud to present The House of Hunger, a ground-breaking new stage adaptation of the award-winning novella of the same title by the Zimbabwean writer, Dambudzo Marechera (1952-1987). Written and directed by Roel Twijnstra in collaboration with Jerry Pooe as musical director, the new production is to be presented outside the Courtyard Theatre on the Steve Biko campus of DUT in Mansfield Road until Saturday. Marechera rose above his deeply troubled early life in Vhengere Township, Rusape, Zimbabwe, to become one of the most important creative voices of the Southern African diaspora over the past half-century. His explosive novella, The House of Hunger, published in 1978, recalls his growing up in colonial Rhodesia. Featuring spectacular costumes designed by Philisiwe Twijnstra, The House of Hunger will be performed by second and third year students of DUT’s drama department. Daily performances take place until Saturday at 6pm. To book, call 031 373 2194 or e-mail [email protected]. Tickets are also available at the door.
HEXAGON THEATRE PMB: In The Island, two prisoners on Robben Isand are bound by ideology, proximity, shackles and a deep affection. This classis South African play by Athol Fugard, John Kani and Winston Ntshona balances hope and despair as it exposed the depths of cruelty and inhumanity while affirming the dignity and courage of the human spirit. Under the direction of Peter Mitchell, TQ Zondi and Mpilo Nzimande deliver riveting performances of this South African classic. Tomorrow and Friday. R50 to R70. Call 031 260 5537.
THE PLAYHOUSE: The Playhouse Company’s New Stages Festival brings to the stage some of the country’s best talent in music, dance and drama, including Dr John Kani, his son Atandwa Kani, Nat Ramabulana, Susan Danford and more. Themes to be explored include transformation, race relations, social cohesion and the experience of exiles returning to a new South Africa. These will be explored in Missing (ends Sunday), actor and writer Dr John Kani’s first full-length play since Nothing But The Truth (2002); Bhakti (May 28 to 31), the award-winning dance theatre production, a collaboration which joins dancers from the Flatfoot Dance Company and the Playhouse Dance Residency; and Seven Deadly Sins (May 21 to 24), one of Aaron McIlroy and Lisa Bobbert’s comedy offerings. New Stages runs from tomorrow to May 31. Book at Computicket. For specials and block booking discounts, call 031 369 9596/9456.
THE RHUMBELOW THEATRE (PMB and DBN): You Raise Me Up – A Tribute to Josh Groban, featuring Rory McLaren, stages from Friday to Sunday at Rhumbelow Durban, Friday at the Aliwal Theatre, and Sunday at Rhumbelow Pietermaritzburg. McLaren aims to cover the best of Groban’s songs. R120, pensioners R100 at Computicket, 082 499 8636 or e-mail [email protected]. Aliwal theatre: 039 9731105, 083 778 1469.
THE BARNYARD THEATRE: Platinum Jukebox is a journey of song and dance that covers every dance craze in the history of recorded music from the 1920s, ending with the iPod in the 21st century. The cast: Percy Smith, Kyle Matthews, Nontu Xulu and Peyton Amber on vocals; Barry Thomson on guitar and vocals; Dawn Selby on keyboards; Fresh Monanyane on bass guitar; Michael Ramasimong on drums; and dancers Duane Joaquim (also host) and Charlene Hendricks. R145 from Wednesday to Saturday, R110 on Tuesday night and R100 for the Sunday matinee. For bookings and enquiries, call 031 566 3045.
SUNCOAST CASINO: Madame Zingara dazzle with the After Forever Tour. Filled with spectacluar acts. Runs until the end of next month. For bookings, contact 0861 623 263 or e-mail boxoffice@ madamezingara.com. R390 to R495 a person depending on seating area.
IZULU THEATRE, SIBAYA CASINO: Remember those good old days and nightlife, where one jazz song after another kept you on the dance floor with your partner? Imagine having just one jazzy night and reliving that feeling. Let’s set the tone and the mood with music that never dies and let the show One Jazzy Night be a déjà vu for you. Show stages Friday to Sunday. R150 at Computicket, Shoprite Checkers.
COMING UP
ELIZABETH SNEDDON THEATRE: Shrek:The Musical. The South African premiere of the hit Broadway musical adaptation of the movie Shrek takes place from May 23 to June 28. Starring Lyle Buxton, Rory Booth, Jessica Sole, Jacobus van Heerden and Graeme Wicks. R200 to R295 (discounts for children and pensioners). Tuesdays to Saturdays at 7pm; matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 1.30pm. For early booking specials, e-mail editor.goingplacessa@ gmail.com.
• To be listed in Boardwalk, please e-mail all your production and theatre-related information to [email protected]; subject line: boardwalk, by Thursday.