SEABROOKE’S THEATRE: Murder on Mondays is a dark comedy focusing on a struggling theatre company and their doomed attempts to put on a production of Macbeth. The story follows eccentric director, Thandeka Dlamini (better known as Cristina Riley to her staff) and her lazy-but-lovable assistant, Sarah Murphy, on their journey to putting on one of Shakespeare’s greatest works, despite anything and everything going wrong. Aside from their financial woes and various superstitions, they must also contend with a cast of comically diverse misfits, rumours of a curse and the vengeful ghost of Macbeth that could be haunting the show. R100 at Webtickets
SIBAYA IZULU THEATRE: Some of the hottest comedians in South Africa will take the stage in the Coloured Comedy Festival on Friday and Saturday. The festival seeks not only to showcase the best of current and emerging stand-up comic talent, but also explore the South African cultural narrative. Among the top acts featured are Dillan Oliphant, Richelieu B, Neil Green, Calvin Stoffel, Liam E and others. The show boasts talents with unique styles and comic outlooks. A wide range of issues will be addressed on stage including Jacob Zuma’s inability to avoid controversy and Bafana Bafana’s inability to win. R120 at Computicket and Shoprite outlets.
PLAYHOUSE COMPANY: The Current State of Poetry Theatre Festival runs until July 26 and features four two-hander poetry-in-performance plays written, performed and directed by KZN artists. The festival aims to create a viable market for the poetry art form and revive the initial zest that people used to have. It aims to do this through the hosting of creative workshops, performance shows and competitions aligned with this art form. Eight prominent poets on the KZN poetry scene and four experienced directors make up the fest with performances of plays entitled Aiden’s Rose, Uthingo (Shades of Light), Isigcawu Samaphutha eNkululeko and The Blood Line. R120 at Computicket or Shoprite Checkers.
RHUMBELOW THEATRE, UMBILO: The AUC present their third Rhumbelow Theatre family show, The Pied Piper of Hamelin. Adapted for the stage from the Robert Browning version of the classic tale by Marc Kay, and directed by Clinton Small. Performers will race about the stage enacting one of their favourite stories, filled with magic, comedy, shadow puppets, audience interaction… and rats. Make sure to bring your little ones for a fun-filled adventure. After the show, a short workshop will be held as an introduction to shadow puppet theatre (run by the performers, and at no extra cost). R60 at Computicket. E-mail Roland for bookings, [email protected].
SIBAYA IZULU THEATRE: The theatre will dance to life with the vibrant sound and glamour of Bollywood when the Indian music spectacular, Dostana, begins its run on July 23. Direct from India, this show features a cast of well known Bollywood performers including Indian Idols 4 finalist, Rajdeep Chatterjee, actress from the popular series Punar Vivah, Srishty Rode, and singer and dancer, Goldiee. Dostana tells the story of two young men who, unbeknown to each other, fall in love with the same woman, a Bollywood star. The heart-wrenching story takes a twist for a dramatic finale. The show, which is choreographed by Nirav Goradia, is enthralling entertainment for the whole family, with Bollywood hits, professional dancers from India, a touch of comedy, and brilliant costumes. R120 at Computicket and at the box office.
CATALINA THEATRE: Present Sleeping Beauty. Featuring Dingaling favourites Koobeshen Naidoo, Henry Ramkisoon, Nirvana Naidoo, Nickiel Ramkisoon and Katinga Buserello; the play is directed by Kumseela Naidoo. Runs daily at Wilson’s wharf above Zach’s restaurant. For audiences aged 2 to 72. Ends Saturday. R80 at Computicket or Shoprite stores.
THE BARNYARD THEATRE: Brace yourself for 50 of the greatest songs of all time in 50 Carat Gold which runs until Sunday. The hits featured are some of the most defining moments in music history over the past 60 years. The cast is made up of Andrew Webster, Lee Paver, Gift Gwe, Jae Green and Caelee Vercuiel on vocals; Ralph Martin on guitar and vocals, Calli Thomson on keyboards, Kelly Joubert on bass guitar, Ruan Oosthuyzen on drums and dancer Ola Aina. R145 from Wednesday to Saturday, R110 every Tuesday night and R100 for the Sunday matinee. For bookings and enquiries: 031 566 3045 or www.barnyard.durban. See www.facebook.com/gatewaybarnyardwww. facebook.com/ gatewaybarnyard.ybarnyard
PATTUNDEEN THEATRE, CHATSWORTH: Under the banner of Kala Darshan, Guru Shri Manesh Maharaj will be launching Sankalp – South Africa’s first annual festival of Indian classical music and dance on Sunday at 4pm. Sankalp showcases the solo artist and aims to raise the standard of the Indian classical performing arts in South Africa. Sankalp aims to afford audiences the opportunity to experience art of the highest calibre. It will also serve to present students with a platform to develop and perform as soloist, herein reflecting the root and essence of the Indian classical performing arts. For more info, call 082 422 6865.
COMING UP
SIBAYA IZULU THEATRE: Pagla Comedy Nite is stand-up comedy show featuring Mervyn Pillay, Rahul Brijnath, Arnott Payne, Anesh Dusrath and Vee Ganie. Durban is fast becoming the factory for churning out great comics who eventually get to ply their trade in the bigger cities like Cape and Gauteng. This show will take you on a hilarious trip showcasing culture, politics, sport and all things that make South Africa funny. The show carries a 16 age restriction. Runs August 28 to 29. R120 at Computicket.
l To be listed in Boardwalk, please e-mail all your theatre-related information to valencia. [email protected]; subject line: boardwalk, by Thursday afternoon.