CATALINA THEATRE: Late Night Comedy at the Catalina takes place on May 2. Catch popular radio DJ and one of Durban’s best-loved comedians, Neville Pillay, as he shares the comedy stage with well-known Durban funny men Masood Boomgaard and Kelvin Stoffels for an evening of hilarious stand-up comedy. Show takes place from 10pm to 11.30pm. Tickets are R80 (show only), R140 (includes dinner at John Dory’s or Spur beforehand) Tickets at Computicket. For more info, call Catalina box office on 031 837 5999.
RHUMBELOW THEATRE (Pietermaritzburg and Durban): The Reals will perform four unique shows, from May 2 to 11, each with a varied selection of repertoire and themes. Expect to hear original songs, creative covers of their favourite blues and rock artistes and excerpts from their hit tribute shows, including Rodriguez, The Eagles, Woodstock and Dire Straits. The Reals will be presenting in the first half of each show four different selections of music – so even if you see all four shows, you will hear something new at each performance. The Reals is Barry Thomson, Dawn Selby, Mali Sewell and Jason Andrew. Tickets are R120 (R100 pensioners and tables of eight or more) Bring food picnic baskets. Bookings at Computicket. Call 031 205 7602 or email [email protected]
THE PLAYHOUSE: The Playhouse New Stages sees iLembe, written and directed by the multi-award winning team of Smal Ndaba and Phyllis Klotz and designed by Sarah Roberts stage until May 3. iLembe tells the story of the last month of Shaka’s life from four different perspectives through the Mbopha, the man who allegedly stabbed Shaka first; Fynn, an English trader; Nomcebo, Shaka’s sister and Jakoet, a Xhosa man who could speak English and served Shaka as a translator. Public performances are April 27 to May 3 at the Drama Theatre, 7.30pm. To accommodate school learners performances stage at 10am. Tickets: R20 (schools preview only) and R70 adults.
Doubt stages from May 2 to 4 at the Loft Theatre with shows at 10am, 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Directed by James Cunningham and featuring Fiona Ramsay, Faniswa Yisa, James Alexander and Janna Ramos-Violante; Doubt is a provocative and gripping story of suspicion and suspense. When Sister Aloysius, a rigid Bronx school principal, accuses a progressive and engaging priest, Father Flynn, of having improper relations with a young male student, she inadvertently raises questions that force her to confront the foundation of her own moral certainty. Dynamic yet subtle, manipulative yet full of empathy. Doubt is a beautifully balanced drama that draws its power from its ambiguity. The Tony Award-winning play is penned by John Patrick Shanley. Ticket price is R55 for adults, R35 (schools performance on May 2, 10am) .
Freedom, choreographed by Casey Swales, sees The Playhouse Company dancers explore aspects of freedom through neo-classical, contemporary dance.
All schools previews must be booked on 031 369 9405 or [email protected]
CATALINA THEATRE: For better or worse stages from May 1 to 18. This charming story, a Dingalings production, revolves around the lives of three generations of Indian women whose lives are intertwined by their marriage to three brothers. They are thrust together over a weekend when their husbands are off on a fishing trip. What transpires over the weekend threatens their relationship and their marriages as well. Skilfully crafted and directed by comedian/actor Koobeshen Naidoo, the play features Dingalings stalwart Kumseela Naidoo, the talented Verushka Odayen and promising new-comer Madhu Maharaj. Shows are 8pm on Friday and Saturday, and 6pm on Sunday. Tickets are R100 Computicket or call 0318375999. E-mail [email protected] for more info or block bookings.
SEABROOKES THEATRE (DHS): The Diary of Adam and Eve runs from May 1 to 3. Mark Twain’s deliciously whimsical and seldom-staged work, adapted for the stage by Mark Bucci, is a poignant, knowing, and terrifically witty three-hander which takes a dig at timeless observations on the nature of men, women and love. Produced and directed by Catarina Morgado; the play feautures Morgado opposite Jonathan Cohen as Adam, and Mthokozisi Zulu as the Snake. Performances are at 7.30pm. Booking through Computicket. Tickets cost R80.
COMING UP
VARIOUS VENUES: Here’s To Us: An evening of music and friendship sees a group of friends, who are also professional performers and singers, get the opportunity to get together in a private home and sing the songs they like best, accompanied by two of Durban’s leading pianists… And the public, get the chance to listen to them! Over the course of three evenings and in three different homes, we will weave some special musical magic for you. Accompanied by award winning jazz pianist, Evan Roberts, and acclaimed classical pianist, Andrew Warburton; Lisa Bobbert, Karen Campbell-Gillies, Steven Stead and Anthony Stonier will perform their selection of music for you. Take this opportunity to join in a casual, friendly evening of easy listening and fun. 9 May, 6.30pm for 7.30pm at Sue Clarence’s home in Manor Gardens; 10 May, 6pm for 7pm at Di Love’s home in Kloof (this is an outdoor performance; bring picnics, blankets and chairs as seating is on the lawn); and 11 May, 5pm for 6pm at Lisa Bobbert’s home in Durban North. R100 per head, running time is 60 ti 70 minutes. Bring your own drinks – glasses and ice provided. For booking enquiries e-mail [email protected] /082 882 9869. If you are interested in booking, please contact Sue and she will give you directions and banking details. There is no confirmed booking without payment.
SEABROOKES THEATRE (DHS): Woza Albert stages from May 6 to 8. Woza Albert! is one of the plays for which South African theatre is best known internationally. Its style of storytelling has inspired and influenced theatre companies around the world, and it remains one of the most vibrant examples of satirical anti-apartheid South African Theatre. It demonstrates the innovation and creativity during a seminal period of theatre in this country. Presented by UKZN’s Hexagon Theatre, this classic of South African theatre asks what would happen if Christ (Morena) came back to 1980’s apartheid South Africa. The show is primarily a satire that highlights the absurdities of apartheid and displays the talents of two dextrous actors, in this case TQ Zondi and Mpilo Nzimande, who play a range of ordinary characters on the street. Directed by Peter Mitchell, shows are at 6.30pm. Tickets R75 (R40 for students and seniors) Bookings at Computicket. School / block bookings through Doreen Stanley at [email protected]
DURBAN CITY HALL: Lovers of fine music will be thrilled by the news that top UK opera star Bryn Terfel will be bringing his bass-baritone voice to South African shores. The Welshman, who will be accompanied by South African pianist Nina Schumann, will give three performances in Johannesburg on Tuesday May 6, Durban on Friday May 9 and in Pretoria on Sunday May 11. The Durban performance takes place at Durban City Hall at 7.30pm. Tickets R420 and R350 (popular programme) Book at Computicket.
• To be listed in Boardwalk, e-mail all theatre-related information to [email protected]; subject line: boardwalk, by Thursday.