THE iZulu and Sibaya theatres, both at Sibiya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom, have been revived with a refreshed entertainment line-up under its new management.
The Dingalings Production Company has taken over the running of the venues.
Although the company’s actors are popularly known for their adult comedy, comedy skit and stand-up comedy productions, collectively they have years of experience in the arts, education and theatre.
Koobeshen and Kumseela Naidoo, Henry Ramkissoon and Yugan Naidoo make up the Company.
Their journey together began years back in university. They are all in their 50s, live in various parts of Durban, and spend their days fulfilling full-time careers and family duties.
Koobeshen is an actor and scriptwriter and weekend breakfast show radio jock on Lotus FM. He co-hosts with actress Jailoshni Naidoo. Ramkissoon and Kumseela work in the education management fields and Yugan is a sales executive.
Theatre and the arts have been a long time common passion.
Kumseela, Dingaling’s head of marketing and public relations, said they all studied at the University of Durban-Westville’s drama department where they participated in student productions.
“Our friendship developed there. Yugan started a stand-up comedy show about 20 years ago and he invited Koobeshen and me to participate. After a successful run and a few other productions, we head-hunted Henry. The rest was history.
“After an extensive tour of the country with Yugan’s stand-up comedy show, we formed a theatre company which was formalised in 2007. We were prompted by a niche in the market for adult comedy.
“We were all keen to get back on stage together and have as much fun as we did at university. So under Yugan’s direction and clever scripts, we started performing at casino theatres and travelled the country with our own special brand of comedy.”
Kumseela said their main objective at the time was to take theatre to the people, to make them laugh and to forget their troubles.
“Many members of the community first cut their teeth on Dingalings theatre and in time became ardent followers of theatre in general. Many were now prepared to attend mainstream theatres to follow us and other theatre groups.
“We also started children's theatre during the school holidays. This was also something that had waned through the years and we had a wonderful six years at The Catalina Theatre. We wrote and produced radio drama for Lotus FM and extended our creativity and experience in a totally different medium.”
Sibaya theatres
The Dingalings recently participated in a public tender by Sibaya Casino. They will now manage both the Sibaya and iZulu theatres – hosting promoters, artists, corporates in training and entertainment.
“We wish to make this the hub of entertainment in KZN; with all the new emerging northern suburbs and the proximity to the airport. The centre promises to provide much-needed entertainment, great food, supper clubs, jazz evenings and feature the talents of many local entertainers.
“The Sibaya Theatre in the main complex will host weekly musical tributes and shows with meals, while the mainstream iZulu Theatre will host larger shows.
“We will be involved in managing both these theatres and occasionally write and direct shows as well. We hope to host successful music and dinner shows and monthly bhangras.
“We are keen to provide a platform for new and emerging artists, musicians, dancers, comedians and actors as well as well-known, established SA artists.”
Reviving theatre
Koobeshen said they hoped to revive the culture of theatre in the province in a safe and suitable environment.
“We hope to promote the value of live entertainment as both catharsis and a way of uniting people with a common vision. The arts have never been a priority in our country. However, it is the soul of every community and should never be allowed to diminish.
“A country without its soul very quickly loses its way. Therefore, we need to guard our artists and artistic venues and get them thriving again after the Covid pandemic. We hope that the restrictions on capacity in indoor venues are altered soon and then we can forge ahead with all our exciting plans.”
Ramkissoon said with so much strife around us, it was their responsibility as artists to bring joy to audiences and to take them on a journey of learning.
“Also in the time they spend in the theatre we want to make a difference to people, their outlook and improve their lives in a positive and meaningful way. Theatre should be central in the lives of the community it serves. It should serve as the voice and hopes of the people and create a platform for people’s creative voices to be heard without any interference.”
Accessibility
Yugan said artists have always been resourceful in creating spaces to perform in to reach their target audiences.
“Over the years, it has been community halls, bars, clubs and fairgrounds that played host to various artists while the main stream venues were always reserved for a select few.
“It was always difficult for the fringe groups to secure such venues. As community practitioners ourselves, we wish to create opportunities for every discipline of the arts to use a real theatre space and all its amenities.
“We have over the years come to understand the needs of our audience and now have the capability of providing excellent entertainment. Durban has the reputation of having very few places that stay open late or provide regular entertainment.
“We hope to be the venue that bucks this trend and be a place where Durbanites and visitors can pop around for a night of jazz, some stand up comedy, a play, a concert, supper club on a Sunday for the family, or just great music and dinner.”
Upcoming highlights
* Brendon Peel, an internationally acclaimed magician, headlines in Impossible at the iZulu Theatre from April 29 to May 1. The show will feature deception, illusions and mentalism.
*Men in Black will host a dance party at Sibaya Theatre on April 29. It will feature music from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and today. For more information, call Siva on 060 521 5850.
* The Dingalings Launch Bhangra will take place on 30 April.
*Tickets for both shows can be purchased from www.ticketpros.co.za