The African Passion - A Gospel Opera

The world premiere of an exciting brand-new, original gospel opera

The African Passion

Baxter Main Theatre, Cape Town

Thursday 28 March at 8pm

This world premiere brings the Passion of Christ to life in a musical featuring original, innovative gospel-inspired songs. The story is based on the Gospel according to St John and will be a choral masterwork featuring close to a hundred voices on stage in every city. The tour begins in Durban and then moves respectively to Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Soweto, Johannesburg, Mafeking and then back to Durban.

Featuring

Bonginkhosi ‘Faca’ Kulu as Jesus

Natalia da Rocha as his mother Mary

Sharon Dee as Mary Magdalene

Grant Jacobs as Simon Peter

Dewaldt Von Solms as Pontius Pilate

Caitlin Kilburn as Pilate’s wife

Blessing Xaba as Caiaphas

Aubrey Lodewyk as Annas

And a host of other superb singers featuring the isicathamiya group Young Mbazo. And a 60-strong local choir, the Shekinah Full Gospel Church Choir.

The libretto is written by Themi Venturas and the music is composed by Phelelani Mnomiya (celebrated and award-winning gospel choral composer) Anthony Govender (of Destiny Music) and the Young Mbazo (grandchildren of world-renown accapella group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo) and is the perfect way to celebrate Easter this year.

Under the direction of Themi Venturas the show features Bonginkhosi ‘Faca’ Kulu (The Lion King in New York) as Jesus, Natalia da Rocha (original Natasha in Jimbo) as his mother Mary, Sharon Dee as Mary Magdalene, Grant Jacobs (Durban actor now based in Cape Town) as Simon Peter, Dewaldt Von Solms (of the popular singing duo Von West) as Pontius Pilate, Caitlin Kilburn (remembered for her stellar performance as Aldonza in Man of La Mancha) as Pilate’s wife, Blessing Xaba (seen as Fatty in the movie of John van de Ruit’s Spud) as Caiaphas, Aubrey Lodewyk (last seen in Handel’s Messiah and the Mandela Trilogy) as Annas and a host of other superb singers featuring the isicathamiya group Young Mbazo.


The cast of 21 are supplemented in each centre throughout SA by a 60-strong local choir: the Umlazi Oasis Church Choir and the Clermont Choir in Durban; the Transnet Port Terminals and Bella Voce Choirs in PE; the Shekinah Full Gospel Church Choir in Cape Town; the University of Johannesburg Choir in Soweto and Jo’burg and the Moses Reid Memorial Choir in Mafeking.

The African Passion plays out against a spectacular audio-visual background using the latest in modern AV technology in costumes designed by Nompumelelo Mkhize. Choreography is by Daisy Spencer and vocal direction by Desireé Govender. Bookings are at Computicket throughout SA except for at the Jo’burg theatre – booking is through http://www.joburgtheatre.com/ Jo’burg Theatre ticketing call centre - 0861 670 670

The African Passion is produced by Catalina UnLtd in Durban has been funded by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund.

Charities, churches and fundraisers are encouraged to use the show to raise funds for their organisations. Those interested should contact the national sales manager of The African Passion, Ailsa Windsor on 083 250 2690 or editor.goingplacessa@gmail.com.

The tour takes place as follows:

28 – 31 March Baxter Main Theatre, Cape Town (5 Perfs)

Thurs @ 20h00, Sat @ 14h00 & 20h00, Sun @ 14h00 & 18h30

Tickets R125 @ Computicket

5 – 7 April Soweto Theatre, Johannesburg (5 Perfs)

Fri @ 19h00, Sat @ 14h00 & 19h00, Sun @ 14h00 & 18h00

Tickets R130 @ Computicket

11 – 14 April Jo’burg Theatre, Johannesburg (5 Perfs)

Thurs & Fri @ 19h00, Sat @ 14h00 & 19h00, Sun @ 14h00

Tickets from R100. Ticketing call centre - 0861 670 670

18 – 21 April Mmabatho Civic Centre, Mafikeng (4 Perfs)

Thurs & Fri @ 19h00, Sat @19h00, Sun @ 14h00

Tickets R130 @ Computicket

26 – 28 April City Hall, Durban (4 Perfs) To Be Confirmed

Fri @ 19h00, Sat @ 19h00, Sun @ 14h00& 18h00

Tickets R130 @ Computicket To Be Confirmed

Jazz Legend Abdullah Ibrahim & Ekaya to Perform in SA

Legendary Abdullah Ibrahim 

to Perform in SA 

Staging two concerts in Johannesburg and Pretoria, on the 7th and 8th of December straight from their sold out world tour. Jazz legend Abdullah Ibrahim and his US band Ekaya will treat concert goers to unforgettable music, with a repertoire of best-loved pieces from the critically acclaimed Ekaya CD, ‘Sotho Blue’.

Songs will be brought to life through Ibrahim’s acclaimed collaboration with Ekaya (meaning homeland or hometown) the of jazz greats, all from New York, include Cleave Guyton (alto sax, flute), Keith Loftis, (tenor sax), Tony Kofi, (britone sax), Andrae Murchison (trombone), Noah Jackson, (bass), and Will Terrill (drums). Sotho Blue is a recapitulation of old songs, some over 26 years old. Ibrahim says that the music from Sotho Blue, keeps the exuberant poetry of favourite songs, but are set in a new historical context.

It will be the first time the band play in Pretoria, and jazz pioneer Ibrahim, will dedicate his Maraba Blue song to Marabastad in Pretoria/Tswane, his inspiration behind the composition. Ibrahim says of his experiences/memories of Marabastad in Pretoria: “Marabastad, the birthplace of Jazz in South Africa and the Orient Cinema, are now both demolished, but I still have vivid memories of Marabastad as the most vibrant and informed township.”

He also remembers Jazz loving communities Atteridgeville, and Mamelodi, which he says had traditional links to Kofifi-Sophiatown and the Odin Cinema, the home base for live concerts. “I have a vivid memory of a usual all night Jazz party in Atteridgeville in a small community friendly house, packed to capacity and the people forming a circle around a solitary dancer - a young man dancing his own choreographed creation to the recording of Sonny Rollins' Blue Seven - Solos included,” he says.

Described as one of the most gifted jazz musicians in history, Ibrahim previously known as ‘Dollar Brand’, has enjoyed a career that has lasted over half a century. He has worked with many legends of South African and global jazz and created the soundtracks for many movies including the award-winning Chocolat.

Ekaya started playing South African folk music in 1983, and transferred its hymnic magic into the context of instrument jazz. The first album of the septet was simply called ‘Ekaya’. The saxophonists Carlos Ward, Ricky Ford and Charles Davis were part of the band then. ‘Water From An Ancient Well’ followed two years later with the same band members. Ibrahim says the band members of Ekaya have changed completely since its founding, but not its spirit.

"In each group, there is a continual process of interaction, which takes place in three stages: a few come, a few remain, a few go," according to the master. "Ekaya, native country, has become established as a kind of institution. Its centre is a universal code; regardless of where you go, you remain at home."

The 2012 concerts featuring Abdullah Ibrahim and Ekaya take place: 

 

7 December 2012, at 8pm, at the Linder auditorium, Wits University, education campus, Johannesburg; 

 

8 December 2012, at 8pm, at the ZK Matthews Hall, UNISA, Pretoria. 

 

Tickets for these once-in-a-lifetime concerts are available for R250 from 

Computicket at www.computicket.com

Workshop

Ibrahim and Ekaya will also be running a free 3-hour workshop on a first come first served basis, which will examine improvisation, practice and scale techniques, for aspiring musicians on 9th December at the Laager Theatre, Market Theatre centre in Newtown Johannesburg; sponsored by the Department of Arts & Culture and the National Arts Council of South Africa.

About Abdullah Ibrahim

He has not lost any of his eagle-like sharpness despite being in his mid 70s he embodies living history and emanates an aura of impregnable eternity telling stories with his music. Born Adolphe Johannes Brand in 1934, Cape Town, he worked as a professional musician under the name Dollar Brand starting in 1949.

Despite distrust in the Apartheid regime of his native country, until the beginning of the 60s he performed with Miriam Makeba and founded the first noteworthy jazz band in Africa the Jazz Epistles. International recognition prompted him to move to Europe in 1962, performing in Switzerland and Denmark, discovered by Duke Ellington in 1965.

Ellington took Brand back to New York. He set off on a spiritual path on the side of Ornette Coleman and John Coltrane, which he has not left till today. He never broke off his close connection to Africa, but he also constantly sought alliances in Europe and Asia. Starting from 1968, his closest collaborators included musicians such as Don Cherry, Gato Barbieri and the legendary South African bassist Johnny Dyani.

He converted to Islam in 1968 and took the name Abdullah Ibrahim, which slowly replaced the trademark Dollar Brand over the next decades. The foremost integration figure for African jazz in the 70s and 80s. The abolition of apartheid was also an act of liberation for him. Playing at the inauguration of Nelson Mandela in 1994. He expanded the context of his African roots and American memories into a global experience with the reflective solo album "Senzo".

Visit www.abdullahibrahim.com for his full biography and more.

National Heritage Day

Along the pathway to the Tumulus building, stop to have a look at the site of an archaeological excavation. The Stone Age site has been excavated since October 2005 by scientists from the University of the Witwatersrand. The early stone tools found here belong to the Acheulean period and include handaxes and cleavers. 

Heritage Day a public holiday created in 1996, a day in which all are encouraged to celebrate their cultural traditions in the wider context of the great diversity of cultures, beliefs, and traditions that make up the nation of South Africa.

In an address marking Heritage Day in 1996, former President Nelson Mandela stated:
"When our first democratically-elected government decided to make Heritage Day one of our national days, we did so because we knew that our rich and varied cultural heritage has a profound power to help build our new nation."

I will be focussing on World Heritage Sites found in 141 countries, South Africa boasts eight. September is Heritage Month and I will take a look at some of these sites including the Cradle of Humankind which hosts Maropeng, the Tumulus which leads visitors back into the past and forward towards the future. Also to be seen at the Cradle of Humankind are the Sterkfontein Caves where Robert Broom discovered "Mrs Ples". Another site of interest in this general area, is Swartkrans where to date more than 200 huminid specimens have been discovered.

The Eight World Heritage Sites in South Africa are: 

iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Robben Island, Cradle of Humankind, uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape, Cape Floral Region, Vredefort Dome and Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape. This country also has 16 national heritage sites and several provincial sites.

In the vein of celebrating shared culture rather than focusing on cultural divisions, an initiative by Braai4Heritage calls upon all South Africans to celebrate their common roots by having a braai (barbecue) on Heritage day.  Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu,  was made the National Spokesperson for National "Braai Day" in 2007.

RAYMONDA At The ARTSCAPE Opera House

It’s official!

STARS of the ROYAL BALLET

will feature in the

CAPE TOWN CITY BALLET - The South African National Ballet’s

next production

 

RAYMONDA

24^th August – 1^st September, 2012

in the

ARTSCAPE Opera House

No fewer than four guest artists will grace the stage in this glamorous re-creation of Norman Furber’s masterpiece, last seen in South Africa in 1996, when danced by the CAPAB Ballet Co.

Hikaru Kobayashi and Valeri Hristov, both Senior Soloists in the ROYAL BALLET, will dance the roles of Raymonda and Jean de Brienne at two performances, while Trevor Schoonraad, formerly of the ENGLISH NATIONAL BALLET and now an international freelance artist, shares the role of Abderam with Xola Putye and Ivan Boonzaaier.

Dirk Weyershausen, of the NORWEGIAN NATIONAL BALLET, will partner Laura Bosenberg at three performances and the third pairing is Kim Vieira, formerly of the DUTCH NATIONAL BALLET, with Daniel Szybkowski, making this a truly international production.

The sultry role of Semiramis will be shared by our own Angela Hansford, Lauren Rogers and Kirstel Jensen, supported by an exciting cast of soloists and corps de  ballet, portraying the story of Raymonda’s abduction by Abderam and her rescue from his harem by her betrothed, Jean de Brienne.

With sumptuous sets and costumes and danced to the glorious Glazunov score, played by the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Allan Stephenson, this production will showcase the wealth of South African talent alongside the best in the world, leaving you in no doubt as to the standard achieved by the CAPE TOWN CITYBALLET, @_CTCityBallet on twitter in it’s 78-year existence!

Raymonda was incorporated into the CAPAB Ballet’s repertoire in 1977, with choreography by Alfred Rodrigues and designs by Peter Cazalet. On 10^th August, 1980, David Poole and Norman Furber hosted a lecture demonstration at the Nico Malan Opera House in anticipation of Furber’s new production of the ballet, and on 2^nd September, 1980, Furber’s re-choreographed version was added to the CAPAB repertoire. It was reproduced five times subsequently until 1996, which is the last time Cape Town audiences saw the ballet.

AUGUST:

Fri 24^th at 19h30          Laura Bosenberg, Dirk Weyershausen*, Trevor Schoonraad*, Angela Hansford

Sat 25^th at 14h00        Kim Vieira, Daniel Szybkowski, Ivan Boonzaaier, Lauren Rogers

Sat 25^th at 19h30        Hikaru Kabayashi*, Valeri Hristov*, Xola Putye, Angela Hansford

Sun 26^th at 15h00       Laura Bosenberg, Dirk Weyershausen*, Trevor Schoonraad*, Kirstel Jensen

Wed 29^th at 19h30      Hikaru Kabayashi*, Valeri Hristov*, Xola Putye, Angela Hansford               

Fri 31s at 19h30          Laura Bosenberg, Dirk Weyershausen*, Trevor Schoonraad*, Kirstel Jensen

SEPTEMBER

Sat 1^st at 14h00           Kim Vieira, Daniel Szybkowski, Ivan Boonzaaier, Lauren Rogers

*=guest artist

Ticket prices range from R100 to R250.

Booking is through COMPUTICKET or ARTSCAPE Dial-a-Seat on 021 421 7695

You dare not miss this array of talent performing in one of the balletic showpieces of the 20^th Century!

SIZODANISA!

Cape Town’s first and only Diamond Museum

Conveniently located at the gateway to the world-famous Robben Island, the Diamond Museum is the latest in Cape Town’s list of must-see attractions. The Cape Town Diamond Museum opened its doors to the public in the newly upgraded Clock Tower precinct at the Waterfront. It is the only museum of its kind in Cape Town and the first to pay homage to the extraordinary story of the South African diamond industry.

Mariette  Du Toit-Helmbold, CEO of Cape Town Tourism commented. “The Diamond Museum is an exciting addition to Cape Town’s diversity of attractions – telling the stories of our city and country and the journeys that shaped our history. The Diamond Museum will give visitors and citizens a first-hand experience of South Africa’s significant contribution to the international diamond industry.”

Featuring a number of authentic artefacts telling the amazing story of diamonds and the tale of South Africa’s diamond trade. The entire experience was designed to ensure that visitors feel the excitement and mystery surrounding these beautiful gems and learn more about one of South Africa’s greatest exports. Great care has been taken to show how South Africa’s own diamond industry was instrumental in shaping the global industry. During the 19th century, South Africa produced most of the world’s diamonds.
 

Since its discovery in 1867, the country has produced some of the world’s largest, most valuable and most memorable stones, including the Cullinan, the Hope and the Taylor Burton. Visitors can see exact replicas of the world’s most famous diamonds and delve deeper into the amazing story of the South African diamond rush. Explore the romance of this fascinating era through the museum’s displays and knowledgeable guides at the Cape Town Diamond Museum 

Gandhi in Africa - Satyagraha House

The Satyagraha House - Gandhi's house, Johannesburg

Now transformed into a museum and guesthouse South Africa’s liberation heritage has been further enriched with the official opening of Mahatma Gandhi’s historical Johannesburg home, for those eager to immerse themselves in the Gandhi life experience.

His concept of passive resistance became known at Satyagraha (Sanskrit for ‘truth force’) – the name chosen for the new tourism destination for those who have not forgotten Gandhi’s South African experience and wish to learn more. The guesthouse component of Satyagraha House comprises nine rooms and a restaurant offering strictly vegetarian fare in accordance with Gandhi’s own dietary preference. 

Jean François Rial noted: “Satyagraha House marks an important passage in a liberation struggle that was later taken up in South Africa by leaders such as Nelson Mandela. “We believe the site will attract both South African and international visitors and will resonate particularly with those with an abiding interest in the struggle to combat racism and ultimately apartheid.' “The house tells its own compelling story, but can also be integrated into a wider visitor experience by combining a visit here with visits to Soweto, Constitution Hill and Johannesburg’s Old Fort Prison, a jail where Gandhi and Nelson Mandela were both held.”

Interior of The Satyagraha House

The Orchards house was built in 1907. The property is revered as the place where the future Mahatma (‘Great Soul’) conceptualised and evolved his philosophy of passive resistance – the pacifist method of protest that he subsequently employed in India when leading the country to independence.

Fabrice Dabouineau, Director Voyageurs du Monde and Mr. Cllr Prema Naidoo - Chief Whip of the JHB City Council

The house is the only place where Gandhi lived in South Africa that has been preserved. Exhibits celebrate Gandhi’s life while reflecting the minimalism and simplicity that characterised his life. The opening of Satyagraha House will also showcase cultural diversity through Indian music performed on traditional instruments by local artists and vegetarian cooking. The guesthouse experience includes morning meditation. Take a trip through this South African heritage site and experience the sparse universe of Gandhi, the rich history of South Africa, authentic architecture and simple, raw interior. 
 

In the middle - Mr. Sonam Tenzing - The Dalai Lama's Representative in SA

The faithfully restored Satyagraha House in Orchards was opened on November 8 by Jean François Rial, CEO of French travel company Voyageurs du Monde and Satyagraha House (Pty) Ltd, at a ceremony attended by senior Indian and French diplomats and representatives of the Department of Tourism, Gauteng Tourism and the international media.

Jean Francoise Rial, CEO Voyageurs du Monde

Voyageurs du Monde, the first French company to invest in ‘liberation tourism’ within South Africa, bought the property two years ago. Since then, with assistance from local historians, the company has re-created an authentic Edwardian home and developed on on-site museum complete with Gandhi memorabilia and period pieces from India that reflect the development of Mahatma Gandhi’s anti-colonial and anti-racism philosophy and his commitment to non-violence.

The team who made The Satyagraha House possible.

Voyageurs du Monde specialises in travel-related services with strong focus on personalised travel itineraries, guided tours and flight and hotel reservation services. It organises international conferences, exhibitions and craft fairs and operates across Africa, South America, Asia, the USA and Europe. Voyageurs du Monde offers accommodation services in Morocco, Brazil, Egypt and now South Africa.

The Queen’s Plate

A ROYAL MEETING OF ELEGANCE AND EXCELLENCE The L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate is the oldest and most prestigious horseracing event in South Africa. Its racing elite will gather at Kenilworth on Saturday, 7 January, in a celebration of art, passion and equestrian excellence. First run in 1861 in honour of Queen Victoria it has distinguished itself as the most prestigious weight-for-age race.  In January it will again bring together the most noble thoroughbreds in the country against an august backdrop of blue and white on a day of fine dining and world-class entertainment.   The white and blue elegance that will underpin the Best Dressed and Best Hat competition will be judged by some of South Africa’s leaders in the fashion industry, namely Sam Walker (PopYaCollar), Emily Bell (Marie Claire), Jacqui Kolbe (Milliner) and Tammy Tinker (British Vogue). The day will be captured by professional photographers in what has become known as The L’Ormarins Moment. The popular Style Lounge will include culinary delights from sushi to gourmet burgers and sandwiches, as well as a selection of the finest Anthonij Rupert Wines. There will also be a selection of vintage cars on display from one of the largest collections in the world, courtesy of the Franschhoek Motor Museum. The L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate has captured the imagination of personalities and sporting icons alike, including the legendary Gary Player, Ernie Els, Bryan Habana, Schalk Burger, Jacques Kallis and Graeme Smith, as well as celebrities Francesca Cumani, Kitty Spencer, Joanne Strauss, and Jen Su. In January, it will once again provide a fitting stage upon which South Africa’s greatest thoroughbreds can build their legacies. For more information visit The L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate