Dr Preciuos Motsepe Open the Joburg Fahion week

 Date: 17 Fabruary 2011
Article: Madoda Ntuli

The fashion week Joburg was officially open two days ago at the Fashion Kapital downtown Jozi, Nothende was graces the occation with her beautiful voice while the models took the center stage and seeying newcomers like Dj Sbu Showcasing his range Vandal (ghubuluzing}.the event also attended by Kanysile Mbau, Kabonina and off-caus Dr Precius Motsepe who also tank the audience who came to the opening, we believe in you and we know that you are going to succeed in this industry she said.

The fashion shows will continue until saturday aftertnoon with David Tlale schedule to showcase his range at Mandla Bridge,it is going tp a big stage out there, and tickest are available ta computickets.

Promusica’s ‘The Crucible’ : A play with movie tonalities

Date: 17 fabruary 2011
Article: Madoda Ntuli
The Crucible - more relevant than ever.

In 1953 Arthur Miller wrote The Crucible as an allegory to McCarthyism; a period in US history during which numerous prominent Americans were named, shamed and ostracised as being communists and subversives. The play deals with the shocking Salem witch hunts of 1692, during which innocent people were sent to their death as a result of a wave of hysteria that was started by a handful of young girls.

This message of prejudice and mob justice is just as relevant in this new millennium.
Joburg Promusica is proud to present Arthur Miller’s The Crucible as you’ve never seen it before. Alby Michaels, known for his incredibly innovative and strongly visual productions, directs this production, which is designed by the talented Kosie Smit. From physical theatre to puppetry, from masks to music, The Crucible promises to be a feast for theatregoers’ senses.

The production’s top-drawer slate of actors includes Jacques Bessenger, Candi Brown, Kim Cloete, Christien LeRoux, Clive Gilson, Cindy Swanepoel, Clifford Hughes and Angus Charl Meyer, who goes by the mononym of Angus.
Dawid Boverhoff: adding fresh dimensions
Dawid Boverhoff spent his primary school years with the world-renowned Drakensberg Boys Choir. After matriculating, he completed a BMus (Composition) at the Utrecht Conservatoire in the Netherlands.

Now firmly entrenched back in South Africa, he’s been involved as rehearsal and performance pianist for musicals such as Grease, Footloose, Saturday Night Fever and the Joburg Civic Theatre panto, Snow White. He’s just returned from the Hong Kong run of Grease.

Dawid was Musical Director for seven Joburg Promusica ‘Kidz’ productions as well as the musical revue Spoof Full of Sugar at Sandton’s Theatre on the Square. Dawid accompanied Elzabé Zietsman in Op ’n Ligter Noot, and is now embarking on a regular piano duet concert series with Marga Sander.

When one thinks of a play such as The Crucible, one seldom thinks of music, but Boverhoff has written a ‘score’ for the play, almost as if scoring for a film. And every piece is newly and specially composed for the show by this talented artist.
Dawid broke down the music in The Crucible into three distinct themes, being: Religion, Love, and Witchcraft. Sometimes the themes use exactly the same piece of music, but shift into either minor or major, according to the emotional quality of the scene. Different instruments will also change the quality of each composed piece. All of the music will be pre-recorded, save for the presence of a live violinist on stage; Irishman David Delaney.
***
For school/group bookings, contact Queen (queenm@promusica.co.za) or Nevolan (nevolanr@promusica.co.za) on 011 674 1356/7/8/9 or fax on 011 674 2365.
Other bookings can be made at Computicket Outlets (Checkers Hyper and Shoprite), or online at http://www.computicket.com/
***
VENUE: Joburg Promusica’s Main Auditorium
DATES: March 7th – 26th 2011
TICKETS: R50
The Promusica theatre complex, situated within the Civic Centre at Florida Park, Roodepoort, offers ample free parking for patrons.
The production will then move to the UJ Theatre on the Kingsway Campus, booking is also at Computicket.

Promusica’s Summer Jazz

Date: 17 Fabruary 2011
Article: Madoda Ntuli

The one-day-only seasonal smash is back!
The magic begins as soon as you leave your car in the parking lot - as you step into the foyer, you will be greeted by the infectious musical stylings of the well-loved jazz pianist and singer Neal Robertson, who will be at his post from 6.30pm.

Then, at 7pm, Zarcia Zacheus and her band will take to the stage. Born in Eldorado Park, Johannesburg, Zarcia began her adventures in music at the tender age of nine, by singing in the church choir. By the age of 13 she had auditioned for - and landed a role - in her first professional stage production. She went on to sing for a variety of gospel and jazz bands. She has also recorded and/or performed with musicians such as Joyous Celebration, Patrick Duncan, James Okon, Mpumi Dlamini, Dave Koz, and the Johannesburg Festival Orchestra.

After interval, it’s the turn of the freewheeling and eclectic outfit, Quantum. This multi-talented ensemble of jazzmen, who are no strangers to Joburg Promusica, was formed by their dynamic keyboardist, Jaconell Mouton as a labour of love. Audiences can look forward to a chill blend of smooth jazz, easy listening and a mix which includes public favourites as well as some more out-of-the-way gems.

Ms Mouton, who can be seen every week on TV’s Noot Vir Noot, is joined by her Noot Vir Noot colleague David Klaasen on drums, Denny Lalouette on electric bass, and Erik Paliani on guitar. Their passion for their music - and playing together - is evident in their unique and memorable sound. Jazz fans will, however, recognise within the band’s repertoire, echoes of renowned musicians and bands as Lee Ritenour, Fourplay, Joe Sample and Sting. This astonishing outfit - one of South Africa’s best kept secrets in jazz - rarely make public appearances, so this will be an occasion to treasure!

WHERE : Promusica’s foyer and Main Auditorium on Saturday Feb 26th
WHEN : Stage show begins 7pm. Foyer entertainment starts at 6.30pm.
SEATS : From R120

Bookings can be done at any Computicket outlet, or online at http://www.computicket.com/

***
The Promusica theatre complex, situated within the Civic Centre at Florida Park, Roodepoort, offers ample free parking for patrons.

The of Jozi,Robbie Thorpe he is looking foward to taking best picture home at SAFTAS on sunday

Date: 16 Fabruary 2011
Article: Zama Hlongwane

We got to catch up with Robbie Thorpe of T.O.M pictures who has been nominated for six South African Film and Television Awards, which will be taking over two consecutive weekends of February on the 20^th and on the 27^th.  Film producer extrodinaire got to share  some light on the up and coming SAFTAS and on the year ahead. 

Zama: How does it feel to be nominated for six SAFTAS?
Robbie:I got to be honest with you, it feels great to be nominated 6 times it’s always good to get acknowledgement for your hardword work. I don’t mean to brag but I have been nomitaded about 40 times over the years it,s not  a new feeling but it always feels good. However getting nominated is just the cherry on top but it’s not the cake, instead one should not stop when they get awarded they should keep moving and achieve more,be better than the last production.
Zama: What was your insipration behind the film Jozi?
Robbie:My insipiration for Jozi was the drive to change the stereotype that people have, about Johannesburg which is where I come from, and my love for the city. To let them know that it’s the people who turn against the city and not the city turning against them.
Zama:Which award do you look forward to taking home?
Robbie: In all honesty I would love to take home the father of the year award(he laughs) but as a producer best picture would really do it for me.
Zama:lf you had a choice, which person would you not be in the same catergory with?
Robbie: No one I respect my colleauges, it’s just that i prefer on focusing on myself and my work. I mean what good does it do me to focus my energy on what the next personis doing?  Besides a little competion is healthy it keeps you on your toes.
Zama:What more can we expect from you in the coming year?
Robbie:Oh yes what would be the point of living if we stopped. I am currently busy with my next film Material on the14th of March the movie feature Riaad Moosa it’s going to be a comedy. As well as a film about people, authentic experiences in South Africa,watch out for those two films.he concludes

Sibikwa Arts Centre; Alive and Kicking!

Date: 16 Fabruary 2011
Article: Madoda ntuli

There appears to have been some rumour-mongering within the arts community that the Sibikwa is on the verge of disintegration. The source of these malignant whispers is unknown, but even a glancing inspection of the company’s itinerary reveals that Sibikwa is anything but a crumbling concern!

A very busy year ahead

Sibikwa’s Dance Company enjoys the patronage of Rand Merchant Bank, whilst the African Indigenous Orchestra, also under the Sibiwka umbrella, is supported by MMINO. Sibikwa Dance Co. is about to host their popular annual Dance Explosion in March, and the vibrant outfit has appearances booked for Goethe on Main in April, and the Grahamstown Festival in July. Other festival appearances are also in the pipeline. Sibikwa’s lecture/demonstrations on the schools circuit continue unabated, with the latest series on George Orwell’s Animal Farm having risen from enthusiastic teacher demand.

At the end of March, members of the Sibikwa Orchestra embark on an exciting trip to Sri Lanka, and the company also has a rigorous programmes of school lectures and demonstrations throughout the year - in addition to a full slate of corporate gigs!
Refusing to bow out: The Saturday Arts Academy Sibikwa’s SAA (Saturday Arts Academy) is an arts education programme targeted at young people between the ages of six and 24 which offers classes in Dance, Drama, Music and the Visual Arts. It’s true that the SAA was on the brink of closing down last year because of a lack of funding. However, parents and concerned leaders who appreciate the programme’s value to their community stepped in and, after a series of meetings held at the end of last year, worked on a plan to ensure the SAA’s survival.

New shows Sibikwa’s hit show, D.E.T. Boys High, is currently being revived in association with The South African State Theatre, and will be presented from March 10th -27th. The show will be directed by Sibikwa heads Phyllis Klotz and Smal Ndaba, who will be directing together again after a break of ten years.
Klotz is also currently working on an exciting new project in partnership with Wits University and a group of American exchange students.

The challenges of 2010

Towards the end of last year, because funds were not forthcoming as expected, Sibikwa was forced to downsize its staff in order to keep afloat. But it is heartening to see how people and organisations have rallied round, validating Sibikwa’s input to the world of the arts in the last 22 yearsLooking ahead.

Those who know Sibikwa founders Phyllis Klotz and Smal Ndaba will know that they don’t see hurdles - they see challenges. Sibikwa, which was founded during the State of Emergency in 1988, has faithfully maintained its output, despite unfavourable political and economic circumstances. The company has many exciting new projects in development, with sponsors waiting in the wings.

Sibikwa, with its strong focus on the community, is not the kind of organisation that would just fade away with a whimper. The fact that fewer companies are offering sponsorships is to be expected, bearing in mind that the economy has yet to recover fully. The creative arts are all about moulding the world around one rather than standing by passively, and the challenges that the company has encountered over the years have only served to strengthen Sibikwa. Its 2011 schedule simply proves that this vibrant entity is moving into the 21st century
with gusto, and turning adversary into triumph!

To discover the full scope of Sibikwa’s work this year, or to find out about funding opportunities, visit http://www.sibikwa.co.za/

South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAS) Best Soapie voting line open.

Date: 15 Fabruary 2011

Article: Madoda Ntuli

14 February 2011: The South African Film and Television Awards announces the opening of the Best Soapie Category voting line. The Best Soapie Voting line opens today 14 of February 2011 and will close on Friday 25^th of February.

As with previous years, viewers are encouraged to vote for their Best Soapie by sending an sms to 34877. The sms vote costs R2.00, and only 10 votes per number are allowed. To vote viewers are requested to type Soapie followed by Name of the soapie.

The SAFTAs are industry awards of which the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) of South Africa are the industry appointed custodians. The award’s main objective is to honour, celebrate and promote the creativity, quality and excellence of South African, film and television talent, and encourage entrepreneurship and the development of new talent in the industry.

The 5^th SAFTAs will be held at Melrose Arch at Madame Zingara’s Theatre of Dreams over a period of two weekends. The first event to be held on Sunday 20^th of February will award winners in the Non-fiction categories, followed by the second session - Fiction categories to be held on Sunday  27^th of February.

Released on behalf of the National Film and Video Foundation

Next month brings with it a red letter day for Gauteng’s dance community.

Date: 10 fabruary 2011
Article: Madoda Ntuli

Sibikwa Dance Explosion: Be a Part of the Action
Next month brings with it a red letter day for Gauteng’s dance community.
Don’t be caught unawares!

DIARISE MARCH 21st

The Sibikwa Arts Centre in Benoni South will be the venue for all things dance on Human Rights Day, March 21st. Dancers from around Gauteng are invited to participate in the Dance Explosion, an opportunity for new and established artists to showcase their work at Sibikwa’s recently refurbished theatre. This event was a tremendous success last year, with over 20 dance companies participating.

WORK WITH THE SIBIKWA DANCE COMPANY

Groups taking part will have the opportunity to work during rehearsal with members of Sibikwa’s Dance Company, which was nominated for an Ovation Award at the National Arts Festival last year. The two-year-old company, which has already toured nationally and to Mozambique, will also be performing new work at the event. This will be real treat for dance lovers, as the group already enjoys a nationwide reputation for creativity and flair.

“The Sibikwa Arts Dance Company continues to explore innovative new South African dance styles, merging Asian forms with an African sensibility,” says Artistic Director Phyllis Klotz, “The company has an exciting programme for the year, including working at Goethe on Main and the Arena platform at the Grahamstown Festival. There will also be lecture/demonstrations in schools, and community work and performances at festivals nationally.”

A WORTHY LEADER

This year, The Sibikwa Arts Dance Company will be headed by Thabo Rapoo, who was the recipient of the Standard Bank Young Artist Award for 2008/9.
Perhaps one of the most exciting aspects of this vibrant dancer’s career is that it grew “from the street up”. Thabo started dancing with a Pantsula group in the mid-’80s, although it was a three-year diploma in Dance at the Johannesburg Dance Foundation that would unleash his potential by exposing him to a wide range of styles. His professional dance career began in 2002, when he entered two works at the FNB Vita Dance Umbrella. These were well-received, and earned him the prestige he needed to further his craft.
Thabo’s work has not only been enjoyed in Gauteng, but has taken him to the Grahamstown National Art Festival - and as far afield as Italy, Austria, Luxembourg and Sweden. He frequently holds workshops in South Africa and Botswana, and is on an unending mission to foster new and upcoming talent.

In addition to this tireless terpsichorean’s various postings in dance education, he has choreographed openings for prestigious TV shows and expositions, and has performed internationally - including in Indonesia, where