Front Row With Philip Philips

by DaniellaRenzon It’s been a fairly short walk to fame for Philip Phillips who seems to have only just stepped off the American Idols stage to being in South Africa now and preparing to open for the popular international group …

The Script Have Landed

by Daniella Renzon So here they are, one of Ireland’s most famous pop rock bands, sitting right in front of me in the Sandton offices of 94.7 Highveld Radio’s swivel red and white chairs. Just for the crowd, I imagine, …

Decadent high tea and pampering: Chic Jozi’s 2014 year-end function

The Chic Jozi team was fortunate enough to be invited somewhere very special for our 2014-year end function. This heavenly place is a secret gem so we’re putting the word out there.  Hands On Retreat nestled in Craighall is a …

WAR HORSE IS AN INCREDIBLE FEAT OF THEATRE

I was loathe to see this production simply because I can’t stand to see horses get hurt in wars that people started. This is precisely why I avoided watching the acclaimed film by Steven Spielberg, despite it’s accolades. Yet, there …

Dark Drama in “BASH”

American playwright, Neil Labute’s play, “BASH” is a trilogy of three short pieces: “Iphegenia in Orem”, “A Gaggle of Saints” and “Medea Redux”. Labute’s work was originally entitled “BASH: Latterday Plays”.  He was “disfellowshipped” from the Mormon Church following the …

Elizabeth is Missing By Emma Healey

Maud slowly seems to be losing her mind and we’re privy to this process through her inner prose, which forms the narrative of this book. It’s horrifying to bear witness to this woman’s life. She’s more or less dependent on …

A Stunning Spectacle: Cirque Éloize iD

This dazzling show has to be seen to be believed. Fusing urban dance, acrobatics and contemporary circus arts taken to a new level, this is a thrilling night out for the whole family. Having performed in more than 440 cities …

Political Ideals and Family Ties Put to the Test in “Missing”

John Kani’s latest play is a pertinent portrayal of the disillusionment following life in exile. The story is a human, family drama with social commentary woven into the tale.

South African, Robert Khalipa (played by Kani), has been living in exile in Stockholm with his Swedish wife and daughter for over 30 years. Since Mandela’s release in 1990, he’s been waiting to be called back to South Africa – his homeland – to be part of the ANC-led government. He sees this as an entitlement after the sacrifices he made in fighting for liberation. However, as Robert begins to realise that his dream may never become a reality, what ensues is an intense unfolding of betrayal, back-stabbing, bitterness and family tension.

Quirkiness and Twists in “Vigil”

Graham Hopkins and Vanessa Cooke play Kemp and Grace in an amusing tale at the Auto and General Theatre on the Square.

Kemp is a troubled, self-centred soul with a deeply cynical take on life. He rushes from his job as a Banker to visit his dying Aunt Grace, to be with her in her last days. What unfolds is an absurd and hilarious encounter as Kemp tries to deal with his aunt’s ensuing death. Days turn into months, which turn into a year.  Kemp occupies his time by planning his aunt’s funeral, spying on the neighbours, and inventing various mechanisms by which he can “do Aunt Grace in”.  As he quips at one point, “I’m concerned about your health these past few days, it seems to be improving.”

Kemp and Aunt Grace are ultimately two lonely individuals desperate for companionship. There are unexpected twists and turns, and the hilarity and mocking are countered by some tenderness and poignancy.

I just loved the set design by Julia Anastaspoulos.  Clever props and accessories create an eccentric setting. The play is directed by Christopher Weare who, in 2012, was awarded the Fleur Du Cap Lifetime Achievement Award for “his remarkable contribution to the theatre industry”.

Written by: Judy Botha

Images: http://www.artlink.co.za

A Journey with “America’s First Lady of Jazz”

“A-Tisket, A-Tasket”, “I Love Paris”, “Mack the Knife”… Cat Sings Ella takes the audience on a virtual tour through the life of Ella Fitzgerald.

The lovely Cat Simoni – with her velvety voice – takes the part of Ella. With Cat at the piano, she is joined by Paul Spence, who plays the role of a journalist for The New York Times. Together, they tell the story of Ella – from her humble beginnings and early Harlem days, to her big break with Chick Webb’s band in the 1930s, and her European tours.

Cat peppers the storyline with Ella’s songs, turning this into an enchanting, foot-tapping revue.

This fabulous show was on at The Auto and General Theatre on the Square.

Written by: Judy Botha

Images: http://www.artlink.co.za