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Thursday, January 31, 2013

What is Pansa?


Pansa is a Performing Arts Network for Actors, Writers and many other Artists in South Africa.

PANSA is open to all those who make their living (or part thereof) from being engaged in some aspect of the performing arts.  This includes individuals, companies, institutions, festivals, unions, managements and the like.

Membership fees: 

R25 for Students 
R120 for Individuals
R250 for Organizations with less than 25 members/staff
R500 for Organizations with more than 25 members/staff

Email them for more details kzn@pansa.org.za

On receipt of your payment you will be registered on the members database as a paid up member, allowing you access to networking opportunities, discounts, and much more!


It really is worth it if you are a performing artist.

(Source - Pansa) 




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Friday, January 18, 2013

Music at St Clements and we have a story for you



Dear Readers

There is some great music on at St Clements on Friday 18 January.


Nux Schwartz and John Ellis live at St. Clements this Friday 18 Jan at 7pm.
Tickets R60. Tel 031 2022511

(Source - St Clements) 


Also look out for the Musho Theatre Festival, there are some great shows on today and over the weekend at
The Catalina Theatre, Wilson's Wharf, Durban.  

What's on at Musho

The Epicene Butcher and other stories for consenting adults -Friday 18 January, 6pm
Produced by Daddy’s Little Secret (Johannesburg) Written by Gwydion Beynon, directed by John Trengove and illustrated and performed by Jemma Kahn, with assistance from Klara Van Wyk and Carlos Amato
The ancient Japanese storytelling art of Kamishibai (paper-play) is given a profane, hilarious and utterly original revival as Kahn performs seven eclectic stories that take in such divergent themes as heaven and hell, pornography, gothic tragedy and the dream life of cats. “Nothing short of perfect” Artslink. (Storytelling; ages 16+; 50 minutes)

Hambre del Alma - Friday 18 January, 8pm
Produced by Masidlaale Productions.  Created and performed by Tristan Jacobs and directed by Andrew Buckland
“Hambre del Alma” is a solo mask performance about the Durban-born, Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa.  Hilarious in its wordlessness, creative and sad, the play underlines the beauty of adults playing pretend. Award winning Tristan Jacobs returns to Durban for his second Musho! Show. (Physical Theatre/ Mask; All ages; 45 minutes)

Allegations - Saturday 19 January, 6pm
Produced by Almasi Collaborative Arts (Zimbabwe) with tour support from Pro Helvetia, the Swiss Arts Council, and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). Written by Mandisi Gobodi, directed by Patience Tawengwa and performed by Dan Hargrove and Everson Ndlovu
What does ‘national healing’ really mean to a white farmer and a black rural dweller?  Is it possible to just let sleeping dogs lie?  “Allegations” examines Zimbabwe’s brutal past and present, and is a true story of hope, fear and frustration in the country today. Sold out at Edinburgh Festival – don’t miss it! (Drama; 16+; ages 60 minutes)

The Spinster - Saturday 19 January, 8pm
Written and performed by Kyla Davis and directed by James Cairns
Come in. Sit down. Don't be boring. The Spinster has some stories for you. She's mad and wild and outrageously rude but, if you promise not to interrupt, she'll probably let you stay for a drink. Or seven.  Drawing inspiration from the political satire of Franca Rame, Lecoq's 'Buffoon' and Jungian female archetypes, 'The Spinster' is a rowdy new play.  (Comedy; ages 16+; 45 minutes) 
Brothers - Sunday 20 January, 2pm
Produced by Umsindo Productions (Durban). Written by Bongumusa Shabalala, Musawenkosi Shabalala and Jerry Pooe, and directed and performed by identical twins Bongumusa and Musawenkosi Shabalala
Seen through the eyes of twin boys, the story takes us through their happiness, suffering and pain.  They question why they were born together but don’t die together.  Faced with impossible odds, each one of them searches for his own answer. (Drama; ages 13+; 60 minutes) 
Elnora & Nirvana - Sunday 20 January, 4pm
Written and performed by Nieke Lombard and directed by Stephanie Brink
Nirvana is Elnora's spirit who spends her days with Elnora, reminiscing on the past.  Elnora's inner child makes an appearance as she comes to grips with her life.  Elnora is brought to life through the delightful techniques of the acclaimed Handspring Puppet Company. (Object Theatre; ages 13+; 45 minutes)


Half empty/Half full - Sunday 20 January, 6pm
Produced by Savannah Trust (Zimbabwe) with tour support from Pro Helvetia, the Swiss Arts Council, and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). Created by Tafadzwa Hananda and Teddy Mangawa, written by Leonard Matsa, directed by Daniel Maposa with assistance from Lloyd Nyikadzino and performed by Tafadzwa Hananda and Teddy Mangawa
Two political leaders from highly contesting factions crumble when they face a public uprising.  Problems they failed to solve and encounters and alliances they have faced and forged, which form their political history, good and bad, are narrated through this satire on contemporary Zimbabwean politics. (Comedy; ages 13+; 60 minutes)


MUSHO CHILDREN’S THEATRE PROGRAMME


Fishy Flippers - Saturday 19 January, 10 am
A Creative Beans and Clowns Without Borders South Africa (CWBSA) collaboration. Created and performed by Annabel Morgan and Nadia Maria Woodward.  Assistant director: Jamie McLaren Lachman.
An interactive, spontaneous and playful storytelling show, about a little boy who finds a lost penguin on his doorstep. Come and explore the shores of your imagination as they set off on an adventure in search of home, only to find it within each other. A story of an unusual and delightful friendship, told by two (very silly) clowns. (Children’s theatre; all ages; 60 minutes)


 MUSHO! WITH A TWIST

Save my soul - Saturday 19 January, 12 pm
Created by Siyakha Performing Artists with mentor Themba Mkhoma
A death-row prisoner, known around the prison for his pathological silence, is approached by a nun who visits him in prison.  While the nun aims to save the soul of this supposedly violent prisoner before his execution, he finally talks, and his sad story unfolds before her.  (Drama; 13+, 40 minutes)

Fikile - Saturday 19 January, 1 pm
Created by Emuhle All Artists with mentor Neil Coppen
A recent graduate returns home to honour a marriage proposal made by her sweetheart several years ago. We follow her journey home, where she is confronted by a series of choices which will shape her future. She must learn to navigate the tricky terrain of traditional values, family affairs, past loves and secrets that are re-awoken with her arrival back into the community. (Drama; all ages, 40 minutes)


MUSHO! NEW VOICES PROGRAMME

  
Looking into the Abyss - Saturday 19 January, 2 pm
Produced by nu-Breed Productions. Written and directed by Sabelo Ndlovu and Menzi Mkhwane and performed by Thobani Mbhele.  Mentored by Giselle Turner.
A riveting story about the mysterious death of a young girl from the township of uMlazi.  As more light is shed onto the darkening patches of her unexplainable death, the darkness of the people surrounding the true events of what happened to her is slowly is released. (Drama; All ages, 45 minutes)

Behind the Curtain of Justice - Saturday 19 January, 3 pm
Written and directed by Radwinn Paul van Wyk, performed by Musa Ntuli and Monde Tshazi. Mentored by Christa Biyela.
A middle aged detective gets a surprise visit from an old high school friend who is also an undercover detective.  Peppered with moments of light comedy and sarcasm, the audience is kept in suspense by the gradual unmasking of the lives of these two characters. (Drama; ages 16+, 45 minutes)

Race Trouble - Saturday 19 January, 4 pm
Written and directed by Devaksha Moodley and performed by Kamini Govender and Christopher Ndabenhle Tobo. Mentored by Rowin Moonsamy.
A poignant, sometimes humorous, and sincere story about two young South Africans whose race, family, community, and the ways in which they have been conditioned by these things are explored and confronted, however uncomfortable it may be to deal with. (Drama; ages 13+, 45 minutes)
  
Mob Feel - Saturday 19 January, 5 pm
Written and directed by Kline Smith and performed by Mpilo Nzimande and T.Q. Zondi. Mentored by Peter Mitchell.
Evocative, vivid and poetic language and imagery is used to articulate the detrimental effects of mob mentalities and township violence, and the dangers of losing one’s sense of individual feeling and responsibility when caught up in a mob feeling. (Drama/Physical Theatre; All ages, 45 minutes)

Ticket details:
All shows R 50 per ticket  /  Students, OAPS and children under 12  - R 30
PANSA paid-members special price  - R 30
Special all-day ticket on Saturday / Sunday - R 100 per day.
Tickets for Musho! with a Twist and the New Voices shows are on a Pay-What-You-Can basis
Tickets also available at www.strictlytickets.com

All Musho Festival performances are at the Catalina Theatre:  Contact            031-3056889      

(Source - Catalina Theatre) 

Author and Public Speaker Linda Smith shared this article with us:

The times they are a changin’

The end of the Mayan Calendar signifies the ending of an era and the ushering in of higher ways of living and being; an era of peace will reign on Earth.
      In changing times the boat is rocked. This can be challenging for those who cling to the old ways or continue with systems that no longer serve the world.
      Those who have orchestrated evil on others are due for their comeuppances. As the saying goes – ‘what goes around comes around’. Those who have lived off the backs of others will soon find themselves holding the begging bowel. The unscrupulous will be brought to book and many a parasite will topple from their perch.
      The dictatorial ways have seen the best of their days. The endless rules being enforced on humanity will be overturned by those refusing to relinquish their rights.
      Everywhere people are waking up; the pain of the cracking whip is opening their eyes. Humanity is becoming conscious and breaking from imposed systems of slavery. 
      There are no saviours, no heroes, and no icons. Life is a group effort. We are here to help and support each other.
      The way forward is in hands and hearts of thinking people, those who do not allow themselves to be fooled, bought or manipulated; those who speak out and stand up for what is right.


Linda Smith
Author and Public Speaker
Durban

Flame Lily



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Monday, January 14, 2013

Read about the HIVenture - Tour de Life Roadshow 2013



Inspirational Speaker Cindy Pivavic is planning a road trip.

Support this HIV & AIDS Awareness Iinitiative – What can you do? 

• Companies and individuals lend your name to creating awareness! 

• Scheduled for 17th by March to 15th April, 

• We invite companies that are interested in the health and wellbeing of South 
Africa to join the venture that is already in motion. 

• Maximum media exposure. 

• By lending your name to a serious concern in South Africa you are invited to 
join forces with HIVenture – Tour de Life. 

• The organization will create awareness which will in turn assist in limiting the 
HIV infection in our nation. 

• By targeting Education and Business institutions the HIV & AIDS message will 
get to the public. 

CREATE AWARENESS! 

‘HIVenture-Tour de Life’ aims to spread the word not the virus by promoting change in the lifestyle of South Africans to rapidly decrease the rate of infections. 

As an optimistically positive person living with HIV & AIDS since November 2004, (AID My Journey-Support (NPO 093-243) I, Cindy Pivacic choose to share my journey and alert others to the hazards of exposure to the virus. 

Also along for the ride; LPL Events will assist in coordinating the tour and a Dance/Drama Group affiliated to AID My Journey-Support, contributing to the message through a simple yet thought provoking drama. 

“To mobilise and empower the South African business sector as well as the population at large to take effective action on HIV and AIDS”. 

Support our Skills Initiative Projects - sms the word ‘THINK’ to 38665 to donate R10.00 

Follow the link and 'like' the page to stay on track with the journey! 

Facebook link 
https://www.facebook.com/HIVentureTourdeLife 

Website link 
http://cindypivacic.co.za/uncategorized/hiventure-tour-de-life-roadshow/ 

Please request proposal ‘The Pitch’ for more information. 


(Source - Cindy Pivavic)  

Thursday, January 10, 2013

The Musho Festival, Free Workshops and more


This week we have news of the puppet workshop, news from Musho and news
about a workshop you should attend if you plan on going to the Fringe at the Grahamstown
Festival 2013.



Puppetry Master Class
Musho! Theatre Festival of One and Two hander theatre
Monday 21 January from 9.00-12.00.

One of the highlights of the eighth Musho! International Theatre Festival of One and Two Person Theatre hosted by The Performing Arts Network of South Africa (PANSA) in KZN at the Catalina Theatre in Durban from 16 – 20 January 2013 is a morning master-class on puppetry. 

A master class on puppetry and puppet techniques of the internationally renowned Handspring Puppet Theatre will be conducted by Nieke Lombard on Monday 21 January from 9.00-12.00.  Attendance is free, but bookings are essential.  

For details about the master-class, please contact Mandisa on 031-2014750. It is open to theatre practioners aged 16 upwards. Venue details etc to be confirmed upon booking.

Nieke Lombard has written and performs in Elnora & Nirvana which comes to Musho! on Sunday 20 January at 4pm. The production, directed by Stephanie Brink is about Nirvana who is Elnora's spirit who spends her days with Elnora, reminiscing on the past.  Elnora's inner child makes an appearance as she comes to grips with her life.  Elnora is brought to life through the delightful techniques of the acclaimed Handspring Puppet Company. It is suitable for ages13+ and is 45 minutes long.


Two plays from Zimbabwe for Musho! Theatre Festival of One and Two hander theatre
Catalina Theatre, Wilson’s Wharf Durban

Wednesday 16 - Sunday 20 January 2013
 
Two productions are travelling from Zimbabwe to be part of the eighth Musho! International Theatre Festival of One and Two Person Theatre, hosted by The Performing Arts Network of South Africa (PANSA) in KZN at the Catalina Theatre in Durban from 16 – 20 January 2013 featuring virtually 20 productions over six days, all celebrating the art of the one and two-performer plays.

The two productions from Zimbabwe share insights into the challenges of contemporary life in Zimbabwe and grapple with some pertinent socio-political and cultural issues. The productions have been given tour support from Pro Helvetia, the Swiss Arts Council, and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

First up is Allegations. What does ‘national healing’ really mean to a white farmer and a black rural dweller?  Is it possible to just let sleeping dogs lie?  Allegations examines Zimbabwe’s brutal past and present, and is a true story of hope, fear and frustration in the country today. 

It was sold out at when it toured to the Edinburgh Festival.  It is produced by Almasi Collaborative Arts (Zimbabwe); written by Mandisi Gobodi, directed by Patience Tawengwa and performed by Dan Hargrove and Everson Ndlovu. It will be staged on Saturday 19 January at 6pm. It is a drama; suitable for 16+ ages and runs at 60 minutes.

Half empty / Half full is the final production at the festival this year. Two political leaders from highly contesting factions crumble when they face a public uprising. Problems they failed to solve and encounters and alliances they have faced and forged, which form their political history, good and bad, are narrated through this satire on contemporary Zimbabwean politics. 

Produced by Savannah Trust (Zimbabwe) Created by Tafadzwa Hananda and Teddy Mangawa, written by Leonard Matsa, directed by Daniel Maposa with assistance from Lloyd Nyikadzino and performed by Tafadzwa Hananda and Teddy Mangawa. It will be staged on 
Sunday 20 January at 6pm. It is a comedy / satire and is suitable for ages 13+. It runs at 60 minutes.

The Musho Festival runs from Wednesday 16 - Sunday 20 January 2013, at the Catalina Theatre on Wilson's Wharf in Durban. For more details about the festival, you can visit the website on www.mushofestival.co.za or email kzn@pansa.org.za. For bookings, show times and details contact the Catalina Theatre on 031-3056889 or visit www.catalinatheatre.co.za/musho-festival 

All shows R 50 per ticket 
PANSA paid-members R 30
OAPS, students and children under 12 R 30 
Special all-day ticket on Saturday / Sunday - R 100 per day

Twist / Fringe tickets - pay-what-you can 
Children’s show:  R 30 for kids, R 50 for adults 


Attend this workshop if you plan on going to perform at the Fringe at Grahamstown 2013.

As part of the Performing Arts Network of South Africa (PANSA)'s commitment to the support and development of performing artists, and to enhancing professionalism in the industry, we are hosting a free ARTS SAVVY workshop on Monday 14 January 2013. 

The workshop is aimed at those groups or performers who are planning to mount productions on the fringe at the 2013 National Arts Festival in Grahamstown.      
The workshop, which will be facilitated by Emma Durden and Gisele Turner, will focus on the following:

•What to expect from Grahamstown
•Completing the online forms for the festival fringe
•Getting the most out of your festival fringe booklet space by writing a brilliant blurb

The workshop will be hosted at the PANSA offices at 76 Clark Road, Glenwood, Durban from 10am until 12pm on Monday 14 January.
Booking is essential, and interested parties should email Mandisa before Friday 11 January at 4pm, onkzn@pansa.org.za or phone 031-2014750.

(Source - Pansa)








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Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Time for the Musho Theatre Festival and a Puppet Master Class



Dear Readers

The Musho Theatre Festival is almost here and along with it there will be a free Puppet Master Class

The Performing Arts Network of South Africa (PANSA) in KZN will host the eighth Musho! International Theatre Festival of one and two person theatre, at the Catalina Theatre in Durban from 16 – 20 January 2013, featuring 18 productions over five days, all celebrating the art of the one and two-performer plays.

'Musho’ - isiZulu for an enthusiastic praise response, something similar to 'Bravo!' - embraces many forms of theatre: from mime to physical theatre, drama to comedy-theatre.  It pays tribute to the smaller works featuring one and two performers.  These are intimate productions that showcase the skill of theatre performance and storytelling, as well as covering a wide range of styles, from drama to comedy and physical theatre.

After extensive research, PANSA realized that a festival early in the year staging more intimate theatrical productions is considered a useful and exciting start to the year by performers and audiences alike.  Musho! benefits the performers as staging their shows and collecting reviews early in the year helps them for future seasons of the production through the year.  The audiences love seeing an array of fabulous theatre early in the year when calendars are quiet and when the festive flurry is over.

The festival is organised by PANSA KZN, the Performing Arts Network of South Africa, with support from The Daily News, Ethekwini Municipality, KZN Department of Arts and Culture, Business and Arts South Africa, Twist, The Kingdom of the Netherlands, Pro-Helvetia, the Swiss Arts Council, and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

The proactive webmasters of Going Places have generously sponsored the prize for Best Script.  LTJ travel has once again sponsored the Best Performer.  These two awards will be adjudicated by a panel of theatre professionals.  The Audience Favourite award will once again be sponsored by PANSA, and the coveted Sulliman Selection award sponsored by Musho regulars, the Sulliman family.

There will be one Puppet Master Class on Monday 21 January from 9:00-12:00.  Entrance is free but booking is essential.  Book through the PANSA offices by emailing Mandisa Tshiqi: kzn@pansa.org.za.

DATES:

The Musho Festival runs from Wednesday 16 - Sunday 20 January 2013, at the Catalina Theatre on Wilson's Wharf in Durban. 

CONTACT DETAILS: 

For more details about the festival, you can visit the website on www.mushofestival.co.za or email kzn@pansa.org.za.  For bookings, show times and details contact the Catalina Theatre on 031 305 6889 or visit www.catalinatheatre.co.za/musho-festival.

All shows R50 per ticket
PANSA paid-members R30
OAPS, students and children under 12 R30 Special all-day ticket on Saturday / Sunday - R100 per day Twist / Fringe tickets - pay-what-you-can Children’s show: R30 for kids, R50 for adults 


(Source - Pansa) 
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Friday, January 4, 2013

Have you booked your spot for Indaba 2013?



Indaba 2013 is coming this year.  If you are in Tourism this one is for you:


STATEMENT FROM SOUTH AFRICAN TOURISM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, THULANI NZIMA
Following constructive discussions with INDABA Bid Parties and the broader tourism industry in Kwazulu-Natal, South African Tourism has decided to revert back to a four-day INDABA taking place from 11-14 May 2013.

For all stakeholders, it made business sense to continue to have the show over four days at Durban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, and we would like to thank them for their input. We are, however, continuously reviewing INDABA and will make fundamental changes to the show from 2014 onwards, which we hope to announce shortly.
As for INDABA 2013, we are working on ensuring a positive INDABA experience for all delegates and on improving the strong product mix. We are confident the show will retain its important status in generating business for South Africa’s travel trade and providing considerable value for local and international buyers.
The costs for the hire of the INDABA venue has gone up an average of 20% over the last three years and while we have tried to shield exhibitors from these increased costs, we regrettably will have to implement the 6% inflation increase for INDABA 2013. We have, however, provided a 10% discount to TOMSA levy collectors, who are the main stand holders at INDABA. We advise all tourism products to check that they are in good standing with TOMSA by the end of November, so as to be able to benefit from this discount.
In order to enhance the quality and business environment at INDABA, we have made the criteria for visitors to INDABA stricter and will allow local trade visitors access to the show on 12, 13 and 14 May and to students only on 14 May.
For more information on the show and for details on how to register to attend, visit the website.

(Source - South African Tourism)