Valentine's Day Treats At The Oyster Box

Love and other treats await you at The Oyster Box.

The Oyster Box introduces a Valentine's Singles Dinner on Friday 13th February.  If you are flying solo this year round up a few friends for an evening of fun and laughs in the Pearl Room.
Comedian Jem Atkins of The Single Dad fame will be your MC.
There will be music from a DJ and great food.
A welcome cocktail awaits you prepared by a flaring mixologist.
Price: R590 per person.

The always popular Valentine's Day Dinner at The Oyster Box is one of the hottest dates in town.
Both the Grill Room and The Ocean Terrace Restaurants will pull out all the stops.
There will also be live entertainment
Price: R750 - R950 per person.
Book early to avoid disappointment.

For bookings call 031-514-5000 or email restaurants@oysterbox.co.za


The Oyster Box also has an Evening Indulgence in February.
At the Palm Court you can get a cup of coffee or tea and a selection of exquisite pastries, scones and sweet treats.
Available from 6pm - 9pm
Cost: R85
No booking required.


This edition by Fred Felton
Twitter @fredfelton
(Image - Supplied)

Trish Taylor from ECR gives You some Comrades Tips, Dance Auditions, Comedy Shows and More

East Coast Radio GM tackles her 10th Comrades Marathon

'I vowed to do only one!' says East Coast Radio GM Trish Taylor.
Now she is getting ready to tackle her 10th Comrades.

She has this advice for Comrades first-timers who are taking on the down-run this year:

• Determine a realistic finishing time and have a race strategy.
• Break the race up, into 10km blocks - it's mentally more manageable.
• You are going to experience pain like you have never felt before, prepare for it and distract yourself by talking to other runners and drawing on the crowd. 

As for the best Comrades advice she ever recieve?  'Have a race strategy and stick to it!' 

We wish her all the best.

Help out with the Global Urban Youth Survey

They are looking for people from all over Durban to help out and fill out their survey.

If you can help you need to be between 15-29.

You can fill out the survey here:

https://docs.google.com/a/youthfulcities.com/forms/d/1YMovv8QYTykbdykkgn31R16CmLVyCa8aqLgAtyxtfdw/viewform

Useful contacts if you would like to take part:

Aphiwe - email: aphiwetshalata@youthfulcities.com

www.youthfulcities.com 
http://www.facebook.com/youthfulcities
Twitter: @youthfulcities
Facebook: Youthfulcities
Google+: youthfulcities
YouthfulCities is a Decode venture
www.decode.net

14^th annual Young Performers Production, 2014

Presented by PANSA (The Performing Arts Network of SA); the Department of Arts and Culture of the Province of KZN, and Rainbow: RCL Foods

Footloose

UKZN Sneddon Theatre: 28 June to 13 July 2014.

Directed by Themi Venturas, the 14^th annual PANSA Young Performers Production for this year is Footloose which comes to the UKZN Sneddon Theatre from 28 June to 13 July 2014.

Footloose tells the story of a tenacious and rebellious city teenager, Ren, who moves to a small town where rock music and dancing have been banned by the conservative Rev Shaw and the town council. He leads the young people of the town in a protest against the town’s banning of the annual dance.

The stage adaptation of Footloose is by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie based on the original screenplay by Dean Pitchford with music by Tom Snow and lyrics by Dean Pitchford and additional music by Eric Carmen, Sammy Hagar, Kenny Logins and Jim Steinman.

Footloose has had two incarnations as feature film: in 1984 a youthful Kevin Bacon was Ren playing against John Lithgow’s Rev Shaw. Also in the cast were Lori Singer, Sarah Jessica Parker and Diane Wiest. The film was remade in 2011 and featured Kenny Wormald as Ren and Dennis Quaid as the Reverend. Also in the remake were Julianne Hough and Andie MacDowell. 

Footloose, the Musical was adapted for the stage from the film, and premiered in 1998 and became a Broadway and West End hit. It has been staged successfully globally since then. Footloose boasts some now-iconic musical numbers:  the theme song, Footloose,  which became a hit for Kenny Loggins; Holding out for a Hero, which was recorded by Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler for the first film; and Let’s Hear it for the Boy which became a number one song for singer Denise Williams. Other songs from the musical include On Any Sunday; The Girl Gets Around, Somebody’s Eyes, Heaven Help me and Learning to be Silent.

The 2014 Young Performers Project sees Themi Venturas at the helm once more in a production which re-unites him with Daisy Spencer (Choreographer) and Des Govender (Vocal Coach) whom together worked on former YPP productions, Hairspray and Legally Blonde. Joining them for the first time as Musical Director is Luke Holder who successfully collaborated with Venturas in the acclaimed production ofMan of La Mancha at the Catalina Theatre and the National Arts Festival.

Spearheaded by PANSA (the Performing Arts Network of South Africa: KZN, the project ensures that the learners get a taste of working in the professional musical theatre arena. The cast of 40 were chosen at auditions on 26 April.  Rehearsals have begun with the cast meeting every weekend until the opening night. The project promotes discipline, develops confidence, and gives an opportunity to make life-long friendships, and to learn a huge amount from the professionals.

PANSA is grateful to the Department of Arts and Culture of the Province of KZN who have agreed to support the project for the next three years. Gracious thanks too to sponsors RCL Foods (Rainbow Chicken); Business and Arts South Africa (BASA); Black Coffee for wonderful technical support and the UKZN Sneddon Theatre.

Previous YPP projects have been: Curtain Up;  One Voice; Grease; Oliver; Fiddler on the Roof; The Wiz; Annie; School of Rock, SA; Big River; Hairspray; Seussical; Legally Blonde and last year’s, Can You Feel It?

The show will run at the UKZN Sneddon Theatre from 28 June until 13 July. Over the years the show has grown to be very popular with Durban audiences so booking is essential. Booking is through Computicket outlets at Shoprite Checkers, by phone on 0861 915 8000 or online atwww.computicket.com.

Our Late Night Comedy and Whose Line shows

Our Late Night Comedy and Whose Line shows have recently become such a hit (particularly with our local Durbanites) that we've decided to have a comedy show EVERY month! Catalina Theatre in association with On Fire Comedy, John Dory's restaurant and Spur is therefore proud to present WHOSE LINE?? - the hilarious improve comedy show featuring four top stand-up comedians! 

Bring your mom along for a belated Mother's Day outing, or get your friends together for some drinks and a show that's bound to be more entertaining than sitting at home in front of the TV. Catch some of Durban’s most popular comedians (shown below) for an evening filled with good food, top-class entertainment, beautiful surroundings and of course hilarious stand-up comedy bound to get bellies jiggling!

The show involves improv comedy games, audience participation, props and laugh-out-loud comedy mayhem made famous by the popular TV show, "Whose Line Is It Anyway?"

If you have any questions or queries, please feel free to contact our box office on 031 837 5999.

SIDE SPLITTING COMEDY - WHOSE LINE??

Date: 30th May 2014                         Time: 10pm - 11:30pm

Price: R80 (show only) R140 (show and dinner at John Dory's or Spur beforehand)

Bookings: At any Shoprite or Checkers stores or online here.Tickets can also be purchased on the night at box office which opens two hours prior to the show.

YOUR COMEDIANS:

CARVIN H GOLDSTONE

If you’re not a fan…then you’ve clearly never seen him perform before!

But if you have, you’ll understand why he’s one of Durban’s most successful comedy acts!

This award-winning comedian is 100% clean and currently the biggest name in Durban Comedy!

He’s also one of only 2 comedians to regularly sell out the 1200-seater Playhouse Opera Theatre. (The other being Trevor Noah!)

GARETH WOODS ( CAPE TOWN)

Ex-Durbanite, and now currently owning the comedy scene in Cape Town, Gareth’s intelligent wit and hilariously funny guitar parodies make him stand out from the crowd. He has performed stand-up on TV’s Comedy Central, and regularly shares the stage with some of the top acts in the country!

JEM ATKINS

“Ruthlessly Single,” sort of easy on the eyes, and one of the funniest guys in Durban at the moment. This ‘Single Dad’ has had a lot of media coverage lately. Come found out why…

ARNO ELSE

Fresh, witty and undeniably funny, Else is known for his off-the-cuff one-liners and edgy comedy style!

Audition Call: Siwela Sonke Dance Trainee Programme

Audition Call: Siwela Sonke Dance Trainee Programme Siwela Sonke Dance Theatre (SSDT) is a professional award-winning dance theatre company based in Durban. Since its inception in 1994, SSDT has become one of the leading dance companies in South Africa, producing and touring work nationally and internationally. The Siwela Sonke Dance Trainee Programme is a rigorous, season-long training programme. SSDT seeks 10 talented dancers to be available weekdays, 9:00 – 17:00. The trainees will form part of the SSDT Company in a trainee capacity and will have opportunities for performance throughout the 2014 / 2015 season. A stipend will be offered to successful candidates for the duration of their tenure as SSDT trainees. The Siwela Sonke Dance Trainee Programme is made possible through a grant from the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF). 

Auditions will take place on 29 May 2014 (8:00 – 17:00) at Siwela Sonke Dance Theatre

Salbany 1st Floor

50 Albany Grove

Central Durban

Candidates should arrive early and be available for call-backs on 30 May 2014. Siwela Sonke Dance Theatre operates on principles of non-racialism and equal opportunity. While every effort is made to create redress, the company strives for excellence and diversity. In this instance this audition is open to everyone, regardless of race or gender. For more information please contact Elroy Bell atelroybell@gmail.com / www.siwelasonke.co.za or call 031 307 6685.

Twitter Blanket Drive Durban Is Coming

When: 29 May 2014

Where: Protea Hotel, Umhlanga Ridge

Time: 6pm

Bring Your Blankets

#TBD2014

You can also download the Uber App and Uber will come and pick up your blankets for free.

How cool is that!

www.twitterblanketdrive.wordpress.com 

Carol Ralefeta Takes Over ECR Weekend Breakfast, Jem Atkins Has A Show, Indaba is coming,

Carol Ralefeta to host Weekend Breakfast on East Coast Radio

She’s multi-talented, gorgeous, vivacious and inspirational. East Coast Radio is proud to announce that Carol Ralefeta has joined the station. Carol will be bringing her own brand of humour and indomitable style to Weekend Breakfast every Saturday and Sunday, 6am to 10am.

“I am so excited to be a part of the east coast family. I’ve always loved KZN – the weather, the food, the people and the epic night life. Now I can have more of all of it!” says the 31-year old self-confessed beach girl.

Carol will be rocking her first show on Saturday, 17 May 2014. “We are going to be waking up together and catching up on the celebrity gossip around the globe and right here in Mzansi thanks to celebrity blogger Mika Stefano. Then we will chat about all the stories that got you talking this week. And of course there’s some fabulous music too!”

If anyone hit the talent pool lottery, it’s Carol. She joins East Coast Radio from Metro FM where she hosted Weekend Lunch. Before that, she had a stint at 94.7 Highveld Stereo. Carol is a qualified journalist who is also a motivational speaker, one of South Africa’s foremost voiceover artists AND she owns her own makeup agency.

She’s super-excited about heading to our part of the world, adding “I’m looking forward to running on the beach, shopping and tucking into a bunny chow. AND I’m looking forward to making new friends. That’s always fun!”

Catch Carol Ralefeta on Weekend Breakfast on East Coast Radio, 6am to 10am.

Image: Provided 

Our Cartoon Strip Continues

Umhlanga Life by Fred Felton

Create your own comic strip at MakeBeliefsComix.com 

Plenty to do this Weekend

Indaba 10 - 12 May

http://www.indaba-southafrica.co.za/

#INDABA2014

Single Dad 2 - with Jem Atkins

Booking at Computicket

9, 10, 11 May 

Castings

AUDITIONS DURBAN FOR A CORP VIDEO : Casting on Friday morning to shoot early next week.
Here is the people they are looking for, for a shoot next week Monday or Tuesday (12 or 13 May)

4 x Actors / Characters for a half day shoot.

Characters:

Kitchen worker – Black Male, 40 years old
Factory worker – White male age 25
Creche teacher – 50 year old black woman
Hairdresser – Indian woman aged 30 – 35

These are speaking parts so they should be able to deliver dialogue.
Email casting@gobigproductions.co.za with your pic, age and contact number

Are You A Charity?

If so the company RCT is looking to do some charity work.  If you need a website or social media support please email them for more details about this venture.

Contact:  Petar - email rct-it@mweb.co.za 

Dont Forget Twitter Blanket Drive Durban

You can drop off your blankets at St Clements, Musgrave Road, Durban

#TBD2014 

This edition by +Fred Felton 

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All you need to know for Musho Theatre Festival 2014

MUSHO! FESTIVAL PROGRAMME 2014

Wednesday 15 January @ 8pm – eLimboland

In the misty borderlands of the hereafter, two men find themselves alone …and dead. In order to determine their ultimate destination, they have to uncover the secrets of their past. As Philani and Al unpick the heady stuff of their personal lives they stumble across some universal truths that change their future.

Written and directed by Gisele Turner.  Performed by Jem Atkins and Gabriel  Miya.

Comedy. 55 minutes. Ages 16 and up.

Thursday 16 January @ 8pm – Dear Breeder

A quirky piece of musical-theatre comedy that uses original folk-parody songs, dramatic monologues and spoken word.  This show is guaranteed to entertain and provoke anyone who has witnessed or experienced the joyful and sometimes not so joyful moments of raising a small child.

Created and performed by Karen Logan and Kasia Vosloo. Directed by Iain EWOK Robinson.

Comedy/ musical. 50 minutes.  PG 13

Friday 17 January @ 6pm – White Christmas

Every year the Van Niekerks go ‘upmarket’ and spend the festive season at the Margate Caravan Park. But this year’s holiday will be different. Way different. Written and directed by Clinton Marius. Performed by Marco Kotze.

Comedy.  60 minutes.  Ages 16 and up.

Friday 17 January @ 8pm – Mezze, Mira and Make-up

Fresh from sold-out shows in Johannesburg comes the hilarious account of an adolescent Greek girl growing up against the grain. In a world where being asked to dance is the penultimate prize, Mira articulates her encounters in a mimicry of colourful characters with lashings of laughter, and chooses a suitor of her own.

Written by Irene Stephanou. Directed by Reno Spanoudes.  Performed by Taryn Papadopoulos Louch.

Comedy. 70 minutes. Ages 13 and up.

Saturday 18 January @ 12 noon – Freeze

The talk of the Edinburgh festival! Described as “minimal, beautiful and breakable”. Dutch performance artist Nick Steur balances rocks on top of each other to a suspenseful commentary. No glue, cement, or tricks involved. It’s all about concentration and finding the balance between your own force of will and the stone.

Sponsored by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands through Twist Theatre Development Projects.

Performance art. Lasts between 30 and 70 minutes. Ages 12 and up.

This is an outdoor performance.  Please dress accordingly. 

Saturday 18 January @ 2 pm – Musho with a Twist 1

A double bill of two short shows, created by Siyathuthuka Arts in association with writer/director Zwai Mgijima, and Izwi Youth Arts with writer/director Neil Coppen.   See insert for details. 

Saturday 18 January @ 4 pm - The Crook’s Eye

The rate of crime in Mzansi is on the increase...  this exciting new drama looks into the life of a man who is tired of crime and devotes his time to preparing to meet the crook’s eye and walk away undefeated by it. 

Written and directed by Mthokozisi Zulu.  Mentored by Daisy Spencer. Performed by Sibongiseni Shezi and Luthando Mthembu.

Part of the New Directors’ Development Project, supported by the Arts and Culture Trust.

Drama / Physical theatre.   50 minutes. Ages 14 and up.

Saturday 18 January @ 6pm – The Shoe Man

Growing up in rural area, a young man known by his nick name "The Shoe Man" takes us through a journey typical of South African youth today. He is faced with the difficulties of paying school fees, finishing matric, and finding a job.

Written and directed by previous MushoI audience favourite award-winner, Samson Mlambo. Performed by Reggie Ndlovu.  Dedicated to the late Andile “King, Jesus” Mdletshe.

Drama.  35 minutes.  Ages 14 and up.

Saturday 18 January @ 8pm – The God Complex

Using comedy and visual theatre, this work subverts the role of the supreme patriarchal figure into part bumbling scientist, part desperate showman and part loving but misguided father figure. Omnipotence and omniscience are turned on their heads and replaced with charming ineptitude and bewildered panic.

Director: Sylvaine Strike, Actor: Daniel Buckland, Created by Daniel Buckland and Sylvaine Strike. 50 min, Physical Theatre. All Ages.

Physical Theatre/Comedy.  All ages.  50 Min

Sunday 19 January @ 12 noon – Freeze

The talk of the Edinburgh festival! Described as “minimal, beautiful and breakable”. Dutch performance artist Nick Steur balances rocks on top of each other to a suspenseful commentary. No glue, cement, or tricks involved. It’s all about concentration and finding the balance between your own force of will and the stone.

Sponsored by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands through Twist Theatre Development Projects.

Performance art. Lasts between 30 and 70 minutes. Ages 12 and up.

This is an outdoor performance.  Please dress accordingly. 

Sunday 19 January @ 2 pm – Musho with a Twist 2

A double bill of two short shows, created by Lashona Arts in association with writer/director Vice Motshabi Monageng, and Afriboa Arts with writer/director Xolani Dlongolo.   See insert for details. 

Sunday 19 January @ 4 pm - Back To Night Under The Street Poles

On the day that she is getting her freedom back, she is afraid to walk out of jail. She survived 18 years of imprisonment by using her imagination. She doesn't know that imagination is waiting for her outside.

Written and directed by Wiseman Mncube. Mentored by Roel Twijnstra.  Performed by Ayanda Fali.

Part of the New Directors’ Development Project, supported by the Arts and Culture Trust.

Drama. 50 minutes. Ages 14 and up.

Sunday 19 January @6 pm – Dette in Africa

Billed as ‘stand-up economy’; on a trip to Kenya, award-winning Dutch theatre-maker Dette Glashouwer spoke with slum dwellers, visionaries and dealers in phone credit and asked: “What is money and how could it be different?”  In times of crisis, this work is full of surprises and unexpected insights, sexy solutions and a rumble in the jungle.

Sponsored by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands through Twist Theatre Development Projects.

Comedy.  60 minutes. All ages.

Monday 20 January – 10 am until 12 noon – Masterclass. 

Dette Glashouwer from the Netherlands will facilitate a workshop on translating ideas into action and ways to gain autobiographical knowledge to create universal art.

The workshop focuses on how to gain awareness mentally and physically and to perform it right away.  Ideal for performers, directors and teachers.

The workshop is free but bookings are essential.  Book through PANSA on 031-2014750.

THE MUSHO! FESTIVAL 2014 IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY PANSA WITH SUPPORT FROM TWIST THEATRE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, THE KZN DEPARTMENT OF ARTS AND CULTURE, THE DAILY NEWS, BASA AND THE ARTS AND CULTURE TRUST.

Ticket prices:  R 50

Students, OAPS and PANSA members: R 30

Special all-day tickets for Saturday and Sunday: R 100 per day

Tickets for Musho! with a Twist : Pay what you can

Tickets for New Directors’ Development Project:  Pay what you can.

(Source - Pansa)