News for Creatives, Theatre Lovers, Music Lovers and so much more

News for Creatives

Storytelling for Change is a 4-week course that will help you better connect with your audience, whether in a meeting with one person or in a presentation to hundreds of people.  To make this course widely accessible, it is free!
 
By the end of this 4-module course, you will better be able to:
 

• Tell personal stories that help you to connect with others in order to inspire change,
• Use a set of specific storytelling skills to tell powerful stories, and
• Appreciate the importance of how you present yourself and connect with others (i.e. your “presence”) in leading change initiatives.

 
Course content will consist of readings, online videos and discussions/activities.  Each week, you will receive the materials for the upcoming lab.  The materials will consist of two things:
 

• Lab prep (1-2 hours): To be completed before your lab group meets, and
• Lab guide (typically 2 hours): To be completed together with the rest of your lab group when you meet.

 
Upon completing each lab, the lab group leader for the week will be asked to fill out a simple feedback form to share the group’s progress.
 
Each week you will also be encouraged to practice your new storytelling skills and make sure you are able to transfer your knowledge into action.  Remember the age-old saying: “Words are mere bubbles of water, deeds are drops of gold.”
 
There are no in-person teachers or facilitators for this course.  You will work through the course with a group called your “lab group”.  PANSA KZN is looking for interested people to form the lab groups (minimum of two people and a maximum of six).  The course dates are from May 11 – June 14 2013, once a week.  The groups will meet at the PANSA KZN offices each week and will be provided with the materials to complete the course.  If you are interested, please reply to kzn@pansa.org.za by Friday 3 May, 12:00, with your name and contact details (email address and cell phone number).  We will be scheduling one lab group on a Tuesday afternoon from 13:00 to 15:00, and one group on a Thursday morning from 10:00 to 12:00.  Please also let us know which group you would like to join.


Testimonials: “This was so applicable and tangible.  It is something I can start applying now, and keep practicing in different areas of my life.” “Great for crafting and developing storieskzn@ in a way that make them more persuasive and touching.”
Do not miss out on this enriching opportunity!
 
The learning partner:
In developing this course, Acumen is excited to partner with The Ariel Group.  The Ariel Group has trained Acumen’s Global Fellows in storytelling for the past five years.  Drawing on the same exercises performers use, the Ariel Group training builds critical skills in the areas of leadership development, communication skills, team building, change management, and coaching and development.  More information can be found at http://www.arielgroup.com.

(Source - Pansa)



(Source - HealthBox)


Music News - Luna Paige for St Clements

One of South Africas top female vocalists Luna Paige will play at St. Clements this Saturday 4 May at 7.30pm.

Tickets R60 at the door. Tel 031 2022511

 

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM THE SHOW?

Since 2003 Luna has released 3 original English albums and 1 exceptional live Afrikaans CD & DVD. All 4 of these albums received rave reviews and have been featured and/or play listed on national radio stations, TV programs, glossy magazines and print media. 

Check out Luna's website www.lunapaige.com for more info and reviews on her albums and shows. 

Luna will be performing a collection of songs from these albums. She recently started dabbling in blues and country and will prepare some brand new (never released) songs! Luna also decided to work on some special cover songs by artists that inspire her and that were recommended by her fans.

Her performances are bound to impress and leave you proud of SA music, aching for more. 

(Source - St Clements) 

Theatre News

The African Passion Returns to Durban 

Dates: Fri 26th April at 7pm, Sat 27th April at 2pm and 7pm and FINAL show on Sun 28th April at 2pm

​Tickets: R100 per person

Venue:  Durban Christian Centre, (Thunder Dome) Mayville, Durban

Booking 0861 915 8000 (Computicket) to book or click here to book online http://online.computicket.com/web/event/the_african_passion or you can pay at the door.For block bookings, contact Ailsa Windsor on 083 250 2690 or editor.goingplacessa@gmail.com.

Catalina UnLtd in Durban, funded by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund is bringing the nation an exciting brand-new, original gospel opera-musical – The African Passion – which returns to Durban after touring the county.

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).

Under the direction of Themi Venturas the show features 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.

The cast of 21 are supplemented in each centre throughout SA by a 60-strong local choir. 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.

For further info contact Radwinn (Tour Manager) at 0742727055 or follow our Facebook page www.facebook.com/AfricanPassion

(Source - Catalina Theatre) 

Art News

Visual Artists Needed for Hilton Festival

The Witness Hilton Arts Festival, KZN’s foremost annual arts and theatre festival, scheduled to take place from 12 – 15 September this year, is inviting visual artists to apply to participate. The visual arts component of the festival is an integral part of the programming mix, with hundreds of KZN, national and international visual artists exhibiting at the festival.

“The festival organisers greatly value the participation of all artists, old and new.  We are delighted to be able to supply a platform for local and visiting talented artists and we are constantly looking at ways to add interest and diversity to what has become a major aspect of this event,” says Festival Director, Sue Clarence.

“Owing to the ever-growing number of applicants vs the amount of appropriate indoor space available, it is necessary for there to be a selection process. Emphasis will be placed on variety and improved quality,” says Clarence.

The festival is inviting interested artists to apply. Artists should  please email:  theatre@hiltoncollege.com and include a short (one sentence) description of their art form; approximate measurements / range of measurements, of their art work; a website address, if possible and one ortwo photos, as attachments. 

Closing date is 4pm Thursday 16 May. Those artists, old and new, who have already contacted the Hilton College Theatre/Festival office, office, expressing an interest in this year’s festival, do not need to re-submit details. Applicants will be notified whether or not they have been successful, by no later than 20 May 2013, and will receive details regarding allocated space, costs, set-up times and arrangements, and indemnity.  Artists sharing a room will be put in touch with each other to discuss strategy. 

(Source - Publicity Matters) 

Finally we leave you with this Parody Piece by Timothy Sparks 

An Interview with a celebrity who became a Poet.

Rex Bond (41) starred in thirteen films made in the typically modern manner. Counting plot, theme subject and underscore all significant handmaidens to his vaunting imagination Bond gave up his career of hamming and CGI for the rather more uncertain life of Poet. Why?

Why did you leave the world of movies to become a Bard?

: The costumes mainly. I was tired of playing opposite ladies who look frozen. Haddock?

That is interesting. When did you decide it was time to change?

When I watched Scorsese’s ‘Age of Innocence,’ and decided I could not compete with Daniel Day Lewis.

You always told me the death of 35mms also played a part?

:  Not true. The average attention span is 0.057 seconds. I was tired of moving pictures.

How did you start writing?

: I looked at a South African magazine called You, read the back copy of pages of insignificant celebrities; and decided I did not want to sound like a piece that landed in a salad.

What was your first poem then?

: A sonnet translated from mixing words from a You short story and pushing them against the Cubist corners of words, found in my writing class.

Do you find a purpose in this creative way?

: Not sure what you mean?

Do any modern actors inspire you?

: Is Gustav Mahler an actor? No seriously I appreciate the dialogue of Oasis, the English rock band. It takes genius to speak as they do.

Do you mean the accents?

: I mean the impromptu dialogue, the sincere pleasure of living, the disregard of conventions.

Would you go to University?

: I don’t believe there are still Universities in this era. A pub is cheaper in the long run.

Most informative. Where is the muse going?

: Home hopefully. I want to amaze myself, to be known as the Trafalgar I mean the Niagara of Poets.

Parting Shot.

: The Youth.

We hope you enjoyed that bit of Parody by Timothy Sparks.

He is a freelance writer based in Durban.

Email:  tphwsparks@hotmail.com 

Poetry, News from East Coast Radio, Theatre news and More

The Fire of Nightingales

Of words and the white

Ascent of doves,

Stones full of sea,

Bricks and silent thought seals

The heart with a thousand pyramids.

The world we know is disappearing

As a cannon reports

The half-story of a war;

A meeting on a train, the silent smile

Of the girl whose soul wears

The colour red, loosed hair

Signals flag: the exile of continents…

The heart of the child

Tells the story of the rubble,
Sacrifice in the heat and heartless

Beats of stumbling, she Slavnj: “Yes, yes,

The old music still clings,”

A heart meeting in silence

In the loud clamour,

But under gun and under fear

Always the roar of fountains.

As a child reading

Braille in a world without fences

Where a land in transit;

Lines of words traverse the world

A carriage in the house of wounds,

On the edge of cliffs, under the blue sky;

The wind alembic, burns on the heels of Αρης*.  

*Ares- Greek god of War, son of Zeus.

Timothy Sparks      24 April 2013

Contact Tim for your freelance writing needs - email: tphwsparks@gmail.com

Discovery East Coast Radio Big Walk headed for a record year.

This year’s Discovery East Coast Radio Big Walk looks set to be the biggest yet, with over 20 000 people having already entered. The 5km route has reached capacity and is now closed for entries. Walkers are however encouraged to sign up for the 10, 15 or 20km routes.

Participants are not only encouraged to get their friends and family to ‘tag along’, but also to tag it on social media on the day. Ahead of entries closing on 30 April, some Sharks rugby players and the Breakfast Stack team showed us their version of ‘social net-walking’ near the Moses Mabhida Stadium. (see photos attached)

Discovery Sponsorship Manager Sandile Mkari says, “We want to inspire the community to be more physically active and live healthier lifestyles. By participating in the event people have the opportunity to get outdoors, have fun and take the steps to improve their health and fitness levels.” East Coast Radio’s General Manager Trish Taylor adds, “The Discovery East Coast Radio Big Walk sees people from all walks of life walk alongside each other, there’s a real sense of friendship among participants. You also don’t have to be very fit to take part, anyone – young and old, fit or not – can tag along.”

Time and space is limited so enter today at selected Totalsports stores across KwaZulu-Natal or online at www.ecr.co.za.

The Breakfast Stack's Darren Maule and Natarah Nadesan say cheese along with Sharks player Anton Bresler

(Source - East Coast Radio) 

WWW.JENNACLIFFORD.COM

BlackBerry Q10, BlackBerry Balance

The new BlackBerry® Q10 smartphone is designed for ultimate performance and crafted with precision to deliver the speed and connectivity customers need to help them keep moving. When used with BlackBerry® Enterprise Service 10, BlackBerry® Balance™ technology keeps personal apps and information separate from work data and apps, so customers can confidently stay ahead and take action all day long. With BlackBerry Balance, having one phone for your work and personal life has never been easier.

BlackBerry Balance

BlackBerry Balance elegantly separates and secures work applications and data from personal content and lets you easily switch between your personal and professional profile for quick access to work apps and data. In the BlackBerry Hub, BlackBerry Balance lets you maintain one message store for all your accounts, but is also designed to prevent you from accidentally sending content from work to contacts in your personal profile. The Work space is fully encrypted and secured, giving your organization the assurance that important content and applications are protected, even if you don’t set a password on the phone for personal use. It lets you get the most out of your smartphone for personal use while satisfying your organization’s need for security.

With BlackBerry Balance and BlackBerry Enterprise Service 10, organizations can confidently let you use your BlackBerry Q10 smartphone to gain access to work email, apps and content, which won’t compromise your personal experience and use. All of your personal apps and information are kept separate and private from work data and apps, and with a simple swipe you can easily switch between the two.

Helpful Links:

For more information on the BlackBerry Q10 smartphone please visit BlackBerry Q10.

(Source - Blackberry) 

Theatre News

QUARTER BEANS BRU! – A Comedy Drama

Bring your family and friends to enjoy this endearing production filled with fun and laughter!

 

Dates:  2^nd – 19^th May 2013, Thu, Fri and Sat at 8pm, Sun 2pm and 6pm

Duration:  1hr 55mins (20mins interval)

Tickets:  R100 per person

Booking: 0861 915 8000 (Computicket) to book or click here to book online (http://online.computicket.com/web/event/quarter_beans_bru)

Starring :  Vivian Moodley and Bassy Bhola

Directed by:  Yugan Naidoo

Produced by:  Dingalings Productions in association with Catalina UnLtd

Synopsis: Quarter Beans Bru is set in a Durban eatery (Patels) best known for its appetising vegetarian bunnies at yester year’s prices. This becomes the backdrop for a delightful conversation which threads its way from the arcades of Durban City,  the inner story  of Grey Street and surrounding areas and of course the famous, infamous and flamboyant personalities of the time. The two story tellers played by playwright, filmmaker and comedian Vivian Moodley and stage personality Bassy Bhola will bring to life historical developments that pertains to the Indian diaspora and celebrates many unsung heroes of the past.

The play is written and directed by Yugan Naidoo and produced by Dingalings Productions.

The show runs Thur-Sun from the 2nd May 2013 until the 19th May 2013 at the Catalina Theatre, Wilsons Wharf. Book at Computicket or call the theatre for more information 031 837 5999 (10am to 4pm)

More details on http://www.catalinatheatre.co.za or  https://www.facebook.com/CatalinaTheatre

(Source - Catalina Theatre) 

Young and old sign up for the Discovery East Coast Radio Big Walk.

Entries for the 2013 Discovery East Coast Radio Big Walk opened earlier this week and previous walkers are already planning who they’ll ‘tag along’.  The event takes place on Sunday 26 May and people are encouraged to get their loved ones to ‘tag along’ and then tag it on Facebook and Twitter.

One of last year’s oldest participants, 83 year old Haley De Klerk says he and his wife Gloria will again be taking part with the hopes of inspiring others to ‘tag along’, no matter their age. Former runners Haley and Gloria haven’t slowed down; they tackled the 20km route last year, “We enjoyed meeting and talking to people of all race groups and ages, the atmosphere was one of togetherness. We will definitely be there again this year and hope we’re an example to younger people that one is never too old to take up the challenge.” 

The Discovery East Coast Radio Big Walk will again offer walkers the choice of four distances - 5km, 10km, 15km or 20km - with all routes starting on the promenade near uShaka Marine World. Another avid walker who was among last year’s 23 804 participants is Dasarath Harilal from Stanger. He was at the very first event in 2004 and every subsequent Discovery East Coast Radio Big Walk. This energetic family man says he not only walks in the main event, but also gets his whole family to ‘tag along’ to the Mini Big Walk, “Everyone joins me, my wife, my two children, children-in-law and two grandchildren. My grandchildren, who are now five and two years old, love it so much and have already asked me to enter them.”

Joanne Maxwell, a mom from Westville, also has fond memories of all the Discovery East Coast Radio Big Walks that her family have joined in, “The very first time we did the event, my daughter who is now 10 years old, was around four years old and travelled most of the distance on her dad’s shoulders.” She says her husband and her will get their two children to ‘tag along’ again this year.

You can enter at Totalsports stores across KwaZulu-Natal or online at www.ecr.co.za. Listen out to East Coast Radio and watch press for more details.

(Source - East Coast Radio) 

Some poetry for you by Timothy Sparks

North of Umhlanga  29 ᴼ 32ᶦ S 31 ᴼ 13 ᶦE

      στους Έλληνες  ,dedicated to Zoe.

The coast road in our breath

Was roses from all the world.

We travelled to forgotten places

From climbing clouds raises castles

In their homeland, combines in dances

Spoken half through tears once through shadows.

We converse with years, in-between

Us, distance lures to lagoons

Of forever; calling back present

From past, one word of Ancient Greek

Draws laughter from us, tied together

In a heaven of our making,

The words that some lied

In a our ears dream struck;

We wonder where the hills

Mark our philosophy, our fears

In this cold Century in absentia.

Laughter remains with us sudden

As the aperture freezes a heart

One second but the waves

Frame a good moment, an ancient moment

When smiling we have crossed the river.

                               

                            

                                 

                                 19 March 2013   O.C

                                 Timothy Sparks

Timothy Sparks is a freelance writer based in Durban.

email: tpwsparks@hotmail.com

A Short Story Competition, News About Town and a Concert Review

A great short story competition just for you.

Just a last reminder to have a go at the SA Writers College short story competition before the deadline of March 31st. Or if you've written your story but not sent it yet- now's the time to tweak it and submit it! 

Theme: Doing the right thing. This is not the title.

Word count: Less than 2000 words

Open to all South African writers who have not had fiction published in mainstream publications 

Email as an attachment to Nichola@sawriterscollege.co.za 

(Source - SA Writers College)

(Source - Ushaka) 

Short Story Time 

THE WHITBOURNE HOME FOR THE ELDERLY by Andrew Verster

“So it was you?” Claudia  Gaitskell said to Polly Rippingdale over tea in the garden, “who pasted OLD over ELDERLY? ”

“A hateful word. A misnomer. Call a spade a spade. Look at these arms of mine. They’re not ELDERLY they’re ANCIENT. Antedeluvian.’

“And nobody saw you?”

“The guard had vanished – probably went to café for something, or slipped off  home  – so I was left to my own devices. A bit of that lumpy rubber stuff – not Pritstik, the other one – and there it was, as if it had been happily there all its life.”

“And who noticed it?”

“Nobody. In THIS place! If Santa Claus had popped down the chimney and ordered fried eggs on toast at breakfast,  Maureen-whatever-her-name-is would have said, “one egg or two?” and said “next please.”

“Always such a tonic talking to you Millicent.”

“You too, Maureen.

“Maureen?”

“Skip it. It’s getting dark, we should go inside.”

“Dark? It’s  two in the afternoon.”

“Just testing.’

“You ARE a card!”

“I work at it. You are a natural.”

“I’m sure I should take offence at that. But I can’t work out why.”

Andrew Verster is a World Famous Artist and Writer based in Durban.

ANDREWVERSTER784@GMAIL.COM

Interested in Public Speaking?

To Book for this Convention email:

admin@psasouthernafrica.co.za

(Source - PSASA) 

A Durban Concert Review by Timothy Sparks 

Date: Sunday 10th March

Scintillating Royal Dutch Concertgebouw Orchestra dazzles in Durban
Assailed by morning coffee and the clamour of the world I thought for a moment that last nights concert was a mirage. Last year the City Hall was shrouded in angels. Last night when the orchestra played the opening notes of the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto in D major, one might as well have stood in the throng at the quarter-centenary of The Romanov’s.  Bells rung in sublime notes of the dramatic Tchaikovsky, mesmerised all with the violin’s exquisite composure. The knell of fate rang twice in this decisive performance of the Royal Dutch Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam.

In nights when radio was still king in commanding thought, and sense I experienced this renowned orchestra for the first time.  Across the velvet of the night sonorous music played through my ears, ringing clear as if I was in the audience on a night of wakefulness (foreign stations used to transmit in the early hours) im der Himmel. I remember the broadcaster saying that for him hearing these old recordings were indivisible from sitting in the concert hall. Such was the magnificence of the playing and the old technology. That was the Dutch Concertgebouw which played under Maestro Willem Mengelberg, and Bruno Walter in the tragic years of the middle thirties and early forties.  

While listening to the overture on Sunday one realised that one was in the midst of Greatness once more. A true combination of seamless conducting by Maestro Dutoit was remarkably adroit but artistic playing throughout showed many in the audience that Zubin Mehta’s, fabled rendition of Mahler’s First Symphony of 1996, in the city was not also an illusion. Then as now the music was a master-class and whilst one was a tribute to the local orchestra, this performance celebrated an evergreen orchestra, all of one hundred and twenty-five years old.

The master-stroke was a traditional programme defined by vision, passion and artistic greatness. A friend eccentrically hinted that the very traditional scope of the programme was its strength.  
From an informed position in the gallery I was able to see and hear for myself what Tchaikovsky intended with this experience of his music.  Maestro Dutoit leapt into view, entering surprisingly for us from the left of the stage. His entrance was made all the more dramatic by the sustained applause for the orchestra, a moving ovation in recognition of one hundred and twenty-five years. The entire evening was a glowing tribute to great music, charming company and the artistry our great city deserves. 

Ladies dressed in their finest, were a tribute to the beautiful solemnity of the occasion. Imagine the lovely dames, ascending the staircase with Pietro Mascagni’s Easter Hymn from Cavalleria Rusticana; heedless and painful though beauty can be in an evening remarkable for such delights.  Members of the local orchestra mingled in among the civilised domain as myth, joy and fable danced together.  Absorbed in the masonry, one floated in the oblivion which was inevitable especially where Russian music is concerned. Gladly the pleasure was heightened by the extraordinary interpretations of the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto. As if discovering the music for the first time some notes were so beautiful as if to capture the essence of the ocean.  Between the melodies, the gapes and philosophical asides of the cadenza, are played so magnificently in Janine Jansen’s rendition. She was particularly impressive in the high notes that seemed to float through the spheres.

Think for a moment that you are wading through a field of wheat in ‘Room with a View’ the Mechant-Ivory film ready to meet your lover.  I sat next to a lady secreted in some chamber in a dream, from long ago, shimmering in pearls and captivated by the fond melodies that move one deeply. Perhaps the caprice of Tchaikovsky’s mysterious liaison with his intimate correspondent, unknowingly defined both the sorrow and triumph, translated into the electricity of the evening.  

The conducting style of Charles Dutoit was the triumph of suggestion.  The soul-stirring aspect of the Tchaikovsky second movement left an indelible mark on the audience. Superb playing in the woodwinds (excellent all evening) brought out the contrasts in this movement, matched in cello and double bass. Energy and composure were matched evenly: rushes of oboe, clarinet and bassoon proved the genius of the composer and the artistry of Charles Dutoit. Maestro Dutoit strove for clarity and eloquence in the dynamic passages of this piece. The crescendo and dynamism that formed the pulse of the performance showcased all aspects and parts of the various sections. A smaller orchestra was called for at this stage, and probably fewer then the Kwazulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra would have relied upon. 

One of the strongest emotions on the evening was regret. One realises that these foreign visitors; orchestra  members, through welcome and lauded cannot really fill the gap left by foreign opera companies that used to flock to South Africa in the 1960’s and 1970’s.This marvellous audience has a great appetite for music, especially notes manipulated with such grandeur.  What a luxurious contrast to South Africa. The local orchestras are collapsing because of lack of funds and the almost abject running of the Playhouse.  Strange programme choices, and complacency are the enemy of greatness. Most of the orchestras in South Africa should have resident conductors because this makes both good financial and artistic sense. Impressions are lasting and a walk along Smith Street will leave any A flaneur or theatre lover gasping for air. I chose to end with a peculiar manic obsession, namely, Johannnes Brahms.

Brahms Symphony No.1 is regarded as one of the most malleable and captivating pieces in the symphonic repertoire.  One of my friends, a music teacher, regards the Brahms as one of his most cherished pieces of music although with a greatness that still surprises. The famous song-like Andante was described very aptly in 1876 by one Aduard Hanslick as a “long drawn-out noble song” and so it proved on the night, melodious and dramatic as grand as the Tragic Overture conducted by the late lamented conductor Wolfgang Sawallisch with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra. Dutoit ended the night as he had begun in full command.

The master of counterpoint, Brahms is both magnificent in its broad sweep and tragedy but the sublime passages come in counterpoised weights or vignettes of waltzes.  One of Brahms’ Hungarian Dances, played at the end of the resounding orchestral  ovation ; revealed some of the mysterious rhyme and reason, that accomplished playing reaches leading on an upwards arc in the third movement of the symphony. Johann Wegenaar’s Cyrano de Bergerac Overture was played with character and romantic ardour. It was a bold choice of a piece that left the audience with the rush of a sensational opening salvo.  The entire concert radiated this exciting initiative and rhythm that rung through the ringing applause long after the last notes were heard. A truly ephemeral evening, dubbed ‘einmalig’ – never recurring, or a once off, where time stops for a while suspended in lakes of joy, travelling midst desire and evocation.  Emerging from these effects we should salute the Royal Dutch Concertgebouw for a remarkable concert of Romantic abandon and of Classical triumph. Ovations marked the recognition of a singular event which was a reward for both rapt attention and expectation.

Timothy Sparks is a freelance writer and educator based in Durban

email: tpwsparks@hotmail.com