Movie Review - The Amazing Spider-Man

Movie Review

Spidey Gets A New Web

Movie - The Amazing Spider-Man
Director - Marc Webb
Cast - Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary, Martin Sheen, Sally Field

This is a reboot of the franchise featuring fresh faces and a new director.  Starting all over
we see how Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield)  becomes the Spider-Man and how he meets
the Genius Dr Curt Connors (Rhys Ifans)  who has a dark side to him.

Along the way Peter meets Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone) and they fall for each other.
We see a high school Peter starting off on his journey.  We join him as he stays with
his Aunt (Sally Field) and Uncle (Matin Sheen).

Peter has to come to terms with all the new challenges of being Spidey.
He also has to come to terms with what it means to become a Hero.

There are some fine performances along the way look out for Denis Leary and
a great cameo by C. Thomas Howell.

This is a Spidey for a new generation.  People who use Mobile Phones and listen
to iPods.  The music soundtrack is wonderful.  Lovely to hear new music.

There is a standing gag that in every Marvel movie you should be able to see
Stan Lee (The Creator of Spider-Man and many other comics.)

See if you can spot where Stan Lee is in this movie.

It really is worth a visit.  The 3-D Bonus gives you some amazing visuals.  

See them for yourself.

Rating 9/10

Find them on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/theamazingspiderman

Follow the hashtag - #theamazingspiderman on Twitter for
some amazing social media news, pictures, memes and more about the movie.

Review by @fredfelton

Sources - www.imdb.com

Fred Felton was a guest of Sony at The Amazing Spider-Man Media Launch.

Rising Star Performing Arts Academy in partnership with Bev Cooke-Tonnesen present “Gift of the Gab”, adults improv classes.

In this five-week introductory course, you will learn the basic rules of improvisational acting, whilst developing your vocal and physical expressive skills. Warm-ups and exercises are designed to promote confidence and release inhibition in a safe and supportive manner.  The course is structured in such a way that you will never feel ‘exposed’ or ‘on the spot’. As a group, you will actively learn the building blocks needed to feel free to express yourself creatively and with enjoyment. As well as learning voice, movement and acting techniques, there is a big focus on having fun and letting go. 

Bev’s experience, from running this class in Johannesburg, was that newbies and professionals gelled fine in classes; each learning and developing from each other. Many pro’s enjoyed the opportunity to come to “class”, get pushed and try new things. So, even if you have “been there, done that” you ain’t been here and done this...yet”. Make sure you wear clothing that is comfortable and easy to move in.

Level One Outcomes:
Participants who successfully complete Gift of the GAB – Level One will understand and be able to demonstrate:
• the basic rules and concepts of Improv, including: accepting; adding; offers; blocking; advancing; extending
• characterisation
• physical expression in relation to location, character and basic mime
• basic story building
• confident vocal expression and good listening 
• creative, less inhibited, spontaneous performance

Classes are open to all, ages 18+.

PANSA MEMBER DISCOUNT: R650 (normal price R750) - 50% NON-REFUNDABLE deposit required on booking
TUESDAY MORNINGS, 9-11am STARING 31 JULY until 28 AUGUST
OR
WEDNESDAY EVENINGS, 7-9pm STARTING 1 AUGUST - 29 AUGUST

Venue: Lasting Impressions, 35 Caeffron Avenue, Westville

To book your place reply to marketing@risingstaracademy.co.za with the following:- Name, Contact number, e-mail address and the class you would like to attend. We will send banking details on receipt of your booking.

(Source - Pansa)

Fancy A Light Jog / Run?


@VidaKZN Florida Road will be hosting a morning run 5 /10 km this Saturday at 6h30am.   The run
starts and ends at Vida Florida Road.  All runners get a caffe on Vida at the end.

(Source - Vida e Caffe)

Interview with a Scout, Poetry and Shows Coming Up

Greetings Dear Readers.

Today we have a Interview with a Scout called Tom.

1.  What is a Scout?
A Scout is someone who lives life to the max, enjoying the outdoors, trying new things and meeting new people from all over the world.

2.  What do the Scouts do?
Everything! Glacier walking, Rock climbing, kayaking, zorbing - almost anything you can think of.

3.  We hear that the Scouts have a App, what is that all about?
We like to keep up with the times so we have an App! It's a great game, showcasing a scouting adventure. On top of that you can try your hand at Hangliding, Kayaking and Mountain Boarding.

4.  Are the Scouts a worldwide movement?
There are over 30 million Scouts in almost every single country in the world. We have big world events called Jamborees, where tens of thousands of us get together and have one big party.

5.  What has being a Scout taught you?
Being a Scout has taught me how to live. I have gained lots of self confidence, social and life skills that have set me in a good stead for the future.

6.  Do you recommend youngsters become Scouts?
Joining the Scouts would be the best decision someone will ever make.

7.  Why should people download the Scouts App?
The Scouts App is well made, addictive and great fun! Everything an app should be.

8.  What advice do you have for young people?
Live life to its maximum. Take every opportunity that comes up and don't look back.

9.  What do you do to relax?
I love watching live sport, you will normally find me at The Amex watching Brighton & Hove Albion, or The Stoop cheering on Harlequins.

10.  What is your favourite quote?
'Yes we can!' Barack Obama

To Download the Scouts App visit their site - http://www.scoutsapp.com/
Find them on Twitter - @ScoutsApp
Like their Facebook Page - http://www.facebook.com/ScoutsAppGame

Check it out, it really is amazing.

Next up we have some Poetry from a Durban Writer Timothy Sparks

The Sea of Tranquility

The still pencil-drawn lake of the sea,
Follows a line around Venus
In the hours, one moons' solitary
Angle in perfect alignment its genus

The beauty that waxes her eyes
A flame naked, but resolved:
The single, matchless candle of time lies
Caressed, swept up and dissolved.

9 June 2012

Timothy Sparks

To find out more about Timothy Sparks and his writing email tpwsparks@hotmail.com


Rainbow Young Performers Project, 2012
Legally Blonde: The Musical
Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre: 3 – 15 July
The 12th annual Rainbow Young Performers’ Project: 2012 is the rollicking, fun, high-energy, girl-power celebration, Legally Blonde, which will be staged at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre in Durban from July 3 to 15.

Legally Blonde – The Musical tells the story of college sweetheart and homecoming queen, Elle Woods, who doesn’t take no for an answer. So when her boyfriend Warner dumps her for someone serious, Elle puts down her credit cards, hits the books and heads for Harvard Law School. Based on the movie of the same name starring Reese Witherspoon, Legally Blonde - The Musical is an all-singing, all-dancing, feel-good musical comedy takes us from the social whirl of California Campus life into Harvard’s hall of Justice with a bright new heroine... and of course her Chihuahua, Bruiser.

Hosted by the Performing Arts Network of South Africa, KZN: PANSA, the civic umbrella body for performing artists nationally, and supported by BASA – Business and Arts South Africa,  Legally Blonde is directed by Themi Venturas, choreographed by Daisy Spencer and with vocal and musical support by Charon Williams Ros studio. Michael Gritten is the professional actor performing in the production this year.

The 2012 Rainbow Young Performers’ project is scheduled to run from July 3 to 15 at the   Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre. Legally Blonde follows the last 11 successful Young Performers musicals, Curtain Up, One Voice, Grease, Oliver, Fiddler on the Roof, The Wiz, Annie, School of Rock SA, Big River, Hairspray and Seussical last year.

Booking is now open through Computicket. For any queries please contact Mandisa Tshiqi at the PANSA KZN Office:  031 201-4750 email:  kzn@pansa.org.za

Something for Playwrights, We Bought A Zoo DVD Review and East Coast Radio Wins

Something for Playwrights

The British Council is bringing Elyse Dodgson, Associate Director and Head of the International Department for the Royal Court Theatre based in the UK to South Africa and Zimbabwe.  The aim of the visit is to meet local playwrights and investigate the possibility of long term collaboration with local playwrights interested in new contemporary writing.

She is looking to meet local playwrights involved and interested in new contemporary writing to discuss the needs and concerns, interests and opinions related to new writing in Southern Africa.  She would appreciate guidance on the content for new writing programme collaboration and is interested in seeing as much new writing as possible in any language.

The Royal Court is eager to work with playwrights from Southern Africa and is looking to fill their theatre with excellent international work from the most interesting global playwrights.  The information gathered during the visit will be used to identify local partners, make recommendations and prepare a preliminary proposal on the long term collaboration.

The dates for South Africa are as follows: - 14th -19th July – (JHB) 19th -21st (Durban) and 21st – 25th (CPT). 

They are keen in hosting one on one meetings and a netowrking session with a range of theatre organisations and playwrights.  If you are a Durban based playwright and are interested in taking part in the one on one sessions, as well as attending the networking sessions, please reply with a page CV and a biography of yourself.  Reply before 6 July 2012.

Check out the information below, about the Royal Court International Department and the importance of recces.  The key thing is that this is an opportunity for local playwrights to influence how we (The British Council) and the Royal Court develop this project – hopefully to the benefit of local playwrights, and the South African sector.

       

ROYAL COURT INTERNATIONAL DEPARTMENT 
The Royal Court Theatre, London, is Britain's leading national company dedicated to new work by innovative writers from the UK and around the world. In addition to its high profile productions, the Royal Court facilitates international work at grass roots level and develops exchanges which bring young writers and directors to work with artists around the world. The International Department is the arm of the theatre dedicated to the development of new international plays. It was created as a department of the Royal Court in 1996 and has been led by Associate Director, Elyse Dodgson, since that time. The International Department has worked with theatre artists in over 70 countries and in more than 30 languages. Countries that have been involved in long term development projects include: Brazil, Chile, Cuba, France, Georgia, Germany, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Palestine, Russia, Spain, Syria, Uganda and Ukraine.  Many of these projects also lead to international residencies at the Royal Court, rehearsed readings of plays developed, and international productions. All of these projects have been supported by the British Council and the Genesis Foundation. For more information about the International Department please see: www/royalcourttheatre.com/international 

Preliminary Research trips – a note from Elyse Dodgson
 "I always travel to every country or region, proposed for a long term collaboration, on a preliminary research trip to assess the need for a workshop, identify potential collaborators/partner organisations and meet with local theatre makers. The research trip is one of the most important parts of our international programme because it gives me the opportunity to meet a wide range of theatre makers involved and interested in new contemporary writing. I try to meet everyone possible who will be able to discuss the needs and concerns for new writing in their country and hope to hear a wide range of interests and opinions.

At the heart of these discussions will be the local playwrights themselves. It is practically not possible to always meet playwrights individually, but I very much welcome meeting groups of playwrights to talk about what they would like to see in this kind of new writing programme. I find open meetings are very useful and am happy to do talks explaining the work of the Royal Court and answer any questions about the international programme. I am also interested in seeing as much new writing as possible in any language.

 At the end of the research trip I usually write a full report outlining my meetings and experiences and make recommendations and a preliminary proposal on how I think we could best move a long term project forward. This would lead to further discussions with the British Council and the local partners concerned. Each project is designed according to the discoveries made on the research visit and always in collaboration with local partners. It has been a long dream of ours to work with writers in South Africa and Zimbabwe and this visit will determine how we can finally begin."

(Source - Pansa)

East Coast Radio scoops prestigious ‘Top KZN Brand’ award

East Coast Radio is thrilled to have been announced as KZN’s leading brand for 2012 at the FNB KZN Top Business Portfolio Awards ceremony at the Elangeni Hotel last night. The station was shortlisted together with nine other strong and established brands in the province and is humbled to have won this prestigious award.

The station’s General Manager Trish Taylor says, “Being named ‘Top KZN Brand’ is really a testament to the role that the station plays in the province and this has provided us with encouragement to take the brand to the next level. We are absolutely delighted!”

East Coast Radio would like to thank everyone who voted for the station and who believes that East Coast Radio is the best home-grown brand in the province.

(Source - East Coast Radio)  

DVD Review - We Bought A Zoo

Cast - Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson

Directed by Cameron Crowe

This is an amazing film.  Based on a True Story. Benjamin Mee (Matt Damon)

tries to start fresh with his family.  As a Single Father he decides to take 

the family to a fixer upper property.  Only then does he discover that it is

a run down zoo.  He finds a willing team including the Zookeeper (Scarlett Johansson)

to help him out.  

They have to open the Zoo on schedule.  Can they do it with the strict Inspector

breathing down their necks?  

Watch the movie to find out. 

Rating 9/10

Review by Fred Felton
follow him on Twitter  - @fredfelton


Society Pages 

Seen at Social Media Day Durban 2012 at @Livingstons_DBN were
Motivational Speaker @ramonthomas and Copywriter @Jexx
Picture courtesy of Falcon's Cove Photography 

In this weeks issue: Jobs via Pansa,

Clowns Without Borders South Africa - Programme Manager Position

Clowns Without Borders South Africa (CWBSA) is an arts-based humanitarian nonprofit organisation that provides psychosocial support to children and families affected by crisis (www.cwbsa.org).

CWBSA seeks to appoint a Programme Manager, based in Durban, South Africa.

This is part-time senior management position within our organisation.

Responsibilities:

Development of programmes
„X Coordinate, oversee and manage all arts interventions and programmes;
„X Facilitate the development and implementation of new arts interventions, curriculum, and programming;
„X Recruit, employ, and provide training and supervision of programme employees/artists in line with CWBSA policies and procedures;
„X Liaise between CWBSA and other stakeholders, including local partners, NGOs/CBOs and Government Departments;
„X Attend necessary stakeholder workshops, events and training seminars;
„X Travel as and when required by the organisation;
Implementation of programmes
„X Establish policies and procedures for all programmes in line with CWBSA ethical guidelines;
„X Provide leadership and support for all programme staff (project leaders, facilitating artists, volunteers) to ensure projects succeed and responsibilities are fulfilled;
„X Manage the purchase, maintenance and inventory all programme equipment;
„X Manage and report on activity schedule plans to the MD;
„X Communicate programme status with MD regularly;
Evaluation of programmes
„X Research best practices and identify potential innovations for the continuous improvement of CWBSA arts interventions and programmes;
„X Evaluate programmes and provide feedback as needed;
„X Provide on-site assessment and review of arts interventions and programmes;
„X Work with staff to develop objective performance measurements across all programmes to ensure consistent, high quality evaluation, and goal setting for all employees;
„X Ensure written evaluation of programme staff is completed as required;
Management of programmes
„X Provide Monthly / Quarterly Report to MD on status of programmes;
„X Communicate policy and information to programme staff and ensure and supervise regular meetings to this end;
„X Ensure that donor reporting for projects is scheduled and kept up to date;
„X Donor communication and management where required and especially in the absence of the MD;
„X Financial Management by compiling monthly commitment budgets, ensuring spending in line with this and work closely with MD to ensure financial management and reporting required;
„X Ensure appropriate training is provided in order for employees to execute their duties;
„X Maintain open communication lines among all programme employees;
Requirements:
„X Honours or Master’s degree preferably in a development-related and/or arts administration field;
„X Experience in the artistic disciplines of physical theatre, clown performance, storytelling, dance, and/or music within a humanitarian/development context;
„X Experience as a facilitator and developer of arts-based curriculum for adults and children
„X Knowledge and experience in community-based approaches to working with children and families affected by crisis (war, violence, HIV/AIDS, discrimination, poverty)
„X Knowledge of evidence-based approaches to community development and intervention
„X Minimum of five years experience in community development or related training;
„X Management, leadership and conflict resolution skills;
„X Strategic thinking;
„X Ability to think outside the box, decision-making and problem-solving skills;
„X Organisational and coordination skills;
„X Manage time and schedule work effectively;
„X Communication skills, both oral and written;
„X Interpersonal relations and the ability to work well with others;
„X Fluency in English and preferably knowledge one other South African language;
„X Willingness to travel away from home
„X Honesty, integrity, professionalism and willingness to work overtime;
„X Reside in Durban
„X Valid driver’s license.

Salary commensurate with experience

Starting date: September 2012

To apply, submit a CV and motivation letter with 3 references for contact by 20 July 2012 to info@cwbsa.org.
 

(Source:  Pansa) 

Something new from East Coast Radio

Automated traffic reports on East Coast Radio.

It has recently just become even easier to stay abreast of what’s happening on KwaZulu-Natal’s roads, thanks to a new feature implemented by East Coast Radio. The station is the first station in the province to implement the Traffic Announce feature.

The added feature, which is available on most car radios, allows you to set up your radio to auto tune into all East Coast Radio’s traffic announcements so that you don’t miss out. Once programmed your radio will switch over from playing CDs or another radio station to undeniably the province’s most extensive traffic reports. The ‘Traffic Guy’, Johann Von Bargen, brings you the latest reports every 15 minutes on both The Breakfast Stack between 06h00 and 09h00 and The Drive with Damon between 15h00 and 18h00. He has extensive knowledge of the province’s roads and a network of eyes and ears on the ground that enable him to guide you to your destination safely.

All you have to do to make sure your radio automatically flips over to the traffic news is enable the ‘TP’ or ‘TA’ function on your radio while tuned to East Coast Radio. Each vehicle make and model is different so you may need to consult your manual for exact details on how to go about setting up your radio for Traffic Announce feature. But be sure not to miss out on this fantastic feature!

(Source:  East Coast Radio) 

5 Art Galleries Worth Visiting in Durban

This week we are looking at some of the wonderful Art Galleries we have
in Durban.  So go on and explore this wonderful City and support some of the
Artists.

Here are 5 Art Galleries Worth Visiting.

1. KZNSA


The KZNSA is the home of Arts in Durban and it has been for a long time.
You will find this lovely Art Gallery in Bulwer Road.  It has quite a few rooms in
it to explore and alongside it a wonderful Coffee Shop where you will find
many people from the Arts Community.

Useful Links

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/groups/38092244829/

This useful group posts the exhibition openings and be sure to pop by them.
Wonderful events.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/KZNSA-Gallery/197419566963851 - Useful page

Address: 166 Bulwer Road, Bulwer, Durban
Website:  www.nsagallery.co.za

2.  The Collective


This Art Gallery is a treasure.  Situated in Florida Road they are connected to
a bookshop so it is wonderful to stroll between the bookshop and the Gallery.
Full of unique pieces they also have many wonderful events at the Gallery.
Definitely worth a visit.  Now also offering Coffees and Snacks.
Look out for their Exhibitions they are very supportive of small Artists as well.

Useful Links

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/thecollectivedbn
Twitter - @collectivedbn

Address - 48b Florida Road, Morningside, Durban
Tel - 031-303-4891
Website - www.thecollective-durban.com
Email: - info@thecollective-durban.com

3. Imbizo Art Gallery


Situated North of Durban in Ballito.  This gallery is part of the Lifestyle Centre.
They are known for their upmarket art pieces.  You will normally find once a month
they launch new artworks and invite artists for openings.  The openings are wonderful
events filled with music, good food and drinks and lively debate.  Worth a drive up North.


Website - www.imbizogallery.co.za
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/imbizo.ballito


4.  Artisan Art Gallery 


Another of the many Art Galleries in Florida Road.
This one has many unusual pieces.  Pop by and marvel at the unique pieces on show there.
They have some wonderful launches as well.  They have some wonderful ceramic pieces, wooden
pieces and cutlery.

Address - 344 Florida Road, Morningside
Telephone - 031-312-4364

Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Artisan-Morningside-Durban-KZN/191251084304605?sk=info


5. Artspace 


3 Millar Road, Stamford Hill, Durban

A wonderful Art Gallery set in a very interesting building.  Some wonderful artworks
and a lovely little nook where you can have coffee.  They also have some great workshops
from time to time and provide help for Artists when big Art Competitions come up.

Facebook -
http://www.facebook.com/artspace.durban.7

Website - www.artspace-durban.com
Email - artspace.durban.7@facebook.com 
Tel - 031-312-0793


So go on take a trip around Durban and explore these wonderful Art Galleries and stimulate
your artistic senses.

Article by @fredfelton


Do you know of any interesting Art Galleries in the Durban Area?

Rovos Rail Royal Luxury

At Indaba I managed to visit the Rovos Rail Stand.

They really did have one of the best stands at Indaba.

I had a a wonderful interview with Carole O'Connor from
their Marketing Department.

She told me all about Rovos Rail.

She told me some wonderful stats on Rovos Rail.

They have their own Private Station.  It operates out of Capital Park Station, Pretoria. SA.
The Company was started by Rohan Vos.  He started to fix old Caravans and old trains
and slowly it developed into a Tour Operator Business.  The first was the Jules Verne.
He filled it up.

Carole gave me some wonderful business tips for business owners out there.
The Company pays cash for everything.
They have their own workshop and do all the repairs onsite.

The owner still greets every guest before they travel.

They have different suites on the train and various trips.
The Cape Town - Dar Es Salam trip is 13 days.  It crosses 5 Countries.
The trips are full of wonderful expeditions and excursions.

They have guests from all over including Scandinavian Countries, Sweden, Russia
and Turkey.

You will sometimes find the owner under the train fixing it.
They have marketing agents worldwide.

They spend a lot on marketing and have a lovely website.
They do not advertise.

They find that more people from SA come for the trip and hotel packages.

Some useful links for Rovos Rail.

Visit their Website -  http://www.rovos.com/

Follow them on Twitter - @RovosRailTours

Find them on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/rovosrail

Visit them on Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/rovosrailtours/


(Article and Photo's by @fredfelton)

Useful articles for #Artists and #Writers

This week we have some wonderful articles for Artists and Writers.

Artist in residency

Calling Africa's Artists

Applicants for 10 residencies are available for the 2012 (AIR) Programme.

The residencies are available to all types of artists.

To apply and to find out more please go to the following website:

http://www.africacentre.net/artist-in-residency-programme-2012

Deadline is the 15th June 2012

Good luck!

(Source - Africa Centre)

Short Story Day Africa

On Wed 20 June revel in a celebration of fiction's short - yet - perfectly - crafted form, the
short story.

This year the event is even bigger, going international.  This year writers can do almost anything
from running a creative workshop, a competition, a short film, organizing a spoken word night, a
reading, an author appearance.

Whatever it is you are doing email us details of your event
on info@shortstorydayafrica.org with a link to your website if applicable and any images you have
and we will put it on the Short Story Day Africa Website where you can also find stories to read,
short story recommendations, competitions, giveaways and more.

Follow them on Twitter - @shortstoryAFR
Join their Facebook page - Short Story Day Africa

To find out more about this wonderful event and about the competitions, chain stories and fiction flash
and more visit their website:


http://shortstorydayafrica.org/

(Source - Short Story Day Africa)

All Articles by @fredfelton