MUSIC: FragmentsReview by MZWANDILE MAMAILA Social media is ever-present and has changed the way we live. We become reliant on our likes and followers for self-esteem and social influence. More likes equal more respect. That is the dystopia contemporary society faces, and poet Lethabo Makweya, accompanied by the violin, flute, and jazz trio, reflect on this state of affairs in Fragments. An all-black aesthetic sets the mood. “I was told I look better on the screen!” Makweya shouts as she takes selfies and videos, texts and calls, and stalks the lives of others. This is the new normal, a…
Author: Rod Amner
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THEATRE: MatchboxReview by ARNO CORNELISSEN “It won’t collapse, right? … I can see my life flashing before my eyes,” two audience members commented jeeringly on the seating as they filed into St Andrew’s Hall. Don’t fret. The seating is perfectly safe, but be sure to brace yourself for the flood of madness and emotion that comes from What do you think the birds are doing?, the first act of the double bill Matchbox. Delara Crouse and Jamie-Lee Anthony, the cast of ‘What do you think the birds are doing?’. Photo: Supplied Seated, you can see the setup of the set made from…
DANCE: I.N.C.O.K.OReview by GRACE MOYA We’ve all been there. If you’ve taken public transport, stood in a crowded café, or just been around strangers, the chances are high that you’ve eavesdropped on an interesting or random conversation. These floating exchanges in public spaces can either be indistinct or disconnected. Some of them set in motion a haunting feeling of déjà vu, making us reflect on the self and past experiences encountered. I.N.C.O.K.O is a dance production directed by Thembani Buka, a local choreographer and creative director born and bred in Makhanda. This is a young production, performers in their early…
DANCE: Nakanjani Theatre Productions Review by ZIMKITA LINYANA As a human race, we have developed common aspirations. To be in line with the mainstream, to ‘get with the program’, and ‘to be with it’. We have become universal in our modernity and everyday cultural ‘norms’. Although this is important and somewhat necessary, we should not forget we are a diverse people. We can all share ideals and values, but we must preserve, celebrate, and embrace our cultural diversity. The opening scene of the more than 50 scenes – all under one hour. Photo: Zimkita Linyana My mind and senses were blown…
COMEDY: We Can Come Back From ThisReview by CASEY LUDICK I never had the sex talk with my mom, but I don’t think it would have gone quite as Sarah Abrahams’ did. Abrahams says her mom tried to buy her a dildo on the way home from school one day when she was 15. Most parents avoid the topic of sex altogether, never mind offering to buy sex toys while driving home from school. The anecdote formed the opening of Abrahams’ opening set in We Can Come Back From This, the banner title for a selection of comedians playing at…
By OVAYO MILISA NOVUKELA SAMA award-winning legend Ringo Madlingozi has a day job as an Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP. But, as he proved at the Guy Butler Theatre last night, he hasn’t yet entirely traded in his musical roots for the red beret. Born in Peddie in 1964, Madlingozi says his music has always been political: “Even my first album, Vukani.” Madlingozi promised he would continue to “sing about love and the pain our beloved people are facing and the joy I wish we could have”. Ringo with a fan during the concert on Saturday. Photo: Ovayo Milisa Novukela…
By SIYAMTHANDA PONGCO Hi-Tec arrested two men’ armed’ with a toy gun after they attempted to rob a Bathurst Street business at 8.30 am on Friday, 24 June. SAPS spokesperson Majola Nkohli said the owner and two assistants were held at toy—gunpoint and marshalled inside by the two men, aged 30 and 42, as they opened their shop for business. “The owner managed to press a panic button to activate an armed response service of a private security company. The two men were arrested at the scene, and police were summoned,” Nkohli said. Grahamstown SAPS confirmed that a preliminary investigation…
MOVEMENT: MoyaReview by DANA OSBORN Slow, rhythmic shuffling scores the scene as the auditorium starts to rise in sound and energy. Revolution Blues by Ondara is playing as I catch a few words from the elderly couple behind me. “What is he doing?” the woman asked. I look up at the stage to find a man staring obtrusively at me. Guarded, I check my space to ensure I’m not somehow out of line. After a few seconds, the man drops me from his ocular hold and begins pacing from one side of the stage to another, vigorously waving at audience…
MUSIC: Naftali and the Royal FamilyReview by ARNO CORNELISSEN “Music takes you to places that you haven’t known before,” says Naftali Kholofelo Mphago, “You just travel. I’m taken to that space—immediately, I am gone. I can’t think, it just flows, and the people’s energy connects and creates a moment.” If you are exhausted from a long day of emotionally taxing theatre, Naftali and the Royal Family will rejuvenate your soul. Led by vocalist Naftali Kholofelo Mphago, the four-person ensemble selflessly shares something sacred with their audience that transcends the boundaries of logic. With a sound that transverses genre boundaries, the band…
MUSICAL THEATRE: VincentReview by KEREN BANZA I walked into the show, freezing my toes off and in a mood equal to the grey weather. By the time it was over, I had classic rock songs warming my soul, the sweet sound of piano keys floating in my mind, and the story of Vincent van Gogh engraved in my heart. Vincent, written and directed by Amanda Bothma, is a musical theatre production about the life of our favourite tortured artist, Vincent van Gogh. I expected Daniel Anderson to narrate the story and maybe act out a few scenes. I nearly fell…