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IOL News
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
June 21: What's on in Durban
Composer, vocalist, and traditional instrumentalist Lu Dlamini launches Gido at the Playhouse this week. Image: Val Adamson MARKETS Shongweni Farmers & Craft Market: Spend time with family (pets included) and friends outdoors. Traders sell everything from fresh produce and deli food to arts and crafts. Walk the short nature trail or have a zipline adventure. Open rain or shine, and wheelchair accessible from 7am to 1pm. Musgrave Market: Head to Berea Park for food, music, arts and crafts. From 9am to 2pm. Buzz Market: Community market at 38 Pitlochry Road, Westville, 9am to 2pm. Ballito Farmers Market: More than 150 traders offer fresh farm produce, cut flowers and a nursery, retail, fashion, kids' entertainment, art, hobbies, crafted goods and lifestyle products. R103 at Umhlali. 7am to 2pm. Harlequins Flea Market: Every Saturday from 8am to 1pm. New vendors welcome. WhatsApp 083 595 7033 or email harlequinsmarket@ Video Player is loading. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Rotary Uvongo Flea Market: Crafts, toys, bead work, wire work, clothing and food every Saturday from 8.30am to 1pm and Sunday 9am to 2pm, opposite Douglas Mitchell Sports Grounds. Call 082 829 0059. Golden Hours Market: (tomorrow) Family-friendly market at Golden Hours School, 10am to 2pm. Live music and food stalls. Call 083 262 3693. Macnut Farm, Assagay: (tomorrow) Fresh produce market for locals, 11am to 2pm. Sunday lunch, drinks and bar. Call 031 765 2572 or 074 603 0000. uMhlanga Farmers Market: Autumn Drive, Prestondale, every Wednesday from 8am to noon. Call Ethel at 060 303 3957. SHOWS Ashton College, Ballito: (today) The college's cultural students present Disney's Beauty and the Beast JR, an adaptation of the beloved animated film by Walt Disney Pictures. The film itself was inspired by the classic French fairy tale by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont and later transformed into a stage musical. Final show today. Tickets R80 from webtickets. Golden Horse Casino, Pietermaritzburg: (today and tomorrow) Riaad Moosa presents What's The Point. Known as 'The Comedy Doctor' for seamlessly blending medicine with humour, he grapples with the absurdity of life and the chaotic state of the world. June 21 at 5pm and 8pm, June 22 at 5pm. Tickets R200 from webtickets. Playhouse Opera: KZN Young Performers Project presents the musical, Annie, the story of the plucky youngster and her quest for a bright new life outside of the walls of Miss Hannigan's dreary orphanage. Directed by Daisy Spencer; with musical direction by Des Govender; and choreography by Evashnee Pillay. The cast comprises 120 performers. July 4-13. Tickets R150-R280 from Webtickets and Pick n Pay stores nationwide. Playhouse Drama: Little Shop of Horrors comes to the Playhouse. A ridiculous and hilarious horror-spoof, in which a plant, which has a desire for world domination, grows by eating people with all the lead characters falling prey to its voracious appetite. July 2-5 at 7.30pm, July 5 at 2pm and July 6 at 3pm. Tickets R50-R100 from webtickets. Guitarist James Grace will perform with pianist Chris Duigan at venues around the province this month end. Image: Supplied MUSIC St Cyprians Anglican Church, Umbilo: (tomorrow) A concert of music for trumpet and organ performed on Sunday 22 June at 11am featuring Margrit Deppe on organ and Yosuke Matsui, on trumpet. Programme includes three festive choral pieces by Albinoni, Stephenson and Vierne. Tickets R140 / R100 concessions at Quicket, or cash at the door. Playhouse Opera:The second concert in the KZNPO's Winter series is on June 26 at 7pm. A curtain-raiser by the KZN Youth Orchestra, after which Conrad van Alphen takes the podium as Russian violinist Andrey Baranov puts his stamp on Édouard Lalo's virtuosic Symphonie Espagnole. Beethoven's Sixth Symphony ends the from Quicket. Playhouse Opera: Composer, vocalist, and traditional instrumentalist Lu Dlamini launches Gido, a personal and deeply moving new album on June 27 at 7pm. Gido is a tribute to Lu's late mother, Kitomena 'Gido' uMakhuzwayo whose life lessons are the spiritual backbone of a project that blends jazz influences with sounds of indigenous instruments. Tickets R120 from webtickets Music Revival: Pianist Chris Duigan hosts guitarist James Grace on a tour of KZN. Woodgrove Community Centre June 26 at 3.30pm. Tickets R100. At All Souls Anglican Church, Salt Rock, Sunday June 29 at 3pm, tickets R150. Booking via WhatsApp 083 417 4473 or booking@ Also Monday June 30 at Amberfield. Tickets R80 and booking from Amberfield office. At St Agnes Church, Kloof on Tuesday July 1 at 7pm, tickets R130 via WhatsApp 083 417 4473 or booking@ At Coffeeberry, Hilton on Wednesday July 2 at 6pm. Tickets R220 from info@ At Coffeeberry, Cascades on Thursday July 3 at 6pm. Tickets R220 from info@ St James Church, Morningside: Baroque 2000 presents soprano Lynelle Kenned in concert. Sunday June 29 at 11.30am. Tickets R180 at the door. Children free. Contact Michel at sursouth@ or 082 303 5241 Ugu Sports and Leisure Centre: The relaunch of the Ugu Jazz Festival promises an un unforgettable evening with artists, including Zonke Dikana, Ami Faku, Mondli Ngcobo, Bongane Nkwanyana, Tender Mavundla and Olefied Khetha. June 28 from 5pm to 3am. Tickets from R150 from Ticketpro. Durban Jewish Club: An afternoon of music featuring world-class soloists, pianist Christopher Duigan and guitarist James Grace. Their programme includes many of their own arrangements on classic melodies, jazz standards, Latin milongas and Spanish classics. Sunday July 6 at 2.30pm. Tickets: R140 at the door. Contact or 071 505 1021 FILM Rhumbelow Theatre Film Club: With cinemas closing or really expensive, and Netflix becoming stay-at-home-predictable, enjoy the notion of an old-fashioned movie night out with friends… with a drink in your hand (an adult beverage – at club prices) and affordable snacks and light meals (other than popcorn). The club opens its doors every Wednesday for a smorgasbord of films from vintage and classics to more modern and interesting films. Membership is R300 for six months, with a WhatsApp group informing you of what's on and what's coming. SASSA grant recipients can join for free. Call Roland on 082 499 8636 or email: roland@ A ceramics exhibition features at the KZNSA Gallery/ Image: Supplied ART KZNSA: The Ceramics Southern Africa Regional Exhibition is open. This year, DUT students share the exhibition space which was a resounding success in 2023. Woza Moya Gallery, Hillcrest: The exhibition Behind Closed Doors opened last night. Features the work of artist Sinethemba Ndimande, and photographers Masibulele Nako and Manelisi Nene. OUTDOORS Amblers Hiking Club: (tomorrow) At 2pm on Sunday June 22 hike Palmiet Nature Reserve, Old New Germany Road, Westville. Hike to Helicopter rock. Waxies After. Call David on 072 615 0559. Recycles Group: Meet at 9am on Tuesdays at the parking area behind Pirates life saving club. For a 20 km ride on the promenade. Open to beginners, sociable, safe and an option for a breakfast at Pirates coffee shop. Call Ian to join on 083 675 2125. Retreads walking group: Join for a 3 or 5 km social walk on Tuesdays at 9am on the promenade followed with an option of breakfast at Pirates. Call Michele on 083 779 7443 Mountain Biking Rides: Saturdays at 6am, meet at Dura Cycles, Uvongo. Call 039 315 7359. EVENTS Casa Mexicana, Pietermaritzburg: (today and tomorrow) Blackwoods open Gardens at 35 Montgomery Drive on June 21 and 22 from 9am to 5pm. Entrance R50 including tea/coffee and refreshments, art exhibition and music in the garden with Christopher Duigan (piano) at 10am, noon, 2pm and 4pm (15 mins). Duigan will give a talk on the story of Casa Mexicana at 12.15pm. Light lunch of soup available. Booking preferred. Email chris@ or WhatsApp message 083 417 4473. Ballito Pro: (tomorrow) The scene is set for the Ballito Pro which runs from June 22 to July 6 on the shores of KwaDukuza on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast. The 56th edition of this international surf and lifestyle festival is themed Sea-Sound-Waves. Full festival programme at Kings Park Stadium: (tomorrow) Don't rush off after you complete this year's Durban SPAR Women's 10/5km Challenge on Sunday 22 June, as two proudly Durban acts take to the stage in the finish area. Veranda Panda and DJ Dlala Thukzin are lined up to entertain participants and supporters on either side of the prize giving on race day.
IOL News
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Diverse narratives of migration, love and independence unfold in these Joburg theatre shows
A compelling moment captured from the stage production 'The Last Country', a truly thought-provoking experience. Image: Val Adamson Amid the dynamic slate of theatre offerings at the moment, which includes 'Swingin' Las Vegas' at The Teatro, Montecasino, another production piques interest: 'The Last Country'. Inspired by the experiences of 30 migrant women from diverse countries who have relocated from rural areas to the city, this production explores their stories. In this immersive production, which is directed by Neil Coppen, who also cowrote the script with Mpume Mthombeni, viewers will get to hear of the journeys of Ofrah from the DRC, MaThwala from Ndwedwe in KwaZulu-Natal, Aamiina from Somalia, and Aneni from Zimbabwe. The script thoughtfully interlaces narratives of hardship, suffering, comedy, optimism, and perseverance, revealing our common human nature. It highlights how even the simplest gestures of goodwill can aid and reshape the lives of individuals seeking refuge in urban environments. In this revised production, which is part of the Africa Month curation at the establishment, Mpume Mthombeni, Faniswa Yisa, Andile Vilakazi and Nompilo Maphumulo form the new a. The Market Theatre's artistic director, Greg Homann, explored the significant theme of migration in this production. 'This play contributes to a much larger conversation about migration, belonging, hope and resilience. Again, it highlights policy limitations relating to migration in metropolitan areas and reminds us of the fundamental values that have shaped this beautiful nation,' he said. Where: Mannie Manim, Market Theatre. When: Runs until June 1, 7pm. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Zane Meas and Bianca Amato as Torvald and Nora, respectively, in 'The Doll House, Part 2'. Image: Supplied A DOLL'S HOUSE, PART 2 Fans of veteran actor Zane Meas and Bianca Amato can catch them in the critically acclaimed Tony Award-winning play by Lucas Hnath. The production, which is back for a limited run, is directed by Barbara Rubin and also features Charlotte Butler and Simone Neethling. The imitable Greg King heads the set design in this witty, thought-provoking and entertaining offering. Greg King's set design is a highlight of this witty, thought-provoking, and entertaining theatre production. The premise centres on Nora Helmer (Amato) walking away from her husband and children in 1879. She yearns for independence. However, fifteen years later, she returns home with a request that rocks the family. The script is cleverly penned to inspire debate while also offsetting the tense moments with comic levity. Where: Theatre on the Square. When: Runs until June 7. Times differ, depending on the day. IZIBAZI ZOMENDO - MARITAL SCARS Mbali Ndlozi writes and directs this critically acclaimed play, which explores the painful realities left by love. Drawing on South Africa's complex socio-cultural environment, this production highlights gender dynamics and gender-based violence, while also showcasing the resilience of the human spirit. 'This work is deeply personal, yet universal. It is a story of pain, but also of hope and resilience,' Ndlozi shared. She continued: 'Every performance is an act of resistance and a call for change.' Where: Basement Theatre at Roodepoort Theatre. When: May 21 - 25, 11am and, 3pm on Sunday.
IOL News
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Shrek the Musical: a delightful escape at new Milkwood Theatre
The three Fionas in Shrek the Musical which is currently on at the Milkwood Theatre at Danville Park Girl's High School. Picture: Val Adamson Image: Val Adamson With an abundance of doom and gloom around us, it is fabulous to be part of a fearless display of reckless optimism: the opening of a brand-new theatre in the suburbs, and the staging of a happy feel-good musical with a huge cast of great kids. Cancel therapy and stop doom scrolling to revel in a few hours of unadulterated delight in the company of a grumpy ogre, a feisty princess, a chatty donkey, a fiery dragon and a frolic of fairytale friends in Shrek the Musical. Young Performers Project (YPP) is continually one of the city's brightest beacons with a slew of brilliant productions to its name. In recent years, its collaboration with ISPA (International School of Performing Arts) is inspired – adding another level of talent and experience into the mix. The winning recipe is – a top-notch production team of experts; a professional cast member (this time the ever-dependable Lyle Buxton); post matric aspirant performing arts students and a cast of primary and high school learners from a variety of schools who have auditioned to be part of the YPP company. The result is a highly professional production, with a multi-generational cast and excellent production standards. Shrek the Musical is the delightful, charming and hugely funny West End musical adaptation of the Dreamworks smash hit film. It is an excellent choice for YPP– its large ensemble cast of 36 kids, allows for plenty of moments for each of the children to shine. The character roles were all excellent. With just the right amount of familiarity referencing the much-loved animated movie, while still adding their own interpretation of their characters. And all of their international accents were spot on! Motor-mouthed Donkey (James Armstrong) did a great job harnessing his inner Eddie Murphy; Lord Farquaad (Damien Butt) has perfected the haughty head toss and throw-away lines while shuffling around on his knees; Pinocchio (Matthew Brown), in his pink crocs, was great fun with his ever-growing proboscis and squeaky voice; and the tall and imposing Daniel Mayiza was a hoot as the Big Bad Wolf. I was particularly impressed by Gingy – the Gingerbread wo/man. Anele Mtshali has an amazing confident voice and great presence, as do all the Fionas. There are three Princess Fionas per show (and alternating casts) representing young Fiona, teenage Fiona and adult Fiona. They were great together in their joint show stopping number, 'I Know It's Today'. Chloe Marot as adult Fiona is just lovely – just the right mix of feisty and vulnerable. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The cast of Shrek the Musical. Picture: Val Adamson Image: Val Adamson
