There are plenty of exciting family-friendly offerings for theatregoers.
Firstly, “Urban Circus” is a must-see at The Teatro, Montecasino, for a limited run of five shows.
After sold-out seasons at the National Arts Festival, Hilton Festival and The Cirk’s venue in Cresta, the mind-blowing upcoming show promises to be bigger and better.
According to the press release, “Urban Circus” is an acrobatic love letter to the city. Directed by Cirque du Soleil alumnus Daniel Buckland, the show is underpinned by skilled performers seamlesslessly tackling jaw-dropping feats.
Buckland said: “The show is composed of eleven vignettes, each following a central character’s interaction with different parts of the city.
“Using the explosive language of circus life, ‘Urban Circus’ is a story of survival, struggle and fun in the city. It portrays a delicate and acrobatic dance through the thrills and dangers of urban life.”
The performers include Brian Ngobese, Carmen Jooste, Claudia Moruzzi, Demi Wentzel, Kirsty Becker, Lufuno Matodzi, Marco Vargas, Nataniel Pires, Nathan Shatkovsky, Phillip Kleynhans and Zenzele Letsoela.
Where: The Teatro, Montecasino.
When: September 13 to 15, 8pm.
Cost: Ticket prices vary between R180 to R450 and can be purchased through Webtickets.
Stories from the Old Calabash
There is no better way to celebrate Heritage Month than with this production, which delves into the rich tapestry of African stories.
This stage production offers a collection of Indigenous folk tales from across the continent to inspire, entertain and educate.
This interactive specifically curated production will tell tales of people from all races, colours and creeds while promoting literacy in both young and old.
Stories are accompanied by an assortment of well-known pop music hits that all will enjoy, beats and melodies rooted firmly in African soil that will get the audience members up on their feet. This show is one not to be missed!!
The show is produced and directed by Jill Girard and Keith Smith.
The cast, executing various characters, includes Luciano Zuppa (Chief, Leopard, Lion, Rhino, Crocodile farmer), Palesa Makhalima (Rabbit, Crow, Tortoise, The Brave Kid, Impala), Lesedi Mpshe (Fox, Elephant, Jackal, Snake, Frog) and Junior Geel (Goat, Cow, Zebra, Buffalo).
Where: People’s Theatre.
When: Runs until September 29. Showtimes at 9am and 11am from Tuesday to Friday and at 10.30am and 2.30pm on weekends and school holidays.
Cost: Ticket prices vary from R140 to R165 and can be purchased through Webtickets.
JOMBA!
For dance lovers who felt they missed out on the Durban showcase, now is your chance to experience the contemporary dance festival.
Four local and international dance companies are showcasing for a limited run.
They are Deepak Kurki Shivaswamy from India, an internationally renowned South African choreographer Robyn Orlin working with Moving into Dance, Yaseen Manuel from Cape Town, and renowned South African dance company, JAZZART.
Curator Dr Lliane Loots said: “This year’s JOMBA! is set against a backdrop of both local and global political renegotiations of what it means to be human, to belong, to have a home and to be a citizen of a country (and of a planet); against an occupied Gaza, a ravaged Ukraine, anti-foreigner right-wing political movements in Europe, a South African government of national unity that is busy manoeuvring for power …
“JOMBA! begins to ask what it means to find our way home”.
She continued: “As a critical dance festival, we have curated a series of artistic encounters that question ideas of home, belonging and citizenship. We have invited dance works that ask us to relook at home as not just a physical space but as a metaphoric and poetic space where we are either seeking to return or to leave.
“We honour dance makers who will be bringing beauty, humour, pathos and politics to our stages and hearts.”
Where: The Market Theatre.
When: Runs until September 14, 6.30pm and 8pm shows.
Cost: R120 to R200. Tickets can be purchased through Webtickets.
IOL