Arty Elephant - July 2014 by Amalcamus

arty elephant C E L E B R I T Y

A R T S

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C U L T U R E

M A G A Z I N E

MARK PILGRIM PAUL ROTHERHAM BRETT SHUTTLEWORTH BRUMILDA VAN RENSBURG SANDRA PRINSLOO AMANDA STRYDOM THE BROOKLYN THEATRE GAUTENG PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

our patron | www.brettshuttleworth.com Look out for next month's inspiration - Arty Elephant will be running a competition to win a double DVD/CD Motivational Set by Brett Shuttleworth

Brett Shuttleworth One of Africa's most exciting talents, international motivator Brett Shuttleworth, a former supermodel, Hollywood actor, pro sportsman and celebrated businessman, paid tribute to his hero, Nelson Mandela, who taught him that the energy of love can get you through anything in life. The 'Ten Thousand Love Strokes' tribute consisted of an 8km swim across the Robben Island Crossing in freezing cold water with no wet suits, just a speedo, cap and goggles, and no physical support for the duration of the swim. He undertook the swim on Saturday, 8th March and completed the crossing in a very healthy 2hours 27 mins. As a Motivator, Brett's clients include Africa's top ten companies amongst them Vodacom, Virgin Active, Sanlam, Tsogo Sun, as well as Government and NGOs. In his upcoming book, Handcuffed To Love, Brett divulges not only the glamorous side of life but also the extreme lows such as being behind bars and spending months, penniless and homeless on the streets of Manhattan. He openly talks about and admits that at the height of his ego world in Hollywood he dabbled in sex, drugs and Rock'N'Roll and is very grateful for having been able to overcome it. He shares that his past and the challenges he has had to overcome have shaped who he is today.

Interview with Brett by Rupali Mahendra Rajani A few years ago Brett suffered from crippling back pain. Thanks to an incredible orthopedic surgeon from Durban, he regained mobility and, over time, his fitness. Regarding crossing the finishing line and making it to Big Bay, Brett says, “These days, for me, it's more about my life's intentions than the end result. It's more about a life long satisfaction than a short term gratification. I get that love is the ultimate success and this swim has been about that love and to celebrate the life of my legendary hero, Mandela.” “Through the medium of the swim, my motivational talks and trainings, and in my upcoming book Handcuffed To Love I intend to create a ripple effect of love for anyone and everyone that is struggling. My message is that the opportunity is always available to each and every

person to face their own demons and to start anew. Where you are right now is exactly where you need to be whether you see it or not. Wake up to how beautiful you are already and step into your greatness.” Tapping into his sports back-ground which took him to America to play rugby for a US side, Brett also works to empowers sports teams. On the lighter side his Women's motivational entertainment events are renowned for their fun element and getting the ladies going! After all who doesn't want to be motivated by a former charismatic super model who makes your soul smile? A couple of dates for events open to the public are Beach Hojo Training on 5th July & Ladies.... For your eyes only! on 15th August at Tropicana Hotel. For more information on Brett’s tarinings and upcoming events please visit www.brettshuttleworth.com

our editor | www.artyelephant.com For more on TV personality, Forbes acclaimed self help author and Editor in Chief of Arty Elephant see www.pierredevilliers.biz

Pierre de Villiers Sandra Prinsloo must be South Africa’s most beloved actress and will be gracing our cover next month with yours truly jumping with joy to spend some face to face time with this SA legend pictured on page 7. Brett Shuttleworth is patron of Arty Elephant and we could not be any more proud. Having read all about him on page 3 I am sure you will agree. Mark Pilgrim is so much more than a TV personalty and Radio DJ as our interview with him on page 6 reveals - read all about it there. Sometimes the most refreshing part of hob-nobbing with celebrities on a daily basis is discovering new talent and such is the case with Jannes Erasmus who beyond acting and screen writing might very well be one of our regular Arty Elephant contributors soon. Watch this space. He has a flair for writing amidst a varied repertoire of talents as you will see on page 8. A fun interview with loads of tongue in cheek humour is on page 14 with the terrific Miss Specific. Say no more. It is truly wonderful to see O R Tambo International Airport supporting the art of writing by featuring two of our authors this month at the airport. Too many other celebrities in this edition such as Amanda Strydom, Paul Rotherham and organisations such as ACT on page 9 to mention, so I will say cheers and enjoy your read! Pierre

pierre’s favourite things Optometrist is definitely the elegant shop on the upper level of Cedar Square shopping center in Fourways called Crystal Eyez. Give them a call to book a professional check-up with lovely owner Natasja on tel (011) 467 9190 or just pop in next time you go to the Cedar Square Virgin Active. They are on the same shopping level and always seem to have some bargains up for grabs on their designer brands frames and sunglasses that will blow your socks off with their current Red Dot Sale. Orchestra is without a doubt the Gauteng Philharmonic Orchestra who is housed and performs regularly at the Brooklyn Theatre in Pretoria (www.brooklyntheatre.co.za) for live classical music performances that will bring tears to your eyes. They also have the iSalon shop at the upmarket Brooklyn Mall in Pretoria - specialising in classical music Cd’s. Bush Retreat is Bushbuck Hills Game Farm - www.bushbuckhills.com Art is State of the Art in Cape Town (www.stateoftheart.co.za) as they offer such a unique and beautiful variety of paintings, drawings, mixed media and even photography with the lovely Jennifer to assist you. Casting Agency is still 5FM’s Kimberleigh Stark’s Stark Raving Management at www.starksa.co.za for when next you want to book a famous face for your corporate function. Just email Kim on celeb@starksa.co.za and she will put an instant smile on your face with her infectious bubbly personalitY. With a thorough knowledge of everything celebrity in South Africa and beyond - as this former model was born in San Diego, California - Kimberleigh is super connected with everyone who is anyone in SA, the USA and elsewhere globally. Accommodation is the top notch Duke and Duchess Boutique Hotel in Waterkloof, Pretoria East where you will certainly get the royal treatment. More at www.dukeduchessboutiquehotel.co.za

speaker

Mark Pilgrim Mark Pilgrim is one of the most recognizable personalities in South Africa. He has hosted numerous radio and television shows over the years, most notably are his works as a DJ on 5FM, 94.7 Highveld Stereo and 94.5 Kfm as well as the host of Big Brother SA and the Power of 10.

What is the most challenging part? Having to play a really crap song because it’s play listed (DJ’s generally don’t choose they own songs. It’s selected by a music manager). What's the coolest promotion you've ever been involved with? They have been so many, from car giveaways to international concerts. They are all cool because they are relevant for that moment. What artist would we be surprised to find on your iPod? Celine Dion. I’ve always ragged her on air, but I keep a collection of every big radio hit since 1982 (when I started listening to radio). What's the one thing people don't know about you? I’m a farmer of peppers in the Eastern Cape. I co-own Blueberry Hill Farms (I’m VERY handsoff and leave the farming to the professionals). What led you to a career in radio? When I was 12 I would ride around the streets of Kriel with a battery operated microphone and speaker, announcing lost dogs (which I made up). I always listened to David Gresham’s Top 20 on Springbok Radio and thought it was the coolest job around.

What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid? Initially Springbok Radio and then it was “702 Stereo Music Radio” on MW. later on it was 5FM. I loved listening to Kevin Savage and Cleone Cassidy.

What is your most embarrassing on-air moment? Probably saying f%^k when a spider was placed in front of me while live on air. Also been other instances of forgetting the name of the guest I’m interviewing, back announcing wrong songs and even playing the same song twice back to back!

What is the one truth that has been a constant throughout your radio career? I’ve always been genuine and how I come across on air is a reflection of who I am. I do think radio is changing and deejays are more often “adapted personas” of themselves. I’m one of the few that still use a proper name!

What is your favorite part of the job? Connecting with a listener. When someone bumps into me in the street and says how they enjoyed something that was said.

What advice you would give people new to the business? Study something so you have an occupation to fall back on when you’re not on air!!

theatre

Foxwood Theatre Foxwood House is a 5 star boutique hotel, conference venue and theatre based in a historical Houghton heritage homestead. The gracious rooms are furnished with antique Afrikana and the extensive, treed grounds provide homes for swans, ducks, guinea fowl and peacocks. Lunches and dinners are served on the terrace under the oaks or in the intimate and stylish dining areas. Sunday Lunch buffet is a very popular family gathering time either in the beautiful gardens or in the log fire warmed Foxwood Room. Conference rooms and break-away rooms are available throughout Foxwood House while state-of-the-art projection and screening equipment is on hand to add value to conferencing. Foxwood Theatre was established ten years ago and continues to grow and form a vital part of the Johannesburg theatre scene. The theatre offers quality entertainment ranging from dramatic works to comedy and music. It creates a professional platform for performing artists who bring with them originality and sheer enjoyment. At times the auditorium is turned into an attractive dining venue hosting cabaret-style musical shows. With Brumilda van Rensburg as Patron of the Foxwood Theatre, an array of top South African talent such as Sandra Prinsloo (picture below courtesy of Merwelene van der Merwe), Mark Banks and the evergreen Des and Dawn Lindberg have dazzled their stage. Secure parking in the Foxwood grounds is available for guests and for more information visit: www.foxwood.co.za

new talent

Jannes Erasmus Not a lot of actors or writers can say that they have performed or had their scripts performed at major festivals like the US Woordfees, National Arts Festival or in the South African State Theatre but for Jannes Erasmus this is a reality as 23 year old theatre practitioner. His latest creation is what stirred the most curiosity. His one-man show - Smaarties premiered at the South African State Theatre in April. The script is meticulous and doesn’t give anything away; Erasmus leaves clever clues for the audience and takes them on an emotional rollercoaster like no other. “It tells the primary story of a young man’s struggle with schizophrenia. Primarily because branches of the storyline keeps on growing as the story unfolds. Even in greatest moments of chaos the audience member never gets lost. You look; you keep on looking just because you don’t want to miss a single thing.” –The Reviewer; Louw Breytenbach. Not only did he write Smaarties but he also gave life to it with an award winning performance. He portrays and interacts with different (nonexisting) characters, he lets you in and you feel part of his world. It is the most intense theatre experience that takes you through all the seasons of emotion that you could possibly imagine. “Smaarties can compete with some of the best one man shows in the country. Be sure that the names of Erasmus and Wils will soon be echoing in the foyers of packed theatres. This is Smaarties for the soul.” one of 2014’s unmissable shows be sure to catch it during Krekvars at the University of Pretoria in July, Centurion and Rustenburg during September and also at the Alexander Theatre in Cape Town in November. He is CO-Owner and founder of Abstr(ACT)Productions, he adjudicates arts festivals, writes for ATKV Tienertoneel, designs production posters and social media content, a dreamer, achiever and truly a talent to keep an eye on! Be sure to follow him on Twitter @Jannes_Erasmus on Facebook Jannes Erasmus or janneserasmus@yahoo.com

arts and culture trust

Pieter Jacobs The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) has a rich history of stimulating positive change on the local arts and culture landscape. The organisation has been praised for adding to the vibrancy and dynamism of the cultural sector. Many of the activities and organisations funded have had an outreach component, ensuring that arts and culture reach as many communities as possible, as well as bringing together disparate ideas and cultures.

The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) has a rich history of stimulating positive change on the local arts and culture landscape. Commonly known to many arts practitioners as ACT, the Trust boasts a proud track-record of supporting more than 800 arts and culture projects across South Africa to the value of more than R20 million since its inception in 1994. The organisation’s achievements are testament to the fulfilment of its mission and vision. ACT has consistently attracted and provided funding for the sustainable development and growth of arts, culture and heritage in South Africa, actualised through mutually beneficial partnerships between the corporate, public and cultural sectors, focused on making a positive difference to the lives of all South Africans. ACT has also achieved a degree of operational sustainability bringing the organisation within reach of its founding vision of becoming a perpetual fund for the development of arts, culture and heritage. An external evaluation and subsequent surveys found that through ACT’s support of existing organisations and new interesting initiatives, ACT enabled projects and activities which might not have developed without support from the Trust. The organisation has also been praised for adding to the vibrancy and dynamism of the cultural sector. “ACT beneficiaries reported that a grant from the Trust is seen as an endorsement of their work and, in many instances, was used to attract other funding,” says CEO of the Trust, Pieter Jacobs. “Reports included that support from ACT boosts other forms of funding and, in the case of some small initiatives, allows them to develop to a point where they can network with other partners and create synergies that make them stronger and reduce their vulnerability,” he continues. ACT has also assisted numerous organisations with acquiring financial statements, enabling them to access funding from other sources which is not available without good financial systems and records in place. ACT further enabled some fledging organisations to grow and develop

- in some cases, from a one-person initiative to an organisation and, in others, to expand the organisation's reach and impact. ACT funds have supported training programmes and the transfer of skills to trainees who might later be offered employment. They have also enabled development of materials that benefit schools, curriculum developers, libraries and other organisations. New skills have been developed in both adults and children. The transfer of skills in administration and management has also been funded. In addition, funds have enabled the creation of employment opportunities or the continuation of employment of practitioners. Many of the activities and organisations funded have had an outreach component, ensuring that arts and culture reach as many communities as possible, as well as bringing together disparate ideas and cultures. The current Board of Trustees has chartered a dynamic map in attempting to maintain and grow a healthy Trust capital and to continue funding relevant benchmark projects with tangible impact. For more information, please visit www.act.org.za.

stage

Amanda Strydom Amanda Strydom is a South African singer and songwriter best known for her singing, although she has also been active as a playwright and actress, most notably in the fields of cabaret and television. Her acting career includes plays by Pieter-Dirk Uys (featured in the June edition of our magazine), Janice Honeyman and TV series like Westgate, The Big Time, Arende and 1922, the latter for which she won the Star Tonight Award as Best English Actress in a TV series.

Do you think of yourself more as a songwriter or a singer and if neither, how would you describe yourself and why? Neither! I am an actress, writer, singer, songwriter. I graduated with a B.A Drama degree at the University of Pretoria in 1979. I’m a bit of a freak. I have no singing training, cannot read music, let alone write scores – I leave that to my musicians. The lyrics are the most important part of a song for me – I spend a long time writing them and on completion I read them to my musician friends (either Janine Neethling, Didi Kriel, Lize Beekman, Juan Oosthuizen or Peter McLea) who help me compose them. Sometimes I have a melody in my head allready, sometimes we improvise till I am satisfied. I can act, sing and write, I also write my one woman plays – I am happiest when I can do all three. Being an actress has benefitted me hugely as a singer.

performed in a lot of musicals and started doing cabaret, mostly singing covers. I wrote one song in that time ( “Ek loop die pad”) and only started writing songs and plays seriously from 1990. Writing became a therapy for me after I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1987.I find writing very healing and in writing, composing and finally recording and performing my songs and plays, I feel that I not only find the light in myself, but also bring light to the audiences that listen to my music. How would you describe your music and have you got a target audience for your music? I am a poet / singer. I don’t write commercial songs. So you won’t find bokkie-bokkie - klokkie-klokkie –doef-doef in my songs. I don’t have a target market – I perform for a niche market in S.A and in the Netherlands. My songs are poems set to music, I am a storyteller. The people who like my music , support my shows, here and in the Netherlands. Has your music got any messages or meanings to it and do you write for yourself or for others? I sincerely hope that there is a message in my music, I write about things we all know and feel. I simply share what I observe and feel, I never write something in a calculating way- I just follow my gut instinct. I trust that gut-feel completely.

How would you describe yourself as a musician, how long have you been writing music and what does your writing mean to you? I’ve been doing what I’m doing for 35 years now. My acting career started in 1979,just after I graduated and it was very demanding. I also

Who are your favourite singer/songwriters and why? Nina Simone , Leonard Cohen, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, Sting, Jacques Brel, John Lennon, David Kramer, Johannes Kerkorrel , Stef Bos , Coenie de Villiers,Anton Goosen , Lize Beekman. They are brilliant wordsmiths and poets. They have never sold their souls to

commercialism. Their songs will live forever. How would you describe your musical image and how did you go about determining what image to portray? I have never decided to portray an image. I have never sold my soul. This is me, warts and all. I never wanted to be like somebody else – I couldn’t possibly live up to Edith Piaf and Marlene Dietrich (with whom critics liked to compare me when I was young). I am Amanda and that’s how audiences got to know me. Honesty is the best policy. How important do you think image is to musicians in general and to yourself personally? It’s not important to me. I am an artist, not a fashion model. I know image is very important, especially in the commercial music world. To me the word ”image” suggests an illusion, a mask, something to hide behind. To me the most important thing is the substance of my work and being genuine.

How do you decide what performances to play or not to play? I don’t do birthday parties or weddings ! How would you define ‘success’ regarding a singer/songwriter, would you define yourself as successful and why? When your songs have stood the test of time, you have been successful as a singer/songwriter. Am I successful? I don’t know. I’m still singing ( though I’m becoming a bass now), acting and writing after 35 years. I’d prefer to say that I have been immensely blessed. And I live in gratitude. Please leave Arty Elephant Magazine readers with one tip you think is invaluable for aspiring/beginner singer/songwriters to know. It doesn’t always have to rhyme.

How important is it to you that you perform live music events/gigs and how often do you perform at such events? If I don’t perform, I can’t pay the bills and there will be no food on the table! It’s my life, that’s what I do. Whether it’s acting or singing, nothing beats a live performance, it keeps one on one’s toes and in touch with your audience and your audience in touch with you. It also keeps you in touch with your craft as an artist. I perform at all the big art festivals in South Africa every year ( last year was my 20th ABSA KKNK, we celebrated the festival’s 20th year),I also do short tours through the country with my musical theatre plays. I have a fixed arrangement for two dates a year with the Atterbury theatre in Pretoria, the Centurion theatre in Centurion and Die Boer in Durbanville,CapeTown. I tour the Netherlands with my band every second year where we perform in various theatres throughout the country whilst based in apartments in Amsterdam . Shows to look out for this year? I will be paying tribute to my mentor, the late Hennie Aucamp ( he passed away on 20 March this year) with “ ‘n Vuur gevang in Glas “ , the literary cabaret he wrote for me , at the Vryfees on 17 & 18 July in the recently revamped Civic theatre,Bloemfontein. I also perform this masterpiece during the Aardklop festival in Potchefstroom from 7- 11 October.

radio

Paul Rotherham Paul Rotherham became well-known and much loved as part of The Rude Awakening on 94.7 HighveldStereo and more recently for his work on JacarandaFM where he hosted his show, The Weekend Special, on a Saturday night.

What led you to a career in radio? From a very young age, I was completely taken in by Radio. The Rotherham family grew up watching little or no television and I recall always wanting to be the "little man in the speakers". At the age of 10 I presented "Rotherham Radio" from the back of the Kombi returning from a family holiday. I pretended to be a presenter - interviewing my family, singing songs, doing the news and anything else I could manage at that age. Somehow Radio has always attracted me! What is your most embarrassing on-air moment? During the crazy load shedding that we experienced some years back, I was part of The Rude Awakening morning show and we had a rough first hour and a half with major power problems in the studio. The entire studio would completely shut down mid-song, mid-sentence, mideverything. After more than 90minutes of this and considering my role as "controller", I lost it when the power went down again. For the first time ever, I swore time and again, cursing Eskom and telling them how utterly useless they were. I must have dropped the F-Bomb 5 or 6 times out of sheer frustration. After about 30 seconds of this, my cellphone rang.It was our station manager calling to let me know that although the entire studio appeared dead, all the microphones were somehow still Live and that everything I had just shouted had gone out On-Air during peak time listening. Amazingly, Highveld never received a single complaint. Largely because I think the entire city could relate to the situation.

What is your favourite part of the job? Interacting with callers is always fun. I love the unpredictability of what they might say and I enjoy the challenge of being able to react to them in a way that makes for great entertaining radio.

What is the most challenging part? Given the nature of Commercial Radio these days, it can be difficult to remain excited about bands or artists who you play on a regular basis. As a listener you might not be exposed to a station for prolonged

time ever, I swore time and again, cursing Eskom and telling them how utterly useless they were. I must have dropped the F-Bomb 5 or 6 times out of sheer frustration. After about 30 seconds of this, my cellphone rang.It was our station manager calling to let me know that although the entire studio appeared dead, all the microphones were somehow still Live and that everything I had just shouted had gone out On-Air during peak time listening. Amazingly, Highveld never received a single complaint. Largely because I think the entire city could relate to the situation.

periods but as a presenter, you absorb far more music. As a result, it can become mundane to be playing the same songs over and over again. With music radio, there is also little time for "chit-chat" and so it can be difficult making sure you deliver the right mix of content, information and entertainment. What's the coolest promotion you've ever been involved with? During my time on The Rude Awakening, we got to do some incredible stuff. I've had the opportunity to rub shoulders with some Superstars. Most of who have been down to earth and as normal as the guy next door. Lionel Richie came in one morning and I will never forget putting on a dress and high heels to sing "Three Times A Lady" to him as part of a RAW talent show we put on. There I was on stage, dressed like a drag queen singing Lionel Richie's song to him! We were also very involved with the launch of The Gautrain. As part of the promotion, we staged a race from OR Tambo to Marlboro Gautrain station. I took on a colleague who travelled via the train while I raced a brand-new Lamborghini. As a petrol-head, this really was one of the coolest promotions ever. On a side note, we interviewed Jeff Wayne some years back after he rereleased his musical version of The War Of The Worlds. This was a major highlight for me as the first CD I ever bought was his War Of The Worlds. It was surreal chatting with the guy who was behind it all.6) What artist would we be surprised to find on your iPod? Lindsey Stirling. She is a superb violinist and produces music with an electronic dance twist! Very cool. What's the one thing people don't know about you? That's a tough one as I've always been pretty open about my life. Perhaps that I love LEGO or that I'm Left-Handed. I'm also a MENSA member, that's not something I shout from the rooftops. What was your favourite station to listen to when you were a kid? Without a doubt - Springbok Radio. It later evolved to Radio South Africa, which also made for fabulous Radio in the early days. What is the one truth that has been a constant throughout your radio career? I've always believed that Radio is about connecting with an individual. One person. Never a group of people or "the listeners" as people

One person. Never a group of people or "the listeners" as people sometimes call them. From the very first time that I went On-Air until now, I've always known how important it is to connect with You on a one-on-one basis. What advice you would give people new to the business? I don't think Radio should ever be about becoming well-known and I cringe when I see newcomers entering this business for the wrong reasons. Getting your face on a magazine cover or striving to become a so-called Celeb (I hate the word!) shouldn't even feature. As much as it's good to grow and develop, I have little time for people who use the platform purely as a springboard to other things. Radio is also a very generic term because there are so many different facets of this business. "Getting into Radio" is far more than becoming a presenter or DJ. Putting together the sound that comes out of the speaker is a complex process and involves many people with different skills. My Dad always said to me that if I "find a job I enjoy, I'll never have to work again" and I think this is a great philosophy to live by.

humour

The terrific Miss Specific British Airways bid their Concorde farewell with great sadness to the world's A-list globe trotter masses but the era of gorgeous female flight attendants offering service extraordinaire with an uber smile hasn't. This is all due to one single individual trolley dolly who stands out miles above the rest as world icon for the ultimate flight experience, The Terrific Miss Specific - Catherine herself.

Who inspires you to keep delivering evergreen first class service Cathy? My inspiration is drawn from many walks of life, but my passengers are mostly responsible for my continued service excellence. There is nothing more rewarding than to see them disembark with a smile on their face – and if they can’t manage that, hopefully I won’t see them again! Knowing the First Officer (only because he’s younger and a lot cuter) has the hots for me undoubtedly ensures that I am at my best at all times! What do you think makes and keeps you the world's number one flight attendant? A great pair of legs, good cleavage, flawless announcements, a mean cup of tea and a fabulous safety demonstration! Where have you not been yet, tell us why and when you will be going there? I have been to most cities in the world, some more than I care to remember (Lagos leaves me somewhat uninspired), but Italy is a country I have avoided for obvious reasons – too much temptation…that’s all I’m saying! When did you decide to pursue the skies and to reach for the stars? The day someone told me I don’t have what it takes to be a flight attendant…too tall, too this, too that…too wrong! I used it all to my advantage AND added a pair of six-inch heels! DON’T DO DON’T’S - ONLY DO DO’S!!! How do you deal with difficult or overly friendly (wink nudge) male passengers? The good ones are given my telephone number, the naughty ones are shown the exit!

How do you deal with jealous (wink nudge) or over demanding female passengers? They get eye-drops in their food and spend the rest of the flight on the toilet– don’t screw with the hand that feeds you! Any advice for the world's young and gorgeous who look up to you as role model? Yes, don’t make the same mistake I made – find yourself a rich husband!!! I always say, “If money can’t buy happiness, you clearly don’t have enough!!!” What does the future hold for The Terrific Miss Specific and will you ever retire from Cloud Nine? I still have many dreams, but thankfully I’m ticking them off one by one. I always say, “The sky’s not the limit.” I’m just so humbled to be doing what I do best – and that is dressing up and sharing my craft with others. Retire? Not in this lifetime.

music

Brooklyn Theatre Founded in 2010, the Brooklyn Theatre boasts an impressive history that goes back 21 years when business man DaniĂŤl Vos and MultiCamera television director Willem Vogel established SALON MUSIC, a unique company, staging classical concerts, promoting classical music, creating work for classical musicians and recording all of 30 CD's & 3 DVD's to date. In 2003 Salon Music opened a classical CD / DVD shop in Brooklyn Mall. In 2010 the company renovated and took occupation of the Brooklyn Theatre. In 2014 the Brooklyn Theatre became the home of the Gauteng Philharmonic Orchestra, a Non-Profit-Organization NPC 2013/205941/08. Situated in the picturesque life-style centre, Greenlyn Village with a large choice of excellent restaurants, this 400 seat auditorium boasts excellent acoustics, raked seating, and a sizeable stage, ideal for intimate as well large-scale classical concerts, recitals, operas, theatrical productions and recordings. Brooklyn Theatre is the proud owner of a new Steinway & Sons Model D Concert Grand piano. Ticket sales are administered by Ticketspace and the theatre owns a Data-base of approximately 50 000 patrons, who receive a weekly newsletter. Entertainment featured in the Brooklyn Theatre is impressively varied and of outstanding quality. Many famous SA and international artists regularly appear and have thus far included, among others, pianists - Anton Nel, Petronel Malan, Gustavo Romero and Wonny Song. Other highlights have included the UK violinist, Daniel Rowland, Luca Ciarla Quartet (Italy), Munich Brass Ensemble, St. Petersburg Quartet and the 72 piece ZĂźrich Youth Orchestra. The first all-French musical - SARVIL was presented by Le Team Rocket at Brooklyn Theatre in 2013 after a 2 year run in Paris. The theatre can be hired by outside parties and production houses. Get a quote today and contact our Director of Operations, Nanda Cloete nanda@brooklyntheatre.co.za . Please note that an 85 decibel limit is enforced in accordance with the Health and Safety Laws of South Africa.

Ilze Coetzee pictured left will be singing Lucia in Lucia di Lammermoor (Donizetti) in July / August this year - see www.brooklyntheatre.co.za

Photo: Jacques de Klerk www.brooklyntheatre.co.za Greenlyn Village cnr. Thomas Edison & 13th Streets, Menlo Park, Pretoria. Tel. 012 460 6033 / (012) 346 3474 Your Gauteng home of refined Entertainment, Theatre, Classical Music & Conferences. Internationally acclaimed Steinway & Sons venue.

books

O R Tambo International Airport South African Authors Christopher Rory Page and Janee Dewart are both being featured at O R Tambo International Airport during July.

Two bodies, two souls and an inspiring four way conversation between contrasting mortals as they journey through the African bush and discover the way from Fear to faith. The author awakens one morning riddled with fear from a deafening noise outside his bungalow window on his farm in the North West province of South Africa. This is the beginning of an exploration into the self as he meets a primitive man who proves that there is more to someone than meets the eye. A non-verbal form of communication develops between as the two men dissect the concept of fear based on age-old theories and beliefs. The reader is introduced to the Ukuesaba Isitebhisa which translated from Zulu means Fear Ladder. This shows the progression of fear from the most superficial to the most concrete. The common denominator to minimise the fear on all levels is to instil faith in various forms. From Fear to faith is an inspiring story and teaches as much as it entertains. Light hearted moments dispersed with simple truths make it must read for anyone who aims to minimise the fears in their lives which prevent them from being who they were born to be.

This book documents the story of the pain and sorrow I lived subsequent to the horrendous car accident and my near death experience I lived through as well as the details of my life from thereon. It allows you to have insight into the journey of my life, looking back over the moments of joy and devastation, showing you why I call this autobiography From Tragedy to Triumph. I am living proof that there really are no obstacles that are insurmountable. The Book is Comprised of Three Sections: Part One: Life Story - The Journey Part Two: Precepts - The Fruit of my Life Part Three: Answers - The Adventure of my Life The tag line, Living the Phoenix Life, says it all for my life has been both tumultuous and exciting and I have encountered many a moment of burning myself up and then rising from the ashes to pursue my dreams and desires. The essence of my journey is that of a pioneering spirit and I am truly an indomitable being who relies and thrives on the support of Source and good friends