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Antony Sher EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: • John Kani’s new play • Performing Shakespeare • Finding time to write & paint
Labour of Many: Ibrahim Mahama Norval Foundation Gallery 8 Curated by Owen Martin 1 3
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CONTENTS
COVER IMAGE John Kani and Antony Sher in Kunene and the King PHOTO Claude Barnado
28 SOUTH AFRICA’S WORLD HERITAGE SITES 2019 marks 25 years since the first democratic elections in South Africa – an important milestone
cover story
14 CATCHING UP WITH: ANTONY SHER
24
partner with John Kani in Kunene and the King. This moving and funny two-hander, written by
South Africa’s special heritage by looking at South Africa’s nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
34
20 YEARS OF DITSONG
Kani, is a fitting tribute to the 25th anniversary of
2019 marks 20 years since DITSONG: Museums
South Africa’s first democratic elections, and will
of South Africa was first formed as the Northern
show at The Fugard Theatre from 30 April 2019.
Flagship Institution (NFI).
THE FUGARD THEATRE
40 THE JACK GINSBERG CENTRE FOR BOOK ARTS IS NOW OPEN!
The Cape Town-based theatre is perhaps the most
A triangular book; a movable book; a round book;
fitting place to host the African premiere of John
a glass book; a metre wide pop-up book; a ten-
Kani’s new play: Kunene and the King.
metre-long folding book. These are a few of the
KUBRICK’S RIGHT-HAND MAN This year’s RapidLion Film Festival was a feast for filmmakers, students and general film lovers, but one of the most special opportunities the Festival provided was three masterclasses with film producer Jan Harlan.
26
the year. In this first article in the series, we explore
Sir Antony Sher, KBE is back in South Africa to
arts and culture 22
that Creative Feel will be celebrating throughout
AFRO-SOUL UNPLUGGED
collector’s favourite things that will be on display until 6 July 2019 to celebrate the exciting opening of the new Jack Ginsberg Centre for Book Arts.
42 BRINGING AFRICANACITY TO THE ABSA GALLERY On behalf of Creative Feel, Obakeng Nyokong sat down with Thabo Seshoka, Absa’s Associate Art Curator, to learn more about how the Absa Gallery
12 April 2019 will bring with it the dawn of a new era.
will bring the diversity, boldness and vibrancy of
Vusi Nova and Ntsika present a masterclass in Afro-
the new Absa brand to all its activities and dealings
soul that will change everything we thought we knew.
with the art world.
a c i r f A h t u son in So
ea S e c e la B n a D ballets C d s h le s / i l e e Town t Flem entre, Cap & Alain Pla C l e o r s t s a a e C h xter T brizio ur L. Fa nnesburg o p m e i u Req tre, Joha rket Thea 28-29 May
/ Ma
31
e • 4-5 Jun
se Cie ro / Siame e r r e u G s n Torre , Cape Tow & Rosalba e r n t e n n e ij C t s e r u t Thea Koen Aug e / Baxter n u J 8 7 urg • Johannesb
(B) ,
et Theatre
e / Mark May-1 Jun
/ Ba
CONTENTS
60
SNOW WHITE: THE BALLET Joburg Ballet’s fairytale production of Snow White will be the company’s second season at The Teatro.
46 KAREN STEWART: STREET LIFE, GLOBAL WARMING AND THE WEATHER GIRLS
Fiona Walsh spoke to Iain MacDonald about his approach to creating new work with wide appeal.
62
JAZZART: WE’RE STILL HERE
Artist Karen Stewart has come full circle on her
Jazzart is the oldest contemporary dance company in
creative journey. She began her professional life
the Cape, if not Africa, and has played a vital role in
as a graphic designer in the late 1980s when the
ensuring the sustainability of dance, choreography
scalpel, Rotring pens, steel rulers, hand-drawn
and dance performance in South Africa.
type, hot-press lettering and Lettraset were all integral to studio production.
68
THE 6TH SAJE JAZZ FESTIVAL The sixth SAJE Jazz Festival takes place from
48 SOUTH AFRICAN PHOTOGRAPHY’S LUCRATIVE TURNAROUND
26 to 28 April 2019 in Cape Town and consists of concerts and workshops. International Jazz Day
Local art collectors have wised up to the fact
will be celebrated on Sunday 28 April and is the
that photography is a worthwhile acquisition,
culmination of JAM, which draws public attention to
catching up to the international appreciation of
jazz and its extraordinary heritage throughout April.
South African talent.
50 LABOUR OF MANY: IBRAHIM MAHAMA Norval Foundation is currently hosting a major installation by Ibrahim Mahama, the first of its kind in South Africa.
52 VERTICAL PRESENCE: THE SCULPTURE OF EDOARDO VILLA Keyes Art Mile is hosting a comprehensive
lifestyle and entertainment 72 78
CINEMA NOUVEAU BOOK REVIEWS
contributors
exhibition of the work of Edoardo Villa (1915
54
CREATIVITY @ WORK
– 2011), one of South Africa’s most enduringly
Dave Mann meets with photographer Dahlia Maubane.
74
CONSTANT & CULTURAL
Michelle Constant comments on dignity and creativity.
76
LITERARY LANDSCAPES
popular sculptors.
58 IMPACTING THE CREATIVE INDUSTRIES FOR 20 YEARS In preparation for their 20th-anniversary celebrations, Vuyani Dance Theatre takes a look at
Indra Wussow looks at how independent book
what it takes to put on a dance production and how
publishers in Germany are creating bibliodiversity.
it impacts the creative industries.
EDITOR’S NOTE
CATCHING UP WITH…
S
imply one of the best aspects of my job is to be able to interview someone I admire, someone I am curious about, someone who shares their thoughts with me. Just to be able to ask the questions that turn up while preparing for a feature, to be able to get that very personal angle about a play, or a piece of music, or just the current state of the world in
general. One of these very special interviews took place for this issue. Last month’s editor’s note was headed: ‘If music be the food of love, play on’ and play on
we certainly did, honouring Shakespeare, or more specifically, honouring one of the greatest contemporary Shakespearean actors today, Antony Sher. It is actually Sir Antony Sher, KBE, but in the typically modest fashion of really great artists, he drops the ‘Sir’ and the ‘KBE’ and asked us to also leave it out of the Creative Feel headline. He was most generous with his personal time and answered some questions right at the very beginning of his intense rehearsals with John Kani for the new Kani play, Kunene and the King. There is simply nothing more satisfying and fulfilling than having a special interview with someone who carefully considers the questions and then gives detailed, honest answers. In fact, this interview led us to start two new series. In the first, entitled ‘Catching up with…’, we will revisit artists whom we have featured before, but who are busy with great new works. Look out for next month’s interview with Brett Bailey about his Antony Sher in King Lear PHOTO Ellie Kurttz © RSC
latest production, Samson, which ‘brings the popular biblical myth into the 21st century in a hard-
edged, anarchic music-theatre production, which plays out within a global context of unbridled capitalism, ethnic extremism, human displacement and rage.’ The other new series that will be included in the next few issues covers South Africa’s 25 years of democracy, with a focus on aspects that directly impact our creative environment. In the April issue, we share South Africa’s nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the latest additions: the ǂKhomani Cultural Landscape and the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains. For next month, we have lined up a very special interview with the former Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke who has now retired from South Africa’s highest court and will share with us some thoughts about the South African Constitution – right from inception. One question we have to ask has to be about his role as chairperson of the board of the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra, which again played to a sold-out auditorium last night. And of course, there is still our popular ‘Legacy’ series. Through these interviews, we show how sustainable many arts initiatives are despite the constant battle to secure funding. So, altogether wonderful opportunities for interviews that we all enjoy and, for me personally, the chance to talk to people I would never have been able to otherwise.
8 / Creative Feel / April 2019
Lore
ERIC ABRAHAM PRESENTS A ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY & FUGARD THEATRE PRODUCTION
JOHN
ANTONY
KANI SHER
KUNENE & THE KING
WRITTEN BY JOHN KANI DIRECTED BY JANICE HONEYMAN
FROM 30 APRIL | THE FUGARD THEATRE 021 461 4554 | BOOK AT THEFUGARD.COM Creative Feel / April 2019 / 9
TEAM PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lore Watterson; lore@desklink.co.za COPUBLISHER & PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Chris Watterson; chris@desklink.co.za DEPUTY EDITOR Tamaryn Greer; tammy@desklink.co.za DIGITAL CONTENT CURATOR Angelia Muller; angelia@desklink.co.za ADDITIONAL EDITORIAL CONTENT: Indra Wussow Dave Mann Michelle Constant SALES & MARKETING COORDINATOR Zama-Africa Mkhize; zama@desklink.co.za SALES & MARKETING sales@desklink.co.za, sales@creativefeel.co.za Image © Southern Guild
We love this... Interdependence II by Houtlander has been named Most Beautiful Object in South Africa 2019! Design Indaba’s annual endeavour to find the Most Beautiful Object in South Africa, in partnership with Mercedes-Benz SA, manifests as an annual competition that is open to the public and an exhibition at the Design Indaba Conference. Nominations for 2019 were made and votes have been cast. The Interdependence II
DESIGN Leigh Forrest; leigh@desklink.co.za DISPATCH Khumbulani Dube SUBSCRIPTION & CIRCULATION subs@creativefeel.co.za Published by DeskLink™ Media PO Box 3670, Randburg, 2125 Tel: 011 787 0252 Fax: 011 787 8204 www.creativefeel.co.za www.desklink.co.za
by Houtlander is officially the Most Beautiful Object in South Africa! ‘The manufacturing ability exhibited with this product is applaud-worthy, I really love that it’s an abstraction of something familiar. A shakers-style love seat with a twist, literally!’ says Mamakashaka’s Nandi Dlepu on her Most Beautiful Object in South Africa nomination. Interdependence II is a playful spin on the traditional loveseat. Creators Houtlander paid special attention to movement and colour in the design, lending
Printed and bound by
, a Novus Holdings
Company © Copyright DeskLink™ Media The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher.
the furniture piece an organic nature. The colour invites the viewer to reflect on the piece as a flowing object, which is not something one would expect from a bench that would traditionally be perceived as motionless.
While every last effort has been made to check that the information in this magazine is correct at the time of going to press, the publisher and their agents will not be held liable for any damages incurred through any inaccuracies.
10 / Creative Feel / April 2019
Art, beauty
N
& cuisine
estled on the northern slopes of the Magaliesberg mountain range, you will find not only a true gem among the boutique hotels in Gauteng but also an avid admirer and supporter of the arts.
As some guests missed a spa facility, this will now be facilitated
by Sesi P Make-up & Beauty on the following weekends: 6 & 7 and 27 & 28 April. So, if you want a true experience, book a room, check-in, have lunch, relax by the pool or use one of the spa packages, wine and dine, wake up relaxed, dive into the pool, enjoy breakfast, and return home refreshed. Or even better, combine your stay with a show at Casta Diva’s Vissi d’Arte Theatre, we can
Boutique Hotel A unique venue, nestled high on the northern slopes of the Magaliesberg amidst peaceful and tranquil surroundings that offer stunning views and an unsurpassed setting of natural beauty and elegance in an oasis of peace and serenity in the city.
assure you that you won’t have any regrets. Spontaneous classical and jazz performances are a common occurrence in the elegant and beautiful Casta Diva Charisma Restaurant. Each chair in the restaurant is an individual work of art, and you may select yours to sit on! Please do note that reservation is required as the focus is on providing quality, so the number of reservations allowed is limited. To reserve a table for a business, casual or a very romantic breakfast, lunch or dinner, call or WhatsApp 081 542 4449.
On stage at Casta Diva’s Vissi d’Arte Theatre in April: Directed by Tonya Koenderman’s long-time friend and Durban’s Diva Lisa Bobbert, Diaries of a Down & Out Diva is a funny,
Restaurant Guaranteed the true Decadent, Divine, Delightful fine dining experience, the perfect fusion between the magic of Casta Diva, fresh ingredients, a dedicated culinary team and the friendliest service of South Africa.
charming – and sometimes downright embarrassing – story of the highs and lows of one diva’s showbiz life that has spanned more than 25 years. One quickly learns that being in show business is not all about glitz and glamour: there’s the time our diva falls flat on her face as she trips over a wire; or the time when an enthusiastic audience member tugs at her skirt, and the whole thing comes off. Of course, what is a diva without her music? The story is interspersed with a repertoire of diva-appropriate songs: ‘I’m a Woman’ from Smokey Joe’s Cafe, ‘I Am What I Am’ by Shirley Bassey, ‘It Was a Very Good Year’ by Frank Sinatra, ‘This Is My Life’, and ‘New York, New York’, to name but a few. Diaries of a Down & Out Diva will be on at Casta Diva on 27 April. Tickets are R140. To book, email info@castadiva.co.za or WhatsApp 081 542 4449. Do keep an eye on their Facebook pages, ‘Casta Diva the Place to…’; ‘Casta Diva’s Charisma’ and ‘Casta Diva’s Vissi d’Arte’, to stay up-to-date on the events and special occasions. For a sneak peek into what this true gem looks like, visit their website at www.castadiva.co.za Casta Diva Boutique Hotel, where art, beauty and cuisine are perfectly combined in the elegant embrace of luxury. Casta Diva, the place where you can break away, wind down, breathe and simply just… be. CF
DITSONG: National Museum of Natural History
DITSONG: Pioneer Museum
Be inspired by the extent of the variety of South African animals and fossils on display. See life forms that existed before dinosaurs and explore our human evolution.
You are invited to our paradise of country indulgence. The farmstead represents the lifestyle of a pioneer in the 19th century. Witness candle making, soap manufacturing and bread baking in an outdoor oven. Celebrate children’s parties, country weddings and festivals at this museum.
DITSONG: National Museum of Cultural History We explore our origins, history and culture through exhibitions such as rock paintings and engravings of the San hunter gatherers; thousand year-old Iron Age figurines from Schroda in the Limpopo Province; Dipitsa ke bophelo demonstrating women’s artistic skills with clay and the Marabastad exhibition - a true example of a cosmopolitan and fully integrated rainbow nation before apartheid.
DITSONG: Sammy Marks Museum This Victorian-style 40 room mansion displays the life of the elite in the late 1800s. It also reflects the true spirit of entrepreneurship as represented by the homestead of Sammy Marks who created an empire over a period of 40 years.
DITSONG: Willem Prinsloo Agricultural Museum DITSONG: National Museum of Military History This is the spiritual and symbolic home for soldiers and military veterans, a reminder of the great deeds of heroism and sacrifice during various wars and armed struggles.
DITSONG: Tswaing Meteorite Crater A visit to this crater is a refreshing excursion to explore nature’s bounty. Enjoy a 7.2km hiking trail, birdwatching and complete the tour with a braai at the picnic site.
This Museum represents aspects of South African agricultural history. It has a large collection of farming implements, tractors and animal drawn vehicles. Visit the historic farmyard (1880-1920) with indigenous domesticated farm animals such as Nguni and Afrikaner cattle, Colebrook pigs, Painted Persian sheep and indigenous chickens. By prior booking, visitors can see and experience various demonstrations, including candle making, milking of cows, roasting of coffee beans and baking bread. We also distil mampoer and liqueurs.
Get in touch... DITSONG: Kruger Museum This is the home of President Paul Kruger and his wife Gezina. The exhibitions highlight his life as President and his mission to fight against British imperialism, his life in exile, the presidential coach and tokens of honour.
www.ditsong.org.za Ditsong Museums of South Africa @DitsongMuseumsSA @DitsongMuseumsSA
+27 12 492 5744 +27 12 323-6592 info@ditsong.org.za
Carmen Pretorius (Roxie Hart) PHOTO David Watson
Chicago Music Supervisor Bryan Schimmel
PHOTO Christiaan Kotze
Lend an ear… It’s Chicago and all that jazz!
WORDS: Bryan Schimmel
mandolin, piano, upright bass and a drummer who plays multiple percussion instruments. As musicals go, Chicago presents an element that is unique to this show. The band is not hidden away in the Samantha Peo (Velma Kelly) PHOTO David Watson
A
pit as merely an accompaniment to the actors. In a story that builds to a climactic scene where the American legal
nightclub singer, a double murder, a smooth-
system is manipulated by the ‘silver-tongued prince of the
talking lawyer and a cell block of sin, surrounded
courtroom, Mr Billy Flynn’, the band is positioned onstage
by the razzle-dazzle of the world’s sexiest
in what appears to be a large jury box that creates the entire
musical: Chicago. Now on stage at Artscape, Cape
backdrop for the show.
Town, until 14 April, then playing at Montecasino’s Teatro,
Having the band on stage is not necessarily unique.
Johannesburg, from 20 April to 26 May. Featuring an all-South
However, in Chicago, the conductor and the band are
African cast and band under the baton of Music Supervisor
brilliantly integrated into the fabric of the show with
Bryan Schimmel, you’ve got it comin’ as the story of the
recurring interactions between cast and musicians that
award-winning Broadway and West End musical Chicago
are further emphasised at the opening of the second act
unfolds to show-stopping songs, including ‘All that Jazz’, ‘Cell
where the band is given an opportunity to feature as a
Block Tango’ and ‘Mister Cellophane’.
performing ensemble.
The music of Chicago was composed in the 1970s by
Chicago continues to be one of the most successful
John Kander. Set in the1920s at the time of prohibition,
international musical hits of all time. Book now, only
the score magnificently captures the era of jazz bands
at Computicket. CF
where Dixieland was alive, and swing was evolving. The infamous trumpet solo at the top of the show sets up an
CHICAGO BAND
overture that immediately thrusts the audience back to a
MUSIC SUPERVISOR Bryan Schimmel | PIANO /
moment in time when decadence, excess and debauchery
ASSISTANT MUSIC DIRECTOR Kevin Kraak | BANJO /
were all underground, illegal and wonderfully irresistible:
MANDOLIN Kuba Silkiewicz | DOUBLE BASS Graham
‘It’s just a noisy hall / Where there’s a nightly brawl / And
Strickland | TUBA Shaun Williams | DRUMS / PERCUSSION
all / That / Jazz’.
Luca De Bellis | TRUMPET 1 Mike Blake | TRUMPET 2
The musical style of the show is firmly established with
Michael Magner | TROMBONE Zbigniew ‘SpeeD’ Kobak
its big, brassy bluster and rollicking ragtime piano riffs.
| REED 1 William Hendricks | REED 2 Camron Andrews |
Executing the score is an eleven-piece band comprised of
REED 3 Leagh Rankin | STAND-BY PIANISTS Andrew Ford
two trumpets, trombone, tuba, three reed players, banjo/
(Cape Town) and David Cousins (Johannesburg)
14 / Creative Feel / April 2019
DATES We d n es d ay 2 9 M ay T h u r s d ay 3 0 M ay Fr i d ay 3 1 M ay Sa tu r d ay 1 J u n e
VENUE BA XT ER C O N C ER T H A LL CAPE TOWN
2019
TIME 19H30
TICKETS ADULTS R140 S ENIORs, SCHOLARS & STUDENTS R80
PARTICIPATING BANDS WEDNESDAY 29 MAY BERGVLIET HIGH SCHOOL J1 BIG BAND, THE LITTLE GIANTS, BERGVLIET HIGH SCHOOL J2 BIG BAND, BEAU SOLEIL MUSIC CENTRE, WYNBERG GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL BIG BAND, STELLENBOSCH YOUTH JAZZ BAND THURSDAY 30 MAY SACS JUNIOR SCHOOL JAZZ BAND, SACS HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR JAZZ BAND, RUSTENBURG HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS’ JAZZ BAND, DELFT BIG BAND, SACS HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR JAZZ BAND, SACS OLD BOYS’ BIG BAND
CAPE TOWN 101.3 HOUT BAY 94.7 ATLANTIC SEABOARD 97.1 FISH HOEK 107.9
FRIDAY 31 MAY RONDEBOSCH BOYS’ PREP JAZZ BAND, PINELANDS HIGH SCHOOL JAZZ BAND, RONDEBOSCH BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR JAZZ BAND, BISHOPS JAZZ BAND, RONDEBOSCH BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR JAZZ BAND, ALUMNI BIG BAND SATURDAY 1 JUNE WYNBERG BOYS’ JUNIOR SCHOOL JAZZ BAND, PRIDWIN PREPARATORY SCHOOL JAZZ BAND (Jhb), UNI-SOUND BIG BAND, WESTERFORD HIGH SCHOOL BIG BAND, WYNBERG BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL JAZZ BAND, UCT BIG BAND
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