Creative Feel March 2019

THE POWER OF MUSIC

KEEP ON PLAYING

CAPE TOWN OPERA CHORUS THE VOICE OF A NATION

SA R36,90 (incl. VAT) - March 2019

03019 9 771607

519004

CONTENTS

COVER IMAGE Cape Town Opera’s Porgy and Bess at Artscape Opera House PHOTO John Snelling

cover story

​ 22 AN AFRO-SYMPHONIC TRIBUTE TO OUR BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY

32

As part of their Summer Season, the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra will be performing an ‘all

Twice a year, Rand Merchant Bank (RMB)

Mozart’ concert under the baton of Bernhard Gueller,

hosts the much-loved Starlight Classics, taking

the much-loved principal guest conductor of the Cape

concertgoers on a special musical journey with

Town Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor laureate

international and local artists, while enjoying

of Symphony Nova Scotia in Canada.

gourmet picnics under the stars.

THE CAPE TOWN OPERA CHORUS Established in 1999, Cape Town Opera is the

40 KILLER CHICAGO SA CAST RETURNS FROM WORLD TOUR TO RAZZLEDAZZLE SA AGAIN!

only opera company in Africa with a year-round

You’ve got it comin’ as the story of the award-

programme. The award-winning Cape Town

winning Broadway and West End musical Chicago

Opera Chorus is world renowned, and will

unfolds to show-stopping songs, including ‘All that

return to the RMB Starlight Classics stage.

Jazz’ and ‘Cell Block Tango’.

arts and culture 28

38 THE JPO, MOZART & GUELLER: A WINNING COMBINATION

MI CASA

44 SOPHIATOWN COMES TO SOWETO & JOBURG THEATRES

One of the country’s most loved house bands over

The first-ever Joburg City Theatres Schools

the last decade, Mi Casa will mesmerise audiences

Setworks Festival will kick off at Soweto Theatre

at RMB Starlight Classics at Vergelegen Estate.

from 7 to 17 March 2019 and continue to Joburg Theatre from 23 April to 5 May 2019.

30 THE MUSIC AND MOTIVATION OF KARENDRA DEVROOP This March sees the return of RMB Starlight

46 GET READY FOR LAUGHTER AND RHYME WITH SEUSSICAL JR.

Classics which features, among many others,

Jill Girard and Keith Smith are delighted to get this

musician, researcher, and South African Music

2019 Children’s Theatre year at The People’s Theatre

Outreach Project founder, Professor Karendra

underway with a bang, bringing children, parents

Devroop. Creative Feel caught up with Devroop to

and all those with a love of joy and laughter, together

find out more about his origins as a musician, his

for a rollicking theatre experience with the fabulous

dedication to musical outreach, and what to expect

Broadway show, Seussical Jr.

from his debut RMB Starlight Classics performance.

CONTENTS

64 A BLACK AESTHETIC: A VIEW OF SOUTH AFRICAN ARTISTS (1970 – 1990) The Standard Bank Gallery in Johannesburg presents A Black Aesthetic: A View of South African

48 REVISITING OUR ANCESTRAL PAST IN TODAY’S CONTEXT

56

When Vuyani Dance Theatre Project (as the

Artists (1970 – 1990), an exhibition that draws from the University of Fort Hare Art Collection.

66

BRETT MURRAY: HIDE

small group of African contemporary dancers

Brett Murray’s recent solo exhibition at Everard

was initially known) took to the stage in

Read Cape Town, Hide, saw the satirical pop artist

September 1999 at the Dance Factory, the

once again achieving outstanding reviews and

engagement was on a project-by-project basis,

critical acclaim.

but it turned out to be the start of a new era in the arts.

TRANSCENDENT GESTURES

68 ROLEX AND CINEMA THROUGH THE YEARS Masters in the art of watchmaking, Rolex is also

John-Michael Metelerkamp’s latest body of

inextricably linked to the world of cinema. With

work, Nekkies, had its premiere at Berman

the nominees of the 91st Academy Awards®

Contemporary’s stand at Investec Cape Town

recently announced, Creative Feel takes a deeper

Art Fair in February to critical acclaim.

look at this relationship.

58 TRADE WINDS: YINKA SHONIBARE CBE The exhibition Trade Winds at Norval Foundation brings together a series of artworks, including sculptures, photographs and a major installation, created between 2008 and 2018, which are connected through their use of Dutch Wax fabric.

60 DITSONG MUSEUMS: THE BEST OF THE BEST Creative Feel caught up with the newly appointed

lifestyle and entertainment 76 78

contributors.

50

BUSINESS & ARTS

Michelle Constant believes we need to be ‘Big Wave Surfers’.

CEO of DITSONG: Museums of South Africa Annabell Lebethe, who is well known as an

CD REVIEWS BOOK REVIEWS

outstanding leader with vast experience, having

52

THE ART OF PERFORMANCE

held leadership positions at the National Arts

Dave Mann looks at performing arts spaces in SA.

74

LITERARY LANDSCAPES

Council, the Market Theatre Foundation and the Performing Arts Council of the Free State.

Indra Wussow is rethinking ownership and consumerism.

EDITOR’S NOTE

‘IF MUSIC BE THE FOOD OF LOVE, PLAY ON’

W

orking on Creative Feel this month, with pages full of music and musical success stories, I strongly felt the power of music once again, and as William Shakespeare told us, we just play on. Play on during load shedding with a generator, play on in the car with loud music to keep us sane despite broken robots and traffic congestion.

In fact, this year’s RMB Starlight Classics celebrates this Nelson Mandela quote: ‘It is music

and dance that makes me at peace with the world,’ and don’t we all need this peace in our lives at the moment?

In a fitting tribute to Mandela at the recent GRAMMY Awards ceremony, South Africa’s very own Soweto Gospel Choir won their third Best World Music Album GRAMMY for their collection of songs titled Freedom. The album was recorded in June 2018 as part of the group’s tribute to the Nelson Mandela Centenary celebrations and features a selection of South African struggle

The Soweto Gospel Choir

songs, including their scintillating version of Johnny Clegg’s poignant ’Asimbonanga’.

That same evening, Michelle Obama made a surprise

This statement by Michelle Obama will undoubtedly be

appearance to help the host, Alicia Keys, to open the 2019

added to the many quotes about music, from Bob Marley’s

GRAMMY Awards. The former first lady appeared on stage

‘One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no

to say how music has impacted her life. ‘From the Motown

pain’ to Friedrich Nietzsche’s ‘Without music, life would be

records I wore out on the South Side to the “who run the

a mistake’.

world” songs that fuelled me through this last decade, music

But in view of the songs on the Soweto Gospel Choir’s

has always helped me tell my story,’ Obama said as the

Freedom album, it is American writer Kurt Vonnegut whose

crowd erupted in a standing ovation, ‘and I know that’s true

quote I really think is most relevant at the moment: ‘No

for everybody here, whether we like country or rap or rock,

matter how corrupt, greedy, and heartless our government,

music helps us share ourselves, our dignity, our sorrows, our

our corporations, our media, and our religious and charitable

hopes and joys. It allows us to hear one another, to invite

institutions may become, the music will still be wonderful.’ I

one another in. Music shows us that all of it matters, every

feel Michelle Obama would appreciate this quote as well.

story, every voice, every note, in every song. Is that right, ladies?’ The response, both in the room and on social media, was rapturous.

Lore

11 ALICE LANE, SANDTON gallery@bermancontemporary.co.za | 010 880 2580 | 084 843 8302

Adam Schlosberg

Creative Feel / March 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 DESIGN Leigh Forrest; leigh@desklink.co.za

Pablo Picasso, The Bull, 1945-46

We love this...

WORDS: Abigail Cain

Picasso’s drawings of bulls inspired Apple’s famously simple designs ‘It takes a lot of hard work,’ Steve Jobs once said, ‘to make something

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

simple, to truly understand the underlying challenges and come up with elegant solutions.’

He was referring, of course, to Apple and its notoriously rigorous design process. But he could just as easily have been describing a series of eleven lithographs created by Pablo Picasso between 1945 and ’46, collectively titled The Bull. Beginning with an artfully shaded, realistically rendered bull, and ending with a handful of lines that evoke the animal in the simplest possible terms, the

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.

series is a step-by-step example of how to break an image down into its most indispensable visual components.

These days, Apple incorporates Picasso’s bulls into its internal training programme. It’s become a sort of emblem for product designers in their quest for pared-down designs in the face of ever more complex devices.

10 / Creative Feel / March 2019

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.

Beautiful, tranquil, true four-star accommodation

C

asta Diva Boutique Hotel boasts 30 beautifully elegant guest rooms amid lush, tropical gardens. Take a well-deserved break and book one of the exclusive rooms – The Dam is the most romantic option.

Originally a reservoir dam in the early 1900s, you can still feel the cleansing power of all the water that was once stored here. This

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.

spacious room has a deck overlooking the northern slopes of the Magaliesberg where you can enjoy a spectacular African sunset with a glass of wine of your choice and that special someone.

If you have to be in Pretoria on business, why not spend your ‘off time’ somewhere breathtaking? With the newly renovated colourful Village, corporate guests can find accommodation in a resort of sorts, with none of the everyday hustle and bustle of the business world. With a tranquil water fountain in the centre of the courtyard, one cannot help but relax amid the scent of lemon trees while the birds chirp about in their merry way.

All the rooms at Casta Diva offer en-suite bathrooms, TV, air-conditioning and full amenities, and there is an on-site laundry service. With on-the-point hosts, one seldom feels

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.

forgotten in spite of the enormous grounds to ‘get lost on’.

The boutique hotel also offers its in-house guests the option of dining in at the delightful Charisma Restaurant. With à la carte menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this is the perfect spot to try a tilapia or pangasius fillet or to enjoy a hearty beef Stroganoff.

Guests have a wide variety of dish choices, as well as the option of dining inside or outside on one of the garden terraces.

This venue also frequently hosts up-and-coming talent in their intimate 70-seater theatre/art gallery, Vissi d’Arte. The classically inclined might even be lucky enough to join a concert in the dining hall where one can find a grand piano.

Casta Diva Boutique Hotel has taken all the best parts of life and combined it in an amazing environment. Do yourself a favour and spend some time at Casta Diva, the place to… truly be.

Visit their website at www.castadiva.co.za for more information, and keep an eye on their Facebook pages [Casta Diva the Place to | Casta Diva’s Charisma | Casta Diva’s Vissi d’Arte] to stay up-to-date with events and special offers.

So treat yourself to a getaway like no other. Visit Casta Diva – The place to… simply be. CF

Growing Old Disgracefully

Join international cabaret artist Tonya Koenderman and sassy saxophonist/pianist Connie Bentlage in their hilarious comedy cabaret, Growing Old Disgracefully – a light-hearted, frank look at the funny side of ageing – on stage at Casta Diva’s Vissi d’Arte Theatre on 2 March at 19:30.

D

Tonya Koenderman and Connie Bentlage

o you put your car keys in the fridge? Do you walk

Liza Minnelli impersonator. She has performed in numerous

into a room and forget why you went there in the

award-winning shows to packed houses and has received

first place? Are your arms starting to resemble bat

acclaim for her solo cabaret productions.

wings? You are not alone! Come and enjoy a glass

Bentlage is acclaimed both as a performer and for her

of wine with this decadent duo and delight in an evening of

skill as a musical director. In addition to her successful

laughter and tears.

career in musical theatre, she has appeared at some of the

All your favourite songs will be featured – with a wicked

country’s top musical events, sharing the stage with the

twist. The evergreen but, perhaps, dated ‘My Favorite

likes of Michael Jackson, Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Neill

Things’ has been rebooted to embrace more age-appropriate

Solomon, Hugh Masekela, Johnny Clegg, Oliver Mtukudzi

themes. ‘All About That Bass’ is now an ode to make-up and

and Ray Phiri.

other anti-ageing tools, while the classic ‘Memories’, from

With Growing Old Disgracefully, you can look forward to

the musical Cats, is now about… well, we can’t remember.

a side-splitting night of entertainment and fun from these

Tonya Koenderman and Connie Bentlage are two

two accomplished artists. Sorry in advance for the new laugh

consummate performers with numerous cabaret and musical

lines. Growing Old Disgracefully will be on at Casta Diva’s

theatre productions under their belts.

Vissi d’Arte Theatre on 2 March at 19:30. Tickets cost R150.

Koenderman has been hailed by critics as ‘one of the hottest properties on the cabaret circuit’ and is a respected

To book, email: info@castadiva.co.za, call or WhatsApp 081 542 4449, or call 012 542 4449. CF

Monike Cristina and Ruan Galdino • Photo: Lauge Sorensen

“The action of making and sharing great music is one of the most profound and uplifting experiences known to humanity. It is the surest way of bringing people of diverse ages and cultural backgrounds together in a spirit of harmony, goodwill and understanding.”

BONGANI TEMBE - CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Concert 3

6, 7 & 9 MARCH 2019 | 20H00

Linda Nteleza

Bernhard Gueller

SOPRANO

CONDUCTOR

SOLOISTS

PROGRAMME

Linda Nteleza, soprano

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Symphony No. 41 in C Major, K. 551, “Jupiter”

Ané Pretorius, mezzo soprano

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Requiem, K. 626

Thando Mjandana, tenor Aubrey Lodewyk, baritone CHOIR Gauteng Choristers

Please note the additional Saturday performance

Concert 4

13-14 MARCH 2019 | 20H00

Olga Kern

Daniel Boico

PIANO

CONDUCTOR

PROGRAMME Felix Mendelssohn: The Hebrides Overture, Op. 26, “Fingal’s Cave” Edvard Grieg: Piano Concerto in a minor, Op. 16 Jean Sibelius: Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 43

VISIT JPO.CO.ZA FOR MORE INFO

John Kani brings new play

Kunene and the King TO THE FUGARD THEATRE STAGE

The countdown is on to Kunene and the King, John Kani’s highly anticipated, brand-new play, directed by Janice Honeyman and starring Kani and Sir Antony Sher.

E

ric Abraham presents this Fugard Theatre and

box office on 021 461 4554 or through The Fugard Theatre’s

Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) co-production,

website at www.thefugard.com

which comes to The Fugard Theatre from 30 April 2019 for a strictly limited season, hot off its world

The wonderful offers for Friends of The Fugard Members include a 20% discount (one member, one ticket) on all

premiere at The Royal Shakespeare Company’s Swan Theatre

premium-priced tickets for performances from 7 to 11 May

in Stratford-upon-Avon in England.

2019. 20% discounts on all premium-priced tickets will

In Kunene and the King, it is South Africa, 2019. Twenty-

also be available to Members for Thursday performances

five years since the first post-apartheid democratic elections,

throughout the season and bookings can only be made

two men from contrasting walks of life are thrust together to

through the box office. No other discounts will apply. Not

reflect on a quarter century of change.

yet a member? Sign up now at the box office or online for

Kunene and the King is a moving and funny two-hander

priority booking and great specials!

that provides a fitting tribute to mark the 25th anniversary

There is also a 15% discount for pensioners and a

of South Africa’s first democratic elections after apartheid.

10% discount for students and block bookings for certain

Written by actor, activist and playwright, John Kani (The

performances throughout the season. These discounted

Tempest, The Island, Sizwe Banzi is Dead, and movie Black

tickets can be booked through The Fugard Theatre box

Panther), who was last seen on The Fugard Theatre stage

office on 021 461 4554.

opposite Sandra Prinsloo in So Ry Miss Daisy, Kunene and the King reunites a powerhouse team with director Janice Honeyman (The Tempest, …Missing, Nothing But The Truth, Hello and Goodbye, The Fugard Theatre’s production of The Mother) and Kani performing opposite Sir Antony Sher (The Tempest, The Fugard Theatre’s production of Broken Glass, the RSC productions of King Lear in 2016 and 2018, and Death of a Salesman).

Design is by Birrie le Roux (Shakespeare in Love, King Kong, Orpheus in Africa). Lighting is by Mannie Manim (The Tempest, Sizwe Banzi is Dead, The Fugard Theatre productions of The Mother, The Painted Rocks At Revolver Creek, The Blue Iris).

Kunene and the King will be performed at The Fugard Theatre from 30 April 2019, Tuesdays to Saturdays at 20:00 with matinees on Saturdays and Sundays at 15:00.

Tickets ranging from R190 to R340 can be booked directly through The Fugard Theatre John Kani and Sir Antony Sher in Kunene and the King

Kunene and the King has a recommended age restriction of no under 12s. CF

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

Creative Feel www.creativefeel.co.za

www.creativefeel.co.za

THE POWER OF MUSIC

KEEP ON PLAYING

CAPE TOWN OPERA CHORUS

JUNE 2017

MARCH 2019

THE VOICE OF A NATION

SA R36,90 (incl. VAT) - March 2019

03019 9 771607

519004

K E E P I N G YO U I N TO U C H W IT H T H E C R E AT I V E W O R L D Creative Feel Magazine subscription for 6 months for only R205 or 12 months for R365. Visit www.creativefeel.co.za/shop/

J O I N T H E C O N V E R S AT I O N Creative Feel

|

@CreativeFeel |

@creative_feel

W W W. C R E AT I V E F E E L . C O. Z A