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
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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
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