D'ARTS Magazine, by the
Durban Arts Association

Life's a Pitch

Running at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre until April 11, with a possible extension of a further week, Life's a Pitch is another hilarious gem of entertainment from one of South Africa's finest purveyors of comedy, Paul Slabolepszy.

Corky Labuschagne (not Labu-`shayne') and Richard (definitely not Dick!) Hopcroft first entered the line-up of legendary South African comedy figures in Slabolepszy's Under the Oaks, a tale of two totally different characters united simply by the love of cricket. Since it's KZN premiere at the 1998 Hilton Drama Festival, the show has been skilfully extended to just over two-hours.

Briefly, Life's a Pitch is about a last-minute stand-in umpire who disrupts not only his co-umpire's equanimity and the umpire's dressing room but whose decision threatens the scoring at a match held in the Natal Midlands. As the well-spoken and ultimately knowledgeable Richard Hopcroft who approaches his job as an umpire with virtual reverence, Graham Hopkins is impeccable. His Hopcroft bears testimony of the character's private school background. He is well-spoken and knowledgeable, distasteful of vulgarity and obsessed with tradition. His opening sequence (one of the new pieces of script) is delightful, as he warms up his voice and practices his umpire movements in front of the mirror.

The show is comfortable, easy and chuckles along. The two actors are so at home with their characters that you feel as if they're having their sparring matches for the first time that evening.

Graham Hopkins's delicious moment which he collapses in helpless laughter at one of his own jokes brought home to me the quality of these performers. Graham will put in exactly the same performance for the next show and the next and the next and it will sound exactly as spontaneous and delightful. He's honed his performance to a fine point and he'll keep it that way as long as the show runs. That's the result of disciplined acting and fine direction.

I had the pleasure of working with James Borthwick in the Napac production of Amadeus when he was a superb Salieri and know him to be a dedicated actor who takes his craft very seriously. The bumbling, educationally-challenged (failed Standard VI three times), jovial Corky is the product of keen observation - watch his walk! - and a complete understanding of the kind of person he is portraying. Mind you, his appearance is a comedy act in itself - particularly the short shorts he wears. You'll see the need for their brevity as the play unfolds.

Included among the new extensions to the show are anecdotes taken from Corky Labuschagne's one-man show, Tickle to Fine Leg which played to a sell-out season in the Cellar a while back. There is also a very funny reference to the kind of music performed by SABC sports programmes when rain has stopped play. "Rain songs", Corky calls them, citing some apt examples! The two are only united at the end when the players take the decision to stop play into their own hands and the umpires lament that they may eventually be relegated to "the trash heap of history".

Those who love cricket will revel in the humour but even if you don't know anything about cricket (like me) you'll still have a hilarious evening. Don't miss it or life will definitely not be a pitch!

PIETER-DIRK TRIUMPHS

Not bad! An actor masquerading as a lady masquerading as an ambassador from a non-existence country has managed to be the only common factor to unite the leaders of two warring factions in one of KZN's most troublesome areas under one roof without a political battle ensuing.

Pieter-Dirk Uys's Evita's Ballot Bus, on tour with Pieter-Dirk and Basil Appolis, achieved this remarkable and welcome state of affairs when it performed in Richmond, an area much beset by political troubles and violence. Pieter-Dirk's latest hugely successful venture, Evita's Ballot Bus aims to provide entertainment while thumping home the message of voter education.

For information on the tour and any updates, contact Lynne Maree, producer of Evita's People's Party at e-mail amachoochoo@global.co.za

ITHUBA LETHU

An anti-drug drama project by MC Promotions titled Ithuba Lethu runs at the BAT Centre from March 15 to 20. The play deals with the challenges teenagers have to face in taking responsibility for their actions. Shows are Monday to Thursday (15h00), Friday (15h00 and 19h00), Saturrday (14h00 and 19h00).

Tickets R10 (scholars R5) Transport can be arranged for schools at the extra charge of R5 per child. To book phone 332-0451.

SAG AWARDS

The 1999 Screen Actors Guild Awards will be screened exclusively on M-Net on March 22 (Human Rights Day) at 15h00. At this event the Screen Actors Guild honours the oustanding telelvision and film performances of 1998. Among the nominees for male actor are Joseph Fiennes (Shakespeare in Love), Tom Hanks (Saving Private Ryan), Ian McKellen (God and Monsters), Nick Nolte (Affliction), and Roberto Benigni (Life is Beautiful).

Actresses up for oustanding performance in a leading role are Cate Blanchett (Elizabeth), Jane Horrocks (Little Voice), Gwyneth Paltrow (Shakespeare in Love), Meryl Streep (One True Thing) and Emily Watson (Hilary and Jackie).

The award for outstanding performances by a male actor in a supporting role sees the following nominees: James Coburn (Affliction), Robert Duvall (Civil Action), David Kelly (Waking Ned Devine), Geoffrey Rush (Shakespeare in Love), and Billy Bob Thornton (A Simple Plan).

Female actors up for the supporting role awad are Kathy Bates (Primary Colours), Brenda Blethyn (Little Voice), Judi Dench (Shakespeare in Love), Rachel Griffiths (Hilary and Jackie) and Lynn Redgrave (Gods and Monsters). The movies aiming to get the award for most outstnading performance by a cast in a theatrical motion picture are Life is Beautiful, Little Voice, Saving Private Ryan, Shakespeare in Love, and Waking Ned Devine.

The award nominations for television are as follows:

Male Actor in a TV movie or miniseries: Charles S Sutton, James Garner, Ben Kingsley, Ray Liotta, Christopher Reeve and Stanley Tucci.

Female Actor in a TV movie or miniseries: Ann-Margret, Stockard Channing, Olympia Dukakis, Angelina Jolie and Mary Steenburgen.

Male actor in a drama series: David Duchovny, Anthony Edwards, Dennis Franz, Jimmy Smits, Sam Waterston

Female actor in a drama series: Gillian Anderson, Kim Delaney, Christine Lahti, Julianna Marguilies and Annie Potts

Male actor in a comedy series: Jason Alexander, Michael J Fox, Kelsey Grammar, Peter MacNicol and David Hyde Pierce

Female actor in a comedy series: Calista Flockhart, Lisa Kudrow, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Amy Pietz and Tracey Ullman.

Outstanding performance by an ensemble in a drama series: ER, Law & Order, NYPD Blue, The Practice, The X-Files.

Outstanding performance by an ensemble in a comedy series: 3rd Rock from the Sun, Ally McBeal, Everybody Loves Raymond, Frasier, Friends.

RIVERSIDE JAZZ

There'll be jazz at the Riverside Hotel's regular mid-month bash at the Café Bali on March 14 from 13h00 to 16h00. Spend a comfortable couple of hours in charming surroundings enjoying the music of top Durban jazz musos Neville Petersen, Bobby Minter, Berry Taylor, Gerald Kerdachi and Des Kerdachi. R60pp includes a set menu luncheon. To book phone 830-600.

WONDERBOOM

The band Wonderoom supported by Major Splee will perform at Y2K at 112 Umbilo Road (corner Clarke & Umbilo) on March 12 and 13 at 20h00. Tickets are R25. Wonderboom have recently been signed to top SA label, David Gresham Records, and it was felt that this achievement warranted a big splash. And what better vehicle than to launch the Y2K concept to Durban?

Y2K aims to change the way live music is presented in Durban. This major venue, with a dedicated stage powered by top quality sound equipment aims to host the top bands of the SA rock/pop scene. The venture will be supported by East Coast Radio. For details ring Neil Comfort on 083 463 8044. To book for the Wonderboom appearances, phone Louise on 21-4142.

DRUM CIRCLE

On March 16, you can realise your desire to develop your sense of rhythm in Richard Ellis' Drum Circle at the BAT Centre from 19h30. Doors open at 19h30 and entrance is R5.

Syd Kitchen

Accomplished original guitarist and singer Syd Kitchen will perform solo at the Durban Folk Club's gathering on March 29 at 20h00. For details, ring 21-2515.

SAINT PATRICK'S SINGALONG

For a touch of Irish charm, pop along to the Westville Country Club on Saint Patrick's Night on March 19 at 19h00 for 19h30. Dee'z M Bee'z will lead a rousing singalong of Irish popular numbers with a few English and Scottish songs thrown in as well as jokes and comedy turns. Special guests will be Jeannette and Nishele. To book phone 86-1391/2. Tickets at R50 pp include an Irish mixed grill.

WESTVILLE PLAYS

The Westville Theatre Club will present two one-act plays on March 25, 26 and 27 at 19h00 for 19h30 at the club's premises. Tickets at R30 pp include a meal.

The two plays are There's Always Spring, a comedy by Andria Zorab-Kaminski about a young couple who visit their former flat. While they are there, prospective tenants drop in to view the flat and the plot takes off in a variety of twists and turns. Space Between the Years by Judy Gravett sounds like an intriguing production. The script deals with aliens from Jupiter who arrive to save the earth from destruction and promote love and peace. However, they have arrived four centuries too late. The play takes a light-hearted look at the reigns of the Elizabeths.

To book phone Karen on 465-2955.

FLORIBUNDA TOUR

The Durban Art Gallery is currently hosting an exhibition of floral art titled Floribunda. Featuring works from the DAG's permanent collection selected by art critic Dan Cook, the exhibition was launched to coincide with the 1999 World Flower Show. The opening of Floribunda was attended by more than 300 of the 1 000 international delegates to the flower show who were most impressed by the DAG's collection as well as the fact that the exhibition had been put on especially for their benefit.

Floribunda is the first of what will hopefully be a series of interesting exhibitions linked to international conferences being held at the Durban International Convention Centre.

"Part of our outreach strategy is to increase the awareness of the Durban Art Gallery and its valuable collection," says DAG director Carol Brown. "In the case of the World Flower Show delegates, they were able to see another dimension of floral art."

Floribunda has proved a popular exhibition. "While there has been a strong focus in South Africa lately to exhibit work of a more contemporary nature, Floribunda has provoked a favourable reaction to our exhibiting older works," Carol explains. "Also, floral art has a universal appeal and is something to which most people can relate."

DAG tour guide Marianne Solomon will conduct an informative and relaxed walkabout of Floribunda at 13h00 on Wednesday, March 17. Admission is free and tea will be served.

LEAVING TIBET

The BAT Centre has an exhibition titled Leaving Tibet . It consists of photographs by Bill Warren of the Dalai Lama and other exiled Tibetans living in Dharamsala, North India. Bill Warren is an internationally acclaimed photographer whose love of travel has brought him into contract with a variety of cultures and in particularly with communities in Asia.

PHEZU KOMKHONO

Recently opened in BAT's Democratic Gallery is an exhibition titled Phezu Komkhono which features paintings by up and coming artists Sbusiso Duma and Welcome Danca.

BAT KIDS' CLUB

On March 20, BAT Centre hosts its Kids Club Meeting where youngsters get together to learn more about art and to improve their artistic skills. Entrance R20 which includes all materials and a lunch hamper. For details phone BAT on 332-0451.

COMPANY OF THEATRE ARTS AGM

The Company of Theatre Arts will hold its annual general meeting on March 17 at 19h30 at the Berea West Primary School. All are welcome to attend but only paid-up members may vote. It's a BYO booze evening if you are so inclined. For details of this very active organisation phone Christine on 302-5253

LOTTERY FOR ARTS

South Africa's three national arts and culture funding agencies have announced that they will campaign for an equitable slice of funds to be allocated to the arts and culture sector from the proposed national lottery. The Arts and Culture Trust of the President (ACT), Business and Arts South Africa (BASA) and the National Arts Council (NAC) have formed a joint initiative to ensure that arts and culture is allocated an amount from the lottery at least equal to that of the welfare and sport sectors.

"Since the election of a democratic government, the arts have seen significant changes in the institutional framework governing this sector and the manner in which resources have been allocated," said well-known actor John Kani who is also chairperson of the NAC. "However, there has not been a major increase in the amount of funding available for arts and culture and, given the legacies of the past, it is unlikely to receive increases in public or private sector resources in the foreseeeable future. If anything, there is likely to be a decrease in real terms in such funding. Against this background, the proposed national lottery will probably be the single most important source of new and large funding for the arts in the next ten years."

The lottery in Britain has significantly increased activity in the arts, particularly in the film industry.

CLASSES AT BAT

BAT Centre holds regular classes in traditional Zulu dance, visual art, drumming tuition, Zulu language, computers, Latin American dance and Callanetics. For details phone 332-0451.

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