DRAMA

NO WHISKERS?

The Mouse with No Whiskers

- an African folk-tale based on the first published work by well-known South African writer, Marguerite Poland, Nqalu, the Mouse with No Whiskers, runs in the Playhouse Loft from March 15 to April 13.

The book has been adapted for the stage by Andrew Godbold with additional material and translation of certain passages into Zulu by Pillai Ngwenya.

Described as "a must for every child", the play has been directed by Bheki Mkhwane, who is well- loved by thou-sands of children for his performances with Ellis Pearson.

NEW COURSE

The department of drama and perfor-mance studies at the University of Natal, Durban, has introduced a two-semester course in arts administration and media management because of the increased na-tional priority given to these areas of art.

The course forms part of the post-graduate diploma in drama and perfor-mance studies and aims to develop the administration skills of graduates who intend pursuing careers in arts and theatre. It will also provide training to expand the skills of practitioners already involved or wishing to become involved in administration and management.

Course co-ordinators are Nicky du Plessis and Lucia Saks. More infor-mation from Clare Hull on 260-3134.

THEATRE CATS

This month's Playhouse Theatre Cats meeting for children (six to 12) takes place on March 29 in the Playhouse Alhambra Room from 10h30 and 13h00.

PRIVATE UNIVERSE

Private Universe

, written by John van der Ruit and directed by Claire Verstraete (both honours students at the University of Natal drama department), is a contemporary drama that explores family relationships.

Described as a subtle and entertaining blend of humour and tragedy, Private Universe is being presented in the University's Square Space Theatre on March 14 (12h15), March 16 (19h00) and then from March 17 to 19 (12h15).

All are welcome. Entrance is free.

CHASE ME, PLEASE

The departments of drama and enter-tainment technology of Techikon Natal present Chase me up Farndale Avenue s'il vous plait at The Courtyard Theatre, Mansfield Road, from March 1 to 8.

Directed by Jacky Vermaas, the play will appeal to those who have ever had anything to do with an amateur theatre production. The story deals with the Farndale Housing Estate Townswomen's Guild Dramatic Society who present an evening in gay Paree!

Book at Computicket or at the door. Phone 204-2532.

TRUTH OMISSIONS

Pieter-Dirk Uys's satirical and hilarious Truth Omissions opens in the Playhouse Opera on March 4 for six performances.

The production was hugely successful in London and Pieter-Dirk promises to take a jaundiced look at the Truth and Recon-ciliation Commission and "to rip off the masks of compassion and remorse and show the devils for what they are."

"There are issues which have been left out," he adds, "realities of the past that must also be addressed and with a good, solid dose of humour!"

DINNER TALK

Auditions are being be held for Mike van Graan's trilogy of two-handers, Dinner Talk, at the Playhouse Studio A1 on March 2 from 09h00 to 17h00.

Those wishing to audition must arrange a time with the show's director, Jay Pather, on 369-9428. The cast calls for African, Indian and white males in their 30's or early 40's and a white woman in her late 20's or early 30's.
Dinner Talk will be presented in the Sanlam Loft from May 14 to June 1.