NEWS

NEWS FROM MURRAY

"I do so enjoy reading D'ARTS on the web," says Murray McGibbon, referring to the Internet issues of D'ARTS. He is currently lecturing in the Department of Theatre and drama at Indiana University in the United States.

He sent us news of his latest production, Kindertransport which opened recently amid much excitement. "Part of the reason for this," he writes, "is that we are using new computerised sound equip- ment for the first time in the US - a new system designed here in Bloomington - out of this world and utterly amazing.

"The lighting is far and away the best I have seen - also designed on computer by the designer and me, in a lab, and then rigged according to the computer generation."

What appears to happen is that the lighting guru engineer creates a model of the set on computergraphix and then he and Murray sculpt the set with light on the screen.

"Of course you can play amazingly and create unbelievable effects with the click of the mouse! Once done, the computer plots, angles, positions, intensities, timing, etc. and hey presto, everything you saw on screen, now happens magically on the stage.

"The sound system is beyond my com-prehension, but is also operated with a clickless mouse, utterly silent, and God's answer to the clickless tape recorder. All the sounds are loaded into the sound card of a specially designed AppleMac, and are then enhanced, distorted, whatever ... by the computer.

A "thing" similar to a DX7 can be plugged in, and music automatically recorded into the computer. Then one flips through the machine's resources and what was just played in can be automa-tically orchestrated for any musical instrument or instruments! Amazing!" Apparently the system's designer intends to market the product worldwide, once refinements have been made.

You can write to Murray McGibbon, 1200 Rolling Ridge Way, #1204, Bloomington IN 47403, United States of America.

WALTER MEYER

The NSA Gallery in Bulwer Park will host a solo exhibition by South African artist Walter Meyer from March 16 to April 3. Walter Meyer is well-known for his paintings depicting the South African landscape in which the viewer finds more than meets the camera's eye.

MARITZBURG MARKET

The Maritzburg Arts and Crafts Market has added a new `fine arts' section to this popular market which concentrates on genuine craft items. Its ambience and quality puts it as one of the top craft markets in the country.

It is held on the first Sunday of every month in the scenic surroundings of Alexandra Park in Pietermaritzburg - next dates are March 2 and April 6.

For details phone or fax 0331: 65055.

FRINGE CLOSING

Artists wishing to take part on the Fringe of the 1997 Standard Bank National Arts Festival have until April 2 to submit their entries. Organised by the Grahams-town Foundation, the festival takes place from July 3 to 13.

For unknown talent, this could be the start of a rise to fame, while more esta-blished artists can showcase their latest work. As South Africa's premier cultural event, the festival offers a chance to be seen by local and overseas journalists, festival and theatre directors and a myriad other arts representatives.

Fringe Days have been organised in the major centres where Fringe Manager Carl Johnson will be available to assist all would-be entrants with their queries, particularly `first-timers'.

Carl will be in Durban at the BAT Centre on March 6 from 12h15 to 17h30. These informal forums are open to all and offer an opportunity to obtain any needed information. They operate on a first-come, first-serve basis and artists can hand in registration forms then.

For entry forms and further information write to the Festival Office, Grahams-town Foundation, PO Box 304, Grahamstown, 6140. Phone (0461) 24341 or fax (0461) 23082.

R31 MILLION

Ronnie Govender's The Great R31 Million Robbery opens in the Playhouse Drama on April 9. Special matinŠe performances will be held at 14h30 on Saturdays and Sundays.