PEOPLE

JACKIE CUNNIFFE

Jackie Cunniffe is the new manager of the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, replacing Lynda Nicholls who has gone to the UK.

Jackie is no stranger to the theatre, having worked there in a temporary capacity in 1988 with Themi Venturas.

The Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre forms part of the University of Natal's drama department and Jackie will work closely with Adriaan Donker, director of the Centre for the Creative Arts (the theatre itself), and Dr Mervyn McMurtry who is head of the drama department.

Working in a theatrical environment since 1986 when she joined the Play-house as an assistant sound technician, Jackie then studied a Bachelor of Arts degree through UNISA majoring in Psy-chology and Communication, graduating Cum Laude in 1990. In between she has studied, travelled extensively and done freelance work for people like Ron Selby and Richard Loring.

EXPERIENCE

"Although my experience in theatre has been predominantly in the field of sound," says Jackie, "I also produced a musical review entitled The Piano Men in 1994 which enjoyed successful seasons at various venues around the country." Jackie is currently in her second year of study for a master's degree in business administration which she hopes will assist in her new position.

One of the major needs at the moment, Jackie feels, is to extend the Sneddon's technical facilities, making it more attractive to outside hirers. Other improvements planned are hand-railings and facilities for the disabled as well as better access from the top parking area.

GREIG COETZEE

We told you many issues of D'ARTS ago that Greig Coetzee was an actor to watch and he's proving us right!

Talent watchers began sitting up and taking notice when Greig wrote and appeared in his one-man show, White Men with Weapons, directed by Garth Anderson. At-times hard-hitting or poignant, it's mostly bitingly funny.

The play has earned Greig a nomination for a Fleur du Cap Best Actor award. Greig will be attending Die Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunsterfees where he appears on the main festival programme doing four performances of White Men With Weapons from April 4.

Further afield, a South African drama festival is being prepared by the Lincoln Centre in New York in July and Greig is one of several Durban actors being considered to appear in this festival.

At present Greig is working on his new play The Blue Period of Milton van der Spuy which Garth Anderson will be directing towards the end of the year for the festival circuit.

NICOLE'S AWARD

Durban dancer Nicole Westdyk was recently invited to Buckingham Palace with her partner, Matthew Cutler, to receive an award from Queen Elizabeth.

This was the prestigious Carl Allan award in recognition of their contribution to Latin-American dancing. Nicole and Matthew recently gained fourth place in the world amateur Latin-American championships and are regular finalists in top international events.

GLORIA ESTEFAN

Top singing star Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine, who have sold 45 million albums worldwide, will play Kings Park Stadium on March 20.



ANGELA LARDANT

When the Siwela Sonke Dance Theatre celebrates its official launch on April 19 included in its ranks will be its newest member, Angela Lardant (22).

Angela has been an ad-hoc member of the company for most of 1996 and holds advanced qualifications in both ballet and modern dance along with grade 5 in Spanish dancing.

She participated in the then Napac's ballet scholarship classes and has gained a National Ballet Diploma from Pretoria Technikon. She has danced at Arts Alive and in the FNB Vita Dance Umbrella in Johannesburg.

Angela also featured in the 1995 World Cup Rugby closing ceremony and has danced in local cabaret and on an overseas cruise-liner.

GEORGE MSIMANG

An ongoing research project on the artist, George Msimang, has been initiated by the University of Natal's fine art and history of art department in Pietermaritzburg.

The project is headed by a fourth-year student, Thulani Makhaye, and departmental staff.

Thulani says "We are focusing on the artist and would like any information either about him or his work. Especially, we would like to document and photo-graph any of his work in private collec-tions in Durban and elsewhere."

Collectors are asked to contact Juliette Leeb-du Toit and Thulani Makyaye on fax no (0331) 260-5599 or telephone (0331) 260-5603/260-70.