SHAKESPEARE'S HAMLET

The next meeting of the KZN branch of the Shakespeare Society takes place on July 12 at 18h00 for theshowing of Hamlet (reduced from its four-hour duration on the circuit to two-hours).

Details from Hildé Slinger on 25-7893

VITA THEATRE AWARDS

This month the FNB Vita Theatre awards will honour KZN dramatic talent. (Results came in just beforedeadline so we're only able to carry basic infor-mation. See next issue for full details):

Best production: Solomon's Pride, Sitting around the Fire, Ouma Ossewania Praat Vuil, Live fromBoerassic Park and The Glass Menagerie.

Best lead actor: Bheki Khabela, Bheki Mkhwane, Thami S'Khosana, Bhekani Shabalala and Pieter-DirkUys.

Best lead actress: Heidi Edeling, Leonie le Roux, Susan Monteregge, Philippa Savage and CrystalTryon.

Supporting: Mvuselelo Buthelezi, Daryl Fuchs, Sean Pieterse, Duncan Royce, Lisa Bobbert, LindelaniMkhize, Pinky Mtshali and Taryn Sudding.

New actor/actress: Bheki Khabela, S'Duduzo Khawula, Leonie le Roux, Thami S'khosana and BhekaniShabalala.

Best director: Greig Coetzee, Tina Johnson, Bheki Mkhwane, Pieter Scholtz and Pieter-Dirk Uys.

Best script: Lueen Conning, Bheki Mkhwane, Pieter-Dirk Uys and Mike van Graan.

Set design: Peter Court, Bheki Mkhwane, James MacNamara and Sarah Roberts. Costume: MargoFleisch, Bheki Mkhwane and Pieter-Dirk Uys. Lighting: Peter Court, Joe Friedman and Glen Olsen.Best comedy performance: Duncan Royce and Pieter-Dirk Uys.

STARCHILD

Inspired by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's book The Little Prince, the Creative Madness Puppet Companyhas re-told the classic story, translated from it's native French, in Starchild.

Directed by Peter Court with incidential music by Anthony Stonier, the play con-centrates on theStarchild's departure from his planet, his arrival on earth and his ensuing adventures. Well-known actorStephen Gurney plays the pilot who crash-lands in the Sahara desert. Also in the cast are BelindaHenwood and Shireen James with Philippa Savage pro-viding the voice of the Starchild.

Starchild runs at Kwasuka Theatre until July 18. Performances are Tuesday to Friday at 14h30 withshows at 19h00 from Wednesday to Saturday.

Tickets R20 (children R15). Book at Computicket or phone 309-2236.

A COLOURED PLACE

If you missed Lueen Conning's highly successful one woman show, A Coloured Place, on its twoprevious appearances in Durban, then now's your chance as the Playhouse Company proudly welcomesit back for a third season in the Sanlam Loft from July 23 to August 16.

Directed by Tina Johnson, FNB Vita nominee Crystal Tryon repeats her fine performance in thispoignant, compas-sionate and often extremely funny explo-ration of the issue of identity of `colou-red'women in the `new' South Africa.

Chrystal recently appeared in Aladdin and The Spicy Chicks.

POT 'O LUCK

Running at Kwasuka Theatre, Stamford Hill Road, every Saturday at 14h30 is Pot 'o Luck. This playfor young audiences is written and directed by Patrick Collyer and is all about a rogue (Getaway Danplayed by Donald Mathavha) who wants to be the meanest man in the world. The famed pot o' luck willsecure his wildest dreams.

He engages the services of former felon, Rhonda the "Rhyme" Queen (Catherine Farren), to do his dirtywork for him.

Rhonda, however, is being hotly pursued by bumbling detectives Caroline Palmer as "Nosey" Nellie andPatrick Collyer as Inspector Solvit.

Book at Computicket or at the theatre on 309-2236.

CHARLIE'S CHOCOLATES

Adapted from the famous book by Roald Dahl, the Performing Arts Centre of Education's (PACE)presentation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a colourful story including song and dance whichbrings to life the Dahl's characters which are loved by children worldwide.

The show runs in the Playhouse Studio on July 23, 24 and 25 at 19h30 and July 26 at 18h00, withmatineés at 14h30 on July 24 and 25.

TWO CLOWNS

Anthony Stonier and Heather Barclay-Whiffin, well-known for their roles in Playhouse Cellar showssuch as Sinderella and Aladdin, have combined forces to offer two educational pro-grammes for primaryschool pupils.

The Clown Who Couldn't tells of two youngsters who want to be clowns while Caught In a Vice is aboutthe adventures of a girl who tries to save her country from her wicked stepmother.

Dance and drama specialist Heather also performs as Dilly the Clown and has been involved ineducational theatre since 1987. Apart from his stage perfor-mances, Anthony has produced originalsoundtracks for both the Playhouse Puppet Company and mainstream drama and musical productions.

Anyone wishing to book for the school programmes should phone Heather on 282-2986 or cell 082 461-2549.

OPEN AIR THEATRE

The Pieter Scholtz Open Air Theatre at the University of Natal is an under-utilised venue which mainlyhosts pro-ductions by the department of drama.

This amphitheatre-styled venue offers a perfect platform for theatre, particularly at night when it takeson a captivating atmosphere as cleverly-placed lighting illuminates the surrounding trees and shrubs.

The theatre was opened in 1968 with a production of Twelfth Night directed by Pieter Scholtz and onopening night, there was a magnificent full moon!

And who could forget the 1969 premiere of Welcome Msomi's Umabatha (the Zulu Macbeth) directedby Pieter Scholtz and produced under the auspices of Professor Elizabeth Sneddon? Umabatha and theOpen Air were a perfect marriage, with warriors lurking in the bushes and ghosts and witches appearingout of the darkness.

Hiring rates are reasonable. For more information, phone the department of drama on 260-3133.

PLAYHOUSE DRAMA

With the Playhouse having disbanded all its artistic companies, there is a strong misconception thatnothing's happening at the complex. Nothing could be further from the truth, especially with regards tothe drama department.

The schools' touring programme, Macbeth Special Report, John Vlismas's Man in Black and EllisPearson and Bheki Mkwane's Holy Moses and Squawk had extremely good runs.

In July there's The Sun Splinter and A Coloured Place followed by Armed Responz and Gandhi (withits original cast from India) in August. This will be followed by A Bracelet from the Raj in Septemberas well as The Collector and Die Laaste Strooi in October.

SCHLESINGER NEWS

The Schlesinger Theatre at Michaelhouse is proud to host the 50-member Wellington College Orchestrafrom the United Kingdom in concert on July 26 at 19h00.

The comedy drama, The Final Cut, will have a short run on July 24 and 25 after its return fromGrahamstown.

For details, contact theatre director Angus Douglas on (033) 234-1040 (h) or (033) 234-4110 (o). Ore-mail: postmaster@mhs.kzn.school.za

SUN SPLINTER

Just one of the three productions in which director Peter Court is involved in this month is The SunSplinter, a modern fairytale suitable for children aged four and upwards. Peter, well-known for his showsRainbow and Beauty and the Beast, has written this play which is running in the Playhouse's SanlamLoft until July 18.

Greg King, former puppet master and designer of the disbanded Playhouse Puppet Company, hasdesigned the sets, puppets and masks.

Using an exciting combination of puppets, masks and mime, The Sun Splinter will be performed byformer PPC puppeteers, Pillai Ngwenya, Dudu Mngadi and Philippa Savage.

The story deals with an evil enchantress who destroys the sun, plunging the world into eternal night andreleasing the powers of darkness. The young child Sankelisiwe is intent on saving her village from thewicket enchantress and with her best friend, Byron, they save the planet by collecting fragments of thesun while bravely overcoming personal fears and age-old superstitions.

The Sun Splinter uses elements from several traditional Southern African tales and offers an ideal wayto keep young-sters entertained this July holiday.

THEATRE CATS

Children between the ages of six and 12 can be introduced to the joys of theatre in a fun way with thePlayhouse Theatre Cats. Membership is R50 per annum and meetings are usually held on the lastSaturday of the month in the Playhouse

Alhambra Room from 10h30 and 13h00 (July 25). Details from Sharlene Moodley on 369-9488.

CANINE CAPERS

Once again The Animal Farm teams up with Actors' Co-Operative to present a slapstick, fast-moving funshow. Until July 12, the Fairy Tale Theatre will host Doggy Stories, a zany, one-hour comedy devisedto entertain youngsters while providing humour for their parents.

Geared for the 12 and under age group, the one-hour show contains a valuable lesson about caring forpets. It's about the friendship between a homeless young girl, Lucy Anne, and an affectionate, wanderinglittle dog, Itchie.

Tickets at R15 (adult or child). To book phone 262-6825. Advance booking at Computicket and ticketsalso available at the door. Performances Mondays to Fridays (11h00), Saturdays (11h00 and 14h00) andSundays (13h00).

SHAKESPEAREANS!

Winners of last month's inter-schools Shakespeare Quiz which formed part of the National CreativeYouth Arts Festival were Ingrid Bosch, Premola Naidoo and Karen Stander from Westville Girls' HighSchool. They each win a return air ticket to London!

JUST ONE OF THE GANG

While his name may not mean much to the average Durban theatre audience member, Mike Jackson willhave had a strong influence on virtually every production put on at the Playhouse in the last 26 years.

Now retired as the director of technical services for the Playhouse Company, British-born Mike Jacksonjoined the well-known London Boy Scout Gang Show when he was a youngster and performed on manyoccasions on BBC TV, ITV and ATV networks. He also worked with such legendary showbiz names asHarry Secombe, Tommy Copper, Ronnie Corbett, Spike Milligan and the Crazy Gang as well as MaxBygraves, Tommy Steele, Vera Lynn and Anna Neagle.

CLOWNS & FISH

Fun, learning and audience participation are the basis of two new shows by actress and magicianne AdiPaxton.

Offering Clown and Flying Fish on the fringe festival, Adi places her popular character Cherry theClown in a new adventure, inviting children to help bring a Chaplinesque character clown to life.

Flying Fish is aided by balloon animals, puppets, crazy props and a little magic.

One of Durban's busiest performers, Adi recently became the second woman to obtain full membershipof the South African Magical Society.

THE FINAL CUT

Tamar Meskin, John van de Ruit and Ben Voss appear in the comedy drama, The Final Cut, on thefringe thanks to sponsorship from MTN.

Set at Kingsmead cricket stadium, it takes a peek at the people behind cricket: the spectators,commentators, umpires and players. There are two spectators, one South African and one Australian, whomeet each other in the crowd and strike up an unlikely relationship.

The Final Cut is booked to perform at Michaelhouse on July 24 and 25.

SPUDZ AHOY!

Produced by e-mail, that's how Spudz - the Trader of the Last Artappel came to fruition. Peter Larlham,professor of theatre studies at San Diego University and Durban's Ellis Pearson last worked together over15 years ago in Pieter Scholtz's production, Andorrah, when Peter and Margaret Larlham were stilllecturers in the University of Natal's speech and drama department.

Ideas for the show grew via e-mail and, both highly imaginative and creative spirits, Peter and Ellis haveinspanned Peter's son Daniel to make up the third cast member of this madcap tale of pota-toes thatthreaten the world. They play an action team of mavericks who are called in to solve the situation.Margaret flies in to add final direction just before the production goes to Grahamstown. Just as well,because with three off-the-wall senses of humour, Spudz could accelerate into a three-hour epic!

Daniel's sister, Emily, is wisely staying out of theatre and is studying for a BA Hons in fine art at theSlade University College in London.

GRAHAMSTOWN FRINGE FESTIVAL

KZN will be well represented on the Standard Bank National Arts Festival fringe festival this year, eachproduction hoping to attract critical acclaim as well as good audiences, thus making enough money topay for mounting and transporting their particular shows as well as boosting the coffers for futureproductions back home.

At this time of the year, Grahamstown is definitely where it's at in the arts and culture world! Predictionsare that the weather may be kind. Let's hope so but it's advisable to pack woollies, hot water bottles andthermal underwear, just in case. When the wind howls around the Monument, it's enough to make astrong warrior quake! Layered clothing is the answer.

CABARET

Lisa Bobbert and Aaron McIlroy (plus baby!) are presenting their popular Sex Bugs and Rock `n Roll.Aaron appears with Pinky Mtshali in Abba Maniacs and Spicy Chicks features Kate Bruce and CrystalTryon. Aaron's dad, Damien, offers his appealing Damien Blarney.

Peter Mitchell of the Hexagon Theatre in Pietermaritzburg directs Under Paris Skies, in which HelenVermaak sings well-loved French cabaret numbers, and You Must Remember This, a nostalgic collectionof golden oldies. Two other shows that he has directed are Sentimental Journey, a variety of popularlove songs, and Unforgettable: A Tribute to the Music of Nat King Cole.

Also from Pietermaritzburg, Robert-Ian Caldwell presents Well Goodness Gracious Me, true anecdotesfrom the career and life of a doctor.

CHILDREN'S THEATRE

There's much to entertain children. Adi Paxton, or `Cherry the Clown', is a festival regular (see separatestory). Jean Strange presents Alexy's Galaxies, an adventure in space, Faces for Africa, a series ofAfrican animal tales, and the marionette show Slimey's Circus Adventure.

COMEDY/DRAMA

Aldo Brincat offers Arnie's outrageous Rise, Moron Than Off and Two Green Men, with AtholHenderson.

Patrick Kenny appears in The Cunning Linguist II, while Underdog Productions present The Final Cut(see separate story). Catherine Mace's One Reel Short has a large helping of Chaplin humour. Thiscontrasts sharply with her dramatic one-woman show, The Chosen and The Last Tango in Heaven inwhich she per-forms with Calli Denton.

Ellis Pearson and Bheki Mkhwane offer their hilarious Squawk and Ellis also appears with Peter andDaniel Larlham in Spudz - Traders of the Last Aardappel (see separate story). Bheki performs his one-man show, Solomon's Pride.

The award-winning Actors Co-Operative offer Trouble with Women and multiple award-winner GreigCoetzee's Blue Period of Milton Van Der Spuy is bound to be an attraction.

Directed by Caroline Duck Spit or Swallow looks at the lives of four women while Brenda Lauth directsBelinda Harward in Veil of Disgrace - The History of Maud Allan.

MUSIC/MUSIC THEATRE

David Marks and Alan Judd present folk-country-rock songs in Hidden Years (see separate article).Madoda Ncayiyana directs the provocative Bheka Ngapha (what do you say).

MOBILE THEATRE

The Playhouse Company's Transnet Truck is a fully-fitted travelling theatre designed to stageperformances of dance, drama and music at schools, communities, festivals or shopping centresthroughout KZN.

The truck's multi-functional nature also allows it to serve as a platform for promotional and marketingactivities. At 13 metres in length, the truck features a stage which opens out from one side of the vehicleand has a dressing room for quick changes by performers. Included in the package are stage managers,a driver and a sound engineer.

Muntu Nkwanyana, Khetho Mathonsi, Mthokozisi Mahlobo, Thulani Cele, Petros Duma and ArmstrongDuma are closely involved with the Transnet truck and are committed to ensure professio-nalpresentation.

Anyone wanting to hire the truck should contact Githa Pather on 369-9464.

STUDENT DRAMA

No fewer than fifteen student productions will be presented at the festival, with tertiary theatre traininginstitutions across the country presenting genres ranging from cabaret to classical, and comedy to drama.There is a strong contingent from KZN.

Spüg, written and directed by Gavin R Baker of the University of Zululand, looks at the union of Marsand Venus in search of Utopia.

University of Natal, Durban, presents a double bill with a focus on gender and power. Krijay Govenderlooks at the suppression of South African Indian women in Women in Brown to reveal some "truthsbehind the sari" while Zöe Parker's stand-up comedy Hooters involves "A-lips, B-tits, C-hips and D-power".