Editorial

EDITORIAL

Music, music and yet more music - there's a veritable feast on the cards, particularly in the musical theatre line. Jazz is prominent, with the Durban Hilton launching a 12-week season and the University of Natal's Jazz Centre hosting international artists. The KZN Philharmonic Orchestra's season is in full swing and there's also a marionette opera.

The visual arts scene this month definitely belongs to one of South Africa's most dis-tinguished artists, Azaria Mbatha, with three galleries displaying his work.

For dance lovers, this month's highlight will be the FNB Vita Dance Shongololo which always attracts interesting and challenging pieces.

There's a new director and a new restaurant at the BAT Centre; some of the country's finest stand-up comedians share the stage with international colleagues; Durban plays host to the Copenhagen Chamber Choir, and a new baroque orchestra is formed. And Kwasuka Theatre, which now considers itself `real cool', hosts a playwright festival!

Last month's splendid launch of the Fantastic Flying Fish Dance Company gave audiences a taste of what to expect from this new company; the Hilton Festival notched up another great success, and the National Creative Arts Youth Festival's art exhibition produced a high standard of work.

The bad news - well, there has to be SOME - is that Durban Arts membership fees have to be increased very shortly, so if your membership is due or you need to renew, do it soon or you'll have to pay more! Why not do your Christmas shopping now and buy subscriptions as gifts? They're a real bargain - and last the whole year through!