A star-studded cast has been announced for a new Fugard Theatre production of Athol Fugard’s masterpiece Master Harold…And The Boys which marks the start of the Fugard Theatre’s 2020 season and tenth birthday year.

Presented by Eric Abraham and The Fugard Theatre’s Master Harold…And The Boys will run in the Fugard Studio Theatre from 4 February 2020. The production will be directed by the Fugard Theatre’s Artistic Director Greg Karvellas.

The cast features Kai Luke Brummer as Hally, Desmond Dube as Sam and Siya Mayola as Willy.

Brummer is the lead  in Oliver Hermanus’ new film Moffie, which was invited to the Venice and London International Film Festivals and has been critically acclaimed across Europe.

Dube is a much-loved actor and presenter on TV and film. He was last seen on the Fugard Theatre stage in the multiple award-winning musical King Kong, which earned him a Fleur du Cap Theatre Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical. He also performed in I See You, a co-production with The Royal Court and Market Theatre, for which he won a Naledi Theatre Award for Best Actor and was nominated for a Fleur du Cap Theatre award.

Mayola is a writer, director and producer with his own production company. He is a seasoned film and theatre actor, and has appeared in series such as SABC TV’s drama series, Amaza, Mzanzi Magic’s Isikizi, and kykNET’s Sara se Geheim.

Master Harold…And The Boys is written by Athol Fugard and directed by Greg Karvellas. Set Design and Lighting Design is by Wolf Britz, who recently received a Fiesta award nomination for his work on Statements After an Arrest Under the Immorality Act. Costume Design is by Widaad Albertus.

Master Harold…And The Boys is a compelling and masterful examination of the frailty of the human condition and how societal injustices force people into their prescribed roles. This production will be performed in The Fugard Studio Theatre from on Tuesday to Saturdays at 8pm with matinees on Saturday and Sundays at 3pm.

Tickets from R180 to R250 can be booked through The Fugard Theatre box office on 021 461 4554 or through The Fugard Theatre’s website at www.thefugard.com

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Winners of the 54th annual Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards were announced on Sunday 10 March 2019 at the Artscape Opera House in Cape Town.

For more than five decades the Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards, together with Fleur du Cap Wines, have been honouring excellence in theatre at this theatrical event that is a highlight of the Mother City’s cultural calendar.

A total of 87 diverse productions from the year under review were eligible for consideration. The awards, considered in 26 different categories, include an Award for Lifetime Achievement, which went to Saul Radomsky, and the Award for Innovation in Theatre which was handed to the Theatre Arts Admin Collective. These special awards were presented by the legendary David Kramer and trail-blazer Amy Jephta respectively. There was no Encore Award made this year.

The event was hosted in vintage style by Africa Melane who was supported by various co-presenters, all former recipients of the Award for Innovation in Theatre and the Encore Award: Ameera Conrad, Bongile Mantsai, Cleo Raatus, Hugo Theart, Jennie Reznek, Mandisi Sindo, Mandla Mbothwe, Marsanne Neethling, Megan Furniss, Paul Griffiths, Sihle Mnqwazana, Tankiso Mamabolo, Thami Mbongo and Zoleka Helesi. The glamorous audience included theatre-makers, producers, actors, past award recipients, dignitaries and Fleur du Cap wine brand representatives.

The awards ceremony was directed by Mbongeni N Mtshali, Fleur du Cap Theatre Award recipient for Best New Director in 2016. The entertainment on stage unfolded under the musical direction of José Dias, who performed together with Nomfundo Xaluva, Dr Dizu Plaatjies, Sibonele Dance Group, the Township Opera Company, the University of Stellenbosch Jazz Band and Zip Zap Circus.

The evening concluded in elegant style with guests enjoying a celebratory Fleur du Cap night cap and desserts.

The judging process for 2018 was chaired by non-voting chairperson, Melanie Burke, and the judges for the 2018 productions were Africa Melane, Dr Beverley Brommert, Eugene Yiga, Lwando Scott, Marina Griebenow, Maurice Carpede, Peggy Mongoato, Tracey Saunders and Dr Wayne Muller. Voting is done by secret ballot, and all processes are strictly overseen and audited by Distell Internal Audit and the legal firm Cluver Markotter Inc.

The full list of winners is as follows:

AWARD FOR MOST PROMISING STUDENT

Nancy Sekhokoane (AFDA)

BEST THEATRE PRODUCTION FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

Vlooi en die Musiekfabriek/Kipper and the Music Factory (Marinda Engelbrecht & Margit Meyer-Rödenbeck)

BEST NEW SOUTH AFRICAN SCRIPT

Kudu by Lwanda Sindaphi

BEST NEW DIRECTOR

Lwanda Sindaphi

BEST PERFORMANCE IN A REVUE, CABARET OR ONE-PERSON SHOW

Rehane Abrahams in Womb of Fire in Various Roles

BEST PERFORMANCE BY A SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL OR MUSIC THEATRE SHOW

Msizi Njapha in Tsotsi the Musical as Boston

BEST PERFORMANCE BY A SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL OR MUSIC THEATRE SHOW

Bethany Dickson in Matilda the Musical as Miss Honey

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ENSEMBLE

The cast of Kudu

BEST PERFORMANCE BY A LEAD ACTOR IN A MUSICAL OR MUSIC THEATRE SHOW

Ryan de Villiers in Matilda the Musical as Miss Trunchbull

BEST PERFORMANCE BY A LEAD ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL OR MUSIC THEATRE SHOW

Carmen Pretorius in The Sound of Music as Maria Rainer

BEST LIGHTING DESIGN

Gareth Hewitt Williams for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time

BEST SET DESIGN

Rob Howell for Matilda the Musical

BEST PUPPETRY DESIGN

Janni Younge for the Baby in Tsotsi the Musical

BEST COSTUME DESIGN

Andrea van der Kuil & Sue Steele for Curse of the Starving Class

BEST SOUND DESIGN, ORIGINAL MUSIC COMPOSITION OR ORIGINAL SCORE

Lukhanyiso Skosana for Womb of Fire for Original Music Performance

BEST PERFORMANCE IN AN OPERA – MALE

Bongani Kubheka in Don Pasquale as Don Pasquale

BEST PERFORMANCE IN AN OPERA – FEMALE

Janelle Visagie in La Voix Humaine as Elle

BEST PERFORMANCE BY A SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A PLAY

Richard September in Swerfgoed in Various Roles

BEST PERFORMANCE BY A SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A PLAY

Nicole Holm in Swerfgoed as Aegistha

BEST PERFORMANCE BY A LEAD ACTRESS IN A PLAY

Anna-Mart van der Merwe in Swerfgoed as Esta

BEST PERFORMANCE BY A LEAD ACTOR IN A PLAY

Andrew Buckland in Endgame as Hamm

BEST DIRECTOR

Sylvaine Strike for Endgame

BEST PRODUCTION

Endgame (Baxter Theatre & Derek Lubner)

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By David Simmons

Joburg Theatre is infused with bucket loads of wit and charm this March where Aunty Merle: The Musical has taken centre stage. Together with abundant local humour, local problems and some of the best one-liners on offer, audiences are in for a very special homegrown experience! Aunty Merle: The Musical is making its Johannesburg debut after two successful runs in Cape Town.

There is something quite remarkable about productions with an authentic feel, especially ones that represent people from each corner of society. We as an audience find solace when privy to stories that reflect and mimic one’s own life and inner feelings, making ones theatrical experience all the more worthwhile. If there was ever a time where humour in our country is most needed, Aunty Merle: The Musical sets the standard for huge comedic relief, igniting a warm and welcoming energy to the stage.

This family inspired musical, straight from the heart of Cape Town’s bustling Athlone has a certain tenderness to it, yet at the same time exudes strong themes with equally strong characters who make sure their stories are told in the best possible light. Aunty Merle Abrahams is no stranger to Cape Town, and for those who have enjoyed her antics over the years will find her anecdotes and comedy prowess all the more appealing.

Merle, or as she is commonly referred to as Athlone’s Rose is in fact the brain child of Marc Lottering and one could say his alter ego. She has been part of Marc’s one man shows for many years and although she may have aged ever so slightly, she is still a force to be reckoned with. Lottering is almost unrecognisable as Merle who epitomises the true characteristics of a typical house wife on Belgravia Road in Cape Town.

There is gossip aplenty at the Abrahams resident, especially with Merle’s faithful neighbour Soraya, portrayed by Carmen Maarman and housekeeper/friend Lidia depicted by Tankiso Mamabolo who’s vocal talents are worthy of praise. Royston Stoffels acts as Merle’s husband Dennis whose affection for his wife is loving and kind-heated. Their Son Carl, coming to terms with his own sexuality is sensitively performed by Anzio September whose character effortlessly has the knack of letting go of his past and enter into a new phase of openness and self -realisation.

Merle’s daughter Abigail Abrahams, played by the enormously talented Tracey-Lee Rose, has just been proposed to by her long-time boyfriend Alan White, a wonderful performance by Paul Du Toit. Abigail and Alan come from different spectrums of life, and with the usual stereotypes of mixed marriages and social standing long forgotten, there is not an inch of doubt that these two are destined to be together.

Alan’s wealthy family from Bantry Bay together with the Abrahams clan are both welcoming of each other even though their opinion and ideals are disagreeable at times. The fast-paced scenes with Merle and Claire bantering over wedding plans together with Dennis and David’s interaction is a joy to watch creating a very interesting family dynamic.

Gina Shmukler and Adrian Galley give a wonderful charm to Claire and David White, Alan’s parents. Claire can’t wait to have ’exotic’ grandchildren however makes it perfectly clear that they are not allowed to call her ‘Ouma’! No story is complete without its resident villain who just so happens to be Abigails Ex, Denver, and a slimy and slippery character brought to life by Loukmaan Adams whose shared secret with Abigail he threatens to leak.

Directed by Lara Foot with music written by Marc Lottering and Tarryn Lamb, this wonderfully diverse musical in essence is all about acceptance and understanding and most importantly how we embrace it. Together with a phenomenal 7 piece band on stage don’t miss this proudly South African experience!

Aunty Merle The Musical will be running at the Joburg theatre until Sunday the 3^rd of March 2019.

The post Aunty Merle: The Musical appeared first on Stage and Screen.

With thanks to our friends in the Theatre Business, who is bringing Marc Lottering’s Aunty Merle; The Musical to the Mandela Stage of the Joburg Theatre, we are giving away 2 Double Tickets to the 20:00 Performance of this true Cape Townian Production, on Wednesday, 20 February 2019,

Popular comedian, Marc Lottering’s most beloved alter ego, Aunty Merle Abrahams sashays onto the stage for the first time in Johannesburg with Aunty Merle, The Musical, after a Christmas and New Years run in Cape Town.

Written by comedian, Marc Lottering and directed by Lara Foot, the show has received four Fleur du Cap nominations and has already enjoyed two sell-out seasons in Cape Town to rave reviews.

Aunty Merle; The Musical Competition is now closed.

Please Note:

1. This competition Closes on Friday, 15 February 2019.
2. Tickets are only valid for the specified dates and performance times.
3. Seat allocations are up to the discretion of the promoters.
4. Tickets may not be upgraded, or exchanged for cash, or for alternate performances.
5. Each Prize comprises of two tickets per winner
6. No-Shows will not receive replacement tickets.
7. By entering this competition, the participant agrees to the terms and conditions.
8. Prizes does not include accommodation and / or travel to and from the event.
9. Winners will be notified by mail.
10. One Entry per Email Address will be entered into the draw.

The post Win Tickets to Aunty Merle: The Musical appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Popular comedian, Marc Lottering’s most beloved alter ego, Aunty Merle Abrahams sashays onto the stage for the first time in Johannesburg with Aunty Merle, The Musical, after a Christmas and New Years run in Cape Town.

Written by comedian, Marc Lottering and directed by Lara Foot, the show has received four Fleur du Cap nominations and has already enjoyed two sell-out seasons in Cape Town to rave reviews.

High drama unfolds in Belgravia Road, Athlone, as Merle’s daughter, Abigail, announces her engagement to her boyfriend, Alan.  As Merle puts it: “He’s a good looking white chap!”  But it’s never smooth-sailing in the world of musicals when Abigail’s twisted and corrupt ex, Denver Paulse – who holds a dodgy top job with the SABC – is determined to get her back – and if not, threatens to reveal a very dark secret which is bound to tear the lovers apart.

Aunty Merle, The Musical boasts a talented South African cast including Marc Lottering as Aunty Merle, Tracey-Lee Oliver as Abigail, Paul du Toit as Alan, Loukmaan Adams as Denver Paulse, with a stellar support cast including Royston Stoffels, Tankiso Mamabolo, Gina Shmukler, Adrian Galley, Carmen Maarman, Zandile Madliwa, Sizwesandile Mnisi, Anzio September, Crystal Finck and Tashreeq de Villiers- accompanied by a live 8-piece band

Twenty-two original songs, with lyrics by Marc Lottering and Tarryn Lamb; musical direction by Alistair Izobel and choreography by Grant Van Ster, have earned the cast thunderous standing ovations.

Aunty Merle – The Musical

Cape Town

Baxter Theatre

3 December 2018 to 5 January 2019.

Tickets from R135 and available from mwww.baxter.co.za

Suitable for all ages (no under 3’s).

Johannesburg

Joburg Theatre

1 February 2019 to 3 March 2019

Tickets from R145 and available from www.joburgtheatre.com.

Suitable for all ages (no under 3’s).

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We are pleased to give away two double tickets to the Opening night of Tshepang, The Third Testament, to be held at Joburg Theatre’s Fringe Theatre on Thursday, 18 October 2018.

Written and directed by Lara Foot and based on a devastating true story, the multi award-winning production Tshepang: The Third Testament comes to The Fringe at Joburg Theatre from 16 to 28 October, starring the original cast. Drawing on a South African style of story-telling, combining striking visual imagery with magic realism, Mncedisi Shabangu reprises his role as Simon and Nonceba Constance Didi plays Ruth in this haunting and uplifting story of redemption.

Shabangu, renowned for his unique style of physical theatre, received the 2003 Fleur du Cap Best Actor award for his performance, while the simplicity and symbolism of Gerhard Marx’s designs create an evocative backdrop for Foot’s critically-acclaimed work.

This Competition is now Closed

Please Note:

1. Competition Closes on Thursday, 11 October 2018.
2. Tickets are only valid for the specified dates and performance times.
3. Seat allocations are up to the discretion of the promoters.
4. Tickets may not be upgraded, or exchanged for cash, or for alternate performances.
5. The prize comprises of two tickets per prize winner.
6. No-Shows will not receive replacement tickets.
7. By entering this competition, the participant agrees to the terms and conditions.
8. Prizes does not include accommodation and / or travel to and from the event.
9. Winners will be notified by mail.
10. One Entry per Email Address will be entered into the draw

The post Win Tickets to Tshepang appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Written and directed by Lara Foot and based on a devastating true story, the multi award-winning production Tshepang: The Third Testament comes to The Fringe at Joburg Theatre from 16 to 28 October, starring the original cast. Drawing on a South African style of story-telling, combining striking visual imagery with magic realism, Mncedisi Shabangu reprises his role as Simon and Nonceba Constance Didi plays Ruth in this haunting and uplifting story of redemption.

Shabangu, renowned for his unique style of physical theatre, received the 2003 Fleur du Cap Best Actor award for his performance, while the simplicity and symbolism of Gerhard Marx’s designs create an evocative backdrop for Foot’s critically-acclaimed work.

Tshepang has won numerous awards, including the Critics Circle Award in Montreal and the Best New South African Play and Best Actor at the Fleur du Cap Awards in SA. It has toured Germany and Switzerland, as well as playing in New York, Edinburgh, London, Brisbane, Stockholm and Amsterdam. Published in English and Zulu, it has been performed in prisons and rural settlements throughout SA.

Joburg Theatre offers a range of affordable ticket options for Tshepang, including R40 tickets for the first preview, 11:00 schools performances when all seats are R70 and evening performances at just R150.

Tshepang; The Third Testament

The Fringe at Joburg Theatre

16 – 28 October 2018

Tickets from R40 to R150

Book now: At Joburg Theatre Box Office; or tel. 0861 670 670; or online at www.joburgtheatre.com or www.webtickets.co.za

Please note the production, which runs for 80 minutes without an interval, carries an age restriction of PG 15.

Keep up to date with Joburg Theatre on Facebook.com/joburgtheatre, @JoburgTheatre #Tshepang or online at www.joburgtheatre.com

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