Journey Beyond is an extraordinary artistic collaboration between Zip Zap Circus and the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra.  After 2 immensely successful runs in Cape Town in 2017 and 2018, Journey Beyond will be performed for the first time ever at the Joburg Theatre in September, as part of Heritage month.  Journey Beyond artfully blends mesmerising choreographed circus acts with orchestral masterpieces, amplified by soloist Zolani Mahola from Freshlyground.  This Symphonic Circus will captivate, thrill and transcend audiences beyond their imaginations.

Zip Zap Circus School began their journey in 1992 from humble beginnings and inspired by a daring dream.  To use circus performing art as a powerful tool for social transformation, youth empowerment and community upliftment.  Today, they perform 65 shows nationally every year, have undertaken 30 world tours, gained local and global recognition and impact 2000 youth each year through their free social programmes.  Many of their students have joined the world stage as professional performers.

The Johannesburg Youth Orchestra is a full symphonic orchestra comprising of entirely children playing stringed, wind and percussion instruments. Established in 1976, they are acclaimed throughout the city and further afield, providing training and performance opportunities for over 600 young people.  Several young musicians who graduated from this project now work with the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra.

Both non-profit organisations, this is a pioneering collaboration that merges world-class circus acts with classical orchestral renditions on one stage to create magic.

These are ordinary children who through sheer determination and hours of hard work have augmented enormous talent.  This showcase is an exploration of talent that is set to break all boundaries, free the imagination and instil belief that those who dare to dream can transcend their social circumstances.  This show is a celebration of the heritage of all South Africans.

What makes this partnership even more remarkable is that the different elements of the production will rehearse independently at their home bases. The directors then have just two days in Johannesburg to bring the unique elements of the show together and create a spectacular event.

Audiences can expect to be taken on a mesmerising musical and visual journey that pushes boundaries and reaches a crescendo of classical entertainment.   A talented group of circus dare devils will jump, fly and soar effortlessly through the air in gravity-defying aerials and extraordinary acrobatics. The captivating beauty of these daring acts will be performed in concert with stirring symphonic performances and the hypnotic voices of Zolani Mahola and soprano, Zita Pretorius. This is what one can expect at Journey Beyond.

Journey Beyond – Symphonic Circus will be performing at the Johannesburg Theatre on Friday 20, Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 September.

Visit Joburg Theatre’s website for more info.

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In 2017, RADA sought out to record an album of cover songs sung by South Africa’s top musicians. What came out of it was more than just an album. RADA created a movement. RADA Inspire. Using music as a vehicle for change, RADA released, to critical acclaim, a power anthem featuring 31 of South Africa’s top artists titled We Stand Together.  This new Album is available on all digital platforms.

RADA Inspire was launched in March 2018, by the non-profit organization to create a shift in perspective. The aim was to show people that change doesn’t necessarily require physical or monetary effort, but can be brought about by a shift in mind-set and a move towards positive and meaningful living, using the slogan: Be the Way. Be the Change. One day at a time.

Taking the message to the streets in a new and dynamic way, RADA undertook an unprecedented ten month campaign, creating awareness and on-the-ground engagement through various activations and initiatives. These included highlighting issues around taxi and road user awareness, bullying in schools and the workplace, negativity in the service industry, recognizing the need for extra humanitarian care and more.

Throughout 2018, RADA Inspire was featured in numerous publications including Country Life, Essentials Magazine, Living and Loving, Your Family, Food and Home, as well as in-depth monthly coverage on Stage and Screen.  Their Campaigns also featured on television with inserts on Expresso Morning Show on SABC 3 and the Afrikaans music programme Kliphard on SABC 2.

With such a successful movement in 2018, RADA has decided to turn RADA Inspire into an annual campaign, because we realise that change is a lifelong endeavor that comes about through consistent renewing of the mind daily. RADA Inspire will continue in March 2019 with the same ten month campaign, only bigger and better.

RADA will continue to use music to bring the message of positive change to the world with the eventual release of the RADA Inspire album, additional music videos and singles featuring South African talent. RADA will also continue to seek out new artists through the RADA Unearthed project, assisting musicians in their career and using the arts as a medium to communicate the RADA Inspire message.

RADA Inspire Forecast for 2019:

March – Taxi and Road Rage Awareness Month

April – Service Industry Month

May – Bullying Awareness Month

June – Family Support and Elderly Awareness Month

July – Comfort Month

August – Women’s Month

September – Heritage Month

October – Drug and Alcohol Awareness Month

November – Orphans, homeless and community awareness month

December – Celebratory Wrap Up and Year in Review

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The CoLab Network is proud to announce the next exciting show being produced under its banner! Gone Too Soon will be on stage at The Lyric at Gold Reef City for two shows only on Saturday 20 October at 20h00 and Sunday 21 October at 14h00.

Gone Too Soon is a fabulous tribute to the music legends we all loved, who died way before their time, but live on through their timeless music. The show will delight audiences old and young as they celebrate the powerhouse singers that became legends through their music over the past few decades.

Be transported on an unforgettable journey of pure nostalgia and heart-warming moments as homage is paid to a diverse selection of some of the greats, including Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Freddie Mercury, Luther Vandross, George Michael, Elvis Presley, David Bowie, Prince, Amy Winehouse, Nat King Cole, Natalie Cole, John Lennon and more.

South African artists will also be featured in the show, including Brenda Fassie and Mandoza.

While the show pays homage to these music icons who have left us too soon, the focus will be strongly on the uplifting atmosphere of inspiration that they continue to live on through their music, the memories they still evoke in all of us, as well as the impact that so many of them have made on the industry and world as a whole.

Three of South Africa’s most talented vocalists, Timothy Moloi, Joseph Clark and Mariechan will set the stage alight as they perform the instantly recognisable hits.

An exciting collaboration is the inclusion of the superb Johannesburg Youth Orchestra conducted by Eddie Clayton, celebrating their 20th Anniversary, who join the vocalists on stage to evoke over 2 hours of unforgettable memories.

Gone Too Soon is the ideal concert experience for old and young to celebrate in the magic of the legacies these music icons left behind and the indelible mark they left on all of us.

Gone Too Soon

The Lyric at Gold Reef City

20 October at 20:00

21 October at 14:

Tickets range from R150 – R280.

Bookings are through www.goldreefcity.co.za or Computicket or by calling The Lyric Theatre Box Office on 011 248 5000.

Discounts for senior citizens, students and scholars apply.

Tsogo Sun Rewards cardholders enjoy instant savings: 10% (Gold); 15% (Platinum); 20% (Black).

For group bookings of 10 or more, please contact the theatre directly on 011 248 5000.

Group Bookings of 50 seats or more qualify for a 15% discount if booked directly with The Lyric Theatre Box Office on 011 248 5000.

For these various discounts, contact the Gold Reef City Box Office for more information on 011 248 5000 or email goldreef.boxoffice@tsogosun.com

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In March 2018, RADA launched the RADA Inspire campaign with the aim of shifting perspective across various social issues and creating a level of self-awareness among people. It has been an eye-opening and challenging task, one that couldn’t have been achieved without the coming together and unity of the RADA family, which is why for the month of June, we want to honour and encourage people to celebrate and reach out to their family.

Over the course of the campaign, RADA has created awareness around taxi and driver behaviour on the roads, people’s attitudes towards those in the service industry as well as the very serious and prominent concern of bullying in schools, the workplace and even online.

At the heart of all these themes and the RADA Inspire campaign is the value for oneself and others. The campaign itself is based on the premise that one person can make a difference. All it takes is to do one small thing differently daily and by improving, you raise your resonance, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

Growing up the first lessons in relationships we share, are those with family. It teaches us respect and responsibility for each other. In a strict sense, when people use the term family, they refer to biological relations, but at RADA, we consider family to be those closest to you.

We recognise that people cannot live solitary lives and that the love and support of family vastly adds to our quality of life. Respect, tolerance and understanding of others is critical in creating a safe and peaceful environment for all.

This June, RADA wants to encourage people to recognise the value of family and reach out to loved ones, despite past grievances. To understand that the only way to create empathy among people in the world, is to start with those closest to you and empower others to do the same.

Over the course of family month, RADA will engage in the planning, conceptualisation and building of a new home for Disebo and her family. Disebo runs the Thato KeMatla Orphanage in Orange Farm and is an integral part of the RADA family.

Top tips:

• Spend time with loved ones
• Say ‘thank you’ to family when they do something for you and encourage a culture of gratitude
• Start your day with a ‘Good Morning’ message or funny text, reminding loved ones that you are there
• Say ‘I love you’
• Listen to loved ones when they talk
• Give hugs
• When in conversation, talk positive about your family, building them up instead of breaking them down
• Be tolerant and forgiving
• Be respectful to others and their feelings
• Spread positivity

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Two months into the RADA Inspire campaign and the team at RADA are already spreading their web of influence, initiating positive change across the South African community.

The RADA Inspire campaign was launched at the beginning of March to inspire the nation through a simple shift in perspective. The aim: to encourage the citizens of South Africa to inspire both themselves and others by marrying action with awareness, and making a difference in people’s lives one day at a time.

The non-profit has already tackled various controversial issues, beginning with taxi road rage and driver awareness in March, and then changing people’s attitudes to those that work in the service industry in April. Both highlighted the various daily struggles and concerns of the ‘other person’, striving to create a better understanding and empathy for those that share our communal spaces.

The campaign itself is based on the premise that one person can make a difference, and that when you change yourself, your energy resonates, creating a ripple effect of positive change. You don’t have to be exceptional. You don’t have to exert yourself beyond your means. In the end, all it takes is to do one small thing differently, empowering others with the belief that they may do the same.

In May 2018, RADA will shift their focus to another familiar yet promiment societal issue: BULLYING.

Bullying can be defined as any intention to hurt another person, whether physically, emotionally or psychologically. Research shows that at least 66% of children will be involved in bullying at some point in their life, which can lead to depression, low self-esteem and even suicide.

But there is no doubt that bullying is a worldwide problem that affects more than just the youth. Bullying is all around us, in schools, colleges, universities, the workplace and even online. At RADA, we believe in taking a holistic approach to healing, looking at the problem from both sides.

So without passing the blame or judgement, RADA acknowledges that those who hurt could very well be in pain themselves. Most bullies try to make themselves feel important because they are trying to fulfil needs that are not being met. Bullies are seeking attention – a need that all too often goes ignored – so they make themselves feel better by making someone else feel worse.

At RADA, we promote self-responsibility and self-awareness, an important attribute that can redefine the way we treat others. Respect, tolerance and understanding of others is critical in creating a safe and peaceful environment for all.

Over the course of bullying month, RADA will initiate various public activations, highlighting concerns around violent and aggressive behaviour towards others in whichever environment you may find yourself in, stimulating conversation among peers and colleagues and encouraging people to seek out the root of the problem.

Top tips:

• Unexplainable injuries, feelings of helplessness, not wanting to go to school, change in eating patterns and trouble sleeping could be signs that someone is being bullied
• Recognise that violence is never the answer
• If you know of someone that is being bullied, tell someone
• Acknowledge and address aggressive behaviours
• Talk to your children about bullying
• Practice wisdom and understanding for others
• Be tolerant and forgiving
• Be respectful to others and their feelings
• Spread positivity
• Emphasise teaching, not punishment
• Avoid labelling people as ‘bullies’ or ‘victims’

The post RADA Inspire for May: Keep Calm and say No to Bullying appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Fresh from a spectacular season of Carmen – The Ballet at Joburg Theatre last month, Joburg Ballet makes its debut at The Teatro at Montecasino with an unmissable gala on Saturday 19 May at 3pm. Brimming with world-class entertainment, the company partners with some of SA’s top singers to bring audiences Joburg Ballet & Friends – A Dazzling Gala, showcasing sparkling highlights from great ballets, musicals and operas.

Joburg Ballet and Friends follows the company’s magical gala last year, with 2017’s winning line-up of artists again joining forces. Sharing the stage with Joburg Ballet will be acclaimed voices Angela Kilian, Sibongile Mngoma, Timothy Moloi and Samantha Peo, joined this year by Musanete Sakupwanya and Zubz The Last Letta, presenting a range of well-known songs, including hits from blockbuster musicals such as Phantom of the Opera, Chicago, Annie and A Chorus Line.

Jewels from great ballet classics such as Swan Lake and Cinderella as well as jazzy and stylish contemporary pieces, will showcase the range and versatility of talent that makes up Joburg Ballet. Tickets starting from just R200 are available via Computicket.

Artistic director Iain MacDonald said, “As was magnificently on view during Carmen – The Ballet, Joburg Ballet is in impressive form and audiences at the gala can look forward to dazzling dance, blending technical brilliance and bravura virtuosity.”

Samantha Peo said, “I’m so excited to have created the concept for this new gala with Joburg Ballet, built around the theme of ‘grace and grit’ – acknowledging the gracefulness and strength of ballet dancers and the discipline and sacrifice it requires to be successful in a very challenging career. We’re hoping to attract not only existing dance and music fans to Montecasino, but also brand new audience members, with a programme including fresh arrangements, operatic favourites and brilliant mashups of commercial hits old and new.”

Stealing all hearts at the 2017 gala were the children of the Joburg Ballet School who will again be back on stage at the gala at the Teatro sharing the limelight with acclaimed singer Samantha Peo in the much-loved song from Annie, “The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow.”

Initiated in 2012, the Joburg Ballet School is a ballet training facility for young dancers. Most of the learners come from previously disadvantaged communities, making it one of the leading training facilities serving these communities in Gauteng. The teachers are from the professional ranks of Joburg Ballet as well as from the wider ballet community.

The school offers four levels of tuition and it is envisaged that this training initiative will develop into a fully-fledged vocational school feeding dancers into the professional Joburg Ballet company.

Keep up to date with the company on our social media platforms; @JoburgBallet, Facebook.com/joburgballet, Instagram.com/joburgballet, or online at www.joburgballet.com

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Early last year, the highly inspirational ballad Believe by Howie Combrink maintained its #1 spot on the 5FM SA Top 10 @ 10 for 8 weeks, as well as being nominated for the OFM song of the year award. Released through RADA Unearthed – the music division of the non-profit company RADA, an acronym for Rape, Alcohol, Drug and Abuse. Believe was just one of seven successful radio singles released by the change agents in 2017.

Come 2018, RADA Unearthed continues to spread their influence with another new and exciting initiative – RADA Inspire – and promises to take the message to the streets in an entirely new and dynamic way. RADA Inspire was launched to encourage the citizens of South Africa to inspire both themselves and others through a rigorous campaign over ten consecutive months. Drawing on the strengths and services of the aforementioned projects, RADA Inspire aims to create a whole new level of awareness and on-the-ground engagement greater than the sum of their parts.

Artists on this new album, include: Ashlinn Gray, Janine Price, Ross Learmouth, Timothy Moloi, Kirsten-Claire, Loyiso Bala, Claire Johnston, Lloyd Cele, Tima Reece, Howie Combrink, Riana Nel, Graeme Watkins, Brenden Praise, Gloria Bosman, Caroline Borole, Molebatsi Lekgetha, Neo Motaung, Didintle Khunou, Richard Stirton, Mark Beling, Kurt Darren, Sonds of Jozi, Sevven and Clint Brink.

At the heart of it, RADA Inspire is about marrying action with awareness, moving inch by inch, and making a difference in people’s lives one day at a time. It is based on the premise that one person can make a difference, and that when you change yourself, your energy resonates, creating a ripple effect of positive change. You don’t have to be exceptional. You don’t have to exert yourself beyond your means. In the end, all it takes is to do one small thing differently, empowering others with the belief that they may do the same.

With the launch of RADA Inspire arrives RADA’s second album, featuring top SA artists who have contributed awe-inspiring covers of powerful, well-known classics, including John Lennon’s Imagine, Bon Jovi’s Living on a Prayer, and Joy’s Paradise Road. Each artist has been tasked with delivering the RADA message through their songs, as well as serving as ongoing ambassadors for the brand. While RADA’s first album was developed as a personal message from RADA to the masses, the second album (featuring brand-new collaborations from some of SA’s biggest artists) is focused on the launch of a whole new movement.

Every Month, Stage and Screen will support the Change per Day campaign.  We believe we can make the world a better place, step by step, day by day, each of us, next to the other.

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In a dynamic celebration of young talent, the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra Company joins forces with Born To Perform for three shows only in “A Night with the Stars” at UJ Arts Centre Theatre in Auckland Park on Friday 27 May at 19h30 and Saturday 28 May at 14h30 and 19h00.

The Johannesburg Youth Orchestra Company (JYOC) is a full symphony orchestra and is without doubt, one of Jozi’s hidden treasures, made up of over 70 young musicians who have delivered quality performances since their inception over 20 years ago  and who continue to excel.

Add to this mix, the incredible talent of the Born To Perform youngsters who burst onto the entertainment scene following their successful inaugural Gala Concert last July, and you have a 2-hour concert that’s accessible and fun whilst giving the audience an experience of music and vocal excellence at its best.

Industry greats Samantha Peo and Timothy Moloi add their voices to further enhance the concerts as guest artists, thus ensuring a non-stop journey of pure delight for old and young.

Audiences will be treated to a diverse selection of hits from classic standards like The Greatest Love of All and The Impossible Dream to orchestral classics like Holst’s Jupiter and John Williams’ Olympic Spirit. Other instantly recognizable hits will include You’re The Voice, Radiohead’s Creep, Uptown Funk to the Labrinth/Emile Sandé massive hit Beneath Your Beautiful and a number of other fantastic surprises thrown into the mix.

Included in A Night with the Stars will be the exclusive premiere live performance of the Born To Perform star Marianthe Panas’s upcoming single Here I Am, written with Tree 63’s John Ellis, ahead of it’s official release in time for Youth Day Celebrations in June.

MC for the concerts will be another Born To Perform star, Isabella Jane and her “side-kick”, puppet Rosie, who shot to fame following her runner-up placing in SA’s Got Talent in 2015.

A Night with the Stars will be produced and directed by Maestro extraordinaire Bryan Schimmel and conducted by Eddie Clayton.

Says Schimmel; “I joined the Board of Directors of the JYOC a little over a year ago to be able to lend my experience and capabilities to this fantastic organisation and support the advancement of youth in the arts. My vision for  the 2016 A Night with the Stars  is to position the youth as the stars of the show showcased in a mind-blowing event that promises maximum entertainment, emotional impact and youthful energy.”

Schimmel continues; “When one thinks of a youth orchestra, it is easy to assume that they are not as good as a professional ensemble. Under the firm and nurturing hand of conductor, Eddie Clayton, the young musicians of the JYOC perform with a sense of musicianship, precision, tuning, style and experience comparable to any professional orchestra and I am thrilled to be working with them. I have also assembled a first class creative team of seasoned design and technical professionals who are all lending their expertise and experience to ensure  a spectacular event..”

Says Susan Rendall, Chief Executive Officer of JYOC;  “The 2016 A Night With The Stars will be staged at the UJ Arts Centre Theatre. We are delighted to have the use of this wonderful venue. As a resident company of the University of Johannesburg, we work closely with UJ Arts and Culture making this a fitting choice of auditorium for this year’s performance.

Operating in Soweto and Johannesburg, the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra Company (JYOC) is a centre of musical excellence in instrumental tuition. Responding to the needs of the youth in all communities, the JYOC is a meeting place for over 600 young people with musical aspirations. Almost 300 of the students are members of one of 10 graded ensembles and orchestras which cater for all levels of competence. Under the direction of Eddie Clayton, the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra has risen to extraordinary heights and continues to amaze all who hear them.

Born To Perform was created by Matthew Marinus and Gemma Donnelly after seeing a huge need in SA for the development of professional opportunities for talented children and teens. They strive to create Theatre, Music and Television platforms to showcase our amazing young SA talent.

A Night with the Stars stars the JYOC and Born To Perform, featuring Samantha Peo and Timothy Moloi and is being staged for 3 shows only at UJ Arts Centre Theatre (University of Johannesburg Kingsway Campus, Auckland Park) on Friday 27 May at 19h30 and Saturday 28 May at 14h30 and 19h00.

Tickets are R200 & R250 and booked through Computicket on www.computicket.com or 0861 915 8000.

Group Bookings of 10 or more tickets qualify for discounted rates of R185 and R235 and are also available through Computicket.

The Johannesburg Youth Orchestra Company is a Not for Profit Organisation, with these “A Night with the Stars” concerts being their main fundraising event for 2016.

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The king of croon himself, Luther Vandross, will be celebrated by South Africa’s own “man with the velvet voice” Timothy Moloi in this non-stop nostalgia journey of musical delight. On stage, Moloi will be joined by Tia Herman, Lelo Ramasimong, Kurt Herman and Voices Unlimited Gospel Choir.

After a sell-out inaugural concert in August 2015 to rave reviews from media and audience alike, The CoLab Network is thrilled to present Always & Forever – A Tribute to Luther Vandross, this time at the Joburg Theatre for four shows only from March 31st to April 3rd, 2016.  Did you miss it?  See the highlights here:

Vocalist extraordinaire Timothy Moloi is backed by top vocalists Tia Herman, Lelo Ramasimong and Kurt Herman as well as some of South Africa’s finest musicians and the remarkable 16-strong Voices Unlimited Gospel Choir.

The audience will thrill to the sounds of timeless classics including Superstar, Always and Forever, Endless Love, Power of Love/Love Power, Dance with My Father and many more, as they enjoy a memorable trip down memory lane.

The Music Director is star-on-the-rise Llewellyn George who also penned the musical arrangements done especially for the show and will lead a dynamite 7-piece live band. Direction and Lighting Design is by Cito.

Simply put, Always & Forever – A Tribute to Luther Vandross is a unique concert experience that will take the audience on a nostalgic journey of Luther’s greatest hits from his early songs right up to his final album that featured his 2004 Grammy Award winning hit Dance With My Father, as well as the many great cover versions of classic songs that he made so popular.

Says Collett Dawson of The CoLab Network; “Timothy Moloi has long-since been credited by many with the title “the man with the velvet voice”, as was Luther Vandross himself. So for me, there’s no better feeling in the world than being able to have him and the 26 other artists, on one stage, showcasing the incredible local talent that we have, for the audience’s enjoyment of such a music legend as is Luther Vandross”.

She continues; “We took the decision not to go down the biographical route or have Tim imitate Luther Vandross. It’s a concert in the truest sense of the term, for  the die-hard fans and newly converted (to Luther’s iconic music) to come out to the Joburg Theatre for a great evening, sing and dance along to these unforgettable hits that defined a generation”.

Moloi responds; “I’m really excited to have this opportunity to celebrate the music of Luther Vandross once again after the incredible response we received for our concert last year. Not only did Luther’s music have such an influence on me growing up, but it holds so many memories for so many people. If our first concert was anything to go by, both the audience and all of us on stage are in for an incredible evening again.”

Four shows only at Joburg Theatre Thursday 31 March – Sunday 3 April 2016

Ticket prices range from R150 – R250. Bookings can be done online at www.webtickets.co.za or www.joburgtheatre.com or by calling 0861 670 670. Alternatively, you can purchase tickets at selected Pick ‘n Pay stores.

Discounted rates for groups of ten or more are available by calling Joburg Theatre directly on (011) 877 6853/6917. Pensioners also qualify for a 10% discount.

Always & Forever – A Tribute to Luther Vandross is an ideal evening for young and old to celebrate in the magic of this music icon’s legacy that he left behind.

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