My name/ my naam is Ellen Plakkies

My name/ my naam is Ellen Plakkies, set with Cape Town as its backdrop, staring Vinette Ebrahim and Christo Davids, as the leads of Ellen and her son ‘Abie’ as he’s so affectionately calls him. This wondrous portrayal of the story of Ellen Plakkies is now coming to the Jo’burg Promusica Main Theatre and is not to be missed.

This captivating story of a mother who loses her son to his addiction to Crystal meth, written and directed by Lizz Meiring, is an amazing piece of art which at its core is held together by the detailed expression and depiction of the story as it takes to the stage.

The play holds young ambition and dreams in the beginning of its story line which clearly relates you immediately to each character. With the progression, it highlights not only the struggle of a ‘single’ mother but one of social influences and drugs which steal the dreams of the youth and bring ambition, respect, good judgement and compassion to its knees.

This struggle is played out in the most riveting manner, taking one out of the theatre and putting you into the neighbours’ yard where you can see, hear and feel the relationship of mother and son unfold.

In its simplistic use of set, it embodies the struggle most people in our tense economy go through, using simple cloths and pieces throughout the story. This allows the audience to see the struggle on a physical, emotional and economic level, bringing them understand the point where her actions clearly depict her love and respect for her own life and her inability to suffer any longer.

The interaction and reaction by both actors leave nothing more to be desired at the end of the show. This gripping display of emotion, passion and understanding of both characters shine through even if they didn’t breath a word.

This piece is one that is not to be  missed. It is on stage from the 4th to the 5th of May 2012 at 20:00h. There is an age restriction of 16 (VL) and Tickets are available from Computicket for only R80 and for students and pensioners it is R60 at Joburg Promusica Main Theatre, 100 Christiaan De Wet Drive, Florida Park, Roodepoort.

UJ Arts makes Great Music

This year has seen many new performances lined up at the UJ Arts Centre. With a fresh new twist on its list of musical entertainment, the Arts centre has set up a programme for the finer and more soulful and relaxed moments in life.

With an array of Jazz as well as Classical pieces that will be performed by many different artists throughout the year, these performances provide a perfect way to end any busy day with its rich and stimulating music. Having some familiar notes intertwined each performance will have you leaving the hustle and bustle of Jo’burg at the door.

These are culturally enriching performances which see audiences range from a more mature audience to those younger souls who share the great appreciation for good music.

With a great glass of wine or just some juice in hand, falling into the embrace of the swift and slow motions of the instruments, bringing you back to fonder times and reminds you of the finer things in life.  

Tickets and programmes are available at the Arts Centre and at the door, there are some of those moments that you just don’t want to miss out on.

                                                                                                               

Mine

Recently the UJ Art Gallery opened and welcomed home the artistic works of 19 of South Africa’s most influential and acclaimed artists with the launch of the exhibition MINE. These works displayed on the world stage was welcomed by a curious crowed gathered in the gallery to witness these works displayed on South African Soil for the first time.

Mine is based on a play on words which is encompassed by its title. This exhibition displays two sides of a coin, one being the mining industry of Johannesburg, bringing to light parts of the economy, growth and development of the country and on the other side is the identity which is held by the artists in this ‘South Africa’.

It is a range of short films. They are displayed individually and invite the onlooker to exhibit the works on a visual and audio level. With different subject matter, each piece is on a different level to the next and all are, in their own right, brilliant.

With names such as Dineo Seshee Bopape, Doris Bloom, Jacques Coetzer, Robin Rhode, Lerato Shadi and Gregg Smith, to but only name a few, the host of captivating and thought provoking pieces are a must-see for all.

This exhibition is now on the move again. Displaying many of South Africas great talents and keeping us as a nation, proud of every part of our heritage and love for the more complex things life has to offer, Food for thought, if you may.

Alice who? -Back by popular Demand

The performance starts on a calmer more intimate note complimented by the choice of song which sets the mood for the transition into the dazzling dance performance which it is. The show has an air of mystery which saw the audience captivated in anticipation to the very end which is quite unpredictable .

This show will be featuring at the National Arts Festival in Grahams town from the 4^th of July, accompanied with Short Stories, they are taking to the road to represent UJ in a performance that is worth the wait.

With its fresh new twists, it is an exceptional piece which is greatly admired for its combination of styles, genres and its choice in music which carries the relevance of each scene so well. The selection of the characters displayed the particular attention to detail accompanies with the drug related subtlety which the story carried throughout.

The effortless changing of dance styles and meticulous nature of both the acrobatic acts saw a fusion of life and art which the dancers effortlessly present on stage, even more so demonstrated by their seamless costume change and in the level of integration of the show which flowed from one scene to the next.

The electric atmosphere of the sassy and sexy numbers make sure all the boys will want another look, complimented more so by the level of team work and the long hours, clearly demonstrated by each performance.

If there is one thing that is clear, it is that UJ has talent and Owen Lonzar, Creator and choreographer, has found it in both the fine cast and crew of Alice Who? Coming back for another round of performances in Grayams town, this is a recommended watch!