Represent Recommends: Gallery Momo
There was something so authentic about the Gallery Momo, the second last stop on our whirlwind 5 gallery tour in Rosebank on a Saturday afternoon. Our souls were already topped up by the mind-blowing artistic talent we had witnessed at the Alliance, the David Krut (MUST SEE!) and the Goodman (MUST SEE!) and we wondered why all the galleries were so empty when they should have been buzzing. Then we got to the MOMO gallery in 7th ave Parktown North – we have been meaning to visit for ages. One of the true highlights of our gallery adventure was just how welcoming and friendly the faces at nearly all the galleries were – and Momo was no exception when, within minutes, the interesting and charming down-to-earth owner Monna Mokoena, came out of his way to chat to us and welcome us to his beautifully designed gallery that is home to many an unusual contemporary artwork. Monna had us hook, line and sinker- his tales of contemporary hot and happening South African artists and their backstories keeping us wide-eyed and wanting more. That’s why we’ll be going back this Thursday to the opening of Andrew Tshabangu’s photographic exhibition and that’s why you should be joining us too. For what happiness is there in life without the arts? (Editorista’s latest existential theory!) See u there. Andrew Tshabangu – biog: Born in 1966 in Soweto, Andrew has studied at a number of institutions, amongst them at the Institute of Advancement for Journalism in 1998 and at the Alexandra Community art centre in Johannesburg. He taught photography at the Children’s Photography Workshop, 1995 and in 1998 and 1999 he taught at both the Market Photo Workshop and post Matric photography courses. In 1998 he was an artist in residency at the Gasworks Art Studio, London. Tshabangu’s experience in documenting the spiritual ceremonies of black communities came into play in capturing the rituals of daily life in an African metropolis. As a photographer he is renowned for smoky, atmospheric lighting that lends a mystical element to his images. ANDREW TSHABANGU @ MOMO CITY IN TRANSITION 14 JUNE – 07 JULY OPENING THURSDAY 14 JUNE @ 18H30 52 7TH AVENUE PARKTOWN NORTH JOHANNESBURG T: +27 11 327 3247 http://www.gallerymomo.com/...
Represent Review: Storm in a Teacup
Represent is so much richer for the wonderful flavour that our Representah Reuben “The Matrix” Malema’s words bring to our community. Reuben caught “Storm in a Teacup” , one of the performances featured in the showcase of Wits School of Arts “Masters’ and Honours’ students research projects… as usual, he gave it the “Full Matrix”. See some photo’s here: A masterpiece of skillful art direction, well designed stage décor, a bag of laughs to last the whole week and flawless film-noir expertise! These are but a few of the phrases used to describe the grand finale of the little over 45 minutes – 3 member cast, music-filled theatrical satire: A Storm in a Teacup by Team Best Productions (Wits Theatre). The setting is a fast-paced disastrous office ambience, made more apparent by the relentlessly authoritarian company boss – Mr. Bill Sampson (played by Bryan van Niekerk), who seems to be lost in a care-free; self-centered life rather than effectively steering the reigns of his family’s enterprise. Storyline: The Christmas party co-ordinator, Zetie (played by Naomi van Niekerk) gets ditched by (already paid for) one “DJ Spear” at the eleventh hour. She also has to deal with a Father Christmas – Patrick (played by Asher Stoltz) who’s not too keen to be resident Santa clause, but would rather make known his secret affection for the worker-bee: Zetie. The story is an all too familiar experience for many corporate employees who get engaged in the hustle and bustle of organizing the much anticipated annual company Christmas party. And from the immediate reciprocity of many an audience member, the play reeled–out a somewhat timely aha! moment which I dare call a majority affirmation of a very noticeable and much appreciated “dé jà vu”! This play was nothing like any of the other plays that I’ve seen before and its director (Gordon Lindsay) strongly concurred with my statement by alerting me to the fact that Team Best (as they affectionately call themselves) went to elaborate lengths to push the boundaries and to a certain degree radically warp traditional theatre styles by “literally staging the play inside a collection of hand-held aluminum rectangle frames”. The unusual props not only produced a creative visual effect pointing to the “behind the scenes” brewing of “a storm in a teacup”, but also captivated the mesmerized audience’s attention, pulling their concentration to each “framed-in scene” while still having a full perspective of the entire set – nothing else, but a given! Like any well narrated contemporary adult story; A Storm in a Teacup has many of the usual elements which characterize such theatrical acts, vis-à-vis: Jealousy amongst colleagues (for the only girl!), hidden passion, rush decisions made in an...
G-Town festival coming up…already!
Can you believe it! The Grahamstown Festival has snuck up on us again – signalling that we’re nearly half-way through 007… ahhh. I wish I could go! So many good memories of a cold G-town valley – me and the chommies drifting around semi-broke absorbing the non-stop talent, donning hideous tie-die bell-bottoms just to fit in… catching the hottest jazz and then dancing all night to unknown dj’s… If you love art and you haven’t yet been, put it in your “must do” agenda. You can even camp! We did. You just may need some special help keeping warm. This year it’s from the 28 June – 7 July, check out all the details here. Catch Nik Rabinowitz and his One Man One Goat comedy show – details below – we’ll let you know what else is happening as and when we find out! GRAHAMSTOWN SMILES AS NIK FINDS HIS GOAT Stand-up comic Nik Rabinowitz takes his sell-out, hoof-kicking third show, One Man One Goat, to the Grahamstown Festival from 28th June to 7th July. Suitably “fringe”, Nik’s comedic timing has audiences howling with laughter at material that ranges from Tintin to Tutu and Yengeni to Yoko Ono. Says Argus Tonight critic Derek Wilson in his December ‘06 interview: “One often hears – and can confirm – that a comedian off-stage can be tediously serious, if not downright morose. Not Nik. He had me laughing at the outset of our interview – and all the way through…it became like a hilarious multi-lingual conversation at one point.” Rabinowitz’s fluent use of Xhosa, Zulu, English and Afrikaans in his shows has become his signature. Says Cape Times’ Peter Tromp in a January ’07 review: “Rabinowitz is an amicable presence, and has such a relaxed and warm disposition, that he keeps any suspicions that he might be just another smart-aleck mining South Africa’s loaded cultural trough at other people’s expense, comfortably at bay. His stage personality is also a generous one, and even though his material is far from politically correct or timid, Rabinowitz is unlikely to offend anyone with this show…..(whilst) probing cultural nooks and crannies, that few, if any, other comedians feel comfortable to pursue.” Covering everything from arrests to accusations, trials to tribal relations, One Man One Goat is an inspired, colourful journey across the rough terrain of the old-new South Africa, as we track one goat’s quest for freedom. Rabinowitz’s animated and offbeat humour astutely captures the goat-eat-goat world of today in an hour of rollicking fun. For guaranteed side-splicing laugh a minute, catch One Man One Goat at the Drill Hall and Rabinowitz as MC at the Sundowner Concerts taking place at the...
Check out Morafe’s sweet new video
Check out Morafe’s brand new spanking music video (one of Jozi’s hardest working bands we know and lurve – see their MySpace here). It’s called Lekwalo to Motswako (Letter to Motswako). We love it! It’s really catchy and grows on you – especially the bridge. Awesome Jozi backgrounds – nice styles boyz! KG always loving your soulful sweet voice, Towdee – gooi’ing the Afrikaans ne… “rhymesnyer!”. And Khuli… as smooth and sexy as always. We’re still watching your rising naledi (star!) bafethu! Maybe a SAMA next year and maybe in the right category 😉 ? Proud of you and behind you and looking forward to the next exciting stage. Just one thing, who’s the 4th dude ? Watch Lekwalo to Motswako below: [youtube]GM0tALpFWKI[/youtube] Some background from Tonight : The music video showcases the whole Matswako family such as HHP, Mo’Molemi, Tuks Senganga, etc. This reunion communicates that they are driven by the same values, moving towards the same direction and stand as a unity. Says Khulani, “The aim of this music video is to show Morafe at work, in studio, in the corporate world. Morafe is here and it’s a family affair!” Morafe is a Hip Hop group that fuses vernacular rap with a twist of soul and R&B. The group has three members, namely; Kgaugelo (aka Kay-G), Khulani (aka Khuli) and Lerothodi (aka Towdee). The group has gone for a Vintage look and feel but the Morafe image is still maintained — stylishly calm with brilliant taste . The music video is for their track titled Lekwalo to Motswako (Letter to Motswako) sampled from Letta Mbuli’s song. This will be one of the few music video’s shot on film in South Africa. Says Towdee, “This video symbolizes the unity within Motswako City. It’s a letter to our fans, our followers, letting them know that we are individuals, therefore there will be issues, but we are all cool.” Says Kay G “This video is a message to all supporters of South African music, vernacular music in particular, we are here and we are not going anywhere. It’s a pledge to our supporters: as long as they keep supporting, we will keep the good stuff...
Represent Review: Best of Ian & Rory
Sharpile to John for his words, if you’re a big fan of Ian von Memerty or Rory Rootenburg like John is, this sounds right up your alley. The Best of Ian and Rory plays at the University Of Johannesburg Theatre on June 5, 6, 8 and 9. Booking is open at Computicket. Two lives, played out on a stage in one and a half hours – it was an honour attending the Best of Rory and Ian show at the University of Johannesburg Arts Centre. I’ve been waiting in anticipation since last year to see this show. Those that know Rory Rootenburg and Ian von Memerty will know that they are two seasoned professionals – no surprises here. The show contained clips of their careers in the music business and contained something for every music lover’s taste. My musical taste buds were tickled when Rory reprised his role as the Phantom of the Opera with two beautiful songs – taking me back to the State Theatre a few years back when the show exploded on our stages. Ian’s rendition of pop classics by Elton John and such had us rolling in the isles with laughter – man this guy can make magic with a piano. There were some sad and some serious moments as well. The segment on Jewish music had me totally lost for ten minutes – but rather than criticize, I’m willing to admit my total ignorance on the subject. The comedy came thick and fast with funny lyrics and the two performers playing a bitchy role while announcing each other – the comments had us laughing our heads off. Rory’s comedy version of Carmen and Ian’s walk through the history of South Africa were very funny and worth the price of admission by themselves. Their pianist also needs a mention. He played flawlessly and even participated in some of the antics on stage. As I said – nothing new in this show – you get what you expect from two artists of this caliber. Good, solid performances, brilliant vocals, brilliant “piano”, and a good chuckle. Go see it – I highly recommend it – they have a very limited run in Johannesburg. ************************************* PR: They are two of South Africa’s best-loved entertainers and they’ve joined forces in a hilarious and moving not-to-be-missed journey down musical lane. The inimitable music duo of Ian von Memerty and Rory Rootenberg perform highlights from their favourite musicals in The Best of Ian and Rory which plays Johannesburg for four nights only next month. Rootenberg shares some of the great moments as The Phantom in Phantom of the Opera, does the opera...
12 Naked men in Rosebank
We knew that would get your attention 🙂 . It really does feel like the cultural scene is picking up in Jozis – so go on and do som’ing and embrace your arty side – art is after all some of the only magic left in this world *sighs*. There’s a new art gallery “the David Brown Gallery” opening in Rosebank – quite the Art Central these days – love it – and the opening exhibition is by Michael Meyersfield, presenting his latest photographic work, “Twelve Naked Men.” Judging from the accompanying pic, it looks very interesting… go go go – it closes at 6pm so sneak in on your way home. Opens 13th June. Details below. Michael Meyersfeld’s most recent body of work – “12 Naked Men” will open at the new David Brown Fine Art Gallery in Rosebank. This much-anticipated exhibition commences on the 13th June – and will run until July 6th. Meyersfeld”s life-long passion has been for image-making, in both the advertising and fine art arenas. Alongside his work as one of the top advertising photographers , with many award winning and critically acclaimed campaigns, both local and international, Meyersfeld continues to devote his energy to his own personal art. His considerable talent has brought us a vivid and thought- provoking depiction of man’s conditioning within this fast-paced, instant-gratification driven world. After leaving his career in finance, David Brown has recently achieved his lifelong ambition in opening a stunning exhibition space in Rosebank. David is thrilled to have Michael Meyersfeld as his opening artist. Meyersfeld’s work is complemented by the minimalist, streamlined set-up of the gallery, giving the visiting art-lover a stimulating and enriching experience unparalleled at any Johannesburg venue. David Brown Fine Art is located at 39 Keyes Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg (011) 788 4435. Gallery hours Mon-Fri 9am – 6pm and Saturdays 9am –...
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