Represent Review: Blackbird
Wow, sounds like we have a realtime replacement for our addiction to the 24 series. Thanks to Representah John for the review, in summary: “This one is for the hard core theatre goers – leave Granny at home!” If you have the mettle for a violent and graphic theatre show, get to Blackbird at the Market Theatre. Blackbird Market Theatre – Laager Theatre 13 July – 19 August 2007 Blackbird is a thought provoking and explosive play from acclaimed Scottish playwright David Harrower. Fifteen years ago, Ray and Una had a relationship, which devastated their lives and the lives of the people around them. Since then Ray has moved on. He has a new life, a new identity. He didn’t think he could be found. Una has thought of little else but finding him and on discovering where Ray is, sets out to find him with shattering consequences. What evolves is a compelling but uncomfortable drama that encapsulates the unresolved, misshapen, emotional mess that might accompany any suddenly interrupted relationship, legal or otherwise. REPRESENT REVIEW: We visited the Market theatre on Wednesday evening to witness a play by the acclaimed Scottish playwright David Harrower. The cast was British and I was really looking forward to seeing “Blackbird”. I didn’t know what to expect so I sat back and watched in anticipation. The stage was littered with trash and half eaten burgers. It looked like a canteen slash pigsty. People were looking through the sand blasted windows of the set creating a weird feeling every time I noticed them. The lights dimmed and the two main characters appeared. A man, late fifties, and a woman in her late twenties. Both had strong British accents. For fifteen minutes we were totally baffled. We could feel the tension on stage but were at a loss as to what was going on. The man was visibly shaken. The younger woman was constantly attacking him verbally. Then the bombshell dropped. I’m not going to spoil the plot for you, but suffice to say it was one of the most unexpected twists I’ve ever experienced on a stage. This play is definitely not for the timid or faint of heart. It is an hour and fifteen minutes of a continuous emotional rollercoaster ride. The language was graphic and some of the physical fight sequences were very disturbing – though some members of the audience had a chuckle. Maybe they are used to more violence than me… The ending is sad and tragic – but I expected as much after realizing the plot. There are no winners in this story. This is not a typical night...
ELTON JOHN KICKING OFF 2008 in SA
We can’t believe it’s taken him so long, but for all the fans who’ve been waiting all these years, ELTON JOHN will be here live and direct in January. How scary that we’re already planning for January *ahhh* – moving on, we cut to the chase and his website. For the first time, Elton and the band are to tour in South Africa. They will play three concerts there in January 2008, and the dates are: Sunday January 13th – Cape Town (venue TBC) Wednesday January 16th – ABSA Stadium Durban Friday January 18th – The Coca-Cola Dome, Johannesburg From Big Concerts (keep it up guys!): BIG Concerts, 94.7 Highveld Stereo, 94.5 Kfm and East Coast Radio are delighted to announce that legendary singer, songwriter and entertainer, Elton John, has confirmed dates for his first South African tour. The critically acclaimed superstar will be kicking off on the 13th of January 2008 in Cape Town, before he and his band move on to Durban’s ABSA Stadium on the 16th and finally Johannesburg’s Coca-Cola Dome on the 18th. “Elton John is timeless, and core artist for both 94.7 and 94.5. He has topped our charts over the years with a string of No.1 hits, and we are proud to be associated with his upcoming SA tour” commented Dex de Bruin, Marketing Manager for the Primedia Broadcasting Group. Naveen Singh, East Coast Radio’s Programming Manager, added “Elton John is a much-loved artist and we are excited to present a star of such magnitude the first time on the East Coast.”. A legend in his lifetime, a great humanitarian, a multiple Grammy winner, a flamboyant superstar and a hero of our times, Sir Elton John is the most enduringly successful singer/songwriter of his generation. His current shows, including a run at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, have already grossed over $60 million in ticket sales, and have received rave reviews. The show reflects his peerless musicianship, and audiences are treated to his phenomenal back catalogue of hits such as “Rocket Man”, “Candle In The Wind”, “Your Song”, “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me”, “Crocodile Rock”, “The Bitch is Back “, “I’m Still Standing”, “Saturday Night”, “Bennie & The Jets” and “Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word” Celebrating over 40 years of touring, Elton’s musical life is marked by a startling resilience, openness and refusal to let his talent simmer. Don’t miss the chance to see Elton John and his band, LIVE in SA! Tickets go on sale Monday 23rd July 2007, at 9am. Another BIG Concerts Experience TICKET INFORMATION Tickets are priced from R200.00 (excluding booking fees), and are available...
Young Guns back in Jozi
It’s chipile and it’s showcasing a diverse range of fringe musicians, two powerful reasons to get to the next installment of Levi’s Young Guns. In summary, only R20 at the door lets you check out our rising stars starting this Thurs at the Sunningdale Hotel in Corlett Drive – retro! GO GO GO! Get all the info below: It’s time for power performances in Joburg for July!! It’s that time again – a time when the local live music scene gets a much needed injection of pure attitude, hard-edges and super-loud decibels. It’s time for power performances and even more potent personalities – a time to rock! Yes, it’s time for the Levi’s® Young Guns tour to take the national stage and give music lovers a taste of how it’s done when it comes from the heart. Now in its second year, and riding on a wave of euphoria from the initial events, Levi’s® Young Guns promises to be even brasher, harder and more hypnotic. It’s a tribute to the musicians who play for the love of it, a big up for today’s upstarts who will be tomorrow’s stars. It all begins in Jozi in July and it’s happening at the city’s favourite cult venue, Hotel Sunningdale. The lineup is split across two nights, showcasing the extreme depth of the Joburg underground. First up on Thursday the 19th are Kidofdoom and Desmond and the Tutus. True non-conformists with a broad-minded approach to music-making, Kidofdoom have a unique voice, and sing only in the language of music. Their broad appeal and dedication to fresh sounds have won them many fans throughout the country. Their partners in crime on the night, Desmond and The Tutus, are making waves with their awesome blend of Rock ‘n Roll, Indie Kwela Punk and Pure Genius. As original as they come, but with a flavour that’s infectious to a whole range of fans, their stage show is completely mindblowing. It all gets going again one week later on Thursday the 26th at the same venue. This time it’s Reason and Nthabi in the house. Reason is a growing force in the ever-expanding world of local hip hop. His appeal as both a crowd pleaser and a serious lyricist means that he’s loved by both heads and hedonists alike. Reason enough to be there. And another one is female free-styler Nthabi. A remarkable emcee with a devotion to hip hop, she’s been opening ears and eyes with her upfront lyrics and incisive stage presence. Don’t miss this chance to see her shine. Thursday 19th July – Kidofdoom and Desmond and The Tutus Thursday 26th July – Reason, Ntabi...
Represent Interview: David Kau
We’re super excited to know that one of our favourite stand up comedians, David Kau has a DVD out – we’re sure you are too. We asked David to catch us up on what he’s up to these days. Enjoy another Represent close up with David Kau! We’ve been blessed to have you on Represent in many different ways over the years, what do you think of Represent and what could we do in your opinion, to grow? Advertise on or join Facebook and Myspace.com So David, give us the short version of your backstory if you don’t mind… from birth to now, how did you find yourself where you are at? How old are you and where do you live? Born in Kroonstad, Free State. Went to a Catholic school, then Cape Town, Matriculated in Pretoria, Bridging for Electrical Engineering at Pretoria tech. Performers Diploma in Speech and Drama from UCT, Smirniff International Comedy Festival, Heavyweight Comedy Jam, BLACKS ONLY, I did these Jokes 1st, 29years old, Engaged, house in Kyalami, Midrand We know you as a comedian, is there something youre not telling us? I’m an Alien from a planet called Kripton How do you define and describe yourself? I’never had to describe myself Have you been lucky in life, if so, tell us how? You’re interviewing me AGAIN … (Mo FIRE!) What was the last exciting thing that happened to you? My stand up comedy dvd is finally out … after 9 years of being a stand up comedian. What do you love about Johannesburg? My fiance, my new house, my friends. What would you change about jozi if you could? The crime and the traffic. Poor people must ‘Keep Walking’ – too many fucking cheap cars on the road. What’s your ideal city to live in and why? Johannesburg. All the illegal immigrants come here there must be something … Have you travelled – what was your favourite place and why? New York. It’s almost like in the movies and Sex and The City What do you do in the evenings and on weekends? What’s your buzz? If I’m not working I look at my beibi (fiance ) in the eye, watch tv, go to half price movies, have friends over for dinner. Do you have any mentors? If so, who are they? LIFE ! I’m only going to live once … Besides that there’s too many people to mention. Some I’d rather keep private. Who are your top 5 South Africa comedians ? Riaad Moosa , Chris Forrest, Kagiso Lediga, John Vlismas, Martin Jonas – Any international? Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, Greer Barnes So tell...
969 – G-town comes to Jozi
Some of you will remember our recent interview with playwright Kgauza Dube, Joburgers can now catch her play Waiting for Thandiwe as well as Midsummer Nights Dream, Bafana Republic, Tony Cox, Sis’ Doll and a number of other shows fresh n still sizzling from the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown. Support the arts and catch the 969 festival 2007 – [ 969 kilometres from Grahamstown to Johannesburg ]. GO GO GO! The 969 Festival 2007 – “JOZI’s WINDOW ON THE NATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL” Wits Theatre Complex, Braamfontein 25 – 29 July 2007 The waiting is over, the 969 selection committee has made its choice; herewith the /HOT –OFF-THE-PRESS/969 FESTIVAL line -up: THE WITS THEATRE TONY COX -I GOT BLISTERS ON MY FINGERS! 26 & 27 July @ 20h00 – R80,00 Running Time: 60 minutes [ all ages] “ Confident and relaxed, [Tony Cox’s] conversations with his beautiful Mervyn Davis instrument and the responsive audience, are highly entertaining.” – Cue “ Be prepared to be wooed by Tony Cox’s musicianship…” – Durban D’Arts BROTHER NUMBER 28 & 29 July @ 20h00 – R 50,00 Running Time: 60 minutes [ all ages] The Most Amazing Show Written and performed by Rob van Vuuren and James Cairns Directed by Jaco Bouwer. “Fast and funny; cleverly designed” – Cue WITS DOWNSTAIRS THEATRE WAITING FOR THANDIWE 25 & 26 July @ 19h30 – R 50,00 Running Time: 60 minutes [ PG (L)] Kwajuliwe Productions presents Waiting for Thandiwe; featuring and directed by Lulama Masimini. “A moment in a young student’s life as he agonises and reminisces while he waits for Thandiwe.” – Cue WILLY’S ARK 27 & 28 July @ 19h30 – R 50,00 Running Time: 55 minutes [all ages] Redfox Productions Written and directed by Jenine Collocott. Featuring James Borthwick and Yule Mabhena Willy’s Ark is based on a true story. “ You’ll find yourself on a captivating journey taking you deep into the Kalahari Desert where you’ll meet an eccentric man who harbours a love for both Germany and Sophie, a woman from Botswana.” – Cue WITS AMPHITHEATRE ECHOES OF REMEMBRANCE; 25 – 27 July @ 17h30 – R 20,00 Running Time: 45 minutes [ all ages] Sankofa Wits Marimba Band A show “that displays its young performers’ playfulness and creativity…Incredible.” – Cue BAFANA REPUBLIC 25 – 29 July @ 20h00 ( excluding Sat 28 July @ 14h00) – R 50,00 Running Time: 1 hour 20 minutes [ 13+ (SL)] Mike Van Graan “Loosely based on the much anticipated 2010 Soccer World Cup [and] featuring the combined talents of Mike van Graan, Zapiro, Lara Bye, Jaco Bouwer and Lindiwe Matshikiza, a satirical...
Represent Competition: Win with DORP!
Many old faithful SA rockers will remember DORP the band that rocked our world’s mid to late 90’s. We have to give a massive big ups to these guys for never giving up – seems like their time is now as their single “London out there” (video) gathers some traction in the UK where they are now based. They’re bringing it home in August and we have an awesome prize for a lucky Representah to celebrate their return: a Dorp goodiebag filled with: Limited edition CD single, 2 different limited edition vinyls, Dorp Sticker, T shirt and 2 tickets into a dorp show on their tour to SA… Awesome hey? Simply read the article below, email editor@represent.co.za with your name, age and cell number and answer the question: “What is the name of the brand new DORP single ?” (Clue: they’re coming to shoot the video here.) Read all about their backstory below. Following on from their hugely successful SA tour in December 2006 and the incredible response from radio to their previous single, “London Out There”, Dorp return to South Africa in August of this year for 8 date tour and video shoot AND to release their latest single , “Simon Says’. “As Kevin and I are from SA, we always like to return as much as we can,” commented lead singer Piet Bez, “But nowadays its also a business pleasure. We are so pleased that the South African music public has taken to our new music so well, and its great to play to a home town crowd. The best part is that our French DJ and English drummer also absolutely love it!” The tour stretches from Oppikoppi in the North, to Cape Town, back to Durban and returns to Johannesburg before August is out. The band will also be taking time out to shoot a new music video and the public is warned to listen out for the new single, Simon Says from their forthcoming album, on radio stations countrywide. The Tour Thursday 09 August Oppikoppi Festival Friday 10August Johannesburg The Dome Thursday 16 August Stellenbosch Hidden Cellar Friday 17.August Cape Town Mercury Live Saturday 18 August Durban Burn Wednesday 22August Pretoria Tings ‘n Times Friday 24 August Johannesburg Roxy’s Sat 25 August Johannesburg 5FM Live For more on the band and their London life, visit www.myspace.com/dorp An Illuminating History of Dorp Way back in the dusts of time, circa 1996, a gang of old School friends got together in Somerset West to create the then Boere-Ska band that was to become known as Dorp. This entity spent seven years developing a reputation for infectious, totally mad live shows and released three albums and an EP in South Arica, before...
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