Frances Goodman @ the Goodman
Catch one of our finest young artists Frances Goodman at one of our finest galleries, the Goodman in Rosebank. We have to ask… is she related? Or is that a dumb question? Frances Goodman Wishful Thinking 23rd June to 14th July 2007 Goodman Gallery In her new solo exhibition, titled “Wishful Thinking”, Frances Goodman continues her exploration into character-construction through language and narrative. She examines how people present themselves to the outside world and how words manage to ‘perform’ and expose people’s anxieties and vulnerabilities. How people use words and language can as easily reveal personal fictions and desires, as they can divulge tastes, biases and predilections. The exhibition comprises three new sound installations and two sculptural series. “Young Guns” is a large-scale video/sound installation that accompanies two young bodybuilders on their quest for perfection, success and ideal beauty. As the narrative unfolds, the viewer becomes aware of a blurring of boundaries between scrupulous preparation and raw narcissism. This slip between definition of self and judgment by others raises questions around contemporary versions of ideal beauty and the limits to achieving them. “I know what you’re thinking…” is a sound installation that examines the very act of judging others. From the endless comments and quips on any number of topics, to the anonymous protagonists in the work, all expose society’s dual fascination and revulsion with others. When people are not constrained by expected politeness and sensitivity, we are all, potentially, the subject of someone else’s prejudice. Goodman’s new sculptures are an extension of her interest in language, and focus on how we ‘read’ objects. There is a play between text and texture, surface and content, sincerity and irony. The obsessively worked and highly decorative sequined surfaces declare a gaudy shallowness, which seems at odds with the sincerity of the bodybuilder’s life affirmations. This exhibition will open on Saturday 23rd June from 18:00 – 20:00, and closes on the 14th July...
Represent Review: Tshwane Comedy Festival
Kom nou mense – why was the Afrikaans night so poorly attended? Sies! Let’s make it up this week by supporting the last few days of the thoroughly enjoyable Tshwane comedy festival at the State Theatre. “Dankie” to all involved, our writers have had a great lag and are looking pretty toned for it. In our last installation, AmorAmor covers last weeks “Afrikaans night”: 27 June at 20.00 – Afrikaans Night Host: Joey Rasdien Featuring: Nicky van Niekerk – Denzel – Pierre Breytenbach – Melt Sieberhagen 28 June at 20.00 – Black Comedy Night Host: Trevor Noah (pic) Featuring: Kedibone Muluadzi – Loyiso Gola (pic) – Dave Kibuuka – Kagiso Lediga (pic) 29 June at 20.00 – Hardcore Comedy Night Host: Mel Miller Featuring: Kyle Thorpe – Trevor Gumbi – Nqoba Ngcobo – Malcolm Ferreira 30 June at 20.00 – Comedy Showcase Night Host: Tshepo Mogale Featuring: Mike – Magic Man – Roni Modimola – Mel Miller Tickets: R70 throughout The Pretoria/Tshwane Comedy Festival should be something of a landmark on our cultural calendar but, having spoken to few people, it seems to have gone by almost unnoticed. At least that would account for the poor turn out at Saturday night’s Afrikaans night. Have to tell you people, it was a shame you missed it. Now I am not an Afrikaans fanatic but I do believe that it is a lyrical and beautiful language and a proud part of our South African heritage that should be preserved. The beauty and emotion of Afrikaans is best appreciated in its poetry but just as emotive is its application in swearing. Yep, swearing. There are just some things that are so much better in Afrikaans. And, yes, the boys put the full lyrical power to good use. To quote our engaging host, Hannes Brummer, “Daar gaan waarskynlik vanaand gebruik gemaak word van ‘n bietjie kras taal, so as dit julle pla, Fokof maar nou.” God bless Afrikaans. The line-up included Nicky van Niekerk, a ‘ware boer-seun’, with his assortment of ‘my scary wife’ and oom Piet stories, Denzel Edgar, our colored homeboy with his astute observations of colored culture, the unlisted but immensely charming and funny Pierre Breytenbach and Melt Sieberhagen, who I would definitely recommend you invite over for a beer if you need cheering up. The boys had their work cut out for them as the small audience seemed a little shy to laugh too loud (myself and my companion obviously excluded from this) but they were consummate professionals and immensely entertaining, which is after all the whole point of such an event. I must admit I am a bit biased as...
Represent Review: Carnival Symphonic Pops
We’re usually a bit skeptical about any mass produced show that ends in …”pops” but one of our citizen journo’s John was eager to give the Carnival Symphonic Pops a spin … turns out the cast was filled with heavy weights and we missed out. Then again, if PJ’s in it it’s gotta rock 😉 Sharpile to John for the review: The new Carnival Symphonic Pops at Carnival City was a true spectacle featuring the wonderful Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra and some of SA’s best singing and musical talents. We were warmly greeted by Clint Cunningham, energetic and fun – doing a medley of Creedence Clearwater Revival. Despite an arm injury, the man delivered a solid performance. The music ranged from Viennese medley’s by Rina Hugo to George Benson and Loyiso Bala getting the crowd clapping. Mauritz Lotz – the brilliant guitar player – stunned the audience by playing Nessun Dorma (Ed: an Aria from a Puccini opera) on his guitar and demonstrated how the electric guitar should be played – truly amazing. The show also featured some young talent – Werner van Coller and Ansuje. One of the true highlights of the show was the performance of Sibongile Mngoma. She had the crowd stunned while singing “When you believe” with Rina Hugo and then doing an operatic piece “La Wally”. Wow, what an amazingly clear voice. Andre Schwartz sang the ever popular “Music of the night” from Phantom of the Opera – at this point half the audience was either crying or shaking their heads in amazement – Andre delivered an amazing performance – I can see why he was selected to perform the roll of Phantom at the State Theatre. PJ Powers did a very energetic and mad performance – those that know her style can tell you that she delivers fun and energy. Coenie de Villiers did a medley of his own songs – good as usual – as can be expected from such a seasoned performer. Overall the show was excellent – good sound quality – brilliant band – and with highlights like Sibongile Mngoma and Andre Schwartz’s rendition of Barcelona making the hair on your back stand up – all makes for a good evening of...
Represent Review: John Legend !!!
Running Represent can be pretty thankless work but every now and then someone gives us a lovely pressie (you know who you are) with an article, review or suggestion that we can use. Sharpile! Thanks to Linda for doing just that despite being so busy. Now that all the hype has died down we can tell you that sadly we never got to see John because of family commitments – we’re blue about that. But her review brings us just a bit closer. Enjoy. John Legend is sooo sexy-cute! When we heard about the concert a couple of weeks back, my sister and I figured it would be a great opportunity for us to take her new car on its first out-of-town drive and also get to watch an artist we both enjoy. So off we went to Sun City last Sunday afternoon. It took a while to get on the road, given that I had guests to be seen off at the airport, and she was somewhat *ahem* indisposed after a night out on the town…but we eventually left Jozi around 1pm. As we drove I tried to ignore the growing “spare wheel” feeling within me (we were with her boyfriend). Got to Sun City well after 3pm. I guess John Legend knows a thing or two about African time, because the concert hadn’t started when we arrived. When it did start – opening with “Get Lifted”, he walked out in a fine suit that looked like it was constructed on his body. I screamed like the groupie I am (no shame in my game) and started taking pictures. Got a lot of shots of raised hands, and people’s hair, before I got any decent ones of John. He started off with songs from his first album. Had a kick-ass band, complete with a horn section and hot backing singers. My sister’s boyfriend felt compelled to mutter something like “he’s alright (or more precisely, “yeah, he aight”)” when we wouldn’t stop screaming, especially after he had pulled one girl from the crowd and slow-danced with her. Sister’s boyfriend’s comment was “yuck, he’s all sweaty”…. Sweaty was no deterrent to us; I don’t think either of us would have minded going up on that stage! I got teary-eyed when he sang “Ordinary People”, it was an awesome performance. It also doesn’t hurt that he’s just soo cute – I can imagine him as the kind of boyfriend who writes letters and likes walks in the park… but might just want to get freaky in the park (“we just don’t care, we just don’t care”). He’s romantic without being corny…sexy...
Joy of Jazz line up announced
Linda has been jazzing it up all over Jozi, she went to the Joy of Jazz media conference to find out for you, darling Representers, just what we’ll be tapping our feet to this year. PR at end. I admit, I was star-struck when I saw Miriam Makeba – Mama Africa no less – chilling on the couch – as I walked into the launch of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz last week. I might have even let out an involuntary “oooh” when my favourite musical couple Letta Mbulu and Caiphus Semenya walked in, followed by the legendary Jonas Gwangwa. Here’s the great news! All of the above will be performing at this year’s Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, which is set to take place from 23 to 25 August in Newtown. This year’s line-up sounds absolutely smashing. It consists of Miriam Makeba, Letta Mbulu, Caiphus Semenya, Jonas Gwangwa, as I’ve mentioned, AND George Duke, The Count Basie Orchestra, Dorothy Masuka, another fine Marsalis brother – the trombonist Delfeayo (big brother Branford Marsalis performed at last year’s Joy of Jazz). Pieces of a Dream and Kunle Ayo will also be here. The Moreira Project will be showing their stuff, as well as newcomer and SAMA winner Siphokazi (she was at the launch and I was struck by how tall and graceful she is). Nokukhanya, Sipho Hotstix Mabuse, Ray Phiri and Stimela, Steve Dyer, and Thandie Klaasen will also be holding it down. In addition, there will be workshops for emerging artists and other events at taverns around Jozi. After the official briefing, the artists were requested to stay behind for a “photo opportunity”. I was tickled pink! Had to restrain myself from jumping in between the divas and asking someone to “please shoot me”. In about two months’ time, the spectacular Joy of Jazz will be upon us again, and I can’t wait! THE OFFICIAL PR: The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival has thrown down the gauntlet to all other South African jazzfests in the country by presenting one of the most diverse and powerful line-ups in years. What makes this year so different from previous festivals and other jazzfests in South Africa is that it will feature the first American big band to play here in about 30 years – the world famous Count Basie Orchestra. The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, which runs in Newtown from August 23 to 25, also pays its own tribute in Women’s Month by bringing together four of the country’s national cultural treasures on one bill – Mama Africa Miriam Makeba, Dorothy Masuka, Thandie Klaasen and Letta Mbulu whose illustrious musical...
Represent Review: Jamming Sundays
We’re always moaning about the lack of good live jazz in Jozi – moan no more, here’s yet another Represent solution for wafting away the Sunday Blues – good jazz and good people. Catch the best of breed muso’s at Partyhouse at the Dome – a little bird has been tweeting about Siphokazi for ages – sounds like she’s for real. Sharpile! to Linda for the gorgeous pic of Siphokazi and her soulful Sunday story. I attended my first “Jamming Sundays” on Sunday afternoon. This was the third in a series of concerts aimed at jazz and adult contemporary music enthusiasts. Much more than a concert, it’s also an opportunity to network, mingle, and just chill out as you get ready for the week ahead. The concert was held at the Partyhouse at The Dome in Northgate – a really nice venue for a concert – big enough so there’s no crowding and pushing at the bar, but also small enough for the artists to really interact with their audience. And what a vibrant audience it was! SAMA award winner Siphokazi and Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse were the headline acts on this Sunday’s bill. The opening act was Maxhoba (aka Max-Hoba, famous for his collaborations with HHP). I was blown away by his vocal talent and versatility. I have watched him perform, as a backing vocalist to HHP, but never on his own. He performed his own songs exceptionally, and also gave a unique flavour to ‘Tomorrow Nation’ by O’Yaba and ‘One Love’ by the legendary Bob Marley. I was particularly impressed by his rendition of ‘Please Baby Don’t’ – which John Legend sang on Sergio Mendes’ Timeless album – but he brought the house down when he sang the late Jabu Khanyile’s ‘Ungavumi’ as distinctively as Khanyile himself would have. Next up was Siphokazi. This was my first time watching her perform. In fact, I hadn’t heard much of her music other than one or two tracks that get often played on the radio; so I was quite curious to find out what she’s all about. Her voice is incredible – rich and powerful, which was surprising to me, given that she is quite soft-spoken. I remembered reading a few articles in which she was referred to as ‘the next Simphiwe Dana’. With due respect to Ms Dana, I can say categorically that Siphokazi is not the next anyone! She is a phenomenal talent in her own right. I enjoyed her authentic energy, her gracefulness and her voice, which is truly stunning. She scats like a queen from a bygone era – reminiscent of those jazz greats like Dinah Washington and Sarah Vaughn. I...
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