Represent Review: A Wet and Splashy Fen 007
We know it’s late and often we are early (well compared to traditional media) but our dear Panda has spent weeks coming down from the Drakensburg Mountains where she found herself in hippy heaven and was very tempted not to return to the real world 🙂 Sharpile Panda as always. See our pics of Splashy Fen here. There’s no better way to sample South African music than to attend a festival like Splashy Fen. Not only is there a wide variety of music and activities, it’s a great way to see that beautiful lush part of the world and catch up with long lost friends – and there’s no need for drinking and driving. Granted, not all South African music is represented and we didn’t have the biggest names in the business this time, but there’s enough music to keep your mind off any discomforts you might experience if you’re averse to mud. If I have any advice to give when going to any festival, take gumboots. You will consistently have clean, warm feet and that is more important that anything at two in the morning in the rain when you can’t see what you’re walking in…and there was plenty of rain at Splashy Fen this year. Furthermore, a fabulous pair becomes an essential fashion accessory and I was delighted to see how many people went to extra lengths to make their’s the coolest. It certainly beat’s the “packet-tied-around-the-takkie-and-knotted-at-the-ankle” look. Luckily my friends and I went up in a camper van, kindly sponsored by Maui Motorhome Rentals http://www.maui.co.za/ (thanks guys!). Hiring them isn’t as costly as you’d think either, if you compare it to other comfortable accommodation. There were times when I felt awful being so warm and dry and clean, sipping on a frosty drink from the fridge in a comfortable deck chair when a cold, filthy hapless festival goer, wobbled past our camp, slipping in their slops. We arrived on Friday around mid-day and the sun was out but weakened by a few thin clouds. The first act we caught as we ambled into the Grant Erskine Marquee was Adrian Shannon’s acoustic set followed by Roly Struckmeyer’s gentle acoustic indie-style music. When we felt like moving around, we strolled amongst the stalls which offered food to suit all tastes from boerie rolls and chips to fabulous falafels, smoothies and soups and clothes, accessories (for those who forgot gloves and scarves), beautiful jewelry, cheap trinkets and tie dye everything. There was even a tattoo parlour which, incidentally, was busy each time I walked past. Later that evening, when we were well-wrapped, we watched Somebody’s Child featuring 14 year old Zoe...
Represent Recommends: Volver
“I wonder what Pedro Almodovar’s story is” my gorgeous companion said to me “He catches women’s beauty so accurately”. The acclaimed film director’s latest offering – Vovler – had us feeling full, satisfied and upbeat on what would otherwise have been a blue Sunday night. And that’s just it, Almodovar captures nearly everything with accuracy – there’s no smoke nor mirrors but instead a delicious, colourful offering brimming with simplicity but running deep with authenticity. “Male figures are like ‘painful necessities’ for the women in his stories, for Almodovar’s women are essentially the core of life” my friend continued. (… and around whom all revolves and without whom not much would happen, I thought). Pedro Almodóvar Caballero, according to Wikipedia, is “the most successful and internationally known Spanish filmmaker of his generation”. Almodovar was “born [on] September 24, 1951, in Calzada de Calatrava, Spain” and “His films, marked by complex narratives, employ the codes of melodrama and use elements of pop culture, popular songs, irreverent humor, strong colors and glossy décor. Almodóvar never judges his characters actions, whatever they do, but he presents them as they are in all their complexity.” Wikipedia. I loved Volver, it’s one of those films that draws you in, coaxing a smile onto your lips at it’s comedic undertones that weave through a captivating human drama set both in a windy Spanish village and working class Madrid. Suprisingly the cinema was nearly empty which is discouraging for a film of such calibre but maybe we’re catching the end of the run. A curvacious Penelope Cruz plays out the life of a young mother Raimundo whose life is fraught with tragedy, suprises and tears – working the role with ease and grace. Despite the adversities that stifle the lives of all the women in the film, Almodovar potrays them as strong, unflinching yet emotive and fallible women who are determined to keep going. It’s a stellar female-strong cast – with loads of favourites to choose from – craftily bringing to life a storyline that winds and bends, delighting you as it gently unfolds. But you know we don’t like to give it away. Go on and brighten up any day – catch it on the big screen if you haven’t and as always, let us know your thoughts. Read all about Volver on IMDB. Go Go...
Say what?
Feeling in a little bit of a sentimental mood we decided to ask some friends for a few of their favourite sayings/proverbs/expressions that have stuck with them through the years. There’s something comforting in the words passed down from a teacher, a parent, an elder or a favourite book – don’t ya think? Stay with us while we get deep – we’ve got a few more to come including some Tswana sayings from Boogie. Please share yours lists with us in the comments section. Keep it tidy! MostlySunny never trust a person who doesn’t have a tan in summer the only thing you should sign without reading is a birthday card when poverty comes in the door love goes out the window fine feathers make fine birds your word is your bond honesty is the best policy Chesario makes it a little more interesting – see if you know ’em You scratch my back. . . . . Pride comes before . . . Give a man a fish. .. Make hay. . . s/he who laughs last. . . . The early bird. . . Don’t leave for tomorrow. . . What you put in . . . Durban D-Va Necessity is the mother of invention. A boer maak ‘n plan. Look after the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves. It’s no use crying over spilled milk. Do as I say, not as I do Sisiwami Familiarity breeds contempt Maintain the high ground Reading is the fountain of knowledge Don’t look a gifthorse in the mouth Do unto others as you would have done unto you Many a true word is said in jest Birds of a feather flock together You can’t take it with you Nothing in life is free Debza No-one can ask for more than your best Be careful what you wish for If you got nothing nice to say, say as little as possible A silver lining is better than 3 in the bush 🙂 Don’t sweat the small stuff If you can conceive it and believe it, you can achieve it Don’t dream it, be it! Afrodaffodil “never say never’! “what doesnt kill you makes you stronger” Aquoibon Even a clock that is not going is right twice a day Speak the truth, but leave immediately after It is easier to believe than to go and ask Don’t approach a goat from the front, a horse from the back, or a fool from any side. Do not seek the truth, only cease to cherish your opinions Pray to God, but keep rowing to the shore To call upon its posterity,...
Represent Review: Bunny Chow
Thanks to Wena a hot up-and-coming film maker for her impromptu review of the movie Bunny Chow. What are your thoughts on the film readers? My take on Bunny Chow Finally a South African movie about nothing. No big issues. No politics. No HIV/Aids. No morals. Just small talk, alcohol, drugs and sex that equate to boys being bad and girls being sad. It was an extraordinary experience seeing a new generation of story-tellers who don’t give damn about issues. Its funny how refreshing that can be. The plot-line follows no real story and the dialogue is far from tight. It all risks flat-lining over 90 minutes, however a few truly hilarious typical South African moments save the day. The dudes are funny, they’re comedians. The film is shot in back and white with interesting angles and backdrops, but its a great pity that the characters who we really need to see were obscured in darkness for most of the film. The film has a look and its definitely the ‘retro low budget, no light, bad sound’ look. As a bonus it sports a pumping sound track and tons of corporate logos at the end of the credits. So if you’re into Bunny Chow, this is your movie, dude. On a serous note. Do see the movie with chow. Ciao and lots of love ...
Represent Review: Triptych @ the Market
Thanks to Debs our resident Represent theatre guru for her time and words: A triptych (pronounced “trip-tick) is a work of art (usually a panel painting) which is divided into three sections. The central panel is the most important one, and this is flanked on either side by two lesser but related paintings. The whole is intended to be greater than the sum of the parts. Wikipedia This aptly named play is currently showing at the Market Theatre. It is a play about three women: a wife, a daughter and a mistress. Each is in love with the same man: the husband, father and lover. To continue the theme, I suppose that it is appropriate that I should be in ‘three minds’ about the play. Let me break it down… Edna O’Brien’s writing is clever, funny; ironic and heartbreaking. This makes for a very solid script and foundation for the show, giving the play a wonderful balance of laughs and tragedy. The design, both for production (Nadya Cohen) and costume (Margo Fleisch), is innovative and interesting, yet functional.The configuration of the performance space, a passage with audience on either side, creates the illusion of constant transition and passing of time. The costumes have been carefully selected to give an insight into the characters through their individual style of dress. The star of the show, and the main character/central panel, is brilliantly portrayed by Terry Norton. She is captivating. She has a very light touch, allowing us the luxury of choosing how we feel about her character. She doesn’t ever seem to say ‘watch this part, this is really sad!!!’ or ‘This is very funny’. She just flows between the two with ease and we flow with her. Her co-star is the incomparable Dorothy Ann Gould; she plays the other woman – magnetic, skilful and powerful. She speaks volumes with her silence. It must be a real privilege to share the stage with these great actresses, but this is a double edged sword, it only serves to highlight ones inexperience and limitation. Cody Caprari is the 16 year old actress who plays the daughter; it’s a good try but she still has a long way to go. All the ingredients are there, I’m just not absolutely sure the batter has been fully blended. Perhaps the show needs to run in a little more or perhaps the Director has taken the cake out of the oven a little early. That said; the play has been playing on my mind since. I’m glad I saw it, catch it if you can. TRIPTYCH 6 April – 6 May 2007 Market Theatre – Barney...
Represent Recommends: Sophiatown in Newtown
If you love Newtown like we do and want to know about what’s going down from entertainment to downtown rejuvenation, then visit the official Newtown website – subscribe to the newsletter which updates you on all the news. Click here to zoom there. Always loving Newtown! Check out the list of Newtown restaurants here. Visit the Sophiatown restaurant on the ground floor of the KAYA FM building on Mary Fitzgerald Square. Service is still getting there and the menu was still en route when we went but the decor is stunning and the vibe on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon is great. Chilling out in the city having a glass of great wine and watching people go by! Thanks to Lungi and Shereen for the intro and one of the best afternoons in Newtown. From the Newtown site: “Located at No. 1 central Place, Sophiatown is set to be another huge attraction in the Newtown Cultural Precinct. The atmosphere at Sophiatown is laid back and stylish, with Jazz and African marimba beats playing while people come together to enjoy a meal with great company or just have a few drinks in the cigar lounge. Sophiatown can seat up to 180 people and is available as a venue for functions.Sophiatown is open during the week from 10am-11.30pm, and on weekends until late. Contact (011) 836-5999 “PIC and words above: http://www.newtown.co.za/ PIC and words...
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