Faeron Wheeler - Page 5

I’d heard a lot about ÎLE after its highly successful run at the National Arts Festival earlier this year. It won a Gold Standard Bank Ovation Award and audiences had raved about it. So, it’s safe to say that my expectations were high, and the show did not disappoint.

Cape Town City Ballet's rendition of ROMEO AND JULIET is a rich tapestry of music, dance, colour and emotion. The score is exquisite, and it was an absolute treat to have it played live by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra under internationally renowned guest conductor Jonathan Lo. A live orchestra paired with ballet always makes my heart sing.

For their 2022 acting showcase, LAMTA offered audiences a very clever DOUBLE BILL. In the first half of the evening, we saw Anton Chekov’s classic THE SEAGULL. After interval, we were treated to STUPID F@CKING BIRD – a parody of the former written by Aaron Posner. I honestly had such a laugh throughout both one-act plays.

The characters in CAREFUL are really well-rounded and the story develops in a very clever way. I enjoyed this offering from Milnerton Players and it was great to be back at this lovely theatre after two years.

ONCE ON THIS ISLAND is a joyous expression of music and dance from start to finish. It’s feel-good musical theatre at its best and this production from Wêla Kapela is just wonderful. I had a blast in the audience from the moment I walked into the auditorium.

THE GREAT GATSBY is one of my absolute favourite books – the characters, the landscape, the era are all so beautifully described by F. Scott Fitzgerald. This stage adaptation by Stephan Fourie and directed by Neil Leachman did not disappoint. It is a joyous spectacle up on stage that stayed beautifully true to the characters and the story.

DIE GOEIE PA is a gritty tale based on true events, and this Afrikaans version pulls no punches. It’s must-see theatre.

What did our critic think? The latest dance production from LAMTA is a celebration of so many things – dancing, theatre, music and performance excellence. Sitting at The Theatre on the Bay, watching these talented young performers up on stage, you can easily forget that these are actually students dancing and singing for you.

IMBILINI… MY FRIEND! is a moving piece of physical theatre that has been carefully crafted for the stage. The chemistry between the two real-life friends, who also wrote and perform this original piece, is natural and completely tangible as you sit watching them move on stage.

BREAKING THE CLOSET is in its third edition. Co-founder of this exciting initiative, Nicola Date, sat down to discuss what the shows are all about and what they mean to her personally.

The careful and clever direction by James Ngcobo, mixed with the finely tuned performances of Francois Jacobs and Mncedisi Shabangu, draws you completely into their world. The team strikes an excellent balance between the lighter, comic moments and the hard, cruel truth of the story.

On Wednesday evening, the Baxter Theatre Centre became a very glamorous spot. The Main Theatre now the Pam Golding Theatre, in honour of the late real estate giant and a generous sponsorship agreement. The evening was capped off by the opening performance of Marc Lottering’s latest stand-up show UNCLE MARC.

It’s a strong and important story told mostly through song – and some incredibly powerful voices – about how society sees women as just pretty faces.

Leading SA actress, singer and television personality André Hattingh has recorded a new song called GATHERING THE STARS, released on 28 March. The song is a tribute honouring the over 142 SA showbiz personalities who sadly passed away (COVID-19 and other reasons) in the past two years, during lockdown.

Fresh from his Best Supporting Actor win at the 57th FLEUR DU CAP THEATRE AWARDS on Sunday 27 March, Siya Mayola sat down to chat to us about winning, life through the pandemic and his future.

The BAXTER ZABALAZA THEATRE FESTIVAL is an incredible initiative and well worth supporting. You’ll get to see some exciting new work, and possibly even some future powerhouses in the South African theatre scene.

I was so excited when THE LAST FIVE YEARS was announced two years ago, and I was genuinely gutted for the entire production team when they had to postpone due to COVID. Some serious dedication went into keeping this dream alive and after getting to see opening night, I can safely say that it was worth the wait!

On Sunday 27 March - World Theatre Day - the 57th edition of the FLEUR DU CAP THEATRE AWARDS took place at Nederburg in Paarl. It was definitely a night to remember as Cape Town's theatre makers came out in force to celebrate after being locked down for two years.

Director Gina Shmukler, actress Natasha Sutherland and VR Theatrical have done an incredible job putting this production of SHIRLEY VALENTINE together.

KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN is an absolute treat for theatre lovers and the Baxter Theatre should be proud to present it.