Donna Cormack-Thomson may be the new kid on the block but she has already taken the Cape Town theatre scene by storm. In her one short year since graduating from the UCT School of Drama, she has performed in Monster at The Cape Town Fringe Festival, The White Whore and The Bit Player at the Alexander Bar and now she is putting her spin on ‘Melody’ in The Fugard Theatre’s smash-hit return production of Bad Jews. Continue reading
At first glance, most may know Taryn Sudding as musical theatre royalty but there is so much more to this talented performer who has truly earned that title. Currently starring in Annie, a show that has come full circle for her during her career, Taryn takes on the role of Grace Farrell. We caught up with Taryn in her dressing room before a performance of Annie at The Artscape Theatre.
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Candice van Litsenborgh is someone that is easy to obsess over. A multi-hyphanate, she is primarily a performer but has also formed her own production company, Canned Rice, where she seamlessly seems to do it all, from writing to producing to designing and even headshot photography. In the last few years Candice has become a staple in the South African musical theatre scene and has started producing her own work, the most recent being Court, a straight play which had a sold-out run at The Alexander Bar. Currently she is performing in Annie at the Artscape and is about to start rehearsals for her next big musical, the South African premiere of Priscilla Queen of the Desert.
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Jabu Nadia Newman is a filmmaker and photographer. Her latest project, The Foxy Five has taken South Africa by storm. The Foxy Five tells the story of a group of womxn in Cape Town as they navigate their multi-faceted lives all while figuring out their own definition of feminism while fighting against the patriarchy. Jabu’s work is uniquely unapologetic and current, giving a voice to her generation and their complexities.
Zolani Mahola needs no introduction. Most may know her as the lead vocalist of Freshlyground, a band whose sound, along with Zolani’s voice, has become synonymous with South Africa, going so far as to inspire an entire nation, and the world, during the 2010 Soccer World Cup. Over the years Zolani has received many accolades and traveled the globe but what might surprise you is how down-to-earth, generous and humble-spirited she is. Sarafina Magazine is proud to feature Zolani as our first Music Artist.
Lady Skollie, born Laura Windvogel, is the real deal. An intensely feminist artist, her work explores and confronts issues such as gender, sex, consent and human engagement, to name a few. She has been described as a socially conscious artist, putting each piece of her work out into the world with intent and careful consideration. She boldly and unapologetically uses the platform she has created to defy taboos whether it be on her podcast Kiss and Tell, through her work and even through her social media.
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I first encountered the work of Ipeleng Merafe during this year’s Cape Town Fringe Festival where she was performing in #BalletMustFall, a satirical look into the world of ballet. A self-proclaimed modern-day gypsy, Ipeleng constantly finds herself on the move all in pursuit of her passion for dance. From South Africa to Paris to New York and more, Ipeleng is a supernova in the dance world who shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Welcome to Part two of our conversation with Anthea Thompson, Amy Louise Wilson and Emily Child, currently starring in The Fugard Theare’s sold out production of Florian Zeller’s The Father. Part one of our conversation can be found here. Continue reading
“Growing old is an inevitability we all face-Time waits for no man and as sure as taxes, the reaper will visit us all.”- Greg Karvellas.
Florian Zeller’s award-winning play The Father makes its South African premiere at The Fugard Theatre featuring an all-star cast led by the incomparable Marius Weyers. Translated into English by Christopher Hampton, The Father peers into the mind of Andre, a retired dancer living with his adult daughter Anne and her husband. Or is he a retired engineer receiving a visit from Anne who has moved away with her boyfriend? Why do strangers keep turning up in his room? And where has he left his watch? THE FATHER is a funny, sad and poignant roller coaster ride on a fight against insanity that twists and turns with all the excitement of a taut thriller. After spending an evening peering into the mind of Andre, we were fortunate to be granted the opportunity to peer into the minds of the female cast members of the show; Anthea Thompson, Amy Louise Wilson and Emily Child.
Luanna Shonfeld is one of the owners of Gate69, a new cabaret theatre that has taken Cape Town by storm. Gate69 recently opened their doors to the public with the South African premiere of Hedwig and The Angry Inch. We sat down with Luanna (on the plush purple velvet couches at Gate69) to chat about the venue and her multifaceted career.
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