There’s a feast of offerings at Hilton College this weekend as the 32nd Hilton Arts Festival kicks off.
From Friday, August 2, to Sunday, August 4, festival-goers will be treated to a range of top-tier theatre productions, music concerts, visual art exhibitions and comedy shows.
Sue Clarence, the festival’s artistic director, said that this year, organisers aim to bring the pick of South African theatre to KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) for the weekend.
“The Hilton Arts Festival is much more than just a drama festival,” she said.
“There’s comedy, music, theatre and magic, the largest visual art exhibition in KZN, exciting arts-related workshops, fun activities and shows for kids, over 100 makers in the upmarket craft area and the Retro Rides Revival display of classic cars.
“There’s also loads of free music and street theatre to ensure that there’s never a dull moment, no matter where you find yourself over the weekend.”
Shows that will be on offer include the highly-anticipated celebratory coming-of-age story, “Born Naked”. It tells the story of two young drag queens and their journeys of becoming.
The award-winning revue by Mike van Graan, “My Fellow South Africans”, starring Kim Blanché Adonis, will also be staged. This production is a multi-sketch satirical commentary which makes use of comedy, music, poetry, physical theatre and character sketches to provide sharp critical commentary on contemporary South African themes.
Meanwhile, “Vincent”, a musical tale of renowned Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh, performed by the award-winning Daniel Anderson, as well as “My Name is Lucy Barton”, will make their South African debut at the festival.
In addition, Paul Slabolepszy’s “The Return of Elvis Du Pisanie”, will move the audience from pure nostalgia, through extreme heartache, to unbridled joy.
“The Cirq”, who brought the hugely popular Urban Circus, with its spectacular acrobatics, to last year’s festival, is back with “Worlds Away” and attendees are guaranteed the same high energy and high jinks.
Other performances on offer for music lovers include the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra (KZNPO) and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s, “Requiem” as well as “Crocodile Rock”, a tribute to Elton John, “Gimme One Reason”, the Tracy Chapman story; “Growing Old Disgracefully”, a cabaret piece by Tonya Koenderman; and “Striking A Chord”, a music revue by father and daughter internet sensations, Adrian and Emma-Jean Galliard.
Aside from the main festival, the festival’s school’s programme, “Jongosi”, will be on offer.
With an emphasis on youth, “Jongosi” provides approximately 2000 students in Grades 7 to 12 with lectures, concerts and workshops.
It also promotes artistic endeavours, art appreciation and education, while showcasing the numerous benefits that the arts bring to a happy, healthy and balanced society.
“Jongosi's” youth productions include “Monika, It’s Me”, a one-woman show that offers a comedic perspective on the realities of growing old and being alone.
“Msizi”, a story about Thandi and a man named Msizi who is deeply grieved, will also be staged. The show explores how the daily activities in the village are changed into a realm where dreams and reality coexist with the use of puppets and physical theatre.
Other productions on the Jongosi workshop and master-class line-up includes “Adding Colour”, “Be A Pop Star”, “Clay Brulee”, “Brass Blast Bonanza”, among others.
For the full programme, visit www.hiltonfestival.co.za. Ticket prices vary.
Carnegie Hall’s NYO Jazz Concert
Carnegie Hall’s National Youth Jazz Orchestra is making their way to Durban to perform for the first time.
Under the leadership of artistic director, trumpeter and band leader, Sean Jones, the world-recognised ensemble, which consists of some of the most outstanding teen jazz musicians from across the United States, will perform for one night only in Durban this week.
The band has worked with some of today’s finest professional vocalists over the past couple of years, including Dee Dee Bridgewater and Jazzmeia Horn. This season, they welcome multi-genre singer and bandleader Alicia Olatuja to the mix.
Their program aims to highlight jazz as a dynamic and infinite art form and will see them present a varied program that features famous band pieces by American pianists and composers, Thelonious Monk and Duke Ellington, American jazz pianist, Mary Lou Williams and South African award-winning jazz pianist and composer, Sibusiso “Mash” Mashiloane as well as original compositions.
NYO Jazz’s visit to South Africa marks the first time that one of Carnegie Hall’s three acclaimed national youth ensembles will perform on the African continent.
They will also perform in Johannesburg concert and the band will head to the Artscape Theatre Centre in Cape Town after their Durban concert.
Their historical visit follows successful international tours to some of the most prestigious concert halls and music festivals across Europe, Asia and America.
South African jazz pianist and composer, Afrika Mkhize, the Shine Jazz Ensemble and Dr Natalie Rungan will also be a part of the prestigious concert.
Where: The Playhouse Opera Theatre in Durban Central.
When: Thursday, August 1.
Cost: R120 to R180. Tickets can be purchased at Webtickets.