Durban - Durban has laid claim to being the playground of the country, and with a line-up of events that has something for everyone, there is no doubt there will be fun in the sun this month. The Independent on Saturday brings you a quick guide of what’s happening in the city.
1. Dolphins by Starlight
The annual production is a delight for young and old, and this year’s production is themed A Christmas Adventure. Audiences will be treated to contemporary and ballet dancers, but the act that steals the show are the Sea World Dolphins, which include Durban’s living legend, Gambit. The show runs from December 10 to14, at uShaka Marine World. For more information and bookings, visit www.computicket.co.za
2. Puss in Boots
Kickstart’s 10th family pantomime, at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre takes the viewers on a swashbuckling adventure. With a witty script and mesmerising costumes, the audiences will also be drawn in by the energetic music in this production written and directed by Steven Stead and designed by Greg King. On until early January, and several of the shows have already been sold out. For more information and bookings, visit www.computicket.com
3. The Durban Jazz Festival takes place on December 26 at Hazelmere Dam, 40km north of Durban, and organisers have urged people to get their cooler boxes, braais, gazebos, and camp chairs ready for this day out in the sun with good music. Ticket are available at Edgars, CNA, Jet, Jet Mart or Postnet, or visit the Durban Jazz Festival Facebook page for the line-up.
4. Something just for adults, Aladdin Grey St, will be held at the Centenary Room, Greyville Race Course, until December 30.The panto has been going strong for 17 years, and offers a few blue jokes and funny one-liners. Aladdin is written and directed by Darren King, and the play is set in Durban. Dinner options can be arranged by contacting Ailsa at [email protected], or for normal ticket bookings visit www.computicket.com
5. House of Shaka! is a new production at Coedmore Castle at the Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve on December 16. The production is funded by the National Lotteries Commission, and The Heritage Development Trust, and is a day-long celebration of choral music, Indian and Zulu dancing, poetry, and crafts. Singer Sibongile Mngoma, soapstar Dawn Tandeka King, members of the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra, rappers, poets, choirs and comedians will descend on the castle for the best of Durban’s culture.
For further details, and to enquire about shuttle services and directions, call 035 772 1893, visit www.houseofshaka.com, or book through Computicket.
6. For something to tempt the tastebuds, the Durban Street Food Festival is sure to satisfy any cravings. It will be held at the Rivertown Precinct, at 102 Florence Nzama (Prince Alfred) Street, from December 16 to 20.
It is the second food festival to be held this year, and will again offer the best of Durban’s culinary scene.
On December 17, there will be a series of Pecha Kucha presentations focusing on food and street culture in Durban. For more information visit http://durbanstreetfoodfestival.co.za
7. If you are a fan of 1990s music, then A Night with Boyz II Men and Joe, will be a music treat not to be missed. The famous group will be performing with Joe Thomas at the Moses Mabhida Stadium’s Peoples Park on December 13.
Some of Boyz II Men’s famous songs include I’ll Make Love to You, On Bended Knees, End of the Road, Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday, In The Still of The Night, Water Runs Dry, A Song For Mama, Doin’ Just Fine, and Pass You By.
Some of Joe’s famous hits include All That I Am, The Love Scene, How Soon, Don’t Wanna be a Player, Good Girls, No One Else Comes Close, Love Don’t Make No Sense, and All the Things (Your Man Won’t Do). Booking is also available through Computicket.
Arthi Sanpath, Independent on Saturday