AfrodizzyActs

One of South Africa’s TOP Entertainment Agencies, operates nationwide specialising in bespoke entertainment solutions for all of your event requirements.

With their creative dance skills and dynamic stage presence, The Professionals (Pantsula dance group) are taking performing arts by storm in South Africa. The Professionals is a Pantsula dance production consisting of different skills and personalities. The Professionals were formed in 2005 by Sbongiseni Brendon Jaca. Sbongiseni is the main choreographer and one of the dancers in the group. His love of dance has inspired him to keep the group going and to encourage his fellow group mates to work hard and to achieve as much as possible. They have big dreams and hope to encourage more South Africans to do what they love. Biography It is difficult in South Africa to make a career from dance but The Professionals aim to change that and take Pantsula to the next level. The aim of the group is to get the township children off the streets, to encourage them to learn new skills and to not get caught up in the negativity that there is in the world these days. There is too much crime, drugs, poverty and sadness in South Africa. We want to bring the light. In 2010 The Professionals started developing and teaching the young kids of Ntuzuma Richmond Farm. They did not just teach the young ones Pantsula but they also taught them how to rely on one another as they teach them how to work as team. They did not stop there, they continued trying to open doors for the upcoming entertainers to be recognized in South Africa. While they were teaching they were learning. They took the top students and danced with them, they become a well known dance group in the city of Durban. The professionals won many competitions and lost some.

Angel Campey

Chosen as one of Mail and Guardian’s Top 200 Young South Africans of 2018 – has brand of observational humour has been dubbed as comedy for the discerning young South African and nothing short of hilarious. Tackling sensitive issues from racism and white privilege with wit and charm, to professing her love for Beyoncé and glitter, award-winning writer, radio host and stand-up comedian, Angel Campey, is fast-becoming a leading voice in South African comedy.

“I’ve always been interested in being on stage. From the age of four, I’d ask to tell the class a story instead of the teacher reading one,” reminisces Campey. “I thought that this love of talking on stage meant I wanted to be an actress. I always knew I was funny, but so what? As a woman, it never crossed my mind to become a comedian,” she says.

However, in 2011, Campey took the plunge and in a few months made it into the finals of the prestigious Parker’s Comedy Showdown in Johannesburg, being the only female in the top 10 and beating 50 other hopefuls in the standup comedy battles.

Her career took off with proverbial angel wings and Campey quickly became a staple on major comedy stages nationwide and an annual fixture at festivals such as Rocking the Daisies, Synergy Live, Rock the River and Up the Creek. Her success earned her a seat as one of the resident queens on Comedy Central’s Kings and Queens of Comedy. Her comedy has also been featured on DSTV’s Comedy Central channel, and she was invited to perform a comedic TED Talk, which was livestreamed to millions worldwide. Her career has taken her to headline at some of the top comedy clubs in New York City, performing to a standing ovation at Just For Laughs in Montreal Canada, and to an arena show in Lagos, Nigeria alongside African superstar comedian, Basketmouth.

Despite her comparatively short career in comedy, she has two comedy specials under her belt; Yes, Really Angel and Devil’s Advocate which both launched at the South African National Arts Festival in Grahamstown to rave reviews, and the latter enjoyed a sold out run and standing ovations in its debut year in 2017. The talented comedian also writes for the multi-award winning TV satire news show, ZANews, ZANews’ Puppet Nation,Point of Order on Showmax to name a few.

A sought-after MC, Campey can also be heard on the airwaves. She was offered her own weekly Comedy Hour on Smile 90.4FM, one of Cape Town’s top radio stations, after a short stint on the Smile Drive, standing in for the regular drivetime host for three months. Campey’s quick wit and easy laugh secured her a more permanent position and now she presents a comedy-centric show on Smile 90.4 FM every Sunday from 20h00 to 21h00 with fellow comedian Phil de Lange.

Blaq Pearl

From Cape Town, started writing poetry and songs since the age of 12. Her musical genre is a fusion of Afro/Soul/Hiphop/Jazz/R&B. She is known for her phenomenal performances at various events, national and international. Is also a cast member in two popular and award winning musical theatre productions namely Afrikaaps & A Plekkie in die son as well as Krotoa. Towards the end of 2011 she finally released her debut album titled Against All Odds. Blaq Pearl (named Janine) also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Linguistics from the University of the Western Cape. She is proudly vocal about social issues & loves doing development work with youth. 2015 marks the release of her first self published book titled Karadaaa!!! a collection of her poetry, stories and songs written in both English and Afrikaans. 2016 She completed writing the musical production Krotoa Van Vandag and showcased at various schools. Her latest production is a one-woman show titled Storie van My Lewe. She is the co founder of the Blaqpearl Foundation. Her services as professional Artist for events is Live Music, Poetry, Storytelling, Theatre and Motivational speaking.

Crallan Ray Vega

Received his vocal training from the world famous Drakensberg Boys Choir, and has been refining his skill as a singer/songwriter for the past 30 years.  He is currently recording his third album which promises to be a heart opening musical experience;  giving voice to the influences of Classical, Middle Eastern, African and Brazilian music that has touched his heart over the years.

Crallan has shared the stage and collaborated with a number of top South African musicians, including Tananas, Landscape Prayers, Louis Mhlangu and was a founding member of the band Naked, which enjoyed much success as well as a SAMA  award nomination.

SAFM’s Michelle Constant called him “South Africa’s best kept secret.”

Currently Crallan is making sonic art waves with his “Hummingbird Concert Series” which is a collection of spirit songs off his upcoming album, celebrating the evolution of the human spirit. The concerts have been enjoying great success and the last two have been sold out.

He is joined by the Catto brothers, Nick and Matt, who are exceptional singers and instrumentalists. Nick and Matt hail from the Blundell family, who have been a force in the South African music industry for two generations. The two brothers complete the three part vocal harmonies with astonishing beauty and incredible accuracy.

Dance for All

Mission

Our mission is to provide children in historically disadvantaged communities with the opportunity for enjoyment, empowerment and the promotion of self-esteem through the medium of dance, as well as training professional dancers and developing a unique, indigenous dance company.

Vision

Opportunities created in the arts to as many children and youths from disadvantaged communities, who will be able to go further to carve professional careers for themselves in South Africa and abroad through training of a globally  recognised standard.

Background – DFA started with 34 students in disadvantaged areas of Cape Town in 1991. Initially called Ballet for All, built on the legacy of CAPAB director David Poole, who initiated ballet in the townships of Cape Town during the mid-1980s, CEO & founder Philip Boyd, expanded the programme including diverse dance styles, renaming the organisation Dance for All in 1995

Training Programmes with classes offered classes to various ages (beginners-intermediate/advanced level) includes the Ballet Programme, Contemporary Programme, African Contemporary programme and the Bridging Programme.

Success stories Today Dance for All teaches close to 1600 students, with success stories of +/- 50, of students who have, moved on to more even more reputable institutions, academies and companies in Cape Town, securing careers as professional dancers, teachers and choreographers locally and abroad

D’s Choice

The band is an initiative of Darling Music for All (DMA), a music education network founded 10 years ago by local residents.

D’s Choice was formed in 2016 with the support of our American friends Iris and Howard Burkat from New York, who are still a source of help and encouragement

The members are DMA students, tutors and other local musicians. One of the founding members was Earl Rhenier, a bass guitarist extraordinaire. He has recently emigrated to Australia with his family from where he is now monitoring the band’s success.

He has handed over to Graham Jacobs who carries on expanding the group’s repertoire and identifying more young Darling musicians who might be talented and ambitious enough to join.

Emile Minnie

His voice is sultry. His piano playing is phenomenal. South African star of the cabaret stage, Emile Minnie, brings you an hour of top class entertainment. Come and see the captivating Emile Minnie light up the stage with his passion and energy.

Laurika Rauch describes Emile Minnie as one of SA’s best songwriters. She has recorded three of Emile’s songs, and reviewers and the public agree that Emile’s songs are absolute highlights.

Emile’s latest offering is a romantic French show, breathing new life into old favourites like “La vie en rose” and “Je ne regrette rien”. Come and experience the charm of the French chanson, presented with Emile’s typical energy and style.

Emile’s “Nagmusiek” album was nominated for a SAMA for best alternative Afrikaans album, Emile was a runner-up in the Huisgenoot/You Songwriting Competition, and he was a finalist in the World Song Contest.

For this performance Emile will combine romantic French love songs with jazz standards, Golden Oldies, and even a dash of rock and roll.

Every Way Up Has Its Way Down

With Darling as our backdrop, in Every Way Up Has Its Way Down, we trace the footsteps of our Jewish ancestors as we journey from Cape Town, to London, to New York and back. Simultaneously mapping the paths of historical immigrants in these places, our cultural experiences, and pathways through them, and how today we find ourselves both inside and outside of inherited and learned social conventions. We ask: ‘Do we know where we are going, if we don’t know where we have been?’

The piece interrogates our relationship with unknown pasts whilst considering our current etchings on the global landscape. Sharing a Jewish background, we have each grown up and experienced this heritage in very different ways, in locations on opposite sides of the globe. Now, as aliens in some of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, we are uncovering the past in order to place ourselves in the present. Every Way Up charts our attempts to find home in a place and context where we feel like outsiders.

Every Way Up began life in 2013 as a commission from Richmix in London; the challenge to tell a ‘Story of London’ in a theatre space slap-bang in the middle of the East End – toehold Jewish Quarter of London – led us on a journey to uncover our own diverse roots as Jews, Immigrants, global nomads whilst unravelling on of the many stories that form the history of London. It has since taken on a life of its own, constantly evolving and being performed in spaces as diverse a The Roundhouse in Camden, JW3 Community Centre’s kosher kitchen, a private home, and the kitchen of a church as part of the Brighton Fringe in 2015. The piece is interactive, and perfect for performance in a kitchen, home or non-theatre space. For Voorkamer, it would take on a new life, weaving in stories of Jewishness in Darling and the surrounding area, both making it incredibly relevant to the setting whilst maintaining the universal messages of history, home and finding belonging at the foreground.

Graham Weir

Is a multi-award winning actor and singer best known for his work with the comedy accapella group Not the Midnight Mass whom he has been performing with since 1988. Other recent highlights include his one man show Dead Yellow Sands which won two Fleur du Cap awards in 2016 (best performance in a one man show or Cabaret and Best Lighting) and was nominated in both these categories at the recent Naledi Awards in Johannesburg in 2018.  His most recent TV appearance was in Hotel playing Oom Dirk for which he was nominated for best supporting actor in the 2107 SAFTA awards.

Graham has twice been musical director for Shakespeare productions at Maynardville (‘Two Gentlemen of Verona’ and ‘As you Like it’) and some of the music that will be sung at the VoorKamerfees was first heard at Maynardville.

Graham is also acclaimed for his original compositions as heard in Noah of Cape Town (Artscape and Baxter Theatres), not the Midnight Mass, Letters from Patient Essop amongst others, and has recorded a number of solo works as well as albums with Not the Midnight Mass.

Irit Noble

Award-winning comedian, singer, and speaker Irit Noble is a multi-talented, elegant, expert entertainer. Her sass, style, and sultry singing voice have been part of the SA entertainment industry for a long, really long time. Since before the internet, kids.

Her legendary career includes being the MC/Entertainer for the first Madame Zingara Theatre of Dreams, hosting SABC3’s Comedy Showcase, hosting on Cape Talk/702 Talk Radio and 2OVradio.com, writing the masthead column for The Argus and Sunday Star, and being Cosmopolitan’s 2014 sex advice columnist.

Noble is a top corporate entertainer and comedy MC for mammoth events like MCQP, the Woman’ Show expos, and Vaudeville Theatre Club, and her extensive list of high-profile clients includes Shell, Vodacom, Kulula, BMW, SABC Connect, Old Mutual, Santam, Cape Town Carnival and Pam Golding Properties.

Jazzart Dance Theatre

Since it’s inception in 1973, Jazzart Dance Theatre has understood, and held sacred, it’s deep responsibility to tell the stories of South Africans primarily through the bodies of South Africans.

lt has been at the forefront of contemporary dance development, serving all communities without prejudice or bias, and continues its social responsibility through its training and outreach programs servicing marginalised communities.

Jazzart Dance Theatre, strives to continue to influence and preserve the sustainability of dance, choreography and dance performance using dance is used as a transformation tool to integrate social awareness and cultural inclusiveness. Through training, performance and inter-disciplinary collaborations with diverse role-players we develop multi-skilled performers and create work that promote excellence, innovation and social change.

Jazzart’s Training Program
Jazzart’s three year training gives young emerging artists the opportunity to be trained by the country’s leading teachers and practitioners in contemporary dance, Africa dance, stagecraft, dance improvisation and choreographic processes. Jazzart actively recruites trainees from our communities where the youth may otherwise not have access to the performing arts as a career.

The Outreach Programme
This programme is core to Jazzart’s ethos and informs the community through skills transmission. Outreach is structured and entrenched within our curriculum framework and has identifiable outcomes. The Outreach Programme uses dance as a transformative tool within the flexible pathways connecting rural and urban settings. The Programme provides creative arts intervention and training over 30 000 young people each year.

Jeremiah Brimstone Band

Jeremiah Brimstone Band, which most nearly fits into the genre of alternative folk, has distilled its sound from the darker currents of folk, alternative rock and country, gipsy music, and the blues. It performs original songs that tell tales of profligate searching, damnation, redemption and despair, evoking those implacable forces that impinge upon our lives and ensure the perennial strangeness of existence. Lyricist Dawid de Villiers (vocals, guitar, banjo) teams up with Hendré Retief (percussion), Elmi Badenhorst (accordion, trombone, harmonica) and Heine du Toit (bass, slide guitar, hang) to produce haunting music that should appeal to those with an affinity for the work of such artists as Leonard Cohen, Johnny Cash, Sixteen Horsepower, and Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds.

Jitsvinger

Jitsvinger is an established Cape Flats-born conceptual writer, composer, guitarist, educator, musician, poet and performing artist. After the success of his debut album, Skeletsleutel, Jitsvinger has collaborated with classical musicians, jazz nominees, pioneers and legends, and has performed on stages and in festivals both locally in his home country of South Africa and internationally including Taiwan, France, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Chile. He has composed and written music for theatre productions and film. Jitsvinger is a social commentator on issues concerning heritage, culture, and especially the Afrikaans language.

Jono Tait

Jono Tait is a relative newcomer to the Theatre scene in Cape Town and surrounds but has fast established a reputation in the musical side of things. Having studied drama until matric, a passion for live music performance took centre stage and has tended to dominate career noteworthies over the last few years. Hatchetman is chief among those and has twice scooped the prestigious Silver Ovation Award at the National Arts Fest first in 2015, and again in 2018.

Jono took the role of musical director under the tutelage and directorship of legendary theatre maker, Nicholas Ellenbogen in a musical production of, Fergus of Galloway staged in 2014. The musical ran for 5 weeks to great critical acclaim and also saw action at the inaugural Cape Town Fringe Festival.

In 2015, Hatchetman was invited to join Luna Paige and Illuminaar Productions in a stagin of an experimental theatre worked based on the book, Flame in the Snow at KKNK 2015.

Next up came work in a light-hearted comedy, Angels on Horseback: Reloaded which debuted at the Alexander Bar and was followed up with hugely successful runs at the Kalk Bay Theatre, KKNK and the Grahamstown National Arts Festival in 2017.

Jono and Nick Ellenbogen reunited in 2017 as well for the annual Raiders production at the National Arts Fest in which Jono was once again credited as the musical director.

Lara Kirsten

Lara Kirsten is a pianist and performance poet. After completing her high school career at the National School of the Arts in Johannesburg in 1997, Lara received her BMus and BMus Honours degrees, both cum laude at the University of Pretoria. Joseph Stanford and Wessel van Wyk were her mentors in solo piano and chamber music respectively. In 1999 she was awarded a SAMRO bursary for undergraduate students. In 2002 she received her chamber music licentiate from UNISA. She was appointed junior lecturer at the University of Pretoria where she taught piano from 2003 to 2005.

For the past decade Lara has been active as both a solo and chamber musician performing with musicians such as soprano Linda van Coppenhagen, tenor Sandile Mabaso, clarinetist Morné van Heerden and cellists Wessel Beukes and Francois le Roux. She often performs her poetry within her music recitals. She has performed in venues such as the Sandton Theater on the Square, the Baxter concert hall in Cape Town, the Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria, the Guy Butler Theater in Grahamstown and the Tatham Art Gallery in Pietermaritzburg.

Lara has performed at the Wakkerstroom Music Festival, the McGregor Poetry Festival, the AfrikaBurn Festival in the Tankwa Karoo, the Woordfees in Stellenbosch, the FynArts Festival in Hermanus, The Hilton Arts Festival and the Michaelhouse Music Festival in KwaZulu-Natal.

For the last five years Lara has been based in the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal from where she travels with her concert tours. She also teaches piano from her home. From 2014-2017 Lara has been invited to serve as adjudicator for the Pietermaritzburg Eisteddfod of the South African Society of Music Teachers.

Since 2007 Lara’s poetry has been published in the South African Literary Journal New Contrast. In 2008 she became part of the Eastern Cape poet-group, Ecca, who presents readings and publishes collectively each year. In 2015 and 2016 poems by Lara have been selected to feature in the Sol Plaatje European Union Poetry Anthology.

Magdalena de Vries

Kanna nominee, Magdalena de Vries, is regarded as South Africa’s foremost classical marimbist.

A former student of Suzette Brits (Hugo Lambrechts Music Centre) De Vries won a large range of South African music prizes including two overseas scholarships, which enabled her to pursue postgraduate studies in percussion as the first foreign student at the Tokyo College of Music under Professor Atsushi Sugahara.

While in Japan, she was invited to join Percussion Museum (resident percussion ensemble in Tokyo), made her solo recital debut, received a Tokyo College of Music study grant and obtained a postgraduate diploma cum laude.

Whilst living in the UK (2000 – 2003) her musical engagements included a UK-France concert tour with Ensemble Bash; CD recordings with Errollyn Wallen and Continuum Ensemble; workshops run by Ensemble Bash, Sinfonia 21, spnm; performing with a variety of contemporary music groups including Premiere Crew, Modern Band and ESO at various venues, including Australia House (London), Purcell Room (London South Bank Centre), King’s College (Cambridge), Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival and Linbury Studio Theatre (Royal Opera Covent Garden).

As orchestral percussionist, Magdalena has worked with the Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra (Tokyo), attended the 2000 Festival de Musica de Canarias as member of the former Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, attended the 2014 Gabala International Music Festival (Azerbaijan) as member of the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra and currently regularly works with the Johannesburg Festival Orchestra.

In May 2001 she won first prize in the Performing Australian Music Competition in London and was subsequently featured as guest soloist on the live broadcast of BBC3 In Tune.

In January 2003 she opened the series Music Oz: The Australia you’ve never heard before at St John’s Smith Square in London, and appeared on invitation of the Australian High Commissioner as guest artist at the Australia Day celebrations in London.

May 2003 saw the debut recital of EXPOSURE (marimba/saxophone duo with British saxophonist Sarah James) in London’s Purcell Room, and during June/July of the same year she returned to Tokyo on invitation of Prof. Sugahara to perform a series of solo, ensemble and orchestral concerts.

EXPOSURE continued their success by completing a South African concert tour in March/April 2004.

In 2003 she formed Duo FourIVTwo with South Africa’s foremost vibraphonist, Frank Mallows. The duo continues to perform to great acclaim throughout South Africa, specifically focusing on South African repertoire.

Magdalena has performed a large number of world premiéres including works by Errollyn Wallen, Peter Klatzow, Robert Fokkens, Paul Hanmer, Clare Loveday, Hendrik Hofmeyr, Andile Khumalo, Allan Stephenson and Braam du Toit. In 2016 she presented an entire programme of newly composed South African works for solo marimba. This performance, entitled Fragment, was nominated for a Kanna Awards for the Best Classical Music Performance at the 2016 KKNK.

Since 2005 her concerto performances included works by Ney Rosauro, Alan Hovhaness, Bela Bartok and Karl Jenkins. In June 2013 she performed the world premiére of Peter Klatzow’s Concerto for Marimba, Vibraphone and Strings; in November 2014 the world premiére of Toccata Exotica for solo marimba and orchestra by Allan Stephenson and in September 2016 Hendrik Hofmeyr’s Concerto for Marimba and Strings. In November 2016 she was one of the invited soloists to tour Russia as part of the SA-Russia Cultural exchange programme and performed to great acclaim in Moscow and Saint Petersburg.

As recording artist, she is featured on CDs by Claire Johnston, Denzil Weale, Hannelie Rupert, Ockie Vermeulen and Duo FourIVTwo. Her 1^st solo album –  MarimBaroque – was released in November 2013.

As adjudicator, she was chairman of the Stellenbosch National Ensemble Competition (2005 – 2015) and has been on the panel of the Performing Australian Music International Competition in London, ATKV Muziq and the SAMRO Overseas Scholarship. As educator, she lectures marimba at Beaulieu Preparatory School, percussion at St Peter’s Preparatory School for Boys, Afrikaans Hoër Meisieskool (Pretoria) and the University of the Witwatersrand. She has also set all the percussion syllabi for the UNISA Directorate of Music practical examinations.

She holds a B Mus (UNISA); performer’s licentiate diplomas (with distinction) from both the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music and the University of South Africa and a Postgraduate Diploma (cum laude) from the Tokyo College of Music.

Magdalena continues to strive to expand the marimba repertoire by commissioning South African composers and promoting the classical marimba as a full-blown solo instrument.

Owen Britz & Tertia Visser Downie

Owen Britz trained with Maria Swart, Marietjie Pauw and most recently Eva Tamassy. Owen has been privileged to perform the World Premiere of works by Hendrik Hofmeyr, Mac Mckenzie and Christo Jankowitz. Owen was principal flute for the Stellenbosch City Orchestra for 2015 and 2016. Owen resides in Darling with his husband Brendon and 5 4-legged children.

Tertia Visser Downie is an accomplished South African pianist who studied under national and international piano masters John Antoniadis, and London-based Martino Tirimo, after winning the prestigious Mabel Quick Overseas Scholarship.

She completed her Honours degree in Music at the University of Stellenbosch, as well as achieving the Unisa Performers’ and Teachers’ Licentiates, with distinction in both qualifications.

Tertia regularly gets invited as an official accompanist at globally acclaimed music competitions and regularly accompanies talented and award winning musicians at various events and concerts.  She was one of the official accompanists at the UNISA International String Competition in 2010, accompanying Yura Lee (violin), the overall winner.  In 2014 she accompanied Sang Yoon Kim (clarinet), one of the global winners of the Unisa Flute and Clarinet Competition, enhancing her profile as a leading South African accompanist, impacting the international music scene.

Tertia’s talent is versatile and in 2009, she joined renowned poet Philip de Vos on a national tour to bring masterpieces  “Pictures at an Exhibition” by Mussorgsky and “Kinderscenen” by Schumann to stage, radio and television.  In 2008 Tertia took the leading female role in Pieter Dirk Uys’s play, Appassionata, and performed the Beethoven Sonata with the same name.

Tertia has produced numerous CDs of her own as well as establishing and managing her “Tots in Tune” programme designed to introduce classical music to young toddlers.  She also released a CD with well-known cellist Marian Lewin at the end of 2009.

In November 2016, she received her Fellowship from the Trinity College of Music.

She has been organising the very successful Erin Hall Concert Series in Rondebosch since the beginning of 2014.

Tertia is a piano lecturer at the College of Music, University of Cape Town.

Stuart Lightbody

Stuart Lightbody has spent over 20 years studying and sharing the art of magic. Stuart tours his theatre show across 3 continents. He can be found entertaining anywhere from private parties on the island of Capri, Italy, to theatres on luxury cruise liners, to corporate shows for the biggest Fortune-500 companies. As a South African Magic Champion, Stuart has represented his country at the World Magic Championships in Sweden and at the World Magic Seminar in Las Vegas. He has also won numerous local and international awards at arts festivals and magic gatherings, including two “Silver Ovation Awards” at the Grahamstown National Arts Festival, a “Weekly Best of Festival Award” at the Adelaide Fringe Festival, the “Creative Award” at the Prague Fringe Festival and the “Theatre Award” at the Fringe World Festival. He spends his life pondering, practicing and performing moments that are beautifully impossible.

Steel Band Project

Riebeek Kasteel, in the West Coast District Municipality, is situated just off the R46, 20 minutes from Malmesbury and an hour’s drive from Cape Town. The Steelband Project has been active in this community for over 18 years, and has worked with 4 successive editions of the steelband in the town. Membership of the Riebeek Kasteel Steelband is highly prized and many current and ex-steelband members are considered to be role models in their community, which is beset by many of the social problems of rural communities.

Over the years the band has performed at many high profile events and functions, such as Ratanga Junction, Spier Wine Estate, Parliament, Kirstenbosch Gardens, the annual Steelband Festival at the Baxter Theatre and many town fairs, festivals and weddings throughout the Province. 4 of the band also travelled to Mozambique in April to perform for a Mercedes Benz corporate event.

Riebeek Kasteel teachers David Wickham and Donald Lameyer, and assistant teachers, Grandwill Grant and Jovan Heynse are currently doing the Community Music Educators programme at UWC, a 2 year certificate or 3 year diploma programme.

The Buckfever Underground

The Buckfever Underground was founded in Grahamstown in 1998 by Toast Coetzer and Gilad Hockman. They have released a number of critically acclaimed albums like “Jou Medemens Is Dood”, “TAFL – Teaching Afrikaans as a Foreign Language”, “SAVES” and “Verkeerdevlei”. They have appeared at big festivals like Oppikoppi but prefer small, intimate performance spaces like lounges, porches and gardens – they have toured around South Africa in this way, bringing their improvised music and mix of English and Afrikaans poetry right into the homes of their fans. The band currently consists of Toast Coetzer (vocals, words), Stephen Timm (percussion) and Michael Currin (guitar).

Abavuki

“Members:
Andile Makubalo – percussion, marimbas, vocals
Bongani Ngesi – marimbas, vocals
Gaz Matsila – trombone, marimbas, vocals
Kim Masala – marimbas, percussion, vocals
Miyo Sakabula – congas, vocals
Sabu Jiyana – marimbas, mbira, vocals
Thando Sishuba – trumpet, congas, vocals
Thulani Mtyi – bass drum, trombone, vocals

ABAVUKI are a powerful African Jazz outfit from Langa, Cape Town and have been playing their infectious afro-beat marimba grooves since 2001. The eight members in the group, all multi-instrumentalists, are influenced by kwaito, samba, jazz and traditional rhythms, which they translate within a more modern format, using marimbas, percussion and brass instruments.

The Xhosa name “abavuki” means ‘Wake up, early birds!’ and this attitude is palpable in Abavuki’s high-energy, uplifting music that not only reflects their youth, but their optimistic outlook on life and their approach to music-making.

Their vibrant reinterpretation of marimba music, with overlaid brass instruments, is a funky addition to the genre, and resounds because it is testimony to the resilience of South Africans and the redemption the country has found in music in its path to reconciliation.

Recent career highlights include being selected to take part at Womex2014 (Santiago de Compostela, Spain) in October 2014, their performance at Rocking the Daisies in 2013 and The Cape Town World Music Festival in 2012. Abavuki are currently on tour in several European countries including Poland, Czech Republic, The Netherlands, Slovenia and Germany. Check out their website for more details. “

Appassionato Quartet

“Liesl Stoltz – Flute
Hilary Mohr – Oboe
Justin Carter – Clarinet
José Dias – Piano

The Appassionato Quartet was created to showcase the diversity and capabilities of the foremost woodwind instruments. This unique ensemble displays the grace and nimbleness of the flute, the expressive and penetrating quality of the oboe, and the mellow and highly colourful voice of the clarinet in combination with the versatility of the piano. The members are some of the most respected musicians in South Africa all with strong ties to UCT, having either been awarded or currently working towards masters and doctoral degrees there. Furthermore the individual members have won many prizes and competitions both locally and internationally.
Our programme is a whistle-stop tour of many nationalities and styles, from the high baroque to the highly infectious tango world of Astor Piazzolla.”

Aron Ha’Levi

Aron Ha’Levi is a music producer, song writer and composer based in Cape Town. In 2002, Aron started a band called Freshlyground. Seven years, three albums, four SAMA awards, one MTV award, over 50 songs and 1000’s of performances later, he decided to leave the band to pursue his own career as a composer and producer. He is known for his exceptional song-writing, arrangement and production across many genres, ranging from african-pop to balkan-dance, orchestral to electronic, rock to hip-hop and EDM. He is joined at Voorkamerfest 2015 by Ariella Caira on cello and Ronan Skillen on percussion, for a rare and intimate performance.

Caely-Jo Levy

“Caely-Jo Levy is a singer, actress, dancer and striving “”balabosta”” based in Cape Town. In 2009, she was invited to sing at the Yiddish song festival and has since developed a strong connection to the music, the culture and the journey of her ancestors.

Caely-Jo also spent a decade performing and touring in musicals and straight theater, in shows such as: Grease, We Will Rock You, Kiss Kiss, Rocky Horror, The Best Man to mention a few. She has also appeared in several international and local commercials as well as films and shortfilms.

Caely-Jo is extremely excited to be taking part in Pieter Dirk Uys’s award winning show, Die Van Aardes van Grootoor which is going to be adapted into a musical by Godfrey Johnson and performed at the end of the year in Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Caely-Jo is also a freelance choreographer and has choreographed music videos for Jack Parrow and PHFAT, as well as live choreography with Mango Groove, Springbok Nudegirls and Prime Cirlcle.
She will by joined at the Voorkamer fest, by Robin Cohen on keys”

Caroline and Julie Blundell

“Sisters Caroline and Julie Blundell have been singing together from a very young age during the years that folk music was new in S.A. Their late father, Keith Blundell, was a radio, TV and stage personality sometimes referred to as the “Father of Folk Music” in South Africa.
Caroline and Julie have found inspiration in the music of great musicians such as The Beatles, Incredible String Band, Crosby Stills & Nash, Paul Simon, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell and Bonnie Raitt, among others.
Caroline and Julie both sing and they performing original material using guitars, bass, banjo, and great harmonies!”

Cleo Raatus and Tankiso Mamabolo

“Fleur du Cap Award-winning performer Godfrey Johnson directs Cleo Raatus and Tankiso Mamabolo in the cabaret HARD KNOCK LIFE.

Accompanied by the talented Trevor du Buisson on piano; HARD KNOCK LIFE tells the story of two young artists trying to make it in the entertainment industry whilst dealing with the ordinary challenges of life: Being broke, eating pap and spicy chakalaka for dinner, worrying about rent and their nonexistent love lives.

HARD KNOCK LIFE is performed by final year UCT Theatre and Performance students (two months before their graduation) Tankiso Mamabolo and Cleo Raatus. This dynamic pair portray the gusto of wanting to make it with the heart wrenching anxiety that it may not ever happen.

Performing it all to songs from musicals such as RENT, CHESS, THE BAKER’s WIFE, FUNNY GIRL and a few others. Cleo Raatus and Tankiso Mamabolo deliver a performance full of heart. “

The Dance Connection

“In this year’s VOORKAMERFEST two dance companies melt together in a special production called ‘The Dance Connection’. Dance Forum from South Africa and ISH from the Netherlands are represented by dancers and choreographers Fana Tshabalala, Thulani Chauke and Anna Maria Suijkerbuijk. These 3 young, talented dancers and choreographers shall connect through dance, merge their cultures and challenge one anothers artistic vision. In a period of 3 weeks they will co-create a 30 minute dance piece which will be performed in several key venues in South Africa.

DANCE FORUM (An Association Incorporated under Section 21, Registration Number: 2003/01/3598/08), was established in 2003 as a vehicle to manage various developmental aspects of the professional and non-professional contemporary dance industry in South Africa as well as produce dance platforms such as the annual Dance Umbrella Festival to show the outcomes of the process.

The focus of Dance Forum is to provide cohesion between existing contemporary dance initiatives and to enhance opportunities for skills transfer, vocational training and the development of a culture of excellence within the industry regionally, nationally and internationally. Its focuses on both development and production of new contemporary dance work on all levels to enable them to create, perform, diversify their creativity and professional skill and earn a sustainable living from being performing arts professionals.

ISH: ISH was born as a dream, came to light on stage and has grown up as a collective of individuals connected by a vision in which boundaries do not exist.
Ever since the first performance in 2000, ISH has successfully aimed to create crossover dance productions that appeak to a wide and diverse audience. For the first 13 years, our theatre shows have brought street culture disciplines to the stage, where they connect with other art forms. New cross-overs arise by working together with various parties and ISh bridges gaps between art forms, disciplines and cultures.

www.thisisish.com

Anna Maria Suijkerbuijk (NL): After finishing her studies at ARTEZ dance academy in Arnhem, she participated in ‘So You Think You Can Dance NL’ and made it to the finals (2008). This was the start of Anna dancing in several productions including productions of ISH, an urban dance collective. In 2012 Anna started her own company called ‘Sine Forma dance company’ and moved on to establishing her own vision and artistic signature as a choreographer. In 2015/2016 Anna has been granted the opportunity to develop 3 theatre productions in collaboration with ISH as part of the Dutch Performing Arts Fund for young talented choreographers. Het first duet ‘I came, I saw, I did nothing’ will premier this July at Over ‘t IJ Festival in Amsterdam.

Fana Tshabalala: is the 2013 Standard Bank Young Artist Award winner for Dance. Fana started his career within the performing industry by being involved in different community groups such as Vuku Zenzele Cultural Group (Assistant Director), Sonqoba Cultural Group (Performer), Pheelo Dance Company (Dancer), Motswako Performing Artists (Performer) and he was a Dance director in Vuka African Artists. Fana is currently a choreographer, dancer, teacher and associate artistic director at the Forgotten Angle Theatre Collaborative; he also had a privilege to perform PJ Sabbagha’s One Night Stand at Danse L’Afrique Danse. Thereaftre, he performed in PJ Sabbagha’s I Think it’s Hamlet at Taipei’s Kuan Du Arts festival. Since working at FATC, Fana choreographed Gates of Hell and Between Us for FATC’s Dansbytes festival.

Thulani Chauke: started his performing arts career at the Jabavu Anti Crime Aids Awareness. Between 2001 and 2005, Thulani has respectively performed for various projects Arco Dance theatre, Halala Africa theatre Society, Annavarata Dance Institute and Taelo Dance theatre. Chauke has performed in various number of dance works and he has worked with internationally acclaimed choreographers: PJ Sabbagha, Gregory Maqoma, Fana Tshabalala, Shanell Winlock, Ivan Estegneev and Evgeny Kulagin ( Russia ), Iain MacDonald, Qudus Onikeku ( Nigeria ), Thabang Ramaila, Themba Mbuli, Thabo Rapoo, Gusten Magkaledisa, Luyanda Sidiya.”

Dizu Plaatjies

Dizu is the founder of worldwide reknowned music ensemble Amampondo, as well as Ibuyambo. He is a silent but charismatic force in the acknowledgement of African music during the centuries. This is Dizu Plaatjies third time to perform in the Voorkamerfest. This time with a different set-up: as a professor of UCT he will perform with two of his students.

Hazel Hinda

“My name Hazel Hinda, I was born and bred in Windhoek Namibia. I studied Drama at TUT, in Pretoria. The highlight of my career was my first professional gig after my studies, was 7de laan, where I played the character of Danny. It was an awesome opportunity, I also got to work with some of the best actors, directors and technical crew in the South African industry. I am currently residing in Namibia were I still practice my craft and have done productions for the National Theatre of Namibia, I would love to explore more so I am preparing to go America towards the end of this year.

My performance for the Voorkamerfest is a collage of 3 monologues all performed by me. The show is called ‘She used to live there’, it’s in tribute to womanhood, our daily struggles and overcoming them, it’s a look at the joys and sorrows of women. Sometimes we as women forget the incredible beings we are, that we are the guardians of society and mankind. Women have been under harsh conditions over the eras in many areas of life, but have proven we are resilient, and that is worth celebrating every day, She used to live there is exactly that. The monologues talk about a range of issues and the characters are a colorful combination of emotions, ideas and aspirations. It offers moments for both laughter and thought, tears and joys. It is contemporary in style and serves for intimate theatre. “

Hemel Besem

“Hemelbesem is ‘n Afrikaanse hip hop-kunstenaar, skrywer, digter, aktivis en gemeenskapsleier.

Hy het al ses albums uitgereik wat Dink n Bietjie, Auto-Bio-Grafie, Die Worcester Standard (2009), Evil is Maklik (2010), UWIL ISI MAKLIKI (2011), YMCMBesem (2013) en onlangs HEMELBESEM (2015) insluit.

Onder die verskeie feeste waar hy al opgetree het, tel die KKNK en die Suidoosterfees.

Hy beskryf homself graag as ‘n “”edutainer”” omdat vermaak en opvoeding so na aan sy hart lê. Met sy musiek lewer hy sosiale kommentaar en hy was ook betrokke met FASfacts (‘n organisasie wat fokus op die voorkoming van fetale alkoholsindroom).”

Godfrey Johnson

““VASLAV”

“People thought I was mad, I just thought I was fully alive” – Vaslav Nijinksy.
“In Vaslav [Johnson] reaches new heights… cabaret at its darkest and finest….dazzling…mesmerising” – Tracey Saunders, Cape Times
“the opportunity to glimpse genius, both that of Vaslav and Johnson…. If you don’t go and see Vaslav……. , you will be depriving your soul of a unique love-story” – TheatreSceneCpt

Vaslav Nijinsky was a visionary and daring performer who changed people’s perceptions of male performers and of dance in general. For nine years, he was the most admired ballet dancer in the world. Labelled ‘The God of the Dance’ by adoring critics, the star of the Ballet Russe company danced for the last time aged 28, in 1919. Diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic, he spent the next 30 years of his life in and out of mental institutions. Such was the impact of his short career, that his legend still captivates audiences 100 years later.
Based on Vaslav Nijinsky’s own diaries, and the world he lived in – around the time of the First World War with its explosion of creativity, change and industrial and technological advances – Vaslav blends together an intoxicating combination of original and period music, with dance and video. Set in a mental asylum when Vaslav is an older man, his story unfolds in vivid fragments of memory and flashbacks to his past.
The production is directed by Lara Bye and performed by Godfrey Johnson. Original text is by Karen Jeynes. Music is composed and arranged by Godfrey Johnson with additional song lyrics and text by Lara Bye and Godfrey Johnson. Lighting is by Jon Keevy and Set and Costume Co-ordination is by Joanna Evans.”

Julian Wenn

“A one man acoustic music theatre show by Julian Wenn

Wenn in lalaland takes place on any intimate stage, Julian Wenn with his guitar and loop station combines his showmanship to call upon his audience to take a walk through the avenues of his mind, and the way in which he sees the world. Brave yet fearing, strong with a touch of paranoia, he takes them through his life thus far, his work, his time, his love, his confusion; perhaps his dark side which is exposed through thought provoked jabbing at comedic monologues which turn into conscious acoustic musical hymns. The knotted rope with which he has the audience tugging on is wet, slippery, and at times hurts their hands, yet he cannot allow them to let go and neither do they want to. A general leading with truth and force, for as much as he pushes at them, they simultaneously pull back harder into Lalaland. “

Kagiso KG Mokgadi

“Kagiso or KG as he is affectionately known is the quintessential comedy heavyweight. Influenced by old-school comedy greats, KG will have you laughing from deep within your belly. The son of a Sangoma and western medicine nurse, takes his audiences on a unique comedy journey with a glimpse into the “behind the scenes” practices of a Sangoma and what it’s like having one that you call “dad”, a nurse for a mom and why he was never able to take a day off sick from school. In a very short period of time KG has moved from being an open-mic comedian to being a featured act in club, theatre and corporate comedy.He made his big stage performance at the Joburg Arts Alive Festival in the Comedy Nine-Nine showcase and earning rave reviews from the audience members and organizers alike. Since then he has shared the big stage with the South African comedy elite. The shows include, The Funny Festival 2012, Keeping You In Stitches with Riaad Moosa, The Marc Lottering Roadshow, Blacks Only Comedy Show and many more. David Kau and Nik Rabinowitz have entrusted him to be the opening act for their one man shows.

While many considered it too early to have a one man show, KG ran and toured his first solo show, HEAVY, at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown, Wits Theatre in Johannesburg and the Baxter Theatre in Cape Town. All three runs opened and closed with standing ovations, earning rave review in the countries media.

Touted as an up and coming great, KG was voted by South Africa’s professional comedians as South Africa’s Best Breakthrough Comic of the year at the 2014 South African Comics Choice Awards.He has become one of the top new acts in South Africa and even though he’s a big guy already, he will be huge one day.”

Leon Giesen

Leon Giesen is a filmmaker, musician and storyteller from The Netherlands, with a keen eye for detail. He combines his inspiring documentary short films, live music and true stories in a unique way in Mondo Leone (Leon’s World).

Makudupanyane Senaoana accompanied by Philippus Hugo

“Makudupanyane Senaoana, born in Johannesburg is currently a student at the South African college of music where he studies voice under the guidance of Hanna van Niekerk and Prof. Kamal Khan. In his early schooling years he attended the world renowned Drakensberg Boys’ Choir school where he was taught the art of classical music. Senaoana was the 1st Prize winner of the Rialto/Olitalia competition, open to all UCT students. In 2014 he was a finalist of the Paris opera competition and a semi-finalist in the Houston Grand Opera competition. Senaoana has also been awarded both the “SAMRO” and the “Apollo Trust” Bursaries (South African music awards).

As a student, Senaoana has performed with Cape Town Opera and The South African College of Music and professionally with artists/organisations such assoul singer LIRA, Bryn Terfel, The Cape Philharmonic orchestra and The Wagner Society of South Africa. At the Glimmerglass festival in 2012, he performed the main stage role of Absalom Kumalo: Weill’s “Lost in the Stars” and covered Le Chevalier Danois: J.B Lully’s “Armide”.

His opera roles thus far include: Tom Rakewell:“The Rake’s Progress”, Count Almaviva: “The barber of Seville”, Don Ottavio in “Don Giovanni”, Nathanael in “The tales of Hoffmann”, Gugliemo:“Viva la mamma”, the Tenor: Handel’s “Messiah” and scenes as Tamino:“The magic flute”. Belfiore: “Il viaggio a Reims” and Man with the old luggage: “Postcard from Morocco”.

In masterclasses, Senaoana has had guidance from greats of opera such as Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Neil Shicoff, George Shirley, Ana Maria Martinez, Eric Owens and Dolora Zajick.

In 2013, Makudupanyane was selected as one of 8 talented young artist and invited to Huston Grand Opera for their exclusive young artist academy.

Along with his musical achievements, Senaoana is also one of the stars of a documentary entitled “I live to sing”. The documentary has been aired in the USA on PBS, South Africa’s SABC, the independent news station, Democracy NOW!, as well as CNN. In March of 2014 the doccie aired as the American Documentary Film Festival and Film Fund’s opening night attraction.

Philippus Hugo obtained the degrees B.Mus, B.Mus(hons) and M.Mus (Cum Laude) in piano performing from the University of Stellenbosch under the guidance of Juliana de Villiers. He makes his solo debut with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra at the age of 16. During his student years, he regularly performs as soloist with the CTPO, Natal Philharmonic, Stellenbosch Symphony Orchestra and the Hugo Lambrechts Symphony Orchestra. In 1992 he was appointed the post as official accompanist at the Hugo Lambrechts Music Centre, a post he held for 5 years before accepting a teaching post at Rustenburg Girls school. After teaching for 5 years he was appointed as accompanist at the University of Stellenbosch in 2001, where he still works as part time accompanist. Since 1994 until 2010 he was the official accompanist for the ABSA National music competition in Port Elizabeth and performed as accompanist for the SANLAM music competition in Cape Town. He is a regular accompanist for the ATKV Musique, Artscape Competition, UNISA gr8 and Overseas Bursary Competition as well as freelance accompanist for national arts festivals like the KKNK, KKK, Darling Foorkamerfest and the Greyton Classical Music Festival. In 2011 he was asked to perform with the American singers Kennethia Mitchell and Lawrence Craig Jr at the annual Maputo International Music Festival. He performed again in 2014 as accompanist at the Maputo International Music Festival. Since 2012 he is the official accompanist for the Muziquante Competition. He is also the producer, accompanist and programme arranger for the prize winners of the ATKV competition’s country tours. For his production of the opening concert at the Klein Karoo Klassiek festival in Oudtshoorn, in 2013, the production was nominated for a Fiesta Award for best classical concert at a national festival. He regularly is appointed as adjudicator for various eisteddfods in South Africa. In 2012 he was a guest artist at the Harare Music Festival in Zimbabwe. In 2014 he is appointed as a member of the board of examiners for UNISA. Philippus Hugo is currently enrolled for a PhD degree in music, at the University of Stellenbosch. Philippus is also a chef and he and his partner run the well known DrieFontein Farm Restaurant in the Overberg.”

Matzer

“Imagine this, it was 3.24 a.m.
I was ashamed.
Deeply.
At 3:24 a.m. I’m usually asleep. Have been all my life.
And then, well, yes… a man in the room.
And I remember what came into my head: ‘Think of a baby chick’.

How do you cope with being struck by an overpowering sensation? A feeling that has carefully and consciously been kept under control?
In Pillow Talk a simple life dedicated to serving others is thoroughly upset by giving in to a gut feeling.
This is a new story by author Peter De Graef, brought to life by Wendell Jaspers who delivers an exciting performance wavering between inner peace and shocked enchantment. Directed by Madeleine Matzer.

Pillow talk will premiere at Voorkamerfest 2015.”

Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi

“Ubejane. The last one?

(Note: Ubejane is Zulu for black rhino).

“”Today, black rhinos remain Critically Endangered because of rising demand for rhino horn, which has driven poaching to record levels. A recent increase in poaching in South Africa threatens to erase our conservation success. The increase is driven by a growing demand from some Asian consumers, particularly in Vietnam, for folk remedies containing rhino horn. A total of 333 rhinos were killed in South Africa in 2010 – almost one a day.” (WWF)

Reference from:
(www.worldwildlife.org)

Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi trained locally and internationally and his illustrious career has spanned performing, writing, composing, choreographing and devising theatre performances and educational programmes. He has worked with some of South Africa’s top companies, including Theatre for Africa, Sakhile Theatre Company (founder member), FTHK, Third World Bunfight, Artscape and Siyasanga Cape Town Theatre, where he was Roy Sergeant’s joint artistic director. Nhlanhla has toured the SADC regions, the US, England, Europe and Asia, performing and facilitating theatrical workshops and he has helped build four theatres. His extensive list of credits include Cry, the Beloved Country; Now Now; The Bird;, Orpheus, Nguni: The Love Story; Dairies of Diesel Du Toit; Subject to Citizen; Mama Tembu’s Wedding; My Low-Fat Almost Italian Wedding and A Man and A Dog, for which he received a Fleur du Cap nomination. “

Nina Hastie

“Nina Hastie is one of the few South African comedians who has represented South Africa abroad…she performed at the EKHAYA FEST as part of the South African Department of Arts and Culture’s OLYMPIC 2012 cultural initiative. Hastie has performed at major theatres around the country such as The State Theatre, Wits Theatre and Joburg Theatre. She has headlined comedy festivals such as The Tshwane Comedy Festival, Soweto Comedy Festival,The Wits Comedy Festival and performed at The Nandos Comedy Festival, Kings & Queens of Comedy in Durban & Johannesburg.

Hastie was the opening act for the Comedy Central special presents: Joey Rasdien, with Trevor Gumbi and Paul Snodgrass. (Aired on Comedy Central Africa on 15 March 2013).

She recently performed her one-woman show, ‘Hey Nina!’ at the National Arts Festival 2014, receiving rave reviews. The show is currently on tour at the major theatres in SA, with its next leg at The State Theatre.

Nina is currently opening for Nik Rabinowitz at The Lyric Theatre, Emperor’s Palace and The Atterbury Theatre in Pretoria.

Fast becoming one of SA’s most popular female comedians, Nina is a regular on SA TV (Late Night News with Loyiso, Next of Next Week, 10 over 10 to name a few) and radio (Cliff Central, Sa FM, Mix FM, Jacaranda FM, Metro FM and more)

Having been a voice artist for over 15 years, Nina is a stalwart of this entertainment industry having voiced for over 50 brands, as well as animated feature films, and animated series.

This tireless entertainer also has a weekly column in Gauteng’s highest selling daily newspaper: The Times, called: ‘Oh the Agony’.

Nina Hastie has hosted corporate events and music festivals. Highlights include corporate events like: Total S.A.Women’s Day breakfast, Mercedez Benz Youth Day Luncheon, MTN Promotional Breakfast, Stimorol Neverlasting Festival, ACSA National School Choirs Competition, SA National Mint Industrial Theatre performance Menlyn shopping Centre Women’s Day Luncheon, Come Dine With Me SA Launch Event, TUKS Spring Day, Always Ultra Nurses conference (HDI), Sail Women’s Day luncheon, Universal Globum Awards MC, ATKV Universities Serenade Competition 2014, SARB Research Dept Awards to name a few.

Hastie mixes a lovely blend of English, SiPitori and Zunglish on stage and is comfortable in front of any audience.”

Petra Müller

“Petra Müller was born in 1935 in the small enclave of Botrivier, where her father was the village policeman. One of five children, the family moved to Swellendam when she was ten years old, and her father turned to farming, on the farm Eenzaamheid.

A hugely prolific and fully bilingual writer of short stories, novels, children’s books and poetry, Petra Müller’s book of love poems, Die aandag van jou oë (2002) was voted one of the ‘top 30 African reads’ according to an informal poll run by the Centre for the Book in collaboration with the Cape Town Book Fair in 2007.
In 2005, Müller was awarded the Herzog Prize by the South African Academy for Science and Art, the highest honour for Afrikaans poetry in the country. Although the bulk of her output has been written in Afrikaans, with four grandchildren living in North America who don’t speak Afrikaans, she decided to write a collection of poems for them.“I set out with a good heart to write a book for them in English,” she explains. The result was Night Crossing (2006), which, Müller acknowledges, “is not suitable for children. Maybe when they’re older. In the mean time, I’m still trying to write a collection of poems for my grandchildren.” Nonetheless, Night Crossing was the first English-language poetry collection to be published by publishing house Tafelberg. The manuscript was sent to poets Ingrid de Kok and Patrick Cullinan, and they made a glowing recommendation.

In fact, her first published poetry, featured about 40 years ago in Contrast magazine, was a series in English and Afrikaans on the death by drowning of her younger brother. Reflecting on her choice of language when writing, she says, “It makes no difference. I don’t always remember which language I’ve written in.”

“If you want to make poetry,” Müller tells us, “you need to do it with the simplicity and self-sufficiency of a pebble, or a drop of water – an object as perfected by nature.””

Samantha Durrant (van Gysen)

“Samantha attends the University of Cape Town, South Africa, where she is studying music under the tutelage of Prof Farida Bacharova. Past teachers include Prof Jack de Wet, Anouk Smit (Espi) and Vincenzo lo Castro. Samantha has appeared as a soloist with UCTSO, CPO, JPO, KZNPO, Camerata Tinta Barocca and Musicanti orchestra. She has taken part in eisteddfodau and competitions around the country of which she has been a distinction bearer and prizewinner at competitions such as Artscape Youth Music Competition, UNISA Grade 8 Bursary Competition and the NEA awards. In 2015 she has been invited to play at the Hermanus FynArts Festival in June, the Baxter Theatre in June, the Kronendal Music Academy in August, the Darling Voorkamer Festival in September and the Baxter Theatre in October.

Samantha was awarded runner-up strings at Artscape Youth Music Competition and invited to participate in the UNISA 120th Anniversary Competition, where she performed at the final gala concert in 2014. She was a soloist with UCTSO, KZNPO, and CPO in 2014. Samantha was an active member in Sovth African National Youth Orchestra, MIAGI Youth Orchestra and Stellenbosch Chamber Music Festival; Samantha holds the position of co-concertmaster ofUCTSO.

Samantha has always been a very active and well known musician: she was an organiser and a performer of “”Samantha’s Fundraising Concert”” in collaboration with SANYO dedicated to underprivileged young musicians as well as she was invited to perform in Hermanus FynArts Music Festival, she is also a permanent extra player to Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra.

Samantha has received masterclasses from Fredrik Burstedt and Stefano Pagliano, where she was held in high appraise. Samantha is an incredible natural talent as well as a hardworking and dedicated student whom excelled with the demanding workload of 2014, continuously showed her determination, and consistent achievement through expansive improvement. In my opinion she has all the qualities needed to become one of the top musicians of her generation.”

Temba Fassie & Fancy Galada

One of the versitale musicians in the Western Cape: Themba Fassie. When you see him in the streets of his hometown Langa, his positive energy immediately comes out. When he starts performing… You’ll see what happens!

Watervolk

“Watervolk is a poem of the South African writer Carina Stander. Time is like a river of passing events. The water flows always different. It is a metaphor for the changes in life. The dutch band Souldada is using different languages like African, Papiamento, Frysian, English, Dutch and French. The languages and the mixture of Worldmusic is giving the special sound to the Souldada songs.

www.souldada.nl
Femke Hoeksma zang
Herman Woltman gitaar
Carel van Leeuwen cello
Johan Keus basgitaar
Willem Smid drums

Holly Moors: The best Dutch Worldmusic ever.
Hessel Fluitman: Watervolk has got a lot of beautiful songs.
Assie Aukes: Femke has got a expressive wonderful voice. It fits perfectly in watervolk.
Jacob Haagsma: Because of the great singing the Frisian language is just as beautiful as the African. “

Ancient Voices

Voorkamerfest 2014 brings you the first ever concerts by Ancient Voices, the female a-capella Xhosa ensemble from Khayelitsha. Lungiswa Plaatjies, Jennifer Pau, Nomapostile Nyiki, Zizipho Bekaphi and Zinzi Nogavu meet during auditions for a new international theatre production to tour in 2015. During this process it ‘clicked’ – they decided to perform together, specializing in Xhosa traditional music fused with classical singing. Ancient Voices incorporates some indigenous instruments from around Africa, which makes them distinct. These include the nyungwe-nyungwe (mbira lamellophones), djembe (african drum) and uhadi (xhosa musical bow). Ancient Voices want to move forward with their African heritage for generations to come, taking pride in their Xhosa culture and heritage at large. Through music they want to preserve.

Schalk Bezuidenhout

Comedian Schalk Bezuidenhout was born in the wonderful city of Johannesburg. He grew up in a very Afrikaans, ‘bring-terug-Apartheid’ town right next to the airport. In Kempton Park young Schalkie grew up in a very traditional Afrikaans way. Your mother’s breast milk would be brannewyn en coke, you would walk “kaalvoet” to school, and you’d hide your lunch money when a black man walked past. But by the age of 10, life started to become more and more difficult for poor old Schalkie. His family and friends stood back as they watched Schalk evolve from an Afrikaans conservative caterpillar into a beautiful dramaqueen butterfly, complete with a moustache and furry afro. At first it was just doing cartwheels on the rugby field, and later more eccentric things like making friends with the neighbour’s daughter… who was black! It was thus obvious to Schalk’s parents that he would study drama, and to help numb the pain they sent him away to study at the University of Cape Town. While studying in Cape Town Schalk slowly began to realise that there was so much more to life than boerewors and rugby…..

Angel Campey

Razor sharp wit and dark humoured stand-up comedian: Angel Campey. Yes Really Angel is the intelligent and hilarious look into the mind of one of the few female comedians in South Africa. Directed by comedy legend, Nik Rabinowitz.

Hannes Coetzee

Hannes Coetzee is a soft-spoken 69 year old, when he is not making music, he taps aloes for their medicinal juice in the mountains. Hannes learnt to play the guitar on the side of the hill when the aloes were too dry to tap, as well as keeping himself company on long, lonely nights in the mountains of the Kamiesberg. Hannes composes his own songs. His right-hand finger picking style is called “optel en knyp” (pick up and pinch), and combined with his unique teaspoon slide technique, he ranks as one of the most unusual slide guitarists in the world. If you shut your eyes, you would think that there were two people accompanying each other on guitars. David Kramer met Hannes Coetzee in 2001 during the making of a programme on guitarists for local television. Since that meeting Hannes, together with other musicians, joined Kramer in his award-winning production KAROO KITAAR BLUES, in which marginalised and forgotten musicians were showcased, playing authentic ‘ou liedjies’. Two DVDs featuring Hannes have been made.The first was a documentary, directed by Liza Key, in which David and Hannes go in search of a violin player in the Karoo. It has been shown at film festivals around the world, winning the Golden Reel Award at the Tiburon International Film Festival in California in 2006. The second is the full concert of Karoo Kitaar Blues filmed live at the Baxter Theatre in Cape Town. Hannes became world famous, at last! Now for the first time in Darling.

Lean Coetzer

Leán is a dancer, choreographer and performance artist. She started her dance career as a founder member of the PACT dance company in 1988. Now at the age of 45, she still sees herself as a dancer, but with a strong conceptual and performance-art angle to her work. She also works as a voice movement therapy practitioner and investigates the emotion and motivation behind movement and voice. Various of her works have been performed at FNB Dance umbrella, KKNK, Aardklop, Grahamstown Arts Festival, Spier Contemporary art exhibition, Hermanus Kalfie fees, Aberdeen Word festival (Scotland) and Infecting the City in Cape town. In 2001 she received the Beeld Plus Aartvark award for most Ground-breaking production at the Aardklop festival in Potchefstroom. www.leancoetzer.co.za

Tony Cox

He may be in his seventh decade but iconic SA acoustic guitarist Tony Cox is still making the laaitjies drop their jaws in amazement and their folks nudging them saying, ‘I told you so’. The show, titled after his latest album, Padkos, features Cox at his all-time best. Alone on stage, cascades of white hair and those hands moving, picking, pulling the music out of the guitar. An entire ensemble with bass lines, rhythm, percussion and melodic lines all coming at you seemingly all at the same time. It is no wonder youngsters who at first resist going along, find themselves bedazzled by this man’s sheer musicianship and audacious flare for the guitar. Inspired by fans who have written to him from foreign climes and who are traveling with his music, the music became Padkos, food for the soul. It is Cox paying homage to a diverse number of SA composers, among them Sipho Hotstix Mabuse, Bright Blue and Johnny Clegg. The live show has the ability to reduce an audience to fits of laughter, sheer dumbstruck amazement and to even shed a tear or two.

Handspring Puppet Company – I love you when you are breathing

Audiences have the unique opportunity of seeing a puppet deliver a meta-theatrical address to critics and the general public. Using comedy and generous amounts of self-reflecting humour, this presentation gives insight into the behind-the-scenes life of a puppet, as an object in the world of international theatre. Often humorous and sometimes irreverent, the production looks at what it’s like to be inanimate while also considering the special role of the audience and its part in making meaning. Directed by Jason Potgieter. Handspring Puppet Company from Cape Town became world famous with their theatre production with the National Theatre in London (‘War horse’ now in London, New York and on tour) and their work with William Kentridge.

Het Nieuwe Lied

Singer/songwriters Eefke den Held and Wilko Sterke will perform together. Eefke studied at the Amsterdam Conservatory and the Academie voor Kleinkunst. Did her turn as background singer and performer in many musical theatre productions. She is the founder of Het Nieuwe Lied. Wilko accompanied other performers as a pianist, while studying Social Psychology. He composed and played in the funk/soul band Souldiers, was a regular guest in many productions of the festival De Parade, has become a solid member of Circus Treurdier and De Mannen van Glas. He won the Wim Sonneveldprijs 2012.

Jitsvinger

Quintin Goliath aka Jitsvinger is an established Cape Flats born conceptual writer, composer, educator, musician as well as an overwhelming performing artist! His first appearance in the Voorkamerfest 2007 in the house of Sandy and Tessa Esau became one of the spelbinding, outstanding happenings of that festival. Since then Afrikaans rapper Jitsvinger is making musical waves across South Africa and abroad. With his cutting-edge, socially relevant and wonderfully mischievous lyrics he manages either to mesmerize audiences into deep thought or induce roaring laughter.

Sibusiso Madondo

Sibusiso Hyacinth Madondo studied trumpet at the Schola Cantorum in Paris and went on to study jazz improvisation at I. A.C. P. (Institut, Art, Culture, Perception) which was founded by, among others, the great jazz bassist, Alan Silva. He is originally from Natal and currently a French language professor at Unisa. In this year’s Voorkamerfest Sibu will perform a repertoire of jazz standards as well as “Sarie Marais”. He also will sing songs from the acclaimed Broadway Musical – “Finian’s Rainbow”(“When I am not near the girl I love, I love the girl I am near…”). And he will tell the story of this myth and other surprising origins of music.

Goitsemang Lehobye & Tertia Visser Downie

“A wonderful duo appears in the Voorkamerfest 2014: soprano Goitsemang Lehobye and pianist Tertia Visser Downie.
Goitsemang was a member of the Black Tie Ensemble; she performed many roles in their productions, over the years (2005/2010). Her official debut as a solist was in June 2009, singing the rol of Hanna Glawari in Franz Lehar’s “”The Merry Widow””. From 2011 onwards she has studied and sung at Cape Town Opera. Recently she won the 1st price at the Mimi Coertse singing competition! Goitsemang currently receives vocal gaining from Hanna van Niekerk. Tertia Visser Downie is an accomplished pianist who studied under piano masters as John Antoniadis and Martino Tirimo. he completed her Honours degree in Music at the University of Stellenbosch. She performed numerous solo recitals in South Africa and internationally; and has featured with many orchestras such as the Cape Town Symphony Orchestra. Tertia has produced numerous CDs. She is part time lecturer at the South African College at UCT.”

Thijs Maas

Recently a collective of singer/songwriters has been founded in the Netherlands, Het Nieuwe Lied. At the moment 12 Dutch performers unite their single powers to become a force to be reckoned with on stage. We are very lucky to have 3 members of Het Nieuwe Lied in the 11th edition of the Voorkamerfest. Thijs Maas became an interesting performer nearly overnight: during and after his studies he won several competitions with his first theatre production ‘EEN’. His second production ‘GENADE’ was also nominated. Thijs Maas – a jazzy singer/songwriter from Eindhoven (NL).

Loit Sôls

“Loit sy kunstenaarskap lê verspreid oor `n breë kuns-spektrum. Loit is `n aktivis vir mense na aan sy hart en kom op vir kwessies rondom !Khoe-taal en lewensstandaarde van !Khoe-gemeenskappe.Hy tree landwyd en internasionaal op as digter en musikant . Loit is `n digter met `n paar bundels op sy kerfstok: My Straat en anne Praat-poems van 1998 Kwela Boeke – Die Faraway Klanke vanne Hadeda, 2006 by Kwela Boeke – Serious *kap-praat* series CD en bundel – self publikasie. Loit gebruik `n universele taal wat kunstenaarssiele verstaan en mense aangryp, omdat die woorde en klanke waarmee hy *werk* eerlik is. Hy skryf, praat en sing uit die diepte van sy siel en hart.
Woorde en klanke is sy gereedskap. Sy bloudruk is die gebruik van “ghoema”, `n mengsel van Kaaps-Afrikaans, Engels en !Khoe.”

Danie Marais

Veelbekroonde digter Danie Marais se derde digbundel het sopas verskyn -. “Solank velange die sweep swaai” – is n mymerende, soms tierende besinning oor die Suid Afrikaanse middelklas weergawe van die menslike toestand – Dit gaan oor die “roaring 40’s” en die eerste onheilspellende tekens van middeljarigheid, en n geliefde ma wat by die dood omdraai asook die skrikwekkende relevansie van gruwelrolprente en popkultuur en die geweld van die liefde.

Lloyd Marengo, Fabia Witkamp & Dane Badal

If you wonder how three dancers minimize their dancing to a stage area, from a normal theatre stage of 12 x 10 meters to a Voorkamerfest venue stage of maximum 3 x 2 meters: Fabia Witkamp, Dane Badal and Lloyd Marengo will show you this is possible and daring and exciting, both for you as a visitor as for them as dancers. These three dancers from the hiphop scene in the Netherlands have toured with 6 others quite extensively in spring 2014 in the production LOUD. Fragments of this production will be danced, in choreography by Lloyd himself. Fabia and Dane are rather familiar faces in the Netherlands: dancers in Tv shows as Holland Got Talent, and Move Like Mike. In the show you will see in Darling there is a combination of dance styles such as classical dance and hiphop. One of the fragments you wil see is called FLOW – the story of two lovers who can not live with nor without the other one.

Toneelgroep Matzer

“Toneelgroep Matzer
“Lui” (Dutch)
I do not know how it is with children
What they came to do in your life
I do not know “überhaupt” how things are
And those who think they know; talk rubbish, so I have noticed.
How do you help your child to find his way in life? How do you help him to find the right path?
“Lui” is a moving story of the life cycle of a parent and a child.
Written by master storyteller – Peter de Graef. The piece “Lui”, tries to explain – the bigger and smaller issues in life,
in a very loving way. It is indeed a wonderful piece of Drama, directed by Madeleine Matzer,
a well-known and appreciated name at the Voorkamerfest. The Music was composed by Helge Slikker.
Ik weet niet hoe dat zit met kinderen.
Wat ze in je leven komen doen.
Ik weet überhaupt niet hoe dingen zitten.
En wie het wel denkt te weten raaskalt, heb ik gemerkt.
“”Lui”” is another wonderful little piece of drama, directed by Madeleine Matzer – well known and highly acclaimed at Voorkamerfest.
Actor: Jur van der Lecq”

Tefo Paya

Direct from Gaborone, Botswana comes actor Tefo Paya, a witsie, to Darling to perform his one-man play MORWA: THE RISING SON. The play is a combination of story-telling, presentational theatre and ritual. It tells the story of a young Motswana man and his journey of discovering what it means to be a man. Percussionist Volley Nchabeleng will accompany Tefo in MORWA, which is directed by Warren Nebe. Presenting this production from Botswana at the Voorkamerfest has been made possible thanks to the help of the African Arts Institute in Cape Town.

Nik Rabinowitz

Nik Rabinowitz is not only funny, he also has a list of achievements the likes of which many can only aspire to. For instance. He once posed nude. Not because anyone asked him to, he just did it. Also, he represented South Africa at the Jewish Olympics, which is like the Special Olympics, but with more lawyers and plastic surgeons. From a young age he wanted to be an accountant, but it was a breakthrough performance reciting a speech at Shmuli Wiseglass’s barmitzvah that really cemented Nik’s future. This was enough to put his dreams of accountancy aside and pursue a life in stand-up comedy.

Valiant Swart

Legendary Afrikaans singer/songwriter/guitar player Valiant Swart will finally be making his Voorkamerfest debut this year. Celebrating his 25th year in the spotlight, Valiant Swart is a veteran of thousands of performances locally and abroad. He has released 16 albums (with a new one in the works), appeared on television as actor and presenter numerous times, published three books, received several awards, and also established himself as a popular magazine columnist over the past eight years. His songs have been covered and recorded by some of SA’s biggest stars. His Voorkamerfest shows will be laid back solo acoustic affairs, with Valiant treating guests to the cream of his substantial original repertoire – steeped in the blues and local folk vernacular, some are melancholy and pensive, some absolutely hilarious – augmented by priceless tales of his adventures and observations on the rock ‘n roll highway.

Triplex

Triplex is a woodwind ensemble comprised of an interesting instrumentation of flute, clarinet and saxophone. The trio was formed in 2009 at Stellenbosch University Department of Music by three enthusiastic, like minded musicians; Carike Byker (Flute), Marike Schoonwinkle (Clarinet) and Gareth Harvey (Saxophone). They saw a need in the industry for a woodwind group which could offer a different sound palate for audiences as well as the ability to play both classical and jazz styles at a professional level. The trio specializes in classical genres, from baroque to 20th century, performing transcriptions and arrangements of music composed for wind instruments.

Kim van Zeben

Kim van Zeben is a comedian and musical actress in the Netherlands. Now for the first time in her short career she crosses the borders to perform outside that small country: Darling boasts the premiere of this hilarious comedienne and fragments of her last solo performance, Syndroom van Zeben. You can’t sit back and relax during the show. As a whirlwind Kim rumbles over the stage from one scene to another. With great musicality she switches from characters to subjects; teenagers, rockstars, cartoons, even animals; who are trying to get the attention of Kim. Because of this Kim is often misunderstood and seen as a irritating toddler… annoying for her but all the more fun for the audience!!! Kim graduated in 2003 from the Amsterdam Theatre School. Since then she performed in many productions. She has been nominated twice for the JKMusical Awards.

Zip zap Circus presents Jose

“It is a fun, laugh a minute, audience interactive act with a South African flavour, from vuvuzelas to symbol claps to gumboots, audiences will be entertained and also have a chance to show what they can do on stage with Jose at the centre of this organised noise. Audiences have seen several circus-acts in the past in our ten editions of the fest. Acrobats, magicians, high walkers. Now, in its 11th edition, we are very fortunate to present the show of one of Zip Zap Circus most acclaimed members, Jose Batista do Rego. At the age of 11 he met Zip Zap founders Brent and Laurence, at the time they started with their circus school. Jose: “I was part of the very first group of kids they taught. My first act was a comedy trampoline performance named The Lunatricks, which saw me dressed as a baby with nappy, pacifier and all! Zip Zap has been a huge part of my life. Over the years I have tried my hand at everything and performed in different acts – from juggling to wire walking, aerial casting and tumbling. in my late teens Brent saw that I had a talent for comedy and not before long, my “”inner clown”” came alive. I toured with Zip Zap’s first professional troupe. We performed in Belgium, Sweden, Germany and the Netherlands and I got to represent Zip Zap and South Africa at the most prestigious circus festival in the world; The Monte Carlo circus festival. This was a huge achievement and it still is a highlight of my career. We even won a prize.” From here onwards Jose’s carreer brought him everywhere; but again and again he returned to Cape Town to perform with Zip Zap and teach what he learnt to the other kids in this famous circus school.
What Jose will do in Darling? Come and see!”

Anele Mhlahlo

Anele  Mhlahlo 21 years old was born in cape town, grew up in Hout Bay Imizamo Yethu and matriculated at Camps Bay high school. He is currently working towards his  Fellowship through Trinity College of Music London, studying with Prof Jack de Wet.He began playing the violin at the age of 12 in 2004, at the Hout Bay Music Project. 2007 was a major high light. He spent  the year studying with Marc Uys (first violinist of Sontonga string Quartet, Cape Town) preparing for acceptance by Marc’s former  teacher  Prof  Jack de Wet prior to Marc’s emigrating to New York. During this year he was also the concert master of MIAGI(Music is a great investment) youth orchestra, although only  15 years was the youngest-ever concert master . In 2008 he passed a successful audition and  became a full time pupil of Prof Jack de Wet.Anele has performed as a soloist with Hout Bay Music Project, Cape  Philharmonic  orchestra  and world renown musicians violinist Philippe Graffin, Maestro Benjamin Zander (Chief conducter of Boston Philharmonic orchestra),David Juritz(concert master of London Mozart Players), Maestro Conrad van Alphen.  He has received master classes from Maxim Vengerov,Daniel Rowland and Philippe Graffin.Anele plays a fine 18th century French violin bought for him by the David Graff foundation and MIAGI.

Barry van Zyl & Daniel Bloem

NATIVE RHYTHM: Two musicians performing and talking A rhythmic journey around the planet. Interactive and fun. Dynamic and Melodic. Exciting new compositions and exhilarating performances. Cultural influences Southern Africa,Holland,Indonesia,China,Italy,Caribbean,Brasil,West Africa. Purpose To have fun with drums and grooves, and to tap into rhythm and movement in music and life. Everyone has this. Naturally encoded The rhythms of the seasons, oceans, the human body. Cities and freeways to beaches and forests. Rhythm is universal. A performance and workshop aimed at: School Music departments (junior and high) University Music Departments Cultural centers The corporate sector for inspiration and team building Concerts and festivals.

Dizu Plaatjies

Dizu Plaatjies is the founder and former leader of the South African group, Amampondo. He is a graduate of the University of Cape Town School of Music and now lectures in their Department of Ethnomusicology in African Music. Since leaving Amampondo he has started a new ensemble called Ibuyambo. Dizu and the new group have presented numerous shows in a number of European countries, and perform regularly in South Africa.Plaatjies is the son of an African traditional healer and late lady teacher Ntombiza, has himself been initiated in the Xhosa/Pondo tribal tradition. His interest in African percussion music has taken him to numerous countries on the continent with the result that he now owns a substantial collection of handmade musical instruments from sub-Saharan Africa. His latest recordings made for the label Mountain Records, entitled, Ibuyambo (2005) and African Kings (2008), illustrate this knowledge and interest.

Jori Snell

Jori Snell is a physical performing-artist and director from Holland/Denmark (1972), and the founder of Baba Yaga Theatre. Educated at Institutet för Scenkonst in Italy and Nordisk Teaterskole in Denmark.  Since 1998 she works as a freelance performer and educator in Europe and is Cape Town based since 2008. Companies she has worked with or is affiliated to are: Odin Teatret (Denmark), Corona la Balance (Denmark), Panthéâtre (affiliated to Roy Hart Theatre, France). In South Africa she has worked with companies such as FTH:K (Performer in ‘Quack’), Ubom! (Director of ‘Door’ in 2011), Remix Dance Company, (Director of ‘Skin’ 2012), and has taught at the Drama & Dance Departments of Cape Town and Rhodes, as well as many other institutions. Her solo-productions: ‘Inua’ and ‘Kitchen Fables in a Cookie Jar’ have been presented at national festivals and toured internationally (Denmark, Colombia, and soon in Argentina/Uruguay) and have been the recipient of several awards. Baba Yaga Theatre combines physical theatre with fairytales, myth, poetry, use of objects, and the creation of magic visual pictures.

Louise Howlett & Albert Combrink

Louise Howlett (Soprano) & Albert Combrink (Pianist & Musical Director) presents “Moonlight Serenade”Well known soprano Louise Howlett and pianist/presenter Albert Combrink present journey of love, lost and found in the night. Moonlight Serenade features favourite songs of the night from opera, classical and musicals genres. Titles include Dvorak’s ‘Song to the Moon’, Villa-Lobos’ “Bachianas Brasileiras #5”, Lloyd Webber’s ‘Music of the Night’ and Howard’s ‘Fly me to the Moon’ and many more, including tracks from their CD Night Sessions. The duo have built up a reputation for bridging the gap between classical music and popular audiences, and in their programmes, Schoenberg and Sondheim stand side by side.

Matzer Theater Producties

Punishment: She was beside herself! She felt furious! Bewildered! Powerless…! She could never have thought that at her age she ‘d still be prey to such strong emotions. It was not in her nature, Vera’s. Never had been. But apparently the limit had been reached, a boundary overstepped. This was it. Enough is enough.How does it feel if the punishment meted out does not fit the crime? One spring day in 1998 Vera finds herself facing that dilemma. It’s a cold day, the sun is shining and the daffodils are dancing.Written and performed by master storyteller Peter De Graef, who also performed Sweet Revenge dureing the 2009 edition of Voorkamerfest. Straf had its opening night in 2011 in the presence of HM Queen Beatrix. During earlier editions of Voorkamerfest other MATZER productions were Sweet Revenge, 111, The red shoes and Augustus.‘Sweet Revenge, a brilliant one-man play by Peter De Graef, an award-winning Dutch actor. This was our favourite on a day of excellent shows!’ (www.backtosa.com)CREDITS
Written and performed by Peter De Graef
Directed by Madeleine Matzer
Music composed by Helge Slikker
Technical design by Job Jutten
Costume-design by Ilse Vermeulen
Styling by Saskia van der Linden
Translated into English by Hans Matzer

Michael Kudakwashe

Micheal Kudakwashe is a comedian, actor,mc,voiceover artist….therefore unemployed.. has been in the business for 14 loooong yrs, has traveled as far afield as scotland 2006, vermont USA 2009 and has been a participant/actor in the HARARE FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS for 12yrs…..

Miss Molly & Me

Miss Molly & Me is doing well, very well! This duo’s moving on. Two and a half year ago they appeared out of the blue with their debut album ‘Rewind and say hello’. Last year they played over 30 concerts in theaters throughout The Netherlands, were invited to the biggest Dutch talkshow ‘De Wereld Draait Door’ en they we’re support act for the Dutch international pop-band ‘Moke’.Beauty lies in the details, the everyday, you usually pass by. Until someone reminds you of it. Such a singer-songwriter is Helge Slikker, known for his band ‘Storybox’ and his award for Best Musical Score for the movie ‘Kauwboy’. And singer and actress Marlijn Weerdenburg is just like that. LINDA. Magazine was charmed by their enthousiasm and songs and adapted them as monthly musical collumnists.Influenced by artists like Cash & Carter, Sufjan Stevens and the Beatles each song is a chapter, a dream, an adoration, a fear, an adventure. Miss Molly & Me stands for authentic acoustic music accompanied by harmonious vocals and subtle humor. As where Helge is the modest musician, Marlijn appears to be the femme vocale that draws the audience without hesitation into the world of Miss Molly & Me.2013 is all bout their trips around the world (New York, Rome, Milan, Florence, Cape Town and Darling), a theatre production, a new album and a new exciting Dutch tour across the country. You can’t really miss them, if you’ve got eyes and ears!

Mixed Mense

Mixed Mense is a practical performance Hip Hop school that Emile YX? started with kids from Heal the Hood Project and Shaquile Southgate who have been working with from Lavender Hill for the last 8 years. Stefan aka B-boy Mouse and Leroy Phillips aka B-boy Malis have been teaching for Heal the Hood Project in various communities.Last year Emile assisted the British Council by sharing a concept called “Mixing it Up”. The idea was to combine Hip Hop culture dance styles with local dance styles and music like Zulu traditional, Namastap, S’bujwa, Gumboot, Pantsula and others. Prior to sharing this concept for the play, Emile had run a website called “Mixed Mense” that dealt with the search for identity and sense of self-worth among the positive s-called coloured community. The site showed that if all people came from Africa, then we are all African and that RACE IS AN ILLUSION, but in South Africa the impact Apartheid’s racism still stereotypes races according the lies of its time. The only way to change this is to learn about each other and see that we are more similar than different. This is the learning process that I am taking these youths through in a way of healing their heads about themselves. I have taught them the skills of rapping and break-dancing, now I wish heal their heads and become confident men.   

Mr Cat & the Jackal

“The unputdownable band, Mr Cat & the Jackal is taking a break from recording, inventing, writing, staging and touring to go back to their small town roots. Over the years, the warmth and heartiness of the more intimate shows in smaller boondocks have made the misplaced musicians long for the friends they never had. Therefore they have decided to rework some songs, rewrite a set and reset their course for an all out, all in small scale 3-piece Winter Tour. Fire, red wine and story telling will be ever present in Darling territory designed for heart, head and ears. “

Nathan Trantraal

Nathan Trantraal was born in Cape Town in 1983. He made ​​his debut in 2003 with his brother, Andre,with their first comic strip, Urban Tribe, for the Cape Argus. In 2008 Tafelberg published the graphic novel Stormkaap: Drome kom altyd andersom uit.. Then Jincom publishers published Coloureds. Currently he writes the weekly strip The Richenbaums for the Cape Times. Chokers and survivors is Nathan’s debut book of poetry.

Ottoman Slap Band

“Ottoman Slap Band”
Cape towns Original Middle Eastern Gypsy Fusion Band!Ottoman Slap brings you original sounds evoking a rich span of moods ranging from the sultry depths of the Middle East to the meandering slopes of the Balkan hills.
This five-piece troupe recently sprung from the Capetonian creative woodwork at last year’s Rocking the Daisies and boasts a horde of delights:

Raoul Spiegel: saxaphone, flute, saw
James van Minnen: middle eastern percussion, drums, mandolin
Raoul Smorenburg: accordion
Callan Wolff: double bass
Marissa Cuenoud: percussion and dance

Pieter Bosch Botha

Fully Committed: Fresh from a hugely successful run in Johannesburg’s Theatre on the Square, PIETER BOSCH BOTHA returns to Cape Town to play 36 characters in Becky Mode’s Off-Broadway hit comedy show, “Fully Committed”. Having received rave reviews in Cape Town, Johannesburg and originally New York, including the NY Times, and listed as one of Time Magazine’s Top 10 plays of 2000, this is a hilarious look behind the scenes of a fictional five star restaurant. This devastatingly funny one act follows a day in the life of Sam Cooper, an out-of-work actor who mans the red-hot reservation line at Cape Town’s number one restaurant. Desperate callers will stop at nothing, coercion, threats, bribes, and histrionics, in their zeal to land a prime reservation. Meanwhile absentee managers, an oversexed maître d’ and the celebrity chef from hell threaten to drive Sam over the edge. One restaurant, one actor, 36 characters, and over 200 character changes. Award-winning Director, MEGAN FURNISS, and Bosch Botha have cleverly localized the story in a way that never seems forced and adds new layers of comedy.

Schalk Joubert & Ronan Skillen

Two of South Africa’s most sought after and diverse musicians team up for a very unique experience in rhythm and sound. Bassist/composer Schalk Joubert has travelled and performed all over the world. He has toured with numerous artists ranging from well-known American rock musicians in the USA, Australia and Europe to headlining world music and jazz festivals with his own groups in places like Europe, Borneo and Malaysia. Irish born Ronan Skillen has studied percussion in Africa, India and Australia and has worked with artists ranging from Rodriguez, Johnny Clegg to Babu and various European jazz and world music groups. What unites them is their unique and creative approaches to their instruments that results in a sonic and rhythmic experience that seems impossible to believe that it is organically created by only the two people in front your eyes.

The Cape Celtic Dance Company

The Cape Celtic Dance Company was established 5 years ago by teacher and choreographer Lindy Raizenberg.  The company has provided an outlet for young Irish dancers to step into the semi-professional arena of Irish show dancing.All members both, male and female compete in Irish feisianna or competitions, at regional, national and international levels.  Each dancer’s goal is to qualify and dance at the Oireachtas Rince na Ruinne, the World Irish Dance Championships held annually across the United Kingdom, and most recently in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.The dancers’ dedication and commitment to their art form is evident in their passionate drive to better themselves in this disciplined, infectious and addictive dance discipline. The performance will present an overview of the exciting world of Irish dance as well as highlight the differences between competitive and show dancing.  Irish music from the traditional foot-tapping reels to the inspiring music by Riverdance composer Bill Whelan will transport the audience into the world of rhythm and dance.

Theatre for Africa

Written and Directed by: Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, from a story by Nicholas Ellenbogen of ‘Theatre For Africa.”When you fly all over Africa, you will see huge stone circles that used to be the home of our ancestors. Deep in the forests and out in the open plains, you will see dead rotten meat and bones turning to white powder. But, you will never see the tusks; the elephant is still paying back its debt to men.“MEMORY,” tells a story about why  Man kills the elephant.

Zanne Stapelberg & Philippus Hugo

Zanne Stapelberg is one of South Africa’s most prolifically talented and engaging artists. She sang her first lead role in a opera at age 22. In 2008 she was the recipient of the Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Music. She has not only sang in numerous opera’s but has collaborated with artists like Lady Smith Black Mambazo, Mandoza,Karen Zoid, Sibongile Khumalo, Melanie Scholtz and Elvis Blue.In 2012 she released the album, Soul of Fire, with acclaimed New York based pianist, Kathleen Tagg. Being in demand all around South Africa, Zanne travels frequently and therefore decided to name the production for the Darling fest ‘Yes! Good to go….!!!’ Philippus Hugo will be her accompanist on piano. After obtaining his M.Mus degree, Philippus focused his talent on accompanying. He is regularly performing all around South Africa as piano Accompanist for festivals and Classical Music Competitions. He has performed as guest accompanist in Maputo at the International Maputo Music Festival where he performed with American opera singers.In 2012 Philippus performed at the Harare International music fest. He is currently resident accompanist at the Conservatorium at US. He and Zanne have been working together for the past 5 years and for ‘Yes! Good to go…!!!’ they compiled a programme that will include well known opera arias and more light classical songs. The variety of songs will take the audience from a tear to a big smile on their faces. The zeal with which Zanne approaches her performances proves that she does not see her craft as a job or calling- it is far more than that- her passion for performance is the essential ingredient in her life. Together with Philippus their performance will be exhilarating, exciting and memorable!!!!!

Ann Hirsch

Born and bred in the cosmopolitan city of Bloemfontein (well, less ‘Cosmopolitan’ more ‘Huisgenoot’), Anne is (af)fluent in Afrikaans and English and her distinct style of humour is clean and family friendly.With her tongue firmly in cheek her idiosyncratic humour takes us on a quick-punning journey from Bloemfontein to Cape Town.

Anne van Veene

After completion of her studies at the School for Drama & Contemporary Music Theatre in Amsterdam, Anne blossomed in her very first theatre program, Anne. She stands out through her (song) texts, her fresh observations and her disarming purity. Her engaging voice has already lead to her first CD, titled Bij Mij. In 2010 she toured not only the Netherlands but Belgium as well with her 2nd theatre program, Wilde Lucht. She is currently writing her 3rd program, Tegengif. With great enthusiasm she is seeking out her own path between sweet-voiced cabaret and whimsical pop. At this year’s Voorkamerfest, Anne will present a specially adapted Dutch/Afrikaans musical program together with pianist Jasper Slijderink and multi- instrumentalist Marnix Dorrestein, under the direction of Joanne Swaan, and with a surprising final chord specifically arranged for this festival.

Bliksemstraal

Bliksemstraal, mc, bboy (breakdancer) and one of the creators of Afrikaaps, an international award winning hiphopera focusing on the identity of south asfrikaners and their colonial masters Netherlands. For nearly 30 years of hip-hop in SA, Bliksem enjoyed the last 20.apearing ​​”Opie SCENE “. African hiphop indaba and battle of the year international were of the first competitions he won more than once.tv shows like MK89 hiphop show and SABC tv. Bliksem’s vibrant and energetic presence and performance experience is all thanks to years of touring with Brasse VANNIE KAAP and POCs Ramone and READY D as a bboy (dancer) and mc.

Dan Shout

Saxophonist, Dan Shout is one of the most in demand saxophonists in Cape Town and is well known for his performances with Johnny Clegg, Magic Carpet Ride, Haydn Gardner & The Hot Shots and his own Jazz Fusion project, SHOUT. Dan has performed in Europe, Scandinavia, North America, North Africa, Southern Africa, the Middle East, Seychelles, West Indies and Australasia. Some of his highlights have included performing with the South African National Youth Jazz Band at the North Sea Jazz Festival in The Hague (2004), the Johnny Clegg band at the 2006 Soccer World Cup in Germany, the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France, Nelson Mandela’s 46664 Concert at Ellis Park (2007), Festival Rhythm Africaine in Bastille, Paris for Bastille Day (2007), Festival Paleo in Nyon, Switzerland (2010), Johnny Clegg 30th Anniversary, Johannesburg & Cape Town (2010/2011), the Human Tour of the U.S.A. and Canada (2011 & 2012) and the Montreal Jazz Festival (2012) to name a few. Dan teaches saxophone at the University of Cape Town, is a session musician, presents workshops and clinics and is a featured guest with various projects around town. Dan released his second album, “Serenading Ghosts” which was recorded in Kolmanskop Ghost Town in Namibia in June 2012. Gorm Helfjord is a Norwegian guitarist based in Cape Town. He is a graduate of the University of Cape Town and has since worked with some of the biggest names in jazz, both in Norway and South Africa, including songstress Melanie Scholtz, trumpeter Marcus Wyatt, the Symphonic Rocks concert series and is the guitarist in Dan’s jazz project, SHOUT. Gorm recently returned from a three month tour of China with High School Musical. Gorm’s virtuosic guitar playing is unique and draws on wide influences including European and African jazz, rock, blues and ethnic music styles.

Darling Drama Queens

The Darling iAfrica Drama Queens have been a regular feature at the Voorkamerfest since 2006. This year they bring ‘The Strike’ with a twist, to Darling ‘The Strike ‘ Ivy Johnson, Sary Vlotman Directed by: Madeleine Matzer Music: Helge Slikker Film: Stefan Hurter Projection: Job Jutten

Koos Kombuis

Singer-songwriter and author Koos Kombuis became famous as part of a group of maverick anti-establishment Afrikaans musicians who, under the name “Voëlvry” toured across South Africa in the 1980’s to “liberate Afrikaans from the shackles of its past”. Accompanied only by his acoustic guitar, his music is folky and raw, the lyrics often satirical and biting. He has performed and collaborated with many renowned musicians, such as Vusi Mahlasela, Amanda Srydom, Syd Kitchen, Schalk Joubert and Stef Bos. Koos released his latest album, dertien, in 2012, departing slightly from his usual povocative ways to present songs with a spiritual theme, though still cutting and brutally honest in content. Koos will perform English and Afrikaans songs giving an overview of his repertoire at the 2012 Voorkamerfest.

Liz Meiring

Lizz Meiring,multi awardwinning actress, theatre director, producer, author, presenter and dramatist, regards herself as a storyteller. LOUNGE LIZZIE , is the celebration of stories,- some true, some really tall –short sketches of what happens in people’s lounges. It boasts an array of eccentric characters bemoaning, bewitched, bedazzled and bemused by life’ s strange twists of fate. Humour, vivid imagination, pathos, satire, tragedy and vibrant originality make this a home visit not to be missed.

Matzer Theater Producties

Credits: Written by Peter De Graef Directed by Madeleine Matzer Performed by Hanna Jansen Composed by Helge Slikker Costume design by Ilse Vermeulen Technical design by Job Jutten Translation by Hans Matzer Photography by Karin Jonkers. I get my red shoes out of my rucksack and I start dancing. I float, I fly, but I am not feeling totally happy, nor deeply contented… and yet I keep dancing until all other things disappear. I have turned into music. Directed by Madeleine Matzer, actress Hanna Jansen tells the story of a little girl, who has nothing but the happiness she feels whilst dancing on her self-made red shoes. One day a limousine rides into her life. She exchanges her happiness for a better, richer life and she lets go of her red shoes. Only to find out afterwards that there is no way back for her. Author Peter De Graef rewrote Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale and transformed it into a contemporary play, which now balances between a modern fairy tale and a recognizable story of how our own life is full of incessantly making plans. In recent years MATZER also performed Sweet Revenge, 111 and Augustus during previous editions of Voorkamerfest. This production was established with the support of: Fonds Podiumkunsten, Provincie Noord-Brabant, Gemeente ’s-Hertogenbosch, WesterToren Innovations, iKi Beer.

Mawonga Gayiya

Mawonga Gayiya is a talented young magician from the College of Magic in Cape Town. From Khayelitsha to Las Vegas, 20-year old Mawonga has developed his own fun and exciting style of magic that is both mystifying and engaging. Luzuko Bedi promises to astonish with his extraordinary feats of dexterity. His exuberant juggling act highlights his original take on this centuries-old artform. The College of Magic is a unique performance arts training institution which utilises innovative magic, juggling and drama training as part of its holistic educational programme. Young performers, many of whom are from disadvantaged backgrounds, experience the many benefits of these artistic endeavours which develops self-confidence, fine motor co-ordination, presentational and entrepreneurial skills.

Michele Maxwell

The inimitable Michele Maxwell brings her dynamic mix of musical and acting skills to the Voorkamerfest this year.As a musician she is one of South Africa’s top singer/ pianist, and has performed extensively both here and abroad. She has worked as a musical director; pianist with the Johannesburg national symphony orchestra; and done numerous cabarets and collaborative projects. Her acting versatility ranges from comedy to serious dramatic roles and she has become a household name for her TV appearances in series such as ‘Fishy Feshuns’, ‘Isidingo’ (Bubbles), and most recently in ‘Scandal’ (Abigail). She currently teaches music, drama and communication skills at the Rainbow Academy of the Arts, for young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds, she is also the Cape Town anchor for ‘Born to Sing’. Her show will be glorious mix of original songs, musical theatre numbers, jazz, blues and stories of her travels

Natasha van der Merwe

Hip Circle Middle Eastern Dance Studio Cardamon, saffron, jasmine and rose, silk veils, sequence and jewels… ‘Hip Circle’ will evoke the mystique of the Middle East, in the delightful town of Darling, through the mesmerizing art of Belly Dance. Our desert dancers, Natasha van der Merwe and Rosemay Marx Botha, will entrance audiences with a celebration of the feminine, as they shimmy and undulate to an eclectic mix of middle eastern dance styles.

Peter Martens

ance on edges, cultivate quiet, ebb and flow, be transported… In around 1720, Johan Sebastian Bach wrote 6 suites for unaccompanied cello. These works remain the pinnacle of unaccompanied cello music today and testimony to their greatness is the fact that over 100 printed editions of the sheet music have been published. Each suite is a set of five dance inspired movements, preceded by a prelude, and contrasting in character, creating an engaging listening experience throughout. Peter Martens, whose recent CD set of all Beethoven’s cello sonatas received critical acclaim internationally, will perform the third of Bach’s great Cello Suites preceded by a short explanation of the music for your listening pleasure!

Ronelda Kamfer

Ronelda Sonnet Kamfer spent her childhood years in a small Overberg town, Grabouw, her teens on the notorious cape flats and recently returned from a few month stay in Amsterdam, her poetry reflects her environment. She has published two books of poetry, Noudat slapende honde 20 (Eugene Marais award) and Grond/santekraam 2012 (Kanna and ATKV awards) both her books have been translated into Dutch. She is the mother of a one year old and married to Cape Times cartoonist Nathan Trantraal.

Shower Songs

A few years ago, eclectic musician Brendon Bussy and story teller Masha du Toit formed a domestic alliance, the purpose of which – to expose their taste in shower songs. A personal history of their unusual ‘sing in the bath’ favourites from 13th century Italian folk song to 21st century punk. This year Voorkamer audiences will hear a performance spiced up, as always, with a few surprises. All minimally arranged for mandolin and voice and perfectly suited to impassioned singing in steamy ambiances.

Sindiwe Magona

Come, “Grow” With Me! Last year, Dr Sindiwe Magona was awarded the Presidential Order of Ikhamanga for her contribution to South African Literature. At this festival, she will take us on a journey of exploration of what it means to be a woman of her age and station in life, using her works: storytelling, biography, novels, short stories, plays and poems. “Forced to Grow” is Magona’s autobiography, following “To My Children’s Children”.

Stef Bos

Ik ga een half uur in de Omgekeerde tyd
Het leven terugspoelen
Als ware het een beeldband
En de wereld ook
In reverse
Tot alles samenkomt
In het paradijs
En daarna in een punt
Een knal
En verdwijnt
in een zalig niets

Stoltz / Kerrod Duo

The Stoltz / Kerrod Duo, formed in 2010, is thrilled to be performing at the Voorkamerfest 2012! They will be presenting works by J S Bach, De Falla, Saint-Säens and Darling’s celebrated composer, Hendrik Hofmeyr. Flutist Liesl Stoltz, international prize winner and one of South Africa’s leading soloists and chamber musicians, is currently a Mellon Foundation postdoctoral fellow and teacher at UCT. South African born harpist Jacqueline Kerrod resides in New York City with her husband, Marc Uys. She has performed with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, American Ballet Theater and the New York Philharmonic and has performed as guest artist with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.

Tara Notcutt

Tara Notcutt graduated from UCT’s Drama Department in 2008, and has gone on to establish herself as a young and prolific director and theatre maker. Her directing work includes the internationally renowned “…miskien”; “Mafeking Road”; “The Three Little Pigs”; and Will Eno’s “Thom Pain”. In 2011, she was invited to the Lincoln Center Theater Directors Lab in New York City, and in 2009 received the Rosalie van der Gucht Prize for New Directors at the Fleur du Cap Awards, as well as a nomination at the Clover Aardklop Nasional Kunstefees, both for her direction of “…miskien”. “The Florist” is her first one woman show. She likes long walks on the beach in the rain, watching foreign movies, and hopes to grow up one day. In the meantime, she will keep making plays. tara louise notcutt | artistic director: the pink couch

The Magic Water

With Heather Mac & Bridget Mc Carthy and Amber Parr on musical accompaniment. The Magic Water was first adapted for stage by Heather Mac, Peter Susman and Bridget McCarthy in 1995. It is loosely based on a classic African folktale. Heather and Bridget bring you the updated version that is guaranteed to delight you and your children. The Magic Water is full of crazy characters, songs and dance. It is a tale of greed, jealousy, love and forgiveness. This classic tale weaves a quality children’s theatre experience of sheer magic. The Magic Water has toured schools and the original production was performed at the Grahamstown festival in 1996. The production will appeal to children from age 3-100. Bring your children and your inner child along to The Vookamerest!

The Minnie & Johnson Show

South African darlings of the cabaret stage, Emile Minnie and Godfrey Johnson, will be joining forces and hands to bring you an evening of fun, humour and fabulous songs. Fleur du Cap winner Godfrey Johnson and SAMA award nominee Emile Minnie will be performing raucous hits from the sixties to the naughties with just a piano, a clarinet and a wine glass for percussion. For that something extra they will be doing French love songs by Piaf and Brel, as well as an original Afrikaanse treffer or two. Grab your handbag, your man purse or your moonbag and make your way to the Minnie and Johnson show! Legwarmers optional.

The Nomadic Orchestra

The Nomadic Orchestra is a five-piece instrumental dance band based in Cape Town. The primary goal of the Nomadic Orchestra is to get people moving. The band makes an infectious kind of high-energy dance music – even the most prudish find themselves unconsciously tapping their feet. The Nomadic Orchestra is strongly influenced by traditional music from the countries of South-Eastern Europe: Macedonia, Romania and Serbia. They are also influenced by Klezmer, gypsy and circus music as well as contemporary western party music. Their musical training brings a strong jazz aesthetic to the band, and thus an emphasis on improvisation. The music that the Nomads play is original and composed by members of the band.

The Taffanel Trio

The “Taffanel Trio”, consisting of flute, clarinet and piano, brings to the 2012 Voorkamerfest the chamber music of French composer Florent Schmitt, as well as a trio by Hendrik Hofmeyr, recently composed for this group. In the latter work, Hofmeyr (South African composer, professor at the UCT College of Music, and resident of Darling), composes a soundscape of above-earthly colours, in which the flute’s lucid and shimmering tones contrast with the richness of the low register of the clarinet, woven together by subtle inter-dialogues with the piano. The third movement of this epic work serves as anchor in which dancing is heavy, yet released, and in which the waltz as a far-off memory is revisited. The trio, with instrumentalists Marietjie Pauw (flute), Annamarie Bam (clarinet) and Benjamin van Eeden (piano) have presented concerts since 2009, and continue to celebrate the local and international repertoire and tonal capacities of wind instruments in a piano trio format.

Andrew J. Cruickshank

Andrew John Cruickshank made his mark in the South African music world from an early age as a pianist, performing both as soloist with various orchestras and as accompanist before devoting himself increasingly to the field of composition. Cruickshank is an accomplished harpsichordist and singer. He was musical director of the Johannesburg-based solo- ensemble of singers and instrumentalists, Mass Appeal, with which he was able to live out his keen interest in and solid knowledge of the informed performance practice of Early Baroque music as well as perform contemporary music. Mass Appeal gave the first informed performance of Monteverdi’s Vespers in South Africa in 2001 and during 2002 with performances across South Africa. He has worked in partnership with fellow South African composer / Baroque cellist Hans Huyssen playing the harpsichord; toured their programmes to Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Bloemfontein, Kimberley, Cape Town and Stellenbosch, which incl. performances at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown in 2009 and performances at the ABSA KKNK Oudsthoorn Festival 2010. Another noteworthy collaboration has been with the Dutch Baroque violinist, Antoinette Lohmann. Although Cruickshank has held music positions such as accompanist and music critic, he currently works in the actuarial industry, based in Cape Town.

Bridget Rennie-Salonen

The Soul of the Flute: An atmospheric journey through a variety of styles of solo flute music. Evocative, lyrical, gentle yet uplifting, the soul of the flute will inspire the imagination as the flute tells its story through the music. Bridget Rennie-Salonen was the Solo Principal Flute of the former Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra in which capacity she was the recipient of the Ben & Faye Carklin Award for Artistic Excellence. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree and the Post-graduate Diploma from the University of Cape Town, as well as a Performer’s Licentiate from the Royal Schools of Music. Bridget has performed as soloist with several South African Orchestras and performs extensively as a chamber musician and freelance orchestral principal flautist. She has vast teaching experience at all levels and is currently lecturing in Flute at the University of Cape Town as well as teaching privately. Bridget is also a certified Andover Educator and teaches Body Mapping for musicians both in group workshops and individual lessons.

Charles Tertiens

Voted the world’s 3rd sexiest magician (by his very own mother) TV personality and celebrity magician, Charles Tertiens has been gracing the big screen in movies such as “Disgrace”, “I now pronounce you black and white” and “Visa Vie”. Not forgetting our homes in programs such as “Hip2b²”,”Known Gods”,”Montana” and “7de Laan” .. now who could possibly forget the ever so classy king of spandex, the Cash Crusader? Straight off tour with Madame Zingara to a voorkamer near you! Charles’ comedy magic will keep you asking “why did I ever stop believing?”

Gavin Bonner

Poet, Musician and Storyteller Gavin Bonner brings “Rapid Fire Fairytales” to Voorkamerfest 2011. He incorporates his skills as a percussionist,traditional storyteller, comedian and astounding freestyle improvisational poet all into a show of 20 to 25 minutes , and do it a dozen times in one weekend with no two shows the same! How? Well come and see for yourself, as comedian Mark Sampson remarked in The Eastern Cape Herald ” Seriously, seeing is believing! ” Gavin will include some pieces from his new album entitled ” Of Beasts and Kings, Skins and Strings” in the shows and the cd will be available at shows and at Evita Se Perron. For more information and audio and video samples check out www.gavinbonner.com

Hermi Hartjes

Hendrickje, the woman behind Rembrandt: In her own special way theatre maker, Hermi Hartjes shows you the life of Hendrickje Stoffels. Her youth in the province, her life with Rembrandt. “Rembrandtman, Rembrandtman keer ow ‘ns umme en kiek mi-j ‘ns an!” (please turn around and look at me) REMBRANDTS LIEF (sweetheart) is following ELIZABETH 1 – THE VIRGIN QUEEN, the second solo performance of Hermi Hartjes in her series “Strong Women”, in which she reveals small hearts in great women and big hearts in small women. Hermi Hartjes is theater maker and writer. She also does educational training in presentation techniques and conversation skills. Her approach is open minded, playful and humoristic. She undertakes an ongoing quest into the fascinating world of hidden structures and thoughts. She shuns no emotions. Her basic theme is: things are never what they seem to be. Amazement everywhere …

Hot Water

“Hot Water must easily be one of the most exciting musical projects to come out of South Africa..” The Citizen

Khayelitsha United Mambazo Ensemble

Khayelitsha United Mambazo is an Isicathamiya choir from Indlovini in Khayelitsha. (Isicathamiya is a form of Traditional African Male Vocal Music). The ensemble have a large selection of original songs – originating directly out of social issues they hope to address with their music. The group worked hard towards their dream of representing South Africa outside the country’s borders and in 2009 and 2010 the group participate in the production of the musical Amandla! Mandela in the Netherlands.

Larry Joe

Larry Joe is the exceptionally talented singer and songwriter who famously cut his debut solo album in 2010 whilst behind bars in the Douglas Correctional Centre (DCC) in the Northern Cape. Through video, musical performance and interactive dialogue, Larry and Aron (Larry’s producer and founder of Freshlyground) re-tell how they initially met, how the project was envisioned, the obstacles that were faced, where they are now, and their dreams for the future, both personally and for their community. They challenge audiences to rethink their own perceptions of language, colour and life story as being defining factors of how successful they can be in South Africa.

Lucy Holgate

ABSOLUCY: Another superb show produced by the award winning Follow Spot Productions, Absolucy is a captivating solo performance suitable for the whole family. Based on a woman’s passionate love affair with alcohol, the multi-talented singer/actress, Lucy Holgate, has the audience giggling and bopping to the beat of a string well known songs. Top 40 hits, golden oldies, 80s nostalgia and brassy show tunes are all performed with flair making this production electrifying.

Manouche

Gypsy Jazz is a unique style originally created by Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grapelli in 1934. As a unique blend of American jazz, gypsy rhythmic and melodic concepts, this vibrant mix results in the hottest of Hot Jazz. Manouche, with sometimes unorthodox instrumentation and a good deal of original material, truly makes the style their own. Moments of beautiful melancholy to foot tapping, hip swinging jazzy goodness, and a couple of surprises in between, keep audiences captivated.

Matzer Theater Producties

In the evening, when the sun had set and the moon had not yet risen, it often occurred that miraculous music seemed to emanate from the neighbour’s house. A delicate and fragile tinkling of tiny bronze or perhaps even china instruments. A sound so subtle, that of its own accord it seemed to drown everything else into silence. Music that made one drift into a state of the utmost tranquility. What would you wish for your new-born child? Supposing you could ask for just one thing? Money, happiness, health, beauty, strength? That is the question Augustus’ mother finds herself confronted with. She makes her choice. A choice having many implications.Augustus is a story full of enchanting music and exciting developments. Credits: Text: Peter De Graef Direction: Madeleine Matzer Acting: Lottie Hellingman Composition: Helge Slikker Costume: Ilse Vermeulen Styling: Saskia van der Linden

Mel Jones

Born and raised in Cape Town and a proud resident of Mitchell’s Plain, Mel Jones describes herself as “the favourite” of three siblings. A product of the Cape Comedy Collective’s Comedy Lab workshops, Melanie burst into the limelight with her unique confidence and sexy style. This single mother brings her perspective as a ‘young’ Capetonian woman looking in vain for Mr Right to the stage to the great amusement and enlightenment of all. She was fondly received at the Spier Amphitheatre only 6 short weeks after doing her very first open mic slot at the Cape Comedy Club. Since then, you may have seen her on SABC3’s Comedy Showcase, the Phat Joe show, the King Size Comedy Tour, the Blacks Only Comedy Show, Mind The Gap and The Heavyweight Comedy Jam and there’s a strong possibility that you may have read about her in various magazines (not the ‘bikini’ mags – the girly ones). Her shows, Doing It for the Money and Still Doing It with Tracy Klass has been a big Cape Town hit, as has her presence on 94.5 Kfm since 2003. It was her stage performance that led her to radio when, while being interviewed on the station, she was asked to join the team. “Let’s be honest. If they’d told me I’d need to get up at 4am every day, I may have thought twice.” She giggles. These days, she works behind the scenes producing the Phat Joe Morning Show on Heart 104.9fm … when she’s not on stage, that is. Mel’s made it her mission to bring laughter, smiles and warmth to as many people as possible. Her philosophy on life: “You’ve got to laugh at it”.

Patrick van den Hanenberg & Andisiwe Mbunje

Khayelitsha-Amsterdam: Patrick van den Hanenberg is a theatre journalist for the Dutch newspaper de Volkskrant. Teacher and Song writer. In Darling Andisiwe Mbunje and Patrick will play the show Khayelitsha-Amsterdam, a combination of song, dance and crosstalk: Dutch journalist meets South African singer/dancer in Holland when she was on tour with the musical Amandla! Mandela – they became friends – he visits her in South Africa – he sees what life is about in Khayelitsha and in her home village in the Eastern Cape – they sing alot – they make a show together about Amsterdam meeting Khayelitsha – Africa meets Europe in Darling! We can do this thing together. We live on different continents, that really doesn’t matter. We can do this thing together, Khayelitsha Amsterdam.

Rob van Vuuren

Rob van Vuuren-Live!: “Rob van Vuuren-Live!” is the latest award winning stand-up comedy show written and performed by Rob van Vuuren who was, this year, once again identified by the Mail and Guardian as one of the 200 young South Africans you should take out to lunch. “Rob van Vuuren-Live!” is an irreverent, honest and above all sidesplittingly funny perspective on many of Rob’s favorite subjects which range from dogs, flies, and Jehovah’s Witnesses to becoming a dad, adoption and giant mutant toenails. This is a rare opportunity for Cape Town audiences to watch the guy who shot to fame as the short half of the cult comedy duo Corne and Twakkie of the Most Amazing Show, (the co-host of Crazy Games and SA’s Got Talent and the ou who Shucksed Shuster) do what he does best … make you laugh.

Sima Mashazi

Sima (accompanied by Ramon Alexander on piano) Is a vibrant young woman whose life long passion has always been singing. She will keep you entertained with an array of music. You will hear beautiful South African folk songs in her mother tongue (Zulu) as well as in some of our other official languages. Sima will perform timeless jazz standards, sure to bring back fond memories as well as more recent home grown afro jazz tunes.

The Bone Collectors

The Bone Collectors are a band of 5 merry misfits from the darkest cracks of Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs. Featuring saxophone, guitar, and a manic percussion and rhythm section, their product is a Frankestein beast of blues, rockabilly and jazz, composed by moonlight and performed with passion.

The Cape Dance Company

The Cape Dance Company is based in Tokai, Cape Town and was founded by Debbie Turner in 1995. The CDC is known for its excellent standard of dance, with performances that are uplifting and accessible, providing stimulating entertainment with a varied repertoire of superb dance works from both national and international choreographers. The dancers’ training is strongly based in the classical idiom enabling the company to explore a variety of dance styles successfully and with aplomb. The company has performed in key venues around South Africa and has presented seasons abroad at the Ailey Citigroup Theater in New York, the Edinburgh International Arts Festival and the Salisbury International Arts Festival in the United Kingdom.

Tina Schouw

Singer/songwriter TINA SCHOUW launched her new CD, “WINDS CALL” at the Oude Libertas Amphitheatre in Stellenbosch on the 27th February 2011. Tina on guitar and vocals was joined by a stellar cast of musicians, which included Kevin Gibson on drums; Wesley Rustin on acoustic and electric bass; Mark Fransman on piano, accordion and clarinet; Marc Maingard on harmonica; Jacqui Davies on cello; Gavin Minter on percussion and Lodi Paul Inga on guitar. Join Tina now for her solo show as she takes you on the journey of Winds Call. Her music and lyrics tell stories about her personal journeys of connection to the self, humanity and life. CD’s will be on sale at R120 (please bring cash). She will be signing after the show.

Ubuntu Boys

he Ubuntu Bboy crew serve as a lesson in action in securing one’s own longevity in hip hop.Especially when executing feats of exertion like the holla Back night after night to the screams of Colosseum-like adoration rained down on you from the crowd. “Hype Mag” UBUNTU CREW has been pushing on the battle scene since about 1998,with the experience assimilated over the years finally culminating in the creation of the Ubuntu B-Boys.These past ventures have stood us in Great stead! Duane founder of UBUNTU BBOY CREW. Also releasing solo debut Album. Jed has become the first Bboy to win the B-boy cup in France for 2 consecutive years in a competition where countries from All Around the World Compete Ubuntu B-Boys Representing our country in the International Scence Worldwide,Duane Expereiencing the Hip Hop CultureTravelling All around Europe, Usa ,Asia. UBUNTU B-BOYS company creating longevity in the Hip Hop scene by playing a huge Role in the Communties Around the Globe Teaching through Dance,Giving back to the Community Considered Role models Setting an Example Spreading Positivity! Creating ”SA Hip Hop Cup” Ubuntu B-Boys has made a Platform for dancers From around S.A and to compete to Win the title as The Top Dancers in South Africa UBUNTU BBOYS sends the Top Dancers to Compete for Glory at World Champs Internationally.Ubuntu has (Foundational Dvd’s) Teaching Basics Moves to Power moves.

Vera Vuković

Lute player and singer Vera Vuković will be performing an intimate programme of predominantly 16th Century music written by some of the most influential and highly regarded composers of the Renaissance period. Her programme will include lute songs and music by the English composer, singer and lutenist John Dowland (1563 – 1626), and several examples of the complex polyphonic music written for the vihuela, one of the primary instruments of Renaissance Spain. Inspired by musicians such as Dowland, whose “heavenly touch upon the lute doth ravish human sense”, Vera aims to treat her audience with something of the magic of Renaissance music.

Angels on Horseback

Starring: Fiona du Plooy, Candice D’Arcy, Jamie Jupiter and Gene Kiermane. Picture the small frontier town of Darling, the whisper of tumbleweed blowing down the dusty streets.The setting sun has left a trail of bloody red in the sky. Now listen carefully for the ominous thud of cowboy boots walking on wooden boards, the creaky complaint of saloon doors being thrown open as four silhouettes outline the doorway of a seemingly ordinary home . Could it be ?? Here to make us line dance in our seats! Here to make us beg for them to do that song that sounds like Dolly Parton making out with John Denver on a warm summers eve in Savannah Georgia. Here to make us laugh till we cry beer tears and remember that one that got away. Dust off your Stetson and get ready to ride into the sunset with ANGELS ON HORSEBACK. “An awesome show featuring country music, but with a uniquely South African spin in the lyrics. The cast make the show a pleasure to both watch and participate in. And yes girls, I would take Ryk Neethling on or off a silver tray too!” Cue review 2008 NATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL GRAHAMSTOWN.

Bernard Loonen

Songs of Travel: Bernard Loonen, a tenor from the Netherlands. For this special VKF-production he will be accompanied by (someone special) on piano. From the pen of author and traveller Robert Louis Stevenson come the words for Songs of Travel by folksong collector and composer Ralph Vaughan Williams. Poems from the latter days of a century and a literary career (1896), to music from the beginning of the next century and the start of a musical career. RLS (1850-1894) knew about travel and how to tell the story (as readers of Treasure Island know), and RVW (1872-1958) was a master of his art, which can be heard in these wonderful tunes. The first three songs of the cycle set the pace for a musical journey. Where the road will subsequently lead is for the audience to decide …

Gaëtan Schmid

Rumpsteak’s Teazer: Rumpsteak’s Teazer is a 25min tasty little appetiser to Rumpsteak, the show. Rumpsteak, the show is an exhilarating “behind-the-scenes” look at the rush hour in a kitchen of a French restaurant. Gaëtan Schmid (writer / actor) doesn’t move from his one square meter mini stage while performing 13 characters over a soundscape of more than 800 sound effects. Gaëtan will tantalise your taste buds with an introductory life lexicon to whisk in all these unpronounceable French words like “Cuisses de grenouille” and “Huitres à la ciboulette”. Bon appétit!

Guy Buttery

Since the phenomenal success of his latest album, winning him 3 National Awards [including a South African Music Award for “Best Instrumental Album of 2010” and the Standard Bank Gold Ovation Award] Guy Buttery has been kept busy with a packed schedule of both national and international dates. Described as a “one-man-guitar-army”, Guy is a National treasure and the top ambassador of the acoustic guitar in South Africa today.

Jungle Theatre Company

Indlovu People: Indlovu People is a family show about elephants. Three children go on an adventure in the jungle. They meet !Kama Indlovu a mystical old man who holds the key to the elephant world. !Kama takes them on a journey into the mysterious origins of Indlovu People. The audience get involved in magical puppetry, catchy music and comedy and their relationship with these majestic creatures is changed forever. Created by Jungle Theatre Company, directed by Heather Mac and performed by Nimray Kruger, Ntombi Mkhasibe, Mfundo Hashe and Vincent Meyburgh.

Mamela Nyamza

Hatched: Hatched is a sequel to the autobiography “Hatch” which is based on the manifestering of a girl child’s beginning, ultimately unfolding into a young adult who is moulded to her cultural value system? This movement piece seeks to convey deeply personal and challenging issues of culture, tradition and a woman’s evolving sexuality within the customary rites and rituals of marriage, until she realises her true identity.

Matzer Theater Producties

Two brothers. One father. A trial, a challenge, a chance. 111 is a sparkling parable about honour and humility, faith and fate. With respect for all fairytales, bible stories and myths the actors/musicians Jasper Boeke and Helge Slikker offer us a modern narrative about two men on a quest. 111 is a sensitive story with music and magic, language and laughter, culminating in one hundred and eleven days as the ultimate dedication. 111 is a festival-production by MATZER Theaterproducties.The English première is in September 2010 during the Voorkamerfest in Darling, South-Africa.

Mvakalisi Dobs” Madotyeni

Dobs’ Famous Opera Arias: Accompanied by Albert Combrink on Piano. Mvakalisi “Dobs” Madotyeni is an Actor, Singer and Musician born in Umtata. He was recently in Holland for “Amandla Mandela de Musical” in which he played Chief Hintsa and Steve Biko.

Nomfusi

Meadlowlands to Motown: Put the spirit of Miriam Makeba and the wildness of Tina Turner in a pint sized package, and what do you get? Nomfusi! The petit Afro-soul singer from Khayelithsa joins forces with guitar wunderkind Mark Williams to bring you a powerhouse performance of Sophiatown classics, with a Motown twist.

Not the Midnight Mass

Not the Midnight Mass: South Africa’s award winning a Capella group Not the Midnight Mass are back again.The group has a new and exciting line up; stalwarts Graham and Christine Weir are once again joined by Cape Town’s most popular jazz diva, Amanda Tiffin, as well as award winning actress Anthea Thompson and funny-man Donal Slemon. The show is choreographed and staged by Fiona du Plooy. Singing like angels but with a devilish wit, in 2009 the members of Not the Midnight Mass won the Fleur de Cap Award for Best performance in a Cabaret. They have been hailed both nationally and internationally for their unique blend of harmonies, humor and original writing and the show sports some old favorites like Led Zepplins “A whole Lotta Love”, Pachelbel’s Canon in D as well as a new and hilarious rendition of My Fair Lady’s “On The Street Where you Live”.

Philip de Villiers en Die Blinde Boere Orkes

Philip de Villiers en Die Blinde Boere Orkes: Born and raised in the Swartland, singer and songwriter Philip de Villiers collaborates with Die Blinde Boereorkes from Worcester, to bring you songs more than a century old from the Bo-Kaap. Fusing traditional sakkie-sakkie with vibrant ghoema, they give birth to an infectious new style. Brimming with cheerfulness, this group of visually impaired musicians paint a colourful picture of early 20th century life in the Bo-Kaap.

Pieter van Zyl

Owen Britz & Pieter van Zyl: Owen Britz started with music lessons at the age of 16. Six years later he obtained his B. Mus from the University of the Free State with piano as major instrument. During his studies he performed as soloist with the Free State Symphonic Wind Orchestra, amongst others, and also as accompanist for soloists. He studied with Nettie Immelman and Albie van Schalkwyk. In 2005 Owen took up flute lessons with Maria Swart in Bloemfontein. Under the tutorship of Marietjie Pauw he obtained his UNISA Performer’s Licentiate for Flute cum laude in 2010. Owen currently resides in Darling. Pieter van Zyl het n B.MUS-graad aan die Universiteit van Stellenbosch, ‘n M.MUS-graad aan die Universiteit van Port Elizabeth en Voordraerslisensiate aan UNISA en Royal Schools behaal. Hy het klavier studeer by Makkie Loubser, Danie Smit, Lamar Crowson, Nancy Hofmeyr, Betsie Cluver en Neil Solomon. Pieter balanseer sy liefde vir musiek met n passie vir drama. Hy is opgelei in die mime corporel-tegniek en filosofie van die Franse teatermeeste Etienne Decroux. Pieter het as musikant en akteur regdeur Suid-Afrika gewerk, sowel as in Zimbabwe, Engeland, Skotland, België, Frankryk, Griekeland en Kalifornië.

Roelien Grobbelaar

Matters of the Harp: Acquainted with the music and entertainment industry for over 18 years, professional harpist Roelien Grobbelaar captivates and charms with an enchanting Lyon & Healy Concert Harp. As an ad hoc member of various orchestras she has performed under the baton of conductors such as Victor Yampolsky, Gerhard Korsten, Owain Arwell Hughes, Eric Rycroft and Kamal Kahn. Roelien regularly performs at some of the most prominent occasions in South Africa and has entertained international celebrities such as HRH Prince Edward Earl of Wessex and has performed with multi Grammy award winners George Benson and Kanye West. This harp performance hosted by the Voorkamerfest will showcase the romantic character of the instrument. Amongst other you can look forward to music from the ballet “The Nutckracker”, Debussy’s “Clair de Lune” and a romantic Tango by Astor Piazzolla. You will witness the harp’s grand scope of sounds, from virtuosic original harp works to some of the most well known classical pieces you love.

Shimmy Isaacs

Allie Pad Funny Worcester: “Allie Pad Funny Worcester” is a one woman comedy show that focuses on specific Western Cape culture of colored, black and white people; looking at their way of life. The show starts with Shimmy Isaacs from Worcester who has left her home town at the age of 16 to pursue acting. Through her journeys as a confused coloured woman she has come into contact with all sorts of cultural dilemmas of her own race and others. After being teased for her “whity” accent while attending a model c school in Worcester, she found herself assuming a split personality; at home she was “coloured”, at school she inadvertently became a “whity”. Cape Town, known as the city of cosmopolitan lifestyles even confused her more; when she learned there was no set coloured “identity” or one “identity”. Real issues and experiences are tackled in this humorous stand-up comedy performance where characters that have influenced her experiences and way of life are depicted. In this show she plays out all of the different personalities that she has encountered over the years. Situations are taken and compared amongst the different group types.

Siv Ngesi

A white black comedy… about blacks who think like whites… told by a black guy… who sounds white! From Sold Out shows and winner of the Golden Ovation Award at the 2010 Grahamstown National Arts-Festival. Review from CUE: “A brave new face in stand-up, Siv Ngesi delivers a brilliant new dish! Top quality laughs…makes me proud to be a South African”

Soma Fusion Bellydance Company

Triboriginals: Dancers: Marissa Cuenoud, Kashiefa Athanatos. Percussionist: James van Minnen. Tribal Fusion Belllydance is the newest member of the exotic family of bellydance. It is a women’s dance… with a twist. Taking old styles, traditional rhythms and costuming and fusing it with contemporary electronic music, modern pops n locks, sinuous muscular movement and a theatrical flair, Soma Fusion Bellydance Company has created a very dynamic and unique style of their own. Along with live percussion mixed into electronic beats, finger symbals and intricate choreography, prepare for a sensual, sensory feast.

Steve Sandomierski

Cabaret Comedy Magic: Ever wonder how a card rises, a coin vanishes, or generally how those silly magicians make things seem impossible? Well you won’t learn it here, but come and join The College of Magic’s Steve Sandomierski for an excursion into the lighter side of magic as he engages you with his brand of Cabaret Comedy Magic. Steve is currently the reigning South African Magic Grand Prix Winner, so whether it’s sleight of hand sorcery or laugh-a-minute mystical miracles, Steve is your man!

The Pink Couch

Mafeking Road: An adaptation of stories by Herman Charles Bosman. Set in one of South African fiction’s most famous streets, Mafeking Road is Herman Charles Bosman for the next generation! Using physical theatre, two actors will present two of Bosman’s short stories, taking you on a journey into another world where the peach brandy flows and the moonlight brings magic. Presented by The Pink Couch. With Andrew Laubscher and Mathew Lewis. Directed by Tara Louise Notcutt.

Werner Denner

Multi Instrumentalist: The ultimate solo multi instrumentalist and crowd pleaser! From Saxophones to pan pipes, guitar, keyboards, melodica, flute and haunting vocals, Werner Denner’s show is a must on your show calendar.

Amanda Strydom

Die veelbekroonde aktrise,skrywer,sanger en kabaret diva Amanda Strydom bring met hierdie intieme vertoning die blinkste robyne uit haar musiekskatkis na die Voorkamerfest. “Naby” is dus ‘n gepaste titel vir hierdie uitvoering waarin sy liedjies sal vertolk wat haar volksbesit gemaak het. Strydom sing ballades,blues en chansons van haar bekroonde albums “Vrou by die Spieël”, “Hotel Royale” , “Op ‘n Klein Blou Ghoen”, Verspreide Donderbuie” en “Kerse teen die Donker”. Strydom het haar nuutste album, “Kerse teen die Donker”, in September 2008 in die Koninklijke Carré in Amsterdam bekendgestel en vertrek weer in November vanjaar op ‘n maandlange toer deur Nederland waar haar optredes gereeld met groot lof ontvang word. Strydom vier vanjaar dertig jaar in die bedryf en is bekroon met onder andere die Sama, Kanna, Alumni Laureata ( Van die Universiteit Pretoria) en Rapport /City Press Prestige toekennings.

Avril Kinsey

Journey from Spain to Peru with classical guitarist Avril Kinsey in a delightful programme of preludes, romances, airs and dances by Llobet, Bach, Paganini, Lauro, Morel, Kinsey and others. Presented by ‘The Cape Town Academy of Music’ ( www.avrilkinsey.com ) 

Chantal Rika

Ladies First seeks to remember those songs our mothers sang while making supper or plaiting our hair, pay tribute and celebrate the lives of the songstresses who made those songs famous and encourage the next generation of performers to strive for that level of excellence. Chantal Stanfield, a graduate of the University of Cape Town’s Drama School and best known for her television roles in Sewende Laan, Geraldina die Tweede and Montana, will bring these songs we grew up on back into our everyday conversations while being accompanied quite simply on piano by Rika Vermeulen. From grandparents who danced to Miriam Makeba at their wedding to the younger sister who sang Mango Groove during the state of emergency, Ladies First is a show for all generations and for those to come.

Gary Naidoo & Chad Abrahams

Let’s Mix It 2.8 GLX is the much-anticipated 3rd incarnation of the popular Let’s Mix It brand. After a few successful, acclaimed runs of Let’s Mix It and Let’s Mix It 2 (double the trouble twice the spice), the team is back in funnier and fresher form. It had a succesful run at the Baxter over the festive season. Back in the saddle (or should we say in the driving seat) is award-winning Talk Show host Hadji Fatgiyah Bardien (played by the inimitable Chad Abrahams) who will this time be “interviewing” her international guests in her newly-renovated lounge/studio. Regulars like the endearing, Bigger-than-Broadway Zumo wrestler (and personal trainer) Sisanda Gugushe, and the Cape Flats wonder, David Johnson both remarkably portrayed by the versatile Naidoo.

Jonathan Nkala

The crossing: This one-man play tells the story of Nkala’s crossing from Zimbabwe to South Africa. It is a story of survival as the intrepid traveller swims across the crocodile- infested Limpopo and experiences some bizarre encounters with locals in South Africa, the ‘the land of abundance’… funny and poignant, Nkala is a stunning performer – not to be missed. Written and performed by Jonathan Nkala, directed by Bo Petersen

Leine

ake this 33-year old girl. She’s no longer a girl of course, but she has the same uninhibited look on life. Give her a guitar, a golden throat and buckets of charm. Et voilà: that’s Leine. Leine writes about everyday life and special discoveries. She takes you on a lyrical and musical adventure filled with emotions, variety and humour. A powerful, warm voice with a jazzy twist, strong melodies and interesting compositions. “Refreshing and wayward… Leine’s simply special. Period.”, is what VPRO’s Dutch music channel 3voor12 writes about her. In 2008 Leine appeared on National TV several times, played at different big Dutch festivals like the North Sea Jazz Festival, Oerol and Lowlands. Currently she’s working on new material and her theatre show with popular Dutch poet Ingmar Heytze.

Matzer Theater Producties

Toneelgroep Matzer presents “SWEET REVENGE” performed by Peter de Graef, directed by Madeleine Matzer. Sweet Revenge is a tale of desire and betrayal, love and envy, revenge and reconciliation. It is based on an old popular legend which could be situated anywhere in the world. It is told by master storyteller Peter de Graef, who in 1998 was awarded the Dutch ‘Louis d’Or’, for being the best actor of that season. He has also been honoured several times for the texts he has written for the theatre.

Megan Chortiz & two other brilliant improvisers

TheatreSports unplugged: TheatreSports, Cape Town’s longest running, award winning live theatre show, downsizes for this year’s voorkamerfest. If you won’t come to TheatresSports, we’ll bring it to you. Three improvisers will start improvising and just continue, for 30 minutes. Right there. In front of your eyes. Making it up as they go along. Each show will be totally different. Give us your suggestions and we’ll turn them into magic.

Oleg Fateev

OLEG FATEEV is a musician and composer from Moldavie (former Russia). He assisted many artists in Europe during concerts and recording, he performers solo as well as with his own ensemble. For the Voorkamerfest he will play his own compositions (inspired by Balka music and jazz/fusion), Russian songs of Peter Letzjenko, Valdimir Vissotsky and others.

Owen Britz & Phillipus Hugo

The romantic flute: Darling-based flautist Owen Britz performs with acclaimed pianist Phillipus Hugo. The programme includes romantic movements and pieces from Bach and Handel to more contemporary composers celebrating the warm timbre,versatility and melodic lines of the flute as well as that of the piano. You can look forward to well-known repertoire such as Rachmaninov’s Vocalise, Seguidilla by Bizet and many more. Phillipus Hugo behaal die grade B.Mus, Hons. B.Mus en M.Mus (cum laude) met klavier as uitvoerende komponent, aan die Universiteit van Stellenbosch onder leiding van Juliana de Villiers. Hy maak sy debuut met die KFO op sestienjarige ouderdom. Gedurende sy studiejare tree hy verskeie kere as solis op met dir KFO, Natal Filharmoniese Orkes en die US Simfonie Orkes. Hy word as amptelike begeleier by die Hugo Lambrechts Musieksentrum aangestel; ‘n pos wat hy 5 jaar lank beklee. Hierna word hy as begeleier aangestel by die US. Phillipus doen ook vryskut-begeleiding en tree gereeld op as begeleier vir eksamens en nasionale kompetisies. Behalwe begeleiding is hy ook ‘n bedrewe sjef en is mede eienaar van twee restaurante op Greyton en Caledon in Die Overberg.

Philip de Vos & Tertia Visser-Downie

NOTES ABOUT PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION: In 1998, Philip de Vos the award winning writer/singer/photographer was commissioned to write words to accompany The Carnival of the Animals, the well known orchestral work by Saint-Saëns. His book of verses was subsequently published in South Africa, the United States and in translated form in Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. After publication he narrated his poems with symphony orchestras with great success. In 2009 he especially wrote poems for Pictures at an Exhibition by Mussorgsky. This is a very exciting work full of dramatic, lyrical and humorous moments. The work is about 45 minutes long and consists of poems and music for the following sections: The pianist Tertia Visser-Downie who has had numerous recitals locally and abroad and who has featured as soloist with the Cape town symphony Orchestra performs the exciting piano version of this well-known work while Philip de Vos reads his poems for the linking passages of music.

Riana Alfreds & Charles Tertiens

The world is in Recession. People are suffering. Governments are struggling. Fiekie (Riana Alfreds) and Willie (Charles Tertiens), are trying to discover where our money goes? Who is Pravin Gordhan? And is SARS a disease that can be cured? Is a dose of AZT and an IRP5 enough to cure the SARS pandemic? Join Fiekie and Willie in their epic adventure as they try to de-mystify the truth about TAX!

Room Eleven

Imagine some obscure bar. Imagine light bulbs going back and forth above tables filled with empty glasses. Imagine men with perfect haircuts begging beautiful women for a long, sensuous dance, and end up with Room Eleven. Or, with as much ease, imagine that final holiday night in which seductive glances have their last shot and a lonely mosquito gets lost in the blazing campfire. The list of atmospheric sketches one can come up with is endless, but as long as they sway back and forth between melancholic, summery, seductive and fiery, they are accurate. Three members of this Dutch group will be coming to Darling: Janne Schra (singer), Tony Roe (piano), Lucas Dols (bass).

Solo Flamenco

Flamenco (dance): Cast: Carolyn Holden & Peter Agulhas (dancers). South African Flamenco company La Rosa Spanish Dance Theatre presents solo flamenco – three pieces showcasing the masculine aspect of Flamenco dance. Live musicians and a singer accompany the dancers. Flamenco, enriched by the diverse cultures prevalent in Spain in the 15th century – Arabic, Gypsy, Indian, Sephardic and north African– takes on a local, contemporary look and feel. Madrid-based Joaquin Ruiz’s Farruca introduces the program, followed by a musical interlude and two new works choreographed for this programme by Carolyn Holden.

Thijsmoussefay

Mousthijfay: Pianist/componist Thijs Borsten, percussionist Mousse Pathe Mbaye en multi-instrumentalist Fay Lovski combineren en creëren. De basis ingrediënten van dit theatrale concert vormen de menselijke stem, Senegalese percussie, piano en een zingende zaag.

Toneelgroep Matzer

SWEET REVENGE: Toneelgroep Matzer presents “SWEET REVENGE” performed by Peter de Graef, directed by Madeleine Matzer. Sweet Revenge is a tale of desire and betrayal, love and envy, revenge and reconciliation. It is based on an old popular legend which could be situated anywhere in the world. It is told by master storyteller Peter de Graef, who in 1998 was awarded the Dutch ‘Louis d’Or’, for being the best actor of that season. He has also been honoured several times for the texts he has written for the theatre.

Tyrone Apollis

GEROESTE MUSIC: Tyrone Apollis is one of south Africa’s exceptionally gifted artists whose guitar pennywhistle celebrate the desires and tears of his homeland , a place he loves as much as the rhythm of his native Cape Flats . His guitar and lyrics cuts straight through the clutter to lay bare the triumphs of a nation in transition. He plays a wistful pennywhistle and he makes all feel at home warm and loved as in his words: ‘I am homeless in overcrowded room, yet I have learned to smile, because I’m not a forgotten child”. He’ll be performing with guest musician, Robin Peters (percussionist).

Violina Anguelov & Stanislav Anguelov

The program Opera de Light in Spring has been compiled to delight the taste of each and every listener. With combination of popular opera and operetta arias, Neapolitan songs, French musette and more you will be transported in time and place with the velvet mezzo voice of Violina Anguelov and the sweet sound of Stanislav Anguelov’s piano accordion. Come join us and let us warm and open up your hearts with our music as spring warms and opens up the flowers.

Willem Vermandere

Willem Vermandere was born in Louwe (Belgium) in 1940. He is a special person, a philosopher, a talented singer/storyteller, writer, painter and sculptor. His words are like literature and his music has a southern timbre. He sings songs about life, persons, events and society and in between the songs he tells stories in his own Flemish way. Living in that far away part of Belgium (close to the French border), where the First World War was mainly fought he writes, composes in his special style.

Alfred Schaffer

One of the famous younger poets from the Netherlands, Alfred Schaffer, will read his poetry; for several years he lived and worked in Cape Town.

Bafanna

Rea Rangaka as seen in Mike van Graan’s satirical journey towards the 2010 FA World Cup continues with Bafana Republic – ‘Extra Time’

Black Noise

Celebrating their 20th Anniversary, these pioneers of South African Hip Hop present a show packed with original B-Boys/Breakdancers, DJ, MCs/ Rappers, Capoeira Artists, Poetry and Graffiti. Black Noise has toured far and wide internationally with 7 CDs, 2 DVDs & 2 books to their credit. http://www.blacknoise.co.za/

College of Magic

The College of Magic presents a fascinating glimpse into the secret and exciting world of sleight of hand and illusion. Presented by South African Sleight of Hand Champion, Stuart Lightbody, assisted by Monica Nyakatya and Mawonga Gayiya, both finalists at the World Teen Magic Championships.

Compagnie Meyer / Chaffaud

One of the leading small modern dance companies is the Compagnie Meyer/Chaffaud: dancers Isabelle Chaffaud and Jérôme Meyer, accompanied by Indian musician Surajit Das

Eva de Roovere

Eva de Roovere with guitarist Roeland Vandemoortele, sings the most beautiful new songs (flemish)

Hendrik Hofmeyr & Pretty Yende

Prize-winning soprano Pretty Yende sings glorious songs and arias from the classical repertoire, accompanied by SA composer and pianist Hendrik Hofmeyr.

Katharina Vogel

Butoh dancer Katharina Vogel, assisted by her musician Martin Schumacher (accordion)

Marc Uys

Marc will be playing a programme for solo violin including works by JS Bach and Hendrik Hofmeyr. Marc has won several prizes and awards. Marc plays a fine 18th century Italian instrument on generous loan from the Lindbergh Arts Foundation.

Marji Geldenhuys †

Marji takes us on a unique journey of storytelling & traditional music from the slopes of Table Mountain – ‘HOTNOTES FROM THE HOERIKWAGGO’

Martha Harrison

Martha Harrison and Ian Marchant amaze the world with their acrobatic movements

Mathew Reid

This dynamic South African duo recently won the Kanna award at the Oudtshoorn KKNK in the classical music category.

Nibs van der Spuy

An acoustic guitar player and singer – legend in SA. As an instrumentalist he effortlessly mixes Blues, Reggae, Folk, Pop and bit of Indian music.

Niki Romijn

Dutch actress/singer Niki Romijn will perform her production about Ingrid Jonker; with guitarist Erik Robaard

Outspoken

Outspoken is an 8 time “House of Hunger poetry slam” winner who will be bringing Zimbabwean social commentary backed by his acoustic guitarist from his group ‘Outspoken and The Essence’, delivering rhythm and rhyme for a reason accompanied by guitartist MALLORY GONDO.

Phillippa Yaa de Villiers

“Taller than buildings” is a poetry recital based on her acclaimed first volume of poetry. Performer Phillippa Yaa de Villiers takes the audience on a roller-coaster ride through the feminine psyche

Souldada

Folk / pop / jazz / worldmusic ensemble Herman Woltmann, Willem Smid, Maeike Sytsma, Johan Keus, Carel van Leeuwen – they bring soul from Friesland

Thembi Mtshali-Jones

Thembi will be performing stories of her childhood and songs accompanied by Ray Molefe with percussion.

Tshepo ‘Pius’ Mogale

One of SA’s most celebrated stand-up comedians.

Wired Strings

Music runs in this family with youthful South African Foursome – Anouk, Nigel and Vicente Espi (sister and two brothers) and Jeremy Hewett (cousin). They are prize-winning string players in their own right, and as a quartet have compiled and polished a lively repertoire through years of performing together.

Anouk Espi

The exciting young South African violinist, Anouk Espi, received her training in South Africa from the illustrious Professor Jack de Wet. She was then awarded a place at the Royal Northern College of Music as well as three international scholarships that enabled her to take up her place and study with Chris Rowland (of the Fitzwilliam Quartet) and gain her Masters Degree in violin performance.

Antjie Krog

David Kramer

www.davidkramer.co.za

Dela Seward & Martha Harrison

www.barefootcompany.co.uk

Denise Jannah

“This woman can make you dream, cry, and fall in love. What more could you desire …” (The Music Advocate)

Diana Ferrus

Fernando Lameirinhas

www.lameirinhas.net

Hearts & Eyes Theatre Collective

James Grace

James Grace is one of South Africa’s leading concert artists. He is the first guitarist ever to have received the Tagore Gold Medal from the Royal College of Music in London, where he studied with Carlos Bonell.

Jits Vinger

Khoi Khonnexion

Khoi Khonnexion features Jethro Louw, also known as The GHETTO Poet.

Marc Lottering

MARC Lottering hails from Cape Town, and is considered by many to be one of the hottest comics on offer from South Africa.

Marietjie Pauw

Marietjie Pauw (flute) received flute tuition from Evá Tamássy at the University of Stellenbosch, where she was awarded the degrees BMus, Hons.BMus and MMus (Performance), all cum laude.

Mark Hoeben & Ina Wichterich

Mark & Ina paired up in TANGO DEL FUEGO and began studying the dance in November 2000. After the success of that show, (Tango del Fuego won the Best Dance and Movement Production award at KKNK, Oudtshoorn in 2001 and Mark was nominated for a Fleur du Cap award for Best Contribution to a Musical), Ina began teaching and performing with Mark on a regular basis. They combine tenderness, form and musicality in their improvised Tango performances.

Steven Newman

Tinus Van Dyk

Wil van der Meer

Zanendaba