Artscape News – 12 to 26 February 2014

Artscape celebrates 20 years of democracy

Artscape announces its focus on youth and training programmes to celebrate South Africa’s 20 years of democracy. The programme for the next two weeks includes two open-air shows, an international ballet competition, drama, music, an arts exhibition and an evergreen hit musical for the entire family.

The Tragedy of King Richard III – Until 22 February 2014 (± 2,25 hrs)

THIS thrilling game of power and politics plays at the Maynardville Open-Air Theatre. Malicious and power hungry, the deformed “spider”, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, plots in secret as he manoeuvres his way to the throne. A majestic production, suffused with an epic sense of scale and destiny. Tickets range from R60 to R160.

• Media info: Linette de Kock, 021  461 3746, 082 224 1030, linette@design-pr.co.za.

The Firebird – Until 16 February 2014 (± 1,75 hrs)

DANCED to the music of Stravinsky, the exotic firebird belongs in the sylvan setting of the Maynardville Open-Air Theatre, as she flits through the trees and the evil Kotschei weaves his spell on the forest creatures on Sunday evenings. Tickets range from R110 to R130.

• Media info: Louis Fouche, 021 461 7817, 082 080 2815, louisf@classicsa.co.za.

Artscape’s 2014 Youth and Training Programmes Launch – 12 February 2014

ARTSCAPE announces its annual youth and training programme to expand audiences and transfer skills in the Chandelier Foyer. By invitation.

• Media info: Debbie Damons, 021 410 9915, debbied@artscape.co.za

WPDTA Showcase of Dance – 12 to 16 February 2014 (± 2,5 hrs)

COME and join in a celebration of dance in all styles, showcasing newly created choreography from renowned teachers and dance schools in the Western Cape. This Western Province Dance Teachers Association showcase at the Theatre offers two different programmes of accessible and entertaining dance. Tickets range from R70 to R85.

• Media info: Allison Foat, 021 462 7384, 083 635 6312, Allison@divapr.co.za.

Tribute to the Mario Lanza Song Book – 15 February 2014 (± 2 hrs)

TENOR and radio presenter Fuad Sawyer pays tribute to the legendary Mario Lanza at the Arena. The programme includes popular songs such as Golden Days, Summertime in Heidelberg and Because. Tickets cost R100.

• Media info: Fuad Sawyer, 021 447 8252, 072 327 5023, fuadsawyer@gmail.com.

SA International Ballet Competition – 18 February to 23 February 2014 (± 2 hrs)

THE fourth South African International Ballet Competition (SAICB) at the Theatre showcases dancers from around the world in three categories. Three days of preliminary rounds will determine which dancers is the cream of the crop. This is followed by spectacular solos in the final round on Friday. The top five dancers in each category will be announced at the awards evening where they will compete for gold, silver and bronze medals on Saturday. The competition concludes on Sunday with two galas showcasing the SAIBC 2014 winners, as well as top dancers from the National Ballet School of Cuba and the Young Korean Ballet Stars from South Korea. Tickets range from R60 at the preliminary rounds to R350 for the gala performances.

• Media info: Allison Foat, 021 462 7384, 083 635 6312, Allison@divapr.co.za.

Tannie Dora Goes Bos – 18 to 23 February 2014 (± 60 min)

This new play at the Arena is a hilarious dark murder mystery, offering the perfect combination of comedy, drama and suspense, to keep audiences hooked – and guessing – till the very end. Tickets range from R45 to R75.

• Media info: Jeremeo le Cordeur, 082 576 2079, vultureproductions@live.com.

The Sound of Music – 19 February to 30 March 2014 (± 2,5 hrs)

BASED on the memoirs of Maria von Trapp, The Sound of Music follows wayward postulant, Maria, who leaves the Abbey and becomes governess to seven children. This Andrew Lloyd Webber production of the legendary musical is staged at the Opera House with an all-star, all South African cast. Tickets range from R125 to R375.

• Media info: Willem Oelofsen, 021 438 3301. willem@theatreonthebay.co.za and Allison Foat, 021 462 7384, 083 635 6312, Allison@divapr.co.za.

Max Margoc Art Exhibition – 25 February to 9 March 2014

WITH the title “Groping for Trout in a Peculiar River” this armada of work depicts Maxim Margoc’s ‘cerebral state of affairs’ in a somewhat tangled highway of thought. The exhibition in the Marble Foyer incorporates textured creations and a residue of paintings.

• Media info: Maxim Margoc, 084 361 83207, ifninewassix@gmail.com.