Entertainment full of mind-bending acts, film festivals, shows, uplifting concerts and markets are on the cards for you this July in eThekwini. To find out what is on offer, see the list below:

Esokuqala comes to The Playhouse

The Playhouse Company in Durban will be one of the three stops of the music, dance and drama production, Esokuqala, which is doing the rounds on the KZN circuit. Telling the tale of a new South Africa, where African tradition meets Christian world views, the play will be staged at the Playhouse Drama Theatre on Saturday, July 19, at 18:00.
A family of doctors, who are prominent Christians in the community, give birth to a child who is indoctrinated by ancestral powers. The parents, and those close to them, need to critically examine the battle of spirituality and make some difficult decisions. “This is a dilemma which many of us battle with,” says internationally renowned musical theatre writer, director and choreographer Lucky Cele.

“As a generation of young adults living pretty much completely in the city, with all of the trappings of suburbia, how do we still authentically honour our culture and respect our past?”

Esokuqala is written, directed and choreographed by Cele, with Thandanani Gasa as the musical director, and it is produced by Ulozolo Youth Organisation. The search for meaning and battle between different spiritual paths is told through a blend of spoken word and dance by a cast of 25 – a fusion of well-known creatives and emerging artists from around KZN.

To make it accessible to as wide an audience as possible, the narration is 70% English and 30% Zulu. Tickets cost R100 and can be purchased via Webtickets.

Brain Freeze with Magician Vicus

On Sunday, July 20, prepare to be dazzled and amazed by magician Vicus Cruywagen at the Rhumbelow Theatre in Umbilo with his brand-new family magic show, Brain Freeze.

The 60 minutes show will have you glued to your seats from 14:00. The show will be jam-packed with magic, comedy, and loads of audience participation. Roland Stansell from the Rhumbelow Theatre said the fast-paced magical adventure is perfect for curious kids and fun-loving adults alike.

“Spectators will be invited on stage to experience the magic firsthand. Bring your family and join the magical world of Vicus — where laughter, amazement, and unforgettable moments are made live on stage,” said Stansell.

Tickets cost R150 and R100 for under-13s. Picnic baskets are allowed and there is a bar available at the venue. Booking is essential and there is limited secure parking available. To book, email: roland@stansell.co.za or purchase a ticket via Webtickets.

School holidays fun and Boks experience at Westown

Westown Square in Shongweni is pulling out all the stops to cement itself as one of the places to be in eThekwini over the school holiday and the rest of the year. From July 5 to November 29, the Westown Square Fan Park will be transformed into a gathering place for rugby fans, families and fun-seekers.

“This isn’t just a place to watch rugby, it’s where we come together in green and gold, united by pride, passion, and the love of the game,” said Westown communications executive Cara Reilly. “From the heart of Westown Square, we’re creating a vibrant, family-friendly fan park for every game from July, all the way through to November.”

While the Bok fans enjoy the rugby, children can have fun in The Kids Zone which will be open for three hours before the afternoon games, and for three hours after the morning games. Activities include face painting, balloon sculpting, entertainment by Garvz Sports Academy and a soft play area for toddlers. All the action will be screened live on the massive outdoor screen in The Bowl at Westown Square.

Entry is free to the public, who will be treated to fun, with food and drink specials, tons of giveaways and after-party entertainment provided by some of KZN’s hottest up-and-coming DJs.

Rugby Match Programme

12 July, 17:10 Italy
19 July, 17:10 Georgia
16 August, 17:10 Australia
23 August, 17:10 Australia

July School Holidays Programme

• Themed Puppet Shows in the Bowl at Westown
Life Under the Sea – July 10
Safari Fun – July 15, 17; Time: 11:00

• Creation Station (Arts and crafts, play dough and Lego stations)
Dates: July 9, 16; Time: 11:00-14:00

• Little Brushes (Kiddies version of a sip & paint)
Date: July 18; Time: 11:00

No-holds-barred musical satire

Get ready for rip-roaring laughter and unapologetic truth in #RoyallyFKD — a bold, high-energy musical satire that pulls no punches. Written by Jayshree Parasuramen and directed by Zeph Nzama, the show comes with an age restriction of 16+ due to strong language and adult humour. This production at Stella Noir on July 12 takes a hilarious swipe at every South African political party, their leaders, and yes — even us, the citizens.

Packed with sharp wit, live music, and outrageous characters, the show exposes the political circus, and the madness we’ve all come to accept. It’s laughter with a purpose — entertaining while urging audiences to stay clued up and politically aware. For tickets and bookings, contact 068 384 2962.

Courtyard Theatre hosts Creative Minds Film Festival

The Courtyard Theatre on Steve Biko Road, Musgrave, is gearing up to host the second annual Creative Minds Film Festival on Saturday, July 26.

The platform celebrates and honours outstanding achievements in filmmaking while fostering connections among industry professionals, emerging talents and students who share a passion for the art of storytelling through film. The festival will be held on Saturday, from 09:00 and will conclude on Sunday at 19:00. Tickets cost R50 and can be purchased via https://allevents.in/durban/2nd-annual-creative-minds-film-festival-tickets/80001053227701.

Spiritually uplifting Second Coming

Award-winning gospel singer, Ayanda Ntanzi, brings his one man show, The Second Coming, to the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, July 12.

The concert begins at 18:00 and will have audiences on the edge of their seats while singing along to some of his biggest hits like Basuka and Wena Jesu. Around 30 000 people are expected to attend the premier gospel concert aimed at uniting communities through music and faith. Ticket prices range from R150 to R1000 and can be bought via Webtickets. Gates open at 15:00.

‘Rock Across America’

Celebrate America’s top rock hits, including the artistes who developed the style of Heartland Rock in the 1970s, with the Rock across America show at Northlands Bowling Club on Saturday, July 19.

Paying tribute to this music is ‘Barry Thomson and The Reals’, comprising front man and guitar maestro Barry Thomson (lead guitar and vocals), Dawn Selby (keyboards and vocals), Mali Sewell (drums), Robz Millar (bass guitar and vocals) and Shaun Dragt (guitar and vocals). This show is not to be missed!

Tickets cost R200 and can be purchased by booking through: roland@stansell.co.za or Webtickets. Northlands Bowling Club members pay R180, booking is essential.

Rhumbelow Film Club

Membership to the Rhumbelow Film Club is still open for film lovers to enjoy regular get together events. With cinemas either closing or becoming expensive, and Netflix becoming very stay-at-home-predictable, enjoy the notion of an old-fashioned movie night out with friends by becoming a member of the club. Food is available at the venue, 42 Cunningham Road, Umbilo. Limited secure parking is available. A bar is available; no alcohol may be brought onto the premises.
For details, email: roland@stansell.co.za, contact 082 499 8636, or visit https://events.durbantheatre.com/.

Find treasure at Musgrave Market

Vendors and live musicians always bring the best vibes to The Musgrave Market which is held every Saturday, from 09:00 to 15:00, at Berea Park, Stephen Dlamini Road, Musgrave. The market is pet friendly and entry is free. Live music begins at 11:00. For more information email themusgravemarket@gmail.com or call 073 625 6725.

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