Aweh! Find out what’s happening in Durban and surrounds

THE school holidays may have come to an end, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take the time out on the weekend to spoil yourself and your family. There are plenty of exciting things to do this weekend, from a penguin waddle to open gardens to plays to treats for music lovers. Just be aware of the road closure – the N2 and the M13 will be temporarily closed from Saturday, October 14 at 18:00 to Monday, October 16 at 05:00, to facilitate the demolition of King Cetshwayo Bridge on the M13. To find out more details of where exactly this closure will be, you can read here: Road closure

Saturday, October 14

Waddle like a penguin

If you’re a Parkun fanatic and care about penguins, then the African Penguin Waddle, organised by the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR), is just the thing for you. The waddle is in commemoration of African Penguin Awareness Day celebrated on the second Saturday of October every year. Meet at the Marine Surf Lifesaving Club at your usual Parkrun time – 08:00 – on Saturday, October 14, dressed in black and white. Take photos of your run or walk and post them on social media with the hashtags: #SavetheAfricanPenguin and #NOOW. The run is to create awareness of the plight of the African penguin which is endangered: African Penguin Awareness Day

Are you the bright spark in your friend group? Could Mensa be your groove?

The next test for membership with Mensa, the high IQ society, will be held on Saturday, October 14, in Pinetown, at 09:30. This test is free since it coincides with Intelligence Month. The test is optimised for 16 years and older – it is not suitable for younger people.

The test is in multiple-choice format and consists of two sections. A candidate may join Mensa by passing either section. The first one tests general reasoning, and the second one tests visio-spatial abilities. The test is conducted by a registered psychologist and takes about two hours.

Mensa is an international organisation for people who score at or above the 98th percentile on a standard IQ test, ie, in the top 2% of the population. It is, in effect, a social club for people who sometimes enjoy the company of others who think a little quicker or see a slightly bigger picture than the average.

Should you wish to write the test, it is essential that you book your place by email at kzn.testingofficer@mensa.org.za

Sunday, October 15

Choir music to dazzle you

Get ready for A Celebration of Song with the Durban Symphonic Choir at St Michael’s Anglican Church in uMhlanga on Sunday, October 15 at 14.30.

Mozart’s Coronation Mass will take up the first half of the show, followed by a medley of Sir Paul McCartney’s compositions, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s work and a medley of lovely old songs from the 60s, such as Moon River, Hello Dolly, Don’t Sleep in the Subway and Those Were the Days.

The show is directed by Dr Ros Conrad and accompanied by Dr David Smith.

Tickets to the fundraiser cost R100 and include refreshments after the show in the church hall.

Bookings can be made via email at admin@stmichaels.org.za. For more information, contact Sharon on 083 2700 478. The church address is 6 Durban View Road, uMhlanga.

Happening the whole weekend

Laugh until you have a stitch at award-winning comedy show

The hilarious and extremely thought-provoking one-hander, A Vegan Killed My Marriage, starring funny man Aaron Mcilroy, written and directed by the multi-award-winning Craig Freimond, comes to the Seabrookes Theatre at Durban High School from October 11 to 22.

Winner of a Bronze Ovation Award at this year’s National Arts Festival in Makhanda (Grahamstown), the comical and highly entertaining solo performance comes to the Seabrookes Theatre, hot on the heels of a three-week sold-out run at the Baxter Theatre in Cape Town.

Shows are Wednesday to Friday at 19:30 with 14:30 matinees on Saturdays and Sundays.

Ticket prices are R165 (seniors, students and block bookings of 10 or more) and R185 (full price). Booking is through Webtickets (www.webtickets.co.za) online or at Pick ’n Pay stores.

Get swept away by harmonious vocal talent

The cabaret, Life in Harmony, brings together the vocal talents of Tory Du Plessis, Tammy Saville and Marion Loudon at the Rhumbelow Theatre at 42 Cunningham Road off Bartle Road, Durban, this weekend.

Journey through the world of three-part harmony singing, accompanied by the inimitable Evan Roberts on piano. Directed by the award-winning Steven Stead, their repertoire spans from tender ballads that tug on the heartstrings to high-energy songs that will set your toes tapping.

The shows are as follows:
Friday, October 13 at 19:30
Saturday, October 14 at 19:30
Sunday, October 15 at 14:00

– Tickets are R200 each and available from Computicket or email roland@stanssell.co.za
– Bring a picnic basket or buy food at the venue.
– There is limited secure parking available and booking is essential.
– No alcohol may be brought onto the premises, but there will be a bar available.

Imbibe garden beauty in Kloof

The Kloof Rotary Anns are thrilled to celebrate their 31st year of the Annual Open Gardens by inviting the public to admire four gardens in the Kloof areas on October 14 and 15 from 09:30 to 16:30. Proceeds will go to local charities supported by Rotary Anns.

Garden No 1 belongs to Ian Todd and Paul Bushell and can be found at 11 Lyngarth Road, Kloof.
Garden No 2 is TWIMS (formally Crowhurst) at 74 Everton Road, Gillitts.|
Garden No 4 belongs to Almut Buhr and can be found at 1 Sandlee, 4 Coghill Avenue, Kloof.

As a special addition to the Open Gardens this year, the Ubuntu Ground Cafe at Hillcrest AIDS Centre (26 Old Main Road, Hillcrest) is offering a tea/coffee and cake special for R55. Their shops and nursery will be open on both days, and there is no entry fee.

The entrance fee per person per garden is R30 pp per garden and children under 12 are free. The fees are payable at each garden by cash or zapper. Please Contact Andrea on 083 630 6486 or email mwafras@mweb.co.za.

Be prepared to have your traditions challenged

The University of KwaZulu-Natal Drama and Performance students will be presenting a play titled Made in My Image at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from Friday, October 13 to Sunday, October 15.

Made in My Image is written and directed by Xola Mziwakhe.

The intriguing story is set in the monarchy of Ntokozweni Village, under the ruling house of Nxasana, which has ruled for over 50 centuries.

It’s the year 5050, and the one who will take the throne is born. By tradition, each house is subjected to give birth to one boy child. However, the current king and queen, in the year 5050, have a girl baby. This is the dilemma faced by Ntokozweni Village. Made in My Image is a story about sacrifice, pain and the clashes of traditions. After five centuries, the monarchy is asked to question their traditions in light of their new realities. At times, transformation is a real challenge for human beings. This play questions the present society in order to attempt to re-imagine a just future.

Shows will be on Friday, October 13 at 19:00, Saturday, October 14 at 19:00 and Sunday, October 15 at 15:00.

Ticket prices are R50 each (cash) at the door.

To book in advance, email Marcia Mzindle at mzindlez@ukzn.ac.za or call 031 260 3820.

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