Aweh! Find out what’s happening in Durbs

VARIETY is the name of the game this coming week with so many unique shows to watch and activities to take part in.

Shows/entertainment

Watch The Bigger the Better comedy show

Sandile M presents a showcase in stand-up comedy. The Bigger the Better is centred around politics, scandals and growing up in the townships – from being a young boy to a grown family man, married with kids. The family is everything even if it’s dysfunctional. It’s exciting and informative.

The show is at the Playhouse Opera Theatre (231 Smith Street, Durban Central) on Friday, March 22 at 20:00. Tickets are R150 each. For more info, go to: https://playhousecompany.com/

Watch a poignant one-hander, The King of Broken Things

The King of Broken Things – a whimsical, profound and poignant one-hander by Theatresmiths’ Michael Taylor Broderick, featuring Cara Roberts, as a young boy, comes to 1000 Hills for a single performance – at Kearsney College on Thursday, March 21 at 19:30.

“The King of Broken Things dares its audience to imagine, to dream and most of all, to believe. It is a show about hope, about fixing and mending, about forgiving and about healing – all of these are key ingredients that are much needed in our beloved country right now,” says writer/producer/director Michael Taylor Broderick.

The King of Broken Things has received awards and accolades wherever it has performed: It was the only South African production to be invited to The Golden Dolphin International Puppet Festival, 2022, in Bulgaria, where it won three international awards – Best Actress, Best Script and Best Director. It has also won a National Arts Festival Gold Ovation Award, the Assitej Cradle of Creativity Award, the Woordtrofee for Best Achievement at The Festival is Toyota Woordfees 2023 in Stellenbosch, and has received a Fleur Du Cap nomination.

The King of Broken Things is produced by Theatresmiths which is founded by Michael Taylor Broderick. It is a group of like-minded theatre practitioners intent on changing the world through the magic of theatre.

Book tickets in advance through Webtickets / Pick ‘n Pay at R150 each. There will be on-site parking.

Watch and listen to the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra’s Concert 4

The KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra’s 2024 Summer Season, featuring a splendid line-up of international and local talent, runs in The Playhouse Opera every Thursday from February 29 to March 21, each World Symphony Series concert starting at 19:00.

Concert 4 is on Thursday, March 21 and presents:

Conductor: Daniel Boico
Soloist: Nina Schumann / Megan-Geoffrey Prins – piano
Dvořák: Czech Suite
Camille Saint Saëns: Carnival of the Animals
Mozart: Symphony no 38 ‘The Prague’

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Reddam House Umhlanga Presents: High School Musical on Stage!

Get ready to experience a night of music, dance and exceptional talent at Reddam House Umhlanga’s annual production of High School Musical On Stage from March 17–19. Join us for an electrifying performance that will have you singing and dancing in your seats in a wave of nostalgia. This captivating and energetic show will feature our talented college students who promise to deliver a musical experience that’s not to be missed.

Backed by a live band, follow the story, trials and tests of Troy, Gabriella, Chad and Taylor as they baulk at the high school stereotypes and refuse to Stick to the Status Quo.

Seating is supper-theatre barnyard-style. Bring your own refreshments. Flava Cafe will be open.

Tickets are R120 for adults and R100 for students in uniform. To book tickets, email umhlanga.events@reddam.house.

Shows will be in the Muir Auditorium at the following times:
Sunday, March 17 at 14:00 and 19:00
Monday, March 18 at 19:00
Tuesday, March 19 at 19:00

Enjoy Andrew Young’s Timeless at Durban North Rhumbelow

On Saturday, March 23, at 19:30, join international saxophonist Andrew Young and Durban pianist Graham Hudson for an unforgettable night of music! Experience the magic of jazz, blues and swing with a modern twist. Their concert will take you on a journey through timeless classics, reimagined like old friends reunited. Get ready to tap your feet and sway to the rhythm of Take 5, Misty, Harlem Nocturn and Summertime; swing standards such as All of Me to the later Autumn Leaves; 60s hits such as Stranger in the Shore and Girl from Ipanema, and Incomparable Blues of Santana and Gary Moore.

It’s a night you don’t want to miss!

Tickets are R200 each and R180 for Northlands Bowling Club members. They can be bought at Computicket. Or email Roland at roland@stansell.co.za.

The venue opens 90 minutes before the show for snacks/drinks. Bring food picnic baskets. There is limited secure parking available. A full bar will be available so no alcohol is allowed to be brought in.

Something to watch or take part in – a modelling contest – Mr and Mrs/Miss Richdens Centre

A modelling contest will be presented by Richden’s Village and Janine Rowe Models at Hillcrest Richdens Village (59–61 Old Main Road, Hillcrest) on March 16 at 10:00 to 12:00.

It is a model and runway contest, and there will be cash prizes and vouchers to be won. Tickets for entrants are R100. All are welcome to come and watch.

Entrants must:
– be from ages 5 to 60
– be male or female
– come with casual, smart casual and evening wear
– enjoy the camera

To book or for more info, go to www.janinerowemodels.co.za or WhatsApp 062 974 7825.

Also read: SANRAL announces N3 road closure from March 23 to 25

Watch choirs from all over South Africa compete

The Kuhle Kwethu Heritage and Arts Festival, in its fourth instalment in the 2024 championships, has the pleasure of welcoming the following esteemed choirs and institutions to a celebration of the legendary SBP Mnomiya and 30 years of South Africa’s democracy.

This year’s upcoming famous and exciting feast of choral music will be hosted in Durban on Tuesday, March 23 at the Durban ICC, Hall 1. It starts at 09:30.

The following choirs will be performing:
1. Lesotho Chorus: Kingdom of Lesotho
2. Sounds of Joy Chorale: KZN
3. Melodic Sounds Chorale: KZN
4. uMtshezi Midlands Ensemble: KZN
5. African Chorus: KZN
6. SA Singers: KZN
7. Urban Voices Chorale: KZN
8. Kopano Chorus: Gauteng
9. Fort Hare University Choir: Eastern Cape
10. Free State Choristers: Free State
11. North West University of the River: North West
12. Guest Choir, Clermont Choir (who will be the hosts)

Further information on the rules of the game, the prescriptions as well as the prizes will be announced once all the deliberations have been verified and distributed to concerned participants. The organisers reserve the right of admission and prescripts to participate.

Outdoor activities

Enjoy a beginner’s hike at Virginia Bush Nature Reserve

Virginia Bush Nature Reserve is a beautiful coastal reserve tucked away in the heart of Durban North. Park and meet for a hike on Saturday, March 16, at 07:00, on the corner of Margaret Maytom Avenue and Hinton Grove (up the road from Virginia Checkers). Well-behaved pooches are welcome on this hike!

The hike is Grade 1 and about 6km. It will take 2–3 hours. Cost is R89pp. For more information, contact Roland Smith on WhatsApp at 066 111 1488 or email info@durbanhiking.co.za.

Take part in new road-running series

Building on the fantastic success of the 2023 race, Dolphin Coast Striders proudly presents the Balwin Sport Dolphin Coast Marathon on Sunday, March 17.

Featuring 42km, 21km, 10km and 5km distances, the race forms part of the exciting Balwin Sport Marathon Series – a first in South Africa. The venue for the start and finish is again on the world-class Durban Promenade, and the route is flat and fast on the M4 coastal highway. The marathon is a Comrades qualifier.

Simply participating gives runners a chance to win a fully furnished Balwin Properties apartment worth R800 000.

Online entries close on Monday, March 11, at midnight. No entries will be available on race day except for the Fun Run. Entry fees are non-refundable. They are as follows:
Marathon: R450
Half-Marathon: R300
10km Road Race: R200
5km Fun Run: R100
Free race Shirts will go to the 42km, 21km and 10km contestants, capped at 4 000 – no shirts for the 5km Fun Run. No late entries or substitutions will be permitted.

Registration / number collection will take place on:
Friday, March 15 from 12:00–17:00 at the venue and Saturday, March 16 from 10:00–17:00 at the venue.

For more information, go to https://dolphincoaststriders.co.za/

Also read: Learner steps up to international competition

Other Activities

For lovers of all things Irish

If you’re Irish or of Irish descent, or just love all things Irish, you can enjoy a special St Patrick’s Day event on Saturday, March 16 at the Westville Country Club presented by the Irish South African Association.

The event starts at 12:30. It includes a classic three-course lunch with a cash bar, Irish dancing by the KZN Academy of Celtic Dance and live music by Spontaneous Combustion, featuring talented singer Lauren Laing.

How to book:
1. Pay R380 per person by EFT to the following bank account. (Tables are R3 800 for 10 people.)
Irish South African Association, Standard Bank, Westville Branch, Account Number: 257825851. Please use your name and membership number (if you have one) as your reference when you make your EFT.
2. Send your proof of payment.
Please confirm your booking and the number of tickets you’ve booked with either Ron Clarke at treasurer.dbn@ireland.co.za or Julian Buckels at secretary.dbn@ireland.co.za, attaching your proof of payment.

The 27th Time of the Writer Festival Showcasing Over 50% Women Authors in Stimulating Line-Up

This week marks the kick-off of the 27th Time of the Writer Festival, hosted by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Taking place from March 14 to 21, this year’s festival theme, ‘Reflections, Resonance and Revival’, honours South Africa’s 30th anniversary as a constitutional democracy, spotlighting the critical role of writers and literature in reinforcing the nation’s democratic values and global stature.

In a celebration of female literary prowess, over 50% of the festival’s participants are women writers, amounting to 64 out of 105 talented voices. This significant representation underscores the festival’s continuous commitment to promoting inclusivity, diversity and gender equality within the literary domain.

The 27th Time of the Writer festival features Zakes Mda, a monumental figure in the literary world, as its headliner and keynote speaker, together with an impressive line-up of talented authors ready to share their recent works and engage in thought-provoking discussions. Among these are Justice Malala, known for his acute political analyses; Siphiwo Mahala, renowned for his evocative storytelling; and Angela Makholwa, celebrated for her captivating thrillers. The festival welcomes participation from African writers, enriching the event with a continental perspective. Notable international figures include Margaret Busby from Ghana, Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor from Kenya, and Israel Campos from Angola, all converging in Durban to create a truly global literary dialogue.

This year’s edition integrates both physical and virtual platforms, welcoming a live audience at the Alliance Française in Morningside, Durban, while also extending its reach nationally and globally through online access. The programme is rich with book launches, panel discussions, workshops and readings, designed to stir the imagination and provoke thoughtful dialogue.

Location: Alliance Française, Morningside, Durban an online

For more information, visit tow.ukzn.ac.za or follow the festival on social media @timeofthewriter.

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