Durbanites! Here’s a guide to the good times that may be had in the coming days.

DUT presents modern re-imagining of Greek tragedy

A MODERN re-imagining of Sophocle’s great Greek tragedy, King Oedipus, will be presented by DUT at the Actor’s Studio, DUT Courtyard, from May 12 to 15.

The performance by the first year DUT performance students will be staged daily at 18:00.

Directed by Sikhuthali Oliver Bonga, and designed by Yandisa Taleni, this play integrates first-year performance techniques students, experimenting in bridging historical Greek tragedy with immersive, interactive contemporary creative practice.

Bonga moves the action to contemporary Durban, where the great plague takes the form of our desperate and divisive economic reality.

It is staged in a space echoing the tragedy of the homeless community living under the bridge at the end of Moore / Che Guevara Road where the social outcasts and poorest of the poor live.

King Oedipus features a cast of almost 60 first years and is presented in English, isiZulu and physical theatre.

Good to know:

Venue: The Actor’s Studio, alongside Courtyard Theatre, Durban University of Technology

Dates: May 12, 13, 14, 15

Time: 18:00

Tickets will be sold at the door of the venue.

There will be a special performance for members of the city’s homeless community at the Denis Hurley Centre.

Warning: Contains strong language and scenes of violence and is recommended for mature audiences.

Timeless one man show

A TIMELESS tale of laughter and loss, performed by Ashley Dowds, will be seen at the Seabrookes Theatre at DHS for three shows only, on Friday, May 8, Saturday, May 9, and Sunday May 10 at 14:30.

The show, titled The Return of Elvis du Pisanie, by Paul Slabolepszy is a tale of laughter and loss, which has received rave reviews during its run in Johannesburg where it is playing at the Theatre on the Square.

“It’s one of those shows that gets under your skin in a quiet but persistent way. It touches on so many things we all carry in some form or another. Paul Slabolepszy’s writing is layered and deeply rooted in a very particular South African context, but it feels personal rather than political. And then there’s Ashley Dowds. His performance is open and heartfelt. It’s a beautiful very moving piece of theatre. I’d really recommend seeing it if you get the chance,” says reviewer Bruce Little.

This masterfully-told story which moves from pure nostalgia through extreme heartache to unbridled joy, is vintage, classic Slabolepszy, and has been given a new lease on life by Dowds in an exhilarating career-defining performance.

Tickets for The Return of Elvis du Pisanie are through Webtickets.

Mother’s Day at Glenwood Village

Glenwood Village is hosting a fun family-friendly pre-Mother’s Day morning on Saturday, May 9 until 14:00, featuring a community market, an affordable arts fair, and mini pamper parlour for mom.

This Glenwood Village monthly market with a Mother’s Day theme will be on the upper gallery level of the centre, with coffee, morning tea treats, vintage clothing and accessories, crafts, hand-made soaps, and bath time indulgences, jewellery, farm fresh produce, healing crystals and cleaning products.

The centre regular pop-ups will also be trading: Street lit books, leather belts, perfumes, beadwork and crafts. For more information, visit www.glenwoodvillagemarket.co.za

Mother’s Day market

THE Creating Hope Foundation presents the Mother’s Day Market on Pitlochry, which promises to be a night of fun, shopping, food and entertainment. The market will be on Friday, May 8, at 17:00 to 22:00 at the Pitlochry school grounds in Westville.

Mamma Mia Mother’s Day bash

ENJOY Mother’s Day with an afternoon of laughter and entertainment at Mamma Mia Bash With Tash at iZulu Theatre, Sibaya Casino on Sunday, May 10.

This special show promises fun for the whole family, along with treats and surprise giveaways for mothers.

Tash, a former call centre agent turned international comedian, MC, motivational speaker, and business owner, delivers comedy that is real, respectful, and authentic.

Her performances draw on relatable family experiences and cultural nuances, especially within the South African Indian community — guaranteeing plenty of hilarious, side-splitting moments.

Tickets from R140 per person. Call 067 121 7288 to book.

Celebrate Mother’s Day with soothing sounds

CELEBRATE Mother’s Day with two free concerts by the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra at the Pavilion Shopping Centre on Sunday, May 10.

The centre is offering mothers the gift of symphony with two special free hour-long Mother’s Day themed concerts by the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra with guest soloists, under the baton of resident conductor Chad Hendricks.

This will take place at the Fountain Court on the Cinema Level at 11:00 and 13:00.

In addition, the Pavilion have once more partnered with St Martin’s Diocesan Homes for Children, who will offer Gift-Wrapping Services to shoppers who spend R250 or more on a Mother’s Day gift at any of the 240 stores.

The wrapping station will be available on the lower level, outside Woolworths, from May 7-10. All proceeds raised will be for the benefit of St Martin’s Diocesan Homes for Children.

St Martin’s is one of the oldest children’s homes in the country, and provides care for more than 75 vulnerable children at their facility in Glenwood.

Sing along to fabulous tunes

IF you’re looking for the perfect way to celebrate Mother’s Day, then don’t miss out on an afternoon of music, laughter, and pure joy at Abba So-lutely Fabulous!

Starring the hilarious and talented trio Aaron McIlroy, Lisa Bobbert and Marion Loudon, this feel-good show is packed with all your favourite Abba hits, outrageous comedy, unforgettable characters, and plenty of singalong moments.

The show takes place at the Northlands Bowling Club (50 Margaret Mayton Avenue, Durban North) on Sunday, May 10, at 15:00 and the venue opens 90 minutes before the show.

There is a full bar available and attendees are encouraged to bring their own picnic basket (or buy food at the venue) and make it a relaxed, festive day out with the family.

The performance is fun for all ages.

Tickets cost R200, and R180 for U13s and Northlands Bowling Club members.

There is limited secure parking available and booking is essential.

Contact Roland on 082 499 8636 (roland@stansell.co.za) or purchase tickets through Webtickets.

Musical Explosion: Bhojpuri Night

GET ready for an electrifying evening of music, dance, and vibrant entertainment at Musical Explosion.

This spectacular showcase features two of KZN’s top bands — The Bollywood Showband and Bollywood Fusion Band.

The show takes place at Sibaya Casino on Friday, May 22.

The Bollywood Showband brings the colourful energy of Bollywood music to life, while Bollywood Fusion Band blends western influences with classic Bollywood sounds, reimagining timeless hits with fresh, dynamic arrangements.

The night also highlights talented South African artists, including Pravesh Sunker, Praneel Soonder, Sharmaine Deol, Vikesh Moonilall, Nerissa Sewrathan, Vishaan Ramlakkan, and Avijay Harichund — promising an unforgettable, feel-good experience filled with rhythm and heartwarming moments.

Tickets cost R150 per person (via Ticketpro).

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