DURBAN’S creative community will stage a one-off benefit variety show, ‘Durban Loves Delfi’, to support the family behind the iconic Delfi Greek Taverna after the fire destroyed their restaurant and home.

The event will be held at the Milkwood Theatre at Danville Park Girls’ High School on Monday, October 19 at 19:00, hosted and MC’d by Hello Poppy, an NPC led by Jane Linley-Thomas that champions dignity, joy and emotional well-being for elders.

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The line-up brings together some of Durban’s best-loved performers, including musical theatre trio The Glitter Girls Lisa Bobbert, Liesl Coppin and Marion Loudon, magician and mentalist Mo Magic, storyteller Rory Petzer, and young triple-threat performers from the International School of Performing Arts. All artists are donating their time and talent free of charge, with principal Linda Scholtz making the theatre available and Black Coffee providing technical support. Every rand from ticket sales will go directly to the family.

The blaze broke out at the back of the restaurant on September 3 and engulfed the entire building. Owners Doddy, Maria and Manuel Teranes had lived upstairs since 1964.

“A devastating fire on 3 September took away not only the beloved Delfi restaurant, but all their lifelong possessions. Their home of six decades is gone, along with all the beautiful memories. It was not only a restaurant. It was a home filled with love, kindness, and warmth. They were left with the clothes on their backs,” said family member Linda Landzanakis. 

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Hailed as a hero, 32-year-old chef Ayakha Godlwana from Palm Terrace Cafe rescued Doddy from her upstairs room as flames spread.

Maria said the family has been overwhelmed by community support. To see so many performers and people coming together has been incredibly moving.

“We honestly never expected anything like this. To see performers giving their time and so many people coming together for us has been incredibly moving. Since the fire, we have been overwhelmed by the love and generosity of the community. We are so grateful to each and every person who has reached out, helped and supported us,” she said.

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Linley-Thomas said Hello Poppy is proud to be part of the fundraiser, calling it a powerful reminder of community and collaboration and a privilege to give back to elders who have given so much.

Tickets are R220 and R200 for students and pensioners, available via Webtickets. The theatre is at 21 Middlebrook Avenue, Virginia, Durban North. Parking is on the school grounds via Newport Avenue, between the astro and the church. Refreshments will be on sale in the foyer. A BackaBuddy campaign, Delfi Will Rise From The Ashes, has also been established for donations.

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