Aweh! Find out what’s happening in Durban
A star-studded music festival, a showcase of young, local talent or a heartfelt gesture to help those in need – the city is your oyster, Durbanites.
IF you’re looking for fun activities to take part in this June, we’ve got you covered. From interesting workshops to taking up a new hobby, to music festivals the whole family can enjoy, our beautiful city has it all.
Shows/Entertainment
Young performers bring the drama
The 2024 annual Young Performers Project (YPP) will have the biggest cast yet. One hundred and seventy children, aged from 5 years to 19 years, from more than 50 schools throughout KZN, will be participating in the production of the specially created jukebox production of Dream On – a pastiche of fabulous musical theatre numbers, coming to the Playhouse Opera with daytime shows from July 5 until July 14.
Dream On is being directed by Durban’s own director and choreographer, Daisy Spencer. The production team includes musical direction by Des Govender (who has led the team since 2017), choreography by Simone Mann, set design by Chris Taylor, costume design by Kathy Singery, lighting by Dylan Heath and sound by Anthony Govender. Kyran Taylor (a first-year student at the International School of Performing Arts, who matriculated from Reddam House Umhlanga last year) reprises his role of Joseph.
For the second time, the enormous cast includes primary school learners. Historically, YPP focused on high school learners, but last year, the attraction of a live, on-stage, massed children’s choir led to the decision to audition primary school learners to create two on-stage choirs of 55 children each who alternate performances. This exercise was so successful that it is being repeated this year.
The show runs for 90 minutes, with an interval, and it is suitable for ages four and above.
Tickets are available through Webtickets.
Also read: Counting commences as Best of Durban voting closes
Win tickets to epic show
As the countdown begins, the excitement for ZA Fest with KAMERS Makers’ debut in KwaZulu-Natal is palpable.
The four-day festival will be headlined by the dynamic duo of platinum-award-winning artist Jesse Clegg and America’s Got Talent Season 14 finalists The Ndlovu Youth Choir, who will deliver a one-day-only, extraordinary performance at The Manor House in Salt Rock on Sunday, June 16.
Supporting these international acts is the dynamic performer, Jemma Kate. A singer, songwriter and dancer, Jemma Kate’s breathtaking performances include a three-piece band and troupe of dancers.
Friends and families can look forward to an array of daily markets over the four-day festival, along with live music, kid-friendly entertainment and East Coast Radio’s personalities on-site to help bring the festival magic to life as the official media partner for the event. Gates open at 09:00 for entry into KAMERS Makers, and the music festivities start at 13:30.
Don’t miss the chance to be part of this spectacular event. Purchase your tickets on Webtickets: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/Event.aspx?itemid=154661943
***Win with Caxton Durban****
Caxton Local Media is giving away six double tickets to the event on June 16. Simply visit www.bereamail.co.za to enter and fill out the form.
Charity
Bring a buddy and save a life
phlebotomist, along with the Lions Club members, front: Pat Kirk and Rebecca
Bullough. Photo: Sane Tsinde
Hillcrest Donor Clinic is appealing to all blood donors to help them build their donor family and #Bringabuddy on Friday, June 7, or Saturday, June 8, to donate blood.
The Hillcrest clinic, along with the Cowies Hill Lions Club, will be offering hamburgers to all who donate on Saturday.
Nurse Jacki Smith said they are looking for donors who are 16 years or older, weigh more than 50kg, have a safe, healthy lifestyle, and are willing to commit to saving lives.
The clinic is open from 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday, and 08:30 to 13:30 on Saturday.
Raise funds for fur friends
Phoenix Animal Care & Treatment (PACT) invites the community to support their latest fundraiser – Paint With Paws – which takes place on June 15 and 16 at the Durban North Lions Club at 29 Uitsig Road, starting at 13:00 on both days.
The cost is R250 per ticket and includes a snack buffet and complimentary drink. To book, call 061 706 1119.
Enjoy the afternoon by painting for a worthy cause while raising much-needed funds for PACT.
Local artist shines a light on Palestinian plight
Durban artist Aishah Kathrada is calling residents to her first solo art exhibition this Saturday in Morningside. Her work celebrates Palestinian heritage and confronts the community’s ongoing challenges.
‘In a world seeking freedom, we stand united,’ sets the tone for Kathrada’s first solo art exhibition, Art for Justice.
Inspired by the resilience and struggles of the Palestinian people, the Durban-born artist is set to unveil a powerful showcase of her artistic talents. Her exhibition resonates deeply with Nelson Mandela’s poignant reminder from his 1997 speech on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People: “We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians.”
Through her fine art and digital creations, Kathrada explores themes of resilience and struggle. Each artwork for sale at the exhibition will contribute directly to the people of Gaza, with all profits being donated to support their cause.
The public is invited to join this compelling artistic journey at the St James Hotel, 100 Venice Road, Morningside, on Saturday, June 8, from 11:00 to 20:00.
The event will also feature a kiddie’s art station and refreshments for sale.
For more details, contact 071 872 0243 on WhatsApp. For more information on the artist, visit her Instagram page @aishahkathrada.finearts.
Also read: Neurologist raises awareness on multiple sclerosis
Recreational
Woodcrafters share their expertise
The Woodcrafters Association of Durban (WAD) is urging keen woodcrafters (joinery, cabinet-making and woodturning) to join them at their next meeting on Monday, June 10, at the Gereformeerde Kerk at 1 Voortrekker Street, Ashley, Pinetown. The association meets at 18:00 on the second and third Monday of each month.
Anyone interested in this hobby is welcome to attend interesting presentations and demonstrations (not only in woodworking) by experts and beginners. Beginners are encouraged and given advice.
The next meeting will be a talk on cabinet-making. For more information, contact Jeff Moys on 072 719 9086, Fred Donnelly on 082 320 2907 or Neville Hogan on 083 498 9252.
For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook , X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
