ARTSCAPE Hosts Dramas and Operettas April 25-May 9

The Artscape Theatre Centre celebrates local creativity with several home grown presentations in its upcoming line-up – three dramas and an operetta. The programme for the next two weeks also includes opera, belly dance and a fundraiser for Cape Town City Ballet.

Nothing but the Truth – 18 April to 4 May 2012 (± 1,25 hrs)
A WARM play by the grandfather of South African Theatre, John Kani, at the Arena is the story of two brothers, one who went into exile during the apartheid years and died there, and the other who stayed in South Africa. Sibling rivalry is at the heart of this warm and unique South African play. Tickets cost R20.

Amaza – 30 April to 12 May 2012 (± 1,75 hrs)
THIS isiXhosa schools set work by ZS Qangule at the Theatre, is a thriller set in a rural Transkei village. Adultery, deceit and lies are just some of the ingredients of this intriguing tale. Tickets cost R40.

The Flower of Shembe – 2 to 5 May 2012 (± 0,75 hrs)
THIS mythic operetta by Neo Muyanga at the Theatre tells the story of a young prophet, Addis Shembe, who is born half human and half divine. With Neo Muyanga, Chuma Sopotela, Faniswa Yisa, the Jazzart Dance Theatre and a chamber orchestra. Tickets cost R150.

La Boheme – 5 to 16 May 2012 (± 3,75 hrs)
FOUR struggling Parisian artists approach life, love and loss with irrepressible joie de vivre in Puccini's most heart-warming opera at the Opera House. Filled with famous arias, soaring ensembles and poignant dramatic details, La Boheme traces the troubled love affair of the poet Rodolfo and the terminally ill seamstress Mimì, while their penniless but high-spirited companions embrace the Bohemian life in Paris' Latin Quarter. Tickets range from R100 to R350.

Harem Belly Dance Show – 5 May 2012 (± 1,75 hrs)
RAQS or belly dance is an ancient form of dance which originated in the Middle East. In this breath-taking show, South Africa's top belly dance artists perform at the Arena to oriental music, balancing swords, playing zills (finger cymbals), dancing in exquisite oriental costumes. Styles of dancing include Egyptian, Turkish, Lebanese, Oriental Fusion and Tribal Fusion. Tickets cost R100.

YES Drama Festival Learners' Workshop – 5 May 2012
In the run up to the City of Cape Town's YES Environmental Drama Festival, a series of workshops will guide Grade 10 to 12 learners on how to create a 15-minute play. These workshops in the Chandelier Foyer also prepare them in scriptwriting, acting, playmaking, directing and understanding the theme Making Cities Resilient. By invitation.

Dancers for Dancers Four – 6 May 2012 (± 2,25 hrs)
The Theatre Dance Association spearheads this dance collaboration at the Opera House to raise funds for Cape Town City Ballet. Tickets cost R130.

Janneman – 8 to 20 May 2012
This Afrikaans play at the Arena focuses on three women from different generations, who are busy surviving three individual crisis years. From visit to shrinks, pre-natal specialists and adult toy shops. Tickets cost R115.

Coming soon
*Cape Town Opera Belcanto Gala Concert – 13 May 2012
*City of Cape Town Acting Competition – 19 May 2012
*Harmony – the Music of Life – 18 May 2012
*Grieta kry Geleerdheid – 22 May to 3 June 2012
*Pole Dancing Showcase – 26 May 2012

For more information, visit:  www.artscape.co.za

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