January 6, 2005
By Anish Abraham
IT'S the start of a new year and the Johannesburg Civic Theatre is lining up a rich feast of shows - from the moving music of Africa to the dramatic world of Shaolin monks.
While 2004 saw attendance figures break all records in the Civic Theatre's 42-year history; the theatre's CEO Bernard Jay is even more optimistic about 2005. "All three stages are fully booked for this year, with some bookings already made for 2006."
According to Jay, over the nine-week end of year festive season alone, more than 100 000 patrons attended shows at the various theatres in the complex.
First up this year is the South African musical hit Umoja: Spirit of Togetherness, on at the Nelson Mandela Theatre from 18 January until 30 January.
With music as the thread running through the production, the show recalls the faith and courage that saw black South Africans through some of the country's most turbulent times.
The bitter-sweet musical depicts the daily joy and sorrow of different communities, from the vibrancy of Sophiatown and the township jazz that made household names of Dolly Rathebe and Miriam Makeba to the pain of migrant workers leaving behind their loved ones.
The music ranges from rhythmic love songs and lullabies of the villages to the hard-hitting syncopation of the city and the ever-present melodies of gospel songs.
Umoja has already toured Swaziland, the Netherlands, Canada, Japan, the UK, Singapore, China and Belgium, and a South Korean leg of the tour is currently underway.
As soon as the African musical draws to a close the dramatic world of the Shaolin monks takes to the Nelson Mandela Theatre stage.
On from 1 February to 27 February, Shaolin Monks: Wheel of Life tells the fascinating story of the monks' early struggle to establish their order and protect their temple.
Known throughout the world for their Zen philosophy and martial arts skills, this energetic production illustrates the history and belief system of the monks alongside their astonishing physical skills.
The production promises to be a colourful, exciting and dramatic - and unparalleled - event.
Featuring ordained soldier monks, the production fittingly combines timeless music with high technology lighting and a set that evokes the mysterious world of the east.
The end of February sees the Tesson Theatre housing a unique production - Lord Ganesha.
The dance-drama, on from 22 February to 27 February, looks at what life might have been like for the Hindu deities in times past. It depicts mythological situations, comparing them to modern life.
Through tales of courage, dignity and strength, the drama revolves around the supreme deity Lord Shiva and his family, with his eldest son Lord Ganesha - the remover of obstacles - as the leading figure.
Bound to appeal to a wide audience, the stories, taken from ancient Hindu scriptures, come to life via bright colours, vibrant dances and mesmerising music.
Tickets for all shows can be booked at Computicket. For more information contact the Johannesburg Civic Theatre on 011 887 6800.
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