Ian von Memerty's Jump for Joy is on at the University of Johannesburg's Arts Centre now

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Mo Ditody as Lillian in Jump for Joy (Photo: Robert Hamlin)

Gospel galore in Jump for Joy It's a gospel musical that makes no reference to religion, yet preaches a message of love and tolerance to all. It's Ian von Memerty's Jump for Joy, and it's on at the University of Johannesburg's Arts Centre right now. May 25, 2006 By Emmanuel Mulaudzi IT'S a gospel musical that makes no reference to religion, yet preaches a message of love and tolerance to all. It's Ian von Memerty's Jump for Joy, and it's on at the University of Johannesburg's Arts Centre right now. The university commissioned Von Memerty with the difficult task of creating a musical that celebrated the style of gospel but was devoid of any religion. The result is an energetic show about a gospel choir trying to get into a competition by any possible means. Performed by the university's Song and Dance Company, Jump for Joy celebrates gospel while examining the issues of diversity. It looks at how people from different backgrounds can get together and overcome personal challenges such as peer pressure and family problems. "This show will appeal to everybody," says Ehllené Bekker, concert organiser for the University of Johannesburg arts department. Performers range from orchestra professionals and amateur choristers to university students. "We want to promote dancing and singing in the university's arts department," Bekker says. Jump for Joy is on at the university's Arts Centre until 3 June, with tickets at R40 for adults and R15 for students. Block bookings of 10 or more cost only R30 per ticket. On Sunday 31 May a special benefit performance will raise funds for disadvantaged students. Tickets cost R100 for the evening and include refreshments and the opportunity to visit the university's Art Gallery. For more information contact Ehllené Bekker on (011) 489 3058, or book online at Computicket. Permission to use web site material Publishers may use material from this site free of charge, as long as: Credit is given to either the "City of Johannesburg website (www.joburg.org.za)" or to "Johannesburg News Agency (www.joburg.org.za)"; If the article is used online, a link is provided to the original article on this website; The name of the article's author is acknowledged; The webmaster is informed of how and where the material is used (fill in this brief online form). Johannesburg News Agency is operated by BIG Media at 011-484-1400 Print this Page E-mail this article to a friend Help using Joburg.org.za