Aweh! Find out what’s happening in Durbs
It's school holidays so there is a family show at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, a fun family event at the whaling station, a cultural parade and more.
DURBANITES are invited to various thrilling activities this weekend and the week ahead. From entertainment, shows and markets to a family-friendly event, this is your directory of what will be happening in Durban.
Shows and entertainment
The Emperor’s New Clothes
KickstArt is delighted to present the fabulous family musical – the South African première of The Emperor’s New Clothes, which comes to the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre on campus over the July school holidays from June 15 until July 7. Barely have the sets and costumes been packed away from Steven Sondheim’s extraordinary musical, Company – also a South African premiere – then KickstArt embarks on its second SA premiere in the first six months of this year, the South African staging of the Broadway musical, The Emperor’s New Clothes. This is a musical of a very different kind: The Emperor’s New Clothes is a version of the famous Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale by Broadway stalwarts Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. This team was responsible for the delightful musicals, Once on this Island and Seussical, as well as Ragtime and Anastasia.
This colourful and highly entertaining musical will delight children and adults alike. It will run during the July holidays, from June 15 to July 7, at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre on the UKZN campus.
An evening with Baroque Music
Oceans Mall is thrilled to announce an enchanting evening of Baroque music this Friday, June 28, at The Platinum Walk. This free event is dedicated to celebrating and supporting the performing arts, offering guests an unforgettable cultural experience in the heart of Durban.
This evening will feature live performances of some of the most beloved Baroque Compositions, transporting listeners to an era of elegance and artistic splendour.
In addition to the musical performances, The Platinum’s Walk’s exclusive boutiques, such as Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Dolce & Gabbana, Maxhosa, Lacoste and more, will open for late-night shopping.
Event Details
Time: Seating from 18:00. Performances start at 19:00.
Location: The Platinum Walk, Oceans Mall, uMhlanga
Cost: free entrance
Dance that calms, heals and inspires – Kosha, Dimensions of Being
The Anubhava School of Dance presents Kosha, a blend of classical, traditional and contemporary dance forms performed to live music, which comes to the Playhouse Opera for two performances only on Saturday, June 29, at 14:00 and 18:00.
Kosha’s dance forms include African Folk, Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, ballet and modern contemporary styles.
The dance features 18 dancers and on-stage musicians from various backgrounds, cultures and traditions. Dancers include Casey Swales, Gabriel Youngstar, Devinaa Morar, Priyen Naidoo, Harshali Naik, Manesh Maharaj, Tanisha Ravjee and Yashmay Naidoo. Providing music will be Isaiselvamani Sri Karthiegasen Pillay, Rajive Mohan, Tansen Nepaul, Zawadi Yamungu, Kirthan Pillay, Vitesh Surujbally, Shamand Maharaj and Veedhern Punwasi.
In April 2021, Kosha played to full-capacity audiences when it was staged at the Keorapetse William Kgositsile Theatre in Johannesburg. Since its inception in 2007, Anubhava has been dedicated to serving the Johannesburg and Durban communities and is now staging the production for Durban audiences.
Book through Webtickets.
Watch the Royal Opera’s Carmen on the Big Screen
You are invited to enjoy the Royal Opera House presentations, which are live-streamed events, with intervals, starring some of the world’s top performers. They are recorded for venues such as The Rhumbelow Theatre. Carmen was danced on May 1 and will be screened at the Rhumbelow Theatre in Umbilo on June 29 at 14:00.
Rising star Aigul Akhmentshina sings the rebellious title role, led by conductor Antonello Manacorda, who brings Bizet’s passionate score to life. With set designs by Paolo Fantin and costume designs by Carla Teti, Carmen casts a scorching light on the lust, violence and tensions of a remote Spanish town, where the boundaries of right and wrong become dangerously blurred.
The venue opens 60 minutes before the show for snacks/drinks. The show will run for 195 minutes with one interval. There is limited parking available and booking is essential. A bar will be available. For bookings, email roland@stansell.co.za or book on Computicket. For more info, contact 082 499 8636.
Animal Rescue fundraiser
The Blue Bundu Brigade Animal Rescue is calling all Abba, Billy Joel and Bee Gee fans to enjoy a show at the Barnyard at Suncoast. Two hundred seats are booked for the public to enjoy a show while fundraising for the Blue Bundu Brigade Animal Rescue to continue with their rescue work. There will be some awesome prizes to win, and the draw will take place after the show. Raffle tickets are R10 each and can be purchased prior to the show and during interval for cash only. The public can bring along a packed picnic basket or simply order food from the Barnyard. This can be ordered prior to the event. Ask for more details. No beverages/alcohol allowed. You can purchase your drinks from the Barnyard via card only.
Donations of dog food (wet or dry), dog treats, blankets, towels and dog toys are welcome. The show starts at 14:00, tickets cost R220 per person and bookings can be made with Karen on 062 436 8810 or Cecilia on 083 287 3055.
Friends of Music presents world-renowned classical music duo
On Sunday, June 30, at 14:30, at the Jewish Centre, Friends of Music will feature the brilliant British violinist, Emmanuel Bach, accompanied by Durban-born Jenny Stern on the piano.
Emmanuel Bach is a British-born violinist who has gained considerable recognition in the UK and abroad. He has performed as a soloist and chamber musician at numerous prestigious UK venues and in Italy, France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and South Africa. He received his master’s degree and an artist diploma from the Royal College of Music.
Jenny Stern was born in South Africa. She has performed widely as a soloist, chamber musician and accompanist. Following studies at the Royal College of Music, she completed a master’s in South Africa, winning a scholarship for further study abroad. She has performed extensively in the UK and abroad as a chamber musician and soloist. In South Africa, her major performances include appearances with the Cape Town Symphony Orchestra, KZN Philharmonic Orchestra and Bloemfontein Symphony Orchestra.
For more information, contact Keith at millark.millar@gmail.com or 071 505 1021.
Venue: Durban Jewish Centre, 44 KE Masinga Road.
Tickets are R120 for members and R140 for non-members and are available at the door.
Festivals and outdoor events
Welcoming of the Whales Festival
The seventh annual Welcoming of the Whales festival takes place between Anstey’s Beach and Brighton Beach on The Bluff (Foreshore Drive) on Saturday and Sunday, June 29 and 30, from 08:00 to 16:00.
The day consists of an educational centre, arts and craft market, food stalls and various beach activities with activations. There will be a park-and-ride facility available. Shuttles will be provided. The event will end on Sunday, June 30, with a once-in-a-lifetime private tour to the Old Whaling Station with a few special guests.
The event will be controlled by metro police, and they will be policing with traffic management with only partial road closure this year. There will be limited parking facilities on the day. Booking is essential as space is limited.
The public-benefit organisation, Sodurba, an offical community tourism organisation for the south of Durban, relies on the funding for this event to make an impact on their marine conservation work.
To book your stall at the market, please email Donna Prinsloo at festival@sodurba.co.za. For further information or to get on board with this incredible initiative, please email them at festival@sodurba.co.za or WhatsApp them on 071 143 1235.
Durban Vintage Market
Support your local collectors at the Durban Vintage Market on Saturday, June 29, from 09:00 to 14:00 in Morningside.
Enjoy a curated pop-up market with fashion collectables, household goods and more. Coffee and snacks will be available.
Venue: Love Coffee, 484 Lilian Ngoyi Road, Morningside.
Entry is free.
KwaZulu World Carnival
The first-ever KwaZulu World Carnival will take place on June 29 in Durban. This authentic and vibrant parade is proudly sponsored by Durban Tourism and SAFA eThekwini.
It will celebrate all things KZN, including dance, food, culture and sounds, etc. This event will be a celebration of the cultures and traditions that make KwaZulu such a diverse and vibrant place. Everyone is encouraged to come (for free) in traditional dress or costumes that represent their heritage.
This new carnival will include a parade from 12:00 to 14:00, which will start from the Workshop and end at Hoy Park. People are invited to wear their traditional garments and line up on the street to enjoy various performances from the various countries represented.
The free concert will start at 15:00 and continue until 21:00 with some local big names accompanied by dance and music groups from other countries. Local chefs and those from around the continent will showcase various African cuisines at the Carnival Food Expo.
The event is free, however, food and drinks will be on sale. Those who prefer a VIP setting will be able to purchase a ticket on-site for R300 which includes lunch and a cash bar.
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