Hi Everyone!
Hope you’re all coping with the rather uncalled for end to summer. I trust you’ve stocked up on enough vests and long-johns to see you through the winter. Without further ado, let’s get down to business.
KINGS
This, our second play of the year, has been hailed as a different Shakespearean experience (try say that fast three times!). It is originally devised by Mel Fatin on the historical plays of Shakespeare, offering an interesting perspective on the path of the English crown. Directed by Yvonne Copley, it stars Su Cunningham, Jane de Sousa, Gordon Molloy, Greg Parvess, James Skilton, Nigel Sweet and Mike Tompson, running from 25 May to 2 June. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to see the Claremont talent in action. Book now!
Masque Theatre Bookings: 021 788 1898
PROOF
The Artscape run of our award-winning play was a great success. The production impressed critics with its quality performances and technical excellence, and challenged the stereotype of amateur theatre. We made a small profit, but by far the greatest gain was the exposure and credibility that our society acquired. I think it’s fair to say we impressed the socks off of many amazed patrons! A great big whopping thanks goes to the director, cast, crew, committee members (both past and present) and society members who helped put it all together. Special thanks also to the Masque Theatre for the set.
AUDITIONS * AUDITIONS * AUDITIONS * AUDITIONS * AUDITIONS
Brenda Gray, our esteemed resident director, will be holding auditions for her chosen play, The Shadrack Affair by Fiona Coyne, on Sunday 10 June 14h30 at the Hok. This should be a very exciting venture, as it is current, uniquely South African, and is written by a well respected member of the local theatrical community. Please see the attached audition notice for further information.
MEMBERS EVENING
Roy’s Quiz Night was a great evening, enjoyed by all who braved the rather peculiar misty evening. The quiz itself was great fun, with dirty looks, war cries (hoo-rah!), giggles and smack talk galore. Congratulations once again to the winning team ‘The Bodily Functions’, who led the pack all the way to the finish line, emerging victorious as the evening’s official smarty pants. Massive thank you to Pamela, Elza-lynne and Roy for putting the evening together; and to Adrian, for having the business savvy to bring the Hok bar with him! Our next Members Evening is scheduled for Friday 6 July and promises to be an interesting one. Ralph Kelly, our very own playwright, has just completed his latest work, Aliens, and will be presenting excerpts from this very South African play. We are still searching for a few willing actors, so if you’d like to get involved contact Pamela. These Members Evenings are lots of fun, and are a great opportunity for self-proclaimed ‘non-actors’ to have a go.
SAD NEWS FOR THE THEATRE WORLD
I’m sure many of you have heard the tragic news. Dawn Gohl passed away on Wednesday 25th April. Dawn had fought a long and brave battle with cancer and was always positive and courageous. Mike Skirving was a very supportive partner to Dawn throughout her illness, and for that we thank him and wish him and his two children the strength to get them through this difficult time. She was a tremendous asset to our society, not only as a committee member, but as an invaluable member of production teams. We will sorely miss her presence in theatre.
BACKSTAGE WORKSHOP – submitted by Jill Cooke
The next backstage workshop will be held in the Masque Foyer on Sunday 27 May at 4.0 pm. If you think a play can do without a Stage Manager, think again! Andrew Blake, who claims to be a double veteran – which he admits means he has stage managed a Masque production twice – gives a video presentation which is informative and amusing recalling his do’s and don’ts, boo-boos and blunders. A born organiser, Andrew doesn’t miss a single point. An entertaining hour, followed by cookies and coffee. A worthwhile visit.
A MESSAGE FROM YOUR HOK MANAGER, ADRIAN
The Hok has been undergoing some modest repairs, as well as an effort to minimise dust from the construction site. The lights in the toilets have been ‘given a make-over’ and the window vents have been covered with shade cloth to try to defeat the dust. Two windows on the parking site have also had shadecloth added, and the others will be looked at as time permits. The old back door has been re-hung and a new hinge has sealed a once exceptionally draughty corner. The thinking, for now, is that if we continue to have trouble getting in on the parking side, that the back door could be commissioned. Simon has done most of the PT, with advice and assistance from me! Simon has donated five boxes of tiles which could be used to beautify the toilets – a task for another day. The donated fridge seems to have a short-circuit as the earth-leakage keeps tripping (anyone know of a tame fridge wallah?)
WELCOME!
A hearty welcome and aangename kennis to Holley Beckermann. Holley has just joined our society, and has been involved in many productions for the UCT School of Drama on both sides of the curtain. Always nice to have some young fresh talent! We look forward to seeing this gal in action in the future.
2007 SUBS
A gentle reminder from our Honorary Treasurer, Wendy, to get those subs in if you haven’t already. If you are unsure as to whether you’ve paid them or not, feel free to contact Wendy.
THEATRE DIARY
Milnerton Players’ production of Spider runs at the Milnerton Playhouse from 18 – 26 May. Bookings 021 557 3206 or 082 267 1061.
Claremont Dramatic Society’s production of Kings at the Masque Theatre directed by Yvonne Copley running 25 May – 2 June. Masque Theatre Bookings 021 788 1898.
Hottentots Holland Dramatic Society presents Two of a Kind directed by Lawrie West running at the Playhouse Somerset West 2 June – 10 June. For more information contact Penny 021 852 5182.
Auditions for Claremont Dramatic Society’s production of The Shadrack Affair directed by Brenda Gray on 10 June at the Hok at 14h30. For more info contact Brenda on 021 686 3554 or 083 330 0670.
The Cape Town Gilbert and Sullivan Society presents The Gondoliers running at the Artscape 16 June – 1 July. Bookings at Computicket or Dial-A-Seat.
Auditions for Pinelands Players production of The Fantasticks directed by June Wells on 24 June at The Clubhouse in ‘The Crossing’ at 14h00. For more information contact June 021 531 8682.
That’s all for now!
Jennifer
Hi Jen
Thanks for a great newsletter. Looking forward to the next one!
Jennifer – stunning! Makes me want to change ‘Amateur’ to ‘Professional’ Dramatics Society…Well Done! Our members will certainly wait in anticipation for the next one!