APRIL 2010
The 23rd of April is the day claimed to be the birth date of Shakespeare. Although birth and death dates were not recorded in Shakespeare’s time, churches did record baptisms and burials. The infant William was baptised on 26 April 1564 in the parish church Holy Trinity of Stratford-upon-Avon. By tradition and guesswork, William is assumed to have been born three days earlier on April the 23rd. More follows on “The Bard” later in this newsletter – courtesy of the National Drama Library!
CATA AWARDS 2009
The CATA awards have been and gone – a well-organised and enjoyable evening – the food, prepared by our own Sue Hallinan, was wonderful; Constantia’s entertainment was top-notch; the cash bar was ably manned by Rick Magnin and Hayley Fargher. A full list of the winners is attached.
MEMBERS’ NEWS
Firstly, again my sincere apologies to both Mark Jennings and Marc Jaquest for my faux pas last month – I mentioned that MARK had lost his dad whereas it was in fact MARC. On the bright side of that boob was the fact that a great many people gave MARK their condolences – meaning that you guys actually take note of this missive of mine!
*******
Andrew Blake was recently advised of the sudden and unexpected death of Pat Drake, who was a stalwart member of Anchor Players where she both performed and directed. Although I cannot put a face to the name I am advised that Pat Drake was a member of MVDS back in “the good ol’ days”. Our thoughts are with her friends and family.
*******
Tom Byrne is recovering from the removal of a “mass” on his hip – thankfully the biopsy results were negative and he is definitely “on the mend”!
******
Saving the good news for last ……….. Jane De Sousa is now sporting a spiffy engagement ring!! Congrats to her and James Skilton.
FUTURE PRODUCTION
Our third slot opens at the Masque on 1 October 2010. Auditions for What the Butler Saw, a comedy/farce by Joe Orton, to be directed by Professor Ralph Yarrow will be held early in August and an audition notice will follow with the next newsletter. BUT this is a very short rehearsal period and anyone auditioning will have to make a dedicated commitment to attend each and every rehearsal!!
OUR THEATRE NEEDS ……….
A SECRETARY!
A brief “Job” description follows:
We (the four societies owning the Masque Theatre: Claremont Dramatic Society, Constantiaberg Theatre Players, Fish Hoek Dramatic Society and MVDS) are looking for an enthusiastic, committed, dramatic, organised, efficient, patient, articulate, literate as well as computer-literate [mainly Word, some Excel] person of any age, gender, size, colour, religion (etc.) who is willing to stand at our forthcoming AGM for the portfolio of secretary (N.B. this is an honorary position, no salary involved). The tasks? Take minutes, type minutes, copy minutes, distribute minutes … and correspondence … and send e-mail reminders to (or phone the electronically challenged) fellow Man.Com. members with regard to the next meeting [or round robin] … and the next … etc. Keep one eye on the constitution, another one on Man.Com. decisions – and follow up … Sounds simple? …One thing is for sure: With all “those egos” you find attached to a theatre environment, my “job” is never boring! The advantages: There are really nice people around one has to work with – but I am not going to single out anyone [except, perhaps, the “big boss”, Rick Magnin]. The perks? Be actively involved at the pulse of our theatre! Your involvement (regarding other tasks as the above) is entirely up to you. In a sense you can write your own job description – people are always grateful if you do more than the above.
For more information contact birga at birgatom@iafrica.com
PRESENT PRODUCTION
A word from Robyn Hobson who takes the part of Charlotte Lucas in Pride and Prejudice, which is our next production at the Masque:
Rehearsals are now in full swing! The cast is fantastic, with a great mix of old and new who are all enjoying coming to grips with Jon Jory’s adaptation. The boys have learnt how to bow, the girls have learnt how to curtsey and the cast’s younger members picked up quite a few new words during the first read-through. We have just completed the blocking and books are scheduled to be down on the 1st May. Unbelievably several characters already know their lines and special mention to Isobel who has known her lines since day one! We are polishing our happy manners and British elocution, some delightful characters are forming and it’s going to be a wonderful production!
Thanks Robyn!!
ONE LAST DANCE CHANCE!
Our AGM is long gone which means ………… your Subs are OVERDUE!!! Our very efficient secretary has already DELETED non-payers from the list ……..BUT as she has not yet given me the update you have not yet been deleted from mine! So ……… you may pay any member of the committee or payment may be made by cheque or electronic transfer/deposit to Muizenberg Dramatic Society, Standard Bank, Blue Route Tokai (code 025 609), Current account 270 044 949 (using your surname as reference) or leave your payment in the Masque office, clearly marked “birga Thomas, MVDS subs”. Single R40; Couple R60; Pensioner/Student R25. Otherwise, next month “You’re history, babe”!!!
CALENDAR
23 Apr – 1 May Rumours by Neil Simon directed by Sue Bolton for Claremont Dramatic Society at the Masque. Four couples are invited to a beautiful London home to celebrate their friends’ 10th wedding anniversary – the first discover their host injured and make up a story to cover up what they fear may be a terrible scandal. The story gets changed and enlarged as the other arrive, resulting in an evening of sparkling silliness!
25 Apr Sweeter Than Roses at the Masque, English and Italian songs of the joys of love, presented by Albert Combrink featuring Shirley Sutherland, Louise Howlett and John Hardie. These performers are known for their variety and versatility in different styles.
25 Apr Masque AGM at the Theatre. 19:00 for 19:30. See notification attached.
14-22 May Romantic Comedy by Bernard Slade directed by Wendy Goddard for Constantiberg Theatre Players at the Masque. A light-hearted confection about love, friendship and theatrical trauma.
16 May Julie Andrews Tribute presented by Shirley Sutherland at the Masque for one show only (15:00). Tickets for this trip down memory lane cost R60 (R50). Our own Simon Sutton will be partnering Shirley with John Walton arranging and performing the music.
Please note days, times and prices for Masque Theatre productions
(unless otherwise stated) are Thurs & Fri performances at 20:00,
Saturday matinee at 14:30, Saturday evening at 18:30
Thurs eve and Sat Matinees R50 (Theatre Club members R40)
Other Nights R60 (Theatre Club members R50)
Bookings on 021-7881898
BIRTHDAYS
Looking ahead to our May birthdays : the birthstone for that month is the Emerald. These much admired wonderful green stones are said to give the wearer the gift of good eyesight and intellect. Emerald stones are also said to cure headaches, soothe fears and irritations and prevent attacks of epilepsy. Just place the emerald stone on the forehead for a few minutes and see the effect.
So, still on the “birthdays” bit: Our May birthday girls and boys start with Janice Budd on the 2nd, Alastair Duff on the 5th, and Gary Fargher on the 12th. Detlef and Barbara Basel are the 3rd and 13th respectively! We then have a little break to the 23rd which Dave D’Alton shares with Brenda Gray. Bronwyn Ferraz and Helen Mathers share the 24th with Julie Summers a day later.
The flower for the month of May is the lily of the valley. One of the colloquial names for the lily of the valley is Our Lady’s Tears because legend claims that the flower sprung up from the Virgin Mary’s tears, which she shed at the foot of the cross. As a result, the flower became associated with Mary. In ancient times, boys and girls would pick bouquets of lily of the valley because it was supposed to bring good fortune in love. Because of the timing of the plant’s blossom, it was often referred to as May Lily or May Bells. Another beguiling legend tells that nightingales only sing after the scent of the lily of the valley fills the air. Perhaps this whimsical legend is the source of another one of the plant’s common names, Fairy’s Bells.
MORE ON “THE BARD”
Each year Stratford-upon-Avon, birthplace of William Shakespeare, arranges celebrations in honour of him, which are attended by official representatives of the nations of the world and many distinguished personalities. This year they celebrate the occasion, which marks the 446th anniversary of his birth, in many ways from 22 – 25 April. This is a unique event that has been taking place for nearly two centuries. The tradition brings together the local community, professional and amateur performers and artists and ambassadors from around the world in a vibrant celebration of the life and works of Stratford’s favourite son. The town’s streets will overflow with pageantry, music and drama and people can enjoy a packed programme of special celebratory activities, e.g. great days out at Shakespeare’s historic houses, literary and music events and amazing theatre. Shakespeare’s Birthday is celebrated over four days with the customary Saturday morning parade marking the highpoint of the festivities. Led by the Band of the Corps of the Royal Engineers, international dignitaries, local schoolchildren, community groups and performance artists come together in a colourful, walking spectacle that culminates in the laying of flowers on the dramatist’s grave at Holy Trinity Church. Onlookers are invited to join the special ‘People’s Procession’ flanked by carnival bands, dancers and wandering Shakespearean actors … with the revelry guaranteed to continue throughout the day! The afternoon will see Stratford buzzing with street entertainers, children’s parties and workshops with lots of opportunities for people to get involved.
Hmmmmmm … we will actually be in England for those
Shakespeare celebrations – wonder if we could make a turn to that
part of the country? Will let you know next month if we made it!!
Eve
APRIL 2010
The 23rd of April is the day claimed to be the birth date of Shakespeare. Although birth and death dates were not recorded in Shakespeare’s time, churches did record baptisms and burials. The infant William was baptised on 26 April 1564 in the parish church Holy Trinity of Stratford-upon-Avon. By tradition and guesswork, William is assumed to have been born three days earlier on April the 23rd. More follows on “The Bard” later in this newsletter – courtesy of the National Drama Library!
CATA AWARDS 2009
The CATA awards have been and gone – a well-organised and enjoyable evening – the food, prepared by our own Sue Hallinan, was wonderful; Constantia’s entertainment was top-notch; the cash bar was ably manned by Rick Magnin and Hayley Fargher. A full list of the winners is attached.
MEMBERS’ NEWS
Firstly, again my sincere apologies to both Mark Jennings and Marc Jaquest for my faux pas last month – I mentioned that MARK had lost his dad whereas it was in fact MARC. On the bright side of that boob was the fact that a great many people gave MARK their condolences – meaning that you guys actually take note of this missive of mine!
*******
Andrew Blake was recently advised of the sudden and unexpected death of Pat Drake, who was a stalwart member of Anchor Players where she both performed and directed. Although I cannot put a face to the name I am advised that Pat Drake was a member of MVDS back in “the good ol’ days”. Our thoughts are with her friends and family.
*******
Tom Byrne is recovering from the removal of a “mass” on his hip – thankfully the biopsy results were negative and he is definitely “on the mend”!
******
Saving the good news for last ……….. Jane De Sousa is now sporting a spiffy engagement ring!! Congrats to her and James Skilton.
FUTURE PRODUCTION
Our third slot opens at the Masque on 1 October 2010. Auditions for What the Butler Saw, a comedy/farce by Joe Orton, to be directed by Professor Ralph Yarrow will be held early in August and an audition notice will follow with the next newsletter. BUT this is a very short rehearsal period and anyone auditioning will have to make a dedicated commitment to attend each and every rehearsal!!
OUR THEATRE NEEDS ……….
A SECRETARY!
A brief “Job” description follows:
We (the four societies owning the Masque Theatre: Claremont Dramatic Society, Constantiaberg Theatre Players, Fish Hoek Dramatic Society and MVDS) are looking for an enthusiastic, committed, dramatic, organised, efficient, patient, articulate, literate as well as computer-literate [mainly Word, some Excel] person of any age, gender, size, colour, religion (etc.) who is willing to stand at our forthcoming AGM for the portfolio of secretary (N.B. this is an honorary position, no salary involved). The tasks? Take minutes, type minutes, copy minutes, distribute minutes … and correspondence … and send e-mail reminders to (or phone the electronically challenged) fellow Man.Com. members with regard to the next meeting [or round robin] … and the next … etc. Keep one eye on the constitution, another one on Man.Com. decisions – and follow up … Sounds simple? …One thing is for sure: With all “those egos” you find attached to a theatre environment, my “job” is never boring! The advantages: There are really nice people around one has to work with – but I am not going to single out anyone [except, perhaps, the “big boss”, Rick Magnin]. The perks? Be actively involved at the pulse of our theatre! Your involvement (regarding other tasks as the above) is entirely up to you. In a sense you can write your own job description – people are always grateful if you do more than the above.
For more information contact birga at birgatom@iafrica.com
PRESENT PRODUCTION
A word from Robyn Hobson who takes the part of Charlotte Lucas in Pride and Prejudice, which is our next production at the Masque:
Rehearsals are now in full swing! The cast is fantastic, with a great mix of old and new who are all enjoying coming to grips with Jon Jory’s adaptation. The boys have learnt how to bow, the girls have learnt how to curtsey and the cast’s younger members picked up quite a few new words during the first read-through. We have just completed the blocking and books are scheduled to be down on the 1st May. Unbelievably several characters already know their lines and special mention to Isobel who has known her lines since day one! We are polishing our happy manners and British elocution, some delightful characters are forming and it’s going to be a wonderful production!
Thanks Robyn!!
ONE LAST DANCE CHANCE!
Our AGM is long gone which means ………… your Subs are OVERDUE!!! Our very efficient secretary has already DELETED non-payers from the list ……..BUT as she has not yet given me the update you have not yet been deleted from mine! So ……… you may pay any member of the committee or payment may be made by cheque or electronic transfer/deposit to Muizenberg Dramatic Society, Standard Bank, Blue Route Tokai (code 025 609), Current account 270 044 949 (using your surname as reference) or leave your payment in the Masque office, clearly marked “birga Thomas, MVDS subs”. Single R40; Couple R60; Pensioner/Student R25. Otherwise, next month “You’re history, babe”!!!
CALENDAR
20
23 Apr – Rumours by Neil Simon directed by Sue Bolton for Claremont Dramatic Society at
1 May the Masque. Four couples are invited to a beautiful London home to celebrate their friends’ 10th wedding anniversary – the first discover their host injured and make up a story to cover up what they fear may be a terrible scandal. The story gets changed and enlarged as the other arrive, resulting in an evening of sparkling silliness!
25 Apr Sweeter Than Roses at the Masque, English and Italian songs of the joys of love, presented by Albert Combrink featuring Shirley Sutherland, Louise Howlett and John Hardie. These performers are known for their variety and versatility in different styles.
25 Apr Masque AGM at the Theatre. 19:00 for 19:30.
14-22 May Romantic Comedy by Bernard Slade directed by Wendy Goddard for Constantiberg Theatre Players at the Masque. A light-hearted confection about love, friendship and theatrical trauma.
16 May Julie Andrews Tribute presented by Shirley Sutherland at the Masque for one show only (15:00). Tickets for this trip down memory lane cost R60 (R50). Our own Simon Sutton will be partnering Shirley with John Walton arranging and performing the music.
Please note days, times and prices for Masque Theatre productions
(unless otherwise stated) are Thurs & Fri performances at 20:00,
Saturday matinee at 14:30, Saturday evening at 18:30
Thurs eve and Sat Matinees R50 (Theatre Club members R40)
Other Nights R60 (Theatre Club members R50)
Bookings on 021-7881898
BIRTHDAYS
Looking ahead to our May birthdays : the birthstone for that month is the Emerald. These much admired wonderful green stones are said to give the wearer the gift of good eyesight and intellect. Emerald stones are also said to cure headaches, soothe fears and irritations and prevent attacks of epilepsy. Just place the emerald stone on the forehead for a few minutes and see the effect.
So, still on the “birthdays” bit: Our May birthday girls and boys start with Janice Budd on the 2nd, Alastair Duff on the 5th, and Gary Fargher on the 12th. Detlef and Barbara Basel are the 3rd and 13th respectively! We then have a little break to the 23rd which Dave D’Alton shares with Brenda Gray. Bronwyn Ferraz and Helen Mathers share the 24th with Julie Summers a day later.
The flower for the month of May is the lily of the valley. One of the colloquial names for the lily of the valley is Our Lady’s Tears because legend claims that the flower sprung up from the Virgin Mary’s tears, which she shed at the foot of the cross. As a result, the flower became associated with Mary. In ancient times, boys and girls would pick bouquets of lily of the valley because it was supposed to bring good fortune in love. Because of the timing of the plant’s blossom, it was often referred to as May Lily or May Bells. Another beguiling legend tells that nightingales only sing after the scent of the lily of the valley fills the air. Perhaps this whimsical legend is the source of another one of the plant’s common names, Fairy’s Bells.
MORE ON “THE BARD”
Each year Stratford-upon-Avon, birthplace of William Shakespeare, arranges celebrations in honour of him, which are attended by official representatives of the nations of the world and many distinguished personalities. This year they celebrate the occasion, which marks the 446th anniversary of his birth, in many ways from 22 – 25 April. This is a unique event that has been taking place for nearly two centuries. The tradition brings together the local community, professional and amateur performers and artists and ambassadors from around the world in a vibrant celebration of the life and works of Stratford’s favourite son. The town’s streets will overflow with pageantry, music and drama and people can enjoy a packed programme of special celebratory activities, e.g. great days out at Shakespeare’s historic houses, literary and music events and amazing theatre. Shakespeare’s Birthday is celebrated over four days with the customary Saturday morning parade marking the highpoint of the festivities. Led by the Band of the Corps of the Royal Engineers, international dignitaries, local schoolchildren, community groups and performance artists come together in a colourful, walking spectacle that culminates in the laying of flowers on the dramatist’s grave at Holy Trinity Church. Onlookers are invited to join the special ‘People’s Procession’ flanked by carnival bands, dancers and wandering Shakespearean actors … with the revelry guaranteed to continue throughout the day! The afternoon will see Stratford buzzing with street entertainers, children’s parties and workshops with lots of opportunities for people to get involved.
Hmmmmmm … we will actually be in England for those
Shakespeare celebrations – wonder if we could make a turn to that
part of the country? Will let you know next month if we made it!!
Eve
Claremont Dramatic Society 