Archive for February, 2014

MADS Messenger – February 2014

Posted in MVDS Newsletters on 18 February, 2014| Leave a Comment »

You’ve already heard from me once this month so this one is gonna be a very factual “quickie” with the promise of a bonanza newsletter in March. But do read NOW – things are happening SOON!

Due to time constraints I am “borrowing” from other societies’ newsletters –

so my thanks to those who put them together.

MEMORIAL

The Masque Theatre will be hosting the Celebration of Felicity Purdon’s Life in the auditorium on Sunday, February 23rd at 17h30 for 18h00. All friends and family are welcome. Please RSVP to Di Thom as soon as possible. Email address dianathom@mweb.co.za. We look forward to honouring a valued and dedicated theatre member with all of you. Please feel free to share stories of moments shared with her on stage, or outside the theatre.

PUBLIC ARTS FESTIVAL PARTICIPATION

Nadja Daehnke is the curator/creator of a project for year’s Infecting the City festival – here’s what she needs:

“I am writing to you in connection with a project which will run for this year’s Infecting the City 5-day public arts festival (www.infectingthecity.com) – and for which we are hoping to involve approximately 40 volunteers from various drama schools and groups. The project will be staged twice, though it is fine if volunteers only make one of these times – afternoon of Friday 14 March, and morning of Saturday 15 March. Exact time still needs to be confirmed, but volunteers should put aside approximately 1 1/2 hours per event. Unfortunately there is no payment for participants, but I try to show gratitude by providing lunch and a free t-shirt, and can pay for transport where needed. It is a relatively simple project, with volunteers only needed for the actual day of the event. Owen Manamela will direct participants.

“Argus” used to be the call around Cape Town, as defining as the wind, the arrested highways, the mountain; street corners and men with stacked papers of the daily news, brisk trade at the robot, and always the distorted cry of “Aguss”.

This ubiquitous call formed an assumed backdrop to many peoples’ growing up in Cape Town, uniquely and quintessentially part of the character and the landscape of the city. Only few were aware of the lessening of the cry, and without a defined moment, the cry had ceased to be.

When physical heritage becomes obsolete there is an obvious marking of a disappearance – the song and fanfare for the Cooling Towers, the newspaper headlines of the Foreshore Power Station. The heritage of the Argus-men went surreptitiously, with no marker of the change.

This event is an elegiac remembrance of the many men who had for years been part of the city landscape with their sales calls of “Argus”.

On a specific day and hour, in Adderley Street, Cape Town, approximately 30 volunteers dressed in neutral black will attentively stand, a still point in the bustle of the city streets. Simultaneously, these town criers will call out “Argus” for a set number of times. These are not actors re-creating the newspaper sellers of old – they are commemorators who, through their relative physical immobility and formal dress-code, with gravitas recall for the passers-by a profession and tradition of past Cape Town. The tone is meant to be respectful, but the surprise of passers is as much part of the event.

Please contact Nadja on nadja.daehnke@gmail.com if you would like to be involved.

PRIVATE LIVES AT THE MASQUE

Private Lives by Noël Coward presented by Claremont Dramatic Society is on from 21 Feb to 1 Mar.

This hilarious and risqué comedy of manners tells the sophisticated tale of a recently divorced couple who find themselves in adjoining hotel rooms while on honeymoon with their new – and wholly unsuitable – spouses. In typical Coward fashion, the play is liberally sprinkled with fast and hilarious repartee and the hint of farce. Witten from Coward’s sickbed in Shanghai in 1930, Private Lives is considered as his finest comedy and a “pure statement of Coward’s genius”.

Bookings on 021 7881898 or bookings@masquetheatre.co.za

AUDITION

Claremont Dramatic Society is holding auditions for Agatha Christie’s The Hollow at The Hok, 162 Campground Road, Claremont on Sunday 2 March at 4pm and on Tuesday 4 March at 7pm. Please be advised that parts will only be given to those who have attended an audition. If these dates are completely impossible and you would dearly like to audition, please do not hesitate to contact Liz on 0812593607 or lizroodt@yahoo.co.uk. She will also provide more information on this very exciting and fun production which has plenty of great characters to audition for.

CAPE AMATEUR THEATRE AWARDS EVENING

This will be taking place at The Masque Theatre on Monday 17th March assembling at 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start. Smart Dress would be preferable. Bookings to be done by phoning 021 7881898 or email bookings@masquetheatre.co.za (confirmed by reply from Aubrey Hindle). Seating is very limited, so please do book early!

MASQUE SUMMER MARKET

After the huge success of the Christmas market at the Masque, and as part of the fund raising drive, another Market will be held on Saturday, 16 March. To book at stall or for more info contact Margi Blewett on namastehimalaya@gmail.com or phone 0836286295. More details next month!

MADS MEMBERS’ EVENING

Next one will be on 14 March 2014 – opening night of our production of Flat Spin.

Again, details next month but diarise now!!

Ok, that will have to do for now.

Next newsletter will see us welcoming our NEW committee members and LOTS of new members!

Eve

Our Website: www.mads.co.za

Our Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/pages/Mads/174087319308

Extra – Claremont Mini Chat – February 2014

Posted in Auditions, CDS Newsletters on 17 February, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Claremont Chat

email: claremontdramatic@gmail.com

www.claremontdramatic.wordpress.com

February 2014 – Number 130

Greeting All,

Surprise! Back so soon? This is a mini-chat with some very important news! Things are happening this year at a rapid rate so we thought a quick reminder about the goings on would be useful. First up…

Private Lives

Opening night promises to be a true extravaganza, and theatregoers are encouraged to glam up for the occasion, and don their gladrags* or finest 1930s regalia. After this performance, audience members are invited to join the after party where complementary snacks will be served and a cash bar will be available.

The production opens at the Masque Theatre, Muizenberg, on Friday 21 February and runs until Saturday 1 March – excluding Sunday to Wednesday. Opening night is filling up fast – you’d better book soon so you don’t miss out!

Book through Masque Theatre Bookings on 021 788 1898 (weekdays from 9:00-16:00 and Saturdays from 9:00-12:00). Alternatively, you can email bookings@masquetheatre.co.za

AGM and Awards Evening

Please remember to book for the 62^nd Golden Globes sorry Claremont Dramatic Society AGM and Awards Evening to be held at Barristers Grill, Cardiff Castle Building, Corner Kildare Road and Main Street, Newlands, on Tuesday 25 February 2014 at 19h00 for 19h30.

Please join us for the most prestigious event on the CDS calendar, and RSVP To Pamela before Wednesday 19 February on 021 657 5793 (o/h) or pamb@masterparts.com. Tickets, which include a two-course meal, are R100 for members, R110 for guests and R70 for pensioners.

There are two vital positions on the committee which need to be filled at the AGM – Secretary and Publicity. We ask you to please consider serving your Society by making yourself available, or approaching someone who you think would be suitable, and nominating him or her to the position (with their permission of course!)

Felicity Purdon

You are invited to a short Celebration of Felicity Purdon’s life in the auditorium at the Masque Theatre on Sunday, February 23rd at 6pm. All friends and family are welcome.

If anyone wishes to say a few words about Felicity, please email Di Thom as soon as possible. dianathom@mweb.co.za. We look forward to seeing you there and an RSVP is not required.

Infecting the City

We received an email from Nadja Daehnke, the curator/creator of a project as part of this year’s Infecting the City public arts festival. Please contact Nadja if you would like to be involved:

I am writing to you in connection with a project which will run for this year’s Infecting the City 5-day public arts festival (www.infectingthecity.com) – and for which we are hoping to involve approximately 40 volunteers from various drama schools and groups. Would you please look through the synopsis below and see whether this is something that your members might be interested in?

The project will be staged twice, though it is fine if volunteers only make one of these times – afternoon of Friday 14 March, and morning of Saturday 15 March. Exact time still needs to be confirmed, but volunteers should put aside approximately 1 1/2 hours per event. Unfortunately there is no payment for participants, but I try to show gratitude by providing lunch and a free t-shirt, and can pay for transport where needed.

It is a relatively simple project, with volunteers only needed for the actual day of the event. Owen Manamela will direct participants.

Description:

This event is an elegiac remembrance of the many men who had for years been part of the city landscape with their sales calls of “Argus”.

Do please let me know whether this is something your members might find intriguing.

Nadja Daehnke

Curator/Creator

nadja.daehnke@gmail.com

Reminder: The Hollow – Agatha Christie Auditions

This is going to be a very exciting and fun production with plenty of great characters to audition for.

Two auditions to be held at The Hok, 162 Campground Road, Claremont.

Sunday 2 March at 4pm.
Tuesday 4 March at 7pm

Please be advised that parts will only be given to those who have attended an audition. If these dates are completely impossible and you would dearly like to audition, please do not hesitate to contact Liz. Ages specified are only approximate.

The Hollow plays at the Masque Theatre from 6 – 21 June 2014

Liz Roodt

lizroodt@yahoo.co.uk

081 259 3607.

The Angkatell family is joined by their friends for a weekend at The Hollow. There is a history which all these people share. A murder in the house brings up the question up of whose history is more painful and resentful. In true Christie style, the murder mystery keeps us guessing right to the end.

The play is set in ‘The Hollow’, the stately country manor of Sir and Lady Angkatell.

Sir Henry Angkatell (60)

Henry is the patriarch of the family, a distinguished-looking elderly gentleman of the country. He keeps his flock together and is often exasperated with his wayward thinking wife. He provides stability to the household. I am looking for someone who is a pillar – a sensible man!

Lady Lucy Angkatell (60)

Lucy is – quite frankly – rather dilly. Her comedic role adds bubbles to the performance. Although she isn’t playing with a full deck of cards, she is rather calculating insofar as her family’s future is concerned. I am anxious to get just the right amount of madness in this character.

Henrietta Angkatell (30-40)

Henrietta is Sir Henry and Lucy’s niece and lives at The Hollow. She is an artist. She seems to be the voice of reason in the household. She does have some history with Edward and John, but is ever practical. I would like an actress who is both strong and confident.

Midge Harvey (20-30)

Midge is another relative. She earns her own living in the city, not having inherited the Angkatell riches. Midge seems very mature and practical for her age. A strong willed and determined/confident actress would suit her character.

Edward Angkatell (35-45)

Bookish and nerdy, Edward is Sir and Lady Angkatell’s nephew. I would like my Edward to be a little sheepish – a bit of a pushover.

John Cristow (30)

Friend of the Angkatell’s. John is an arrogant man. He is a doctor and a bit of a womaniser. He has sown his seeds in the past and had some history with Henrietta. He married Gerda for stability. I would prefer to hate John by the end of the play – he is so arrogant that he must deserve what is coming to him!

Gerda Cristow (30)

Married to John, Gerda is a mousey, nervous wife. Gerda submits to her husband and appears to have little intelligence or calcium in her spine. But, she is a dark horse and a woman scorned is a very dangerous one indeed. I see my dear Gerda exhibiting chameleon-like qualities – the ability to transform from mouse to tigress.

Veronica Craye (30)

Veronica had an affair with John. The only reason she is around is that she is actually stalking him. She is deeply shallow, but being a movie star, has all the men’s jaws hanging low. When my Veronica walks into the audition, I will know her because she will make everyone pay attention to her!

Gudgeon (60)

A fabulous role. Gudgeon is almost Lucy’s secret husband. Not in any lewd way, mind you. Gudgeon takes much of Lucy’s madness and manages it. He is extremely loyal. His role is comedic – a great cameo. Gudgeon is such a wonderful character – I would like him to have a special kind of humour.

Doris (20)

A poorly educated Cockney lass. Gudgeon tries terribly hard to teach her how to do things correctly. Doris has a very small part but it is deliciously played – another great cameo. Doris needs to be a little bit stupid – I want my Doris to be quick at being stupid.

Inspector Colquhoun (30-50)

Christie describes the inspector as “a thoughtful, quiet man with charm and a sense of humour. A sympathetic personality but not to be played as a comedic part.” Think of Poirot – that smugness which works out who dunnit in the end. What can I say about what I need in this role?

Detective Sergeant Penny (30-50)

The DS is a support to the Inspector – together they must try to make sense of the whole nasty business. My detective sergeant needs to add some mathematical logic and have a quick wit.

This is a large cast and I would also love to have assistance with the following:

*Gladrag

A fancy item of clothing

“So what becomes of you, my love?
When they have finally stripped you of
the handbags and the gladrags
that your poor old granddad had to sweat to buy you”

All my love,

Sheldon Cross

Read Full Post »

Claremont Chat – February 2014

Posted in Auditions, CDS Newsletters on 5 February, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Claremont Chat

Claremont Dramatic Society Newsletter

email: claremontdramatic@gmail.com

www.claremontdramatic.wordpress.com

February 2014 – Number 129

Greetings All,

Ah me, the month of love… time to shake off the cynical cobwebs and indulge in some old fashioned romance I say… or at least remove your cold frozen heart from the freezer and show general merriment. Failing that, indulge in some summer theatre and spread the love by supporting your fellow thespians. We have a jam packed couple of months planned so hold onto your wrecking ball…here is the news.

AGM and Awards Evening – Tuesday 25 February 2014

Our Annual General Meeting is happening this month and here is your official notice…

Notice is hereby given of the 62nd Annual General Meeting of the Claremont Dramatic Society to be held at Barristers Grill, Cardiff Castle Building, Corner Kildare Road and Main Street, Newlands, on Tuesday 25 February 2014 at 19h00 for 19h30. The Agenda is at the end of the newsletter.

The following committee positions are up for re-election this year:

Vice-Chairman. Currently Simon Dutton, who is available for re-election
Secretary. Currently Leigh Mather, who is not available for re-election
Hok Manager. Currently Simon Dutton, who is available for re-election
Claremont Chat. Currently Sheldon Cross, who is available for re-election
Publicity. Currently Genevieve Cross, who is not available for re-election

This means that there are two vital positions on the committee which need to be filled – Secretary and Publicity. We ask you to please consider serving your Society by making yourself available, or approaching someone who you think would be suitable, and nominating him or her to the position (with their permission of course!)

Once the formalities have been completed and dinner has been served, we’ll move on to the exciting part of the evening. . . AWARDS!

Congratulations to this year’s nominees, who are (in alphabetical order): Jana Botha, Grant Bottcher, Grace Brain, Hannah Claassens, Sheldon Cross, Gary Fargher, Jo Frater, Wendy Goddard, Bob Goode, Brenda Gray, Sheila Inglis, Patrick Jordi, Ryan Mitchley, Kim Randleff-Rasmussen, Anton Schafer, David Sharpe, Gavin Werner

Subscriptions

Subscriptions are now due – your may pay at the AGM, or by EFT:

R40 for members, R30 for students and pensioners

R60 for couples, R45 for student and pensioner couples.

Private Lives

Private Lives opens this month! This promises to be an elegant and witty affair. Follow the team on Facebook – this one is not to be missed. (https://www.facebook.com/NC.Private.Lives)

This hilarious and risqué comedy of manners tells the sophisticated tale of a recently divorced couple who find themselves in adjoining hotel rooms while on honeymoon with their new and wholly unsuitable spouses. In typical Coward fashion, the play is liberally sprinkled with fast and hilarious repartee and the hint of farce. Witten from Coward’s sickbed in Shanghai in 1930, Private Lives is considered as his finest comedy and a “pure statement of Coward’s genius”.

Auditions

The Hollow – Agatha Christie

This is going to be a really fun production with high production value and a role for almost every age and disposition.

Sunday 2 March at 4pm and Tuesday 4 March at 7pm at the Hok, Claremont.

Please see below for the full audition notice.

The Nerd – by Larry Shue

Direction by Wayne Hendricks for Milnerton Players

Production dates: 23 – 30 May 2014

The audition was held on 25 January, but Wayne is still looking for the following characters:

Axel Hammond (mid 30’s to early 40’s): Art Critic, pretentious, often-inebriated, always ready with a sarcastic comment. (Large part)

Rick Steadman (mid 30’s to early 40’s): The titular “nerd”, oblivious to insults, lacks manners and sensitivity. (Large part)

Warnock Waldgrave (mid 40’s to early 50’s): Boisterous, slightly dim businessman, no creativity and no tact. He never smiles. (Medium part)

Synopsis:

An aspiring young architect in Terre Haute, Indiana, Willum Cubbert has often told his friends about the debt he owes to Rick Steadman, a fellow ex-GI whom he has never met but who saved his life after he was seriously wounded in Vietnam. He has written to Rick to say that, as long as he is alive, “you will have somebody on Earth who will do anything for you”—so Willum is delighted when Rick shows up unexpectedly at his apartment on the night of his thirty-fourth birthday party. But his delight soon fades as it becomes apparent that Rick is a hopeless “nerd”—a bumbling oaf with no social sense, little intelligence and less tact. And Rick stays on and on. His continued presence among Willum and his friends leading to one uproarious incident after another, until the normally placid Willum finds himself contemplating violence—a dire development which, happily, is staved off by the surprising “twist” ending of the play.

Interested? Please contact the director, Wayne Hendricks – 082 443 5853, or email him at Hendricks.wayne@gmail.com

· “ANNIE” THE MUSICAL

The Hottentots Holland Dramatic Society is proud to present the off-Broadway classic Musical in association with SHIRAZ. Director DARRYL SPIJKERS. Music SHIRAZ BAND. Choreography SUMÉ LÖTTER. Show dates: 13 – 28 JUNE 2014 at Playhouse Somerset West

Be part of this amazing musical production.

AUDITIONS: SUNDAY 09 FEB

Rehearsals will be scheduled per scene and group so that no time is wasted. Music rehearsals take place from late FEB until mid April after which dance and acting rehearsals commence. All rehearsals will take place in Somerset West.

Full details here: http://www.theplayhouse.org.za/audition-notice-annie-the-musical/

Calendar

5 – 8 Feb Les Sylphide and The Best of Belles & Beaux at the Ballet at the Masque presented by Cape Town City Ballet who deliver unique, world-class dance entertainment through integrity, creativity and excellence. Performances Wed, Thurs, Fri at 20h00; Sat 14h30 and 18h30. Tickets R75 Evenings (R70); R65 Matinée (R60).

15 February Volunteer Co-ordination Saturday afternoon 13h30. Those of you who were `unable to attend the initial volunteer co-ordination even on the 18th of January, should definitely come along for a meet, greet, and something sweet taking place at the Masque Theatre, on Saturday the 15th of February. To confirm your spot, please contact Jane Cohen at j

jane@masquetheatre.co.za

21 Feb to 1 Mar Private Lives by Noël Coward. Directed by John Carne for Claremont Dramatic Society at the Masque.

25 Feb ruary AGM and Awards Evening 19h00 for 19h30

14 – 22 March Flat Spin by Derek S. Royle. Directed by Wendy Goddard for Muizenberg Dramatic Society. If you combine an incompetent electrician, a mouse, an aspiring model, an Italian film director who can’t speak English, and throw in a walk-in cupboard, you’ve got the recipe for a hysterical audience pleaser. This classic British farce includes mistaken identities and cover-ups.

16 Mar ch Fundraising summer Market at the Masque

17 March CATA Awards Evening 19h00 for 19h30

Full details about all Masque Theatre events here: http://www.masquetheatre.co.za/ and here: http://www.masquetheatre.co.za/files/quarterly.pdf

All my love, no really,

Sheldon Cross

Claremont Dramatic Society Committee 2013:

Wendy Goddard (Chair) wendygoddard@xsinet.co.za Home: 021 671 2888 Cell: 083 414 7003

Simon Dutton (Vice-Chair/Hok Manager) simon.d@mweb.co.za Home: 021 683 8630 Cell: 083 327 7350

Anthony Storr Lister (Treasurer) anthonylister@mailbox.co.za Home: 021 671 1443 Cell: 082 357 7677

Alex Lategan (Members evenings) alex_lategan@mweb.co.za Cell: 076 280 9200

Leigh Mather, (Minutes Secretary) leighmather@gmail.com Home: 021 702 4999 Cell: 072 614 1328

Sheldon Cross (Chat) sheldon_cross@yahoo.com Home: 021 801 5610 Cell: 072 596 8369

Liz Roodt (Members Evenings): lizroodt@yahoo.co.uk Cell: 081 259 3607

Jenny Brandt (Member Relations Officer): jennybrandt74@gmail.com Cell:082 492 5984

Genevieve Cross (Publicity):gen.rossouw@gmail.com Cell: 0829257750

Audition Notice

The Hollow – Agatha Christie

Directed by Liz Roodt

This season, I am lucky enough to be directing a real ‘bums on seats’ murder mystery –The Hollow. With your help, this is going to be a fabulous trip!

The play is set in ‘The Hollow’, the stately country manor of Sir and Lady Angkatell.

Sir Henry Angkatell (60)

Lady Lucy Angkatell (60)

Henrietta Angkatell (30-40)

Midge Harvey (20-30)

Edward Angkatell (35-45)

Bookish and nerdy, Edward is Sir and Lady Angkatell’s nephew. I would like my Edward to be a little sheepish – a bit of a pushover.

John Cristow (30)

Friend of the Angkatells. John is an arrogant man. He is a doctor and a bit of a womaniser. He has sown his seeds in the past and had some history with Henrietta. He married Gerda for stability. I would prefer to hate John by the end of the play – he is so arrogant that he must deserve what is coming to him!

Gerda Cristow (30)

Veronica Craye (30)

Gudgeon (60)

Doris (20)

Inspector Colquhoun (30-50)

Detective Sergeant Penny (30-50)

The DS is a support to the Inspector – together they must try to make sense of the whole nasty business. My detective sergeant needs to add some mathematical logic and have a quick wit.

This is a large cast and I would also love to have assistance with the following:

– Stage Manager and backstage crew

– Costume Manager Assistant (colour briefing and sourcing from various organisations and someone who can sew!)

– Electronic design (poster, programmess)

– Marketing (Facebook and other social networking, advertising)

There are some special props that I need, so might as well put it out there with this notice.

Derringer (a type of hand gun)
2 x revolvers
Plastic lobster at least 30cm long
Mole trap
1950’s style telephone and desk radio

Audition dates:

I have decided to offer two auditions to be held at The Hok, 162 Campground Road, Claremont*.

Sunday 2 March at 4pm.
Tuesday 4 March at 7pm

The Hollow plays at Masque Theatre from 6 – 21 June 2014

I think this production is going to be really fun and invite you to join us at the Hok in March. Hope to see you there!

Liz Roodt

lizroodt@yahoo.co.uk

081 259 3607

*Directions to the Hok: From Main Road, Claremont, turn into Claremont Boulevard (between SAB and the Southern Sun Hotel, opposite Newlands Swimming Pool). Take the first right into Hemlock Road. Drive to the end and go straight into the car park. The Hok is the second door on the left, under the bridge.

Claremont Dramatic Society

A G E N D A

1 Notice Convening the Meeting

2 Apologies

3 To consider the 62^nd Annual General Meeting

a) To accept the 62^nd AGM minutes

b) Matters Arising from the 61^st AGM

4 To consider the Chairman’s Report for the Year ended 31 December 2013

5 To consider the Treasurer’s Report for the Year ended 31 December 2012

6 Adoption of Audited Financial Statement for the Year ended 31 December 2012

7 To consider the Treasurer’s Report for the Year ended 31 December 2013

8 Adoption of Audited Financial Statement for the Year ended 31 December 2013

9 To consider any notice of motion from any Member who has lodged such notice with the Secretary at least 14 (fourteen) days prior to this Meeting.

10 To Elect the Committee for the Year ended 31 December 2014

11 To fix the Annual Subscriptions for the ensuing year.

12 To Elect an Honorary Auditor for the Year ended 31 December 2014

13 To Elect the Stern Masque Theatre Trustee to represent the Society for the Year ending 31 December 2014

14 Any Other Business

Wendy Goddard

Chairperson

January 2014

Audited accounts and copies of the minutes of the last Annual General Meeting will be distributed before the start of the meeting.

All persons attending the meeting are requested to be present and registered by 19h15 to enable a prompt start at 19h30

Read Full Post »

Claremont Dramatic Society

Theatre is Alive and Well – and Kickin' up a Storm in Cape Town

Archive for February, 2014

MADS Messenger – February 2014

Extra – Claremont Mini Chat – February 2014

Claremont Chat – February 2014

· “ANNIE” THE MUSICAL

Production archive

CDS Events Calendar

Categories

Recent Posts

Archives

Meta

Bums on Seats

Recent Comments

Top Clicks