Category Archives: South African Culture

Education still an inflammatory topic

Posted on May 22, 2018 by moirads

Education is a hot topic in South Africa.  The declining standards, the apathy and lack of interest from (some) educators, particularly in the poorer provinces, like the Eastern Cape where Athol Fugard’s My Children! My Africa! is set albeit in … Continue reading →

Posted in Children's Theatre, South African Culture, Theatre | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Theatre in the township schools – with NCT and the US Consulate

Posted on November 28, 2017 by moirads

On 25 November 2017, (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women), the international 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign kicks off yet again.  President Zuma has suggested that we should make this … Continue reading →

Posted in Children's Theatre, South African Culture, South African Women, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Tracks, a theatrical tale

Posted on September 29, 2017 by moirads

The So Solo Festival directed by Gita Pather is now in its fourth year.  This year Pather commissioned a work for the Festival – Tracks by Maude Sandham and Nicola Pilkington. Performed by Maude Sandham, Tracks, with all the wealth … Continue reading →

Posted in South African Culture, Theatre | Leave a comment

The Anglo-Boer War in 100 Objects

Posted on September 19, 2017 by moirads

Title:  The Anglo-Boer War in 100 Objects Text:  War Museum of the Boer Republics Photos: War Museum of the Boer Republics Cover:  Simon Richardson Publisher:  Jonathan Ball Publishers Date: 2017 Format:  Hard cover ISBN:  978-1-86842-767-3     The War Museum … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, South African Culture, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Phuma-Langa, culture shock

Posted on September 15, 2017 by moirads

I don’t always “like” Mamela Nyamza’s work.  It often makes me acutely uncomfortable.  Phuma-Langa falls into this category. I did “love” it though and recommend that you go to  see it tonight (15 September) or tomorrow night (16 September). The … Continue reading →

Posted in Dance, South African Culture | Leave a comment

It’s a knockout – King Kong

Posted on September 13, 2017 by moirads

In 1959 musical theatre history in South Africa was made when King Kong, an “all African jazz opera”, opened at the Witwatersrand University Great Hall. The then young Nelson Mandela was in the opening night multi-racial audience.  The music and … Continue reading →

Posted in Dance, Jazz, Music, South African Culture, Theatre | Leave a comment

BASA Award nominees

Posted on August 29, 2017 by moirads

  One of the most exciting things for the arts is the formation of a sponsoring partnership with a corporate sponsor.  The BASA Awards are based on the premise of drawing attention to these corporate sponsors, and acknowledging the role … Continue reading →

Posted in Art Exhibitions, Awards, Classical Music, Dance, Festivals, Johannesburg, South African Culture, Theatre | Leave a comment

Baobabs, a book review

Posted on June 20, 2017 by moirads

A fascinating book filled with specialist information made palatable for non-botanists.  Lots of illustrations and bright clear photographs make this a beautiful book.  I got caught up in the book and spent a happy afternoon with it. The book starts … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Ecology, South African Culture, Travel | Leave a comment

Dancing the Death Drill, a book review

Posted on June 18, 2017 by moirads

Fred Khumalo’s book centered around the event of the sinking of the SS Mendi in 1917, starts in 1958, when our hero, the head waiter in a French restaurant, ostensibly from Algeria, just eight months away from retirement, suddenly stabs … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, History, South African Culture, The Great War | Leave a comment

Taste the Little Karoo, by Beate Joubert

Posted on April 14, 2017 by moirads

Sometimes a recipe book just speaks to me of someone specific – Taste the Little Karoo is evocative of a friend of mine who owns a holiday home in the Little Karoo and who is a fantastic cook.  The book … Continue reading →

Posted in Food, South African Culture, Travel, Uncategorized, Wine and other alcohol | Leave a comment