TAPAS - Artscape Theatre 3 - 5 July 2008

TAPAS
Artscape’s Youth Collaboration
3 – 5 July 2008
Artscape Theatre

June is youth month in South Africa. Artscape is celebrating the youth by a series of events during June and July. Following on the success of the sold-out Artscape Youth Jazz Festival 2008, Artscape has another production called TAPAS.

media release:

Continuing to address the issues of social cohesion, job creation, skills development, pride and self confidence in the young, TAPAS is the title of Artscape’s 2008 Youth Collaboration. It brings together a hand picked cast and artistic directors who give a glimpse into a kaleidoscope of the diverse cultures of Cape Town. Along with La Rosa Spanish Dance Theatre’s Trainees and Youth Ensemble and young aspiring vocalists directed by Melanie Scholtz, these skilful, dedicated up and coming young professionals are guaranteed to serve up a menu of musical treats. Performances are at 7pm from 3 to 5 July in the Artscape Theatre with a matinee on Saturday 5th at 2.30pm.


Front - Talia Alexis, (top) Natisha Van Zyl & Nomfundo Xaluva (vocalists)
dancers - Lorean Swartz, Ndumiso Tafeni & Nicole Kleinhans

TAPAS or Spanish for ‘savoury snacks’, is an assortment of ‘delectables’ and this production comes with all the ingredients to stimulate your creative taste buds - traditional Flamenco, Latin Classics, frivolous Latin Pop, Spanish-tinged Broadway musical numbers and Afro-fusion Flamenco, a beautiful blend of our familiar rich flavours.

top Mandisa Qwesha, Kim Pretorius, Lorean Swartz, NdumisoTafeni, Nicole Kleinhans, Luvuyo Simanda
(frfnt) Nico Balman (with drum), Natisha Van Zyl, Paul Morrisey, Talia Alexis,
& Mkhiwa Qinga (with drum)

Marlene Le Roux, director of Artscape Audience Development and Education regards TAPAS as an example of how ‘social cohesion’ has been implemented. "By bringing young people from different racial and socio-economic areas together, rehearsing and performing on the same stage, this production also provides valuable work opportunities and experience in the industry, much needed in our present dispensation".

Le Roux adds that; "Artscape is privileged to work with the remarkable skills and experience of renowned singer Melanie Scholtz and visionary, highly proficient Spanish dancer, acclaimed teacher and choreographer, Carolyn Holden in association with Mark Hoeben, consulting director and Jeremy Quickfall musical director".

top row Madré Beukes, Vuyokazi Figlan, Lulu Mzilikazi,
middle Deidre Jantjies, Demi Johnson, Shaun Klaasen, Linda Tshandu
front Nomfundo Xaluva, Khuliswa Patosi, Babalwa Nosilela, Nico Balman


Adding to the professional team is a band of recognised musicians - Gorm Helfjord (Guitar), Dave Ridgeway (Bass) and André Swartz (drums), Bienyameen (Flamenco Guitar) and Maria Cortes (Cajon). The young vocalists include Talia Alexis, Madré Beukes, Shaun Klaasen, Natisha Van Zyl, Nomfundo Xaluva and Paul Morrisey. Styling is by Franco Prinz, Zethu Mtati also choreographs and Peter Agulhas is the ballet master.

Carolyn, Melanie and Mark mention how stimulated and challenged this project has been for all of them. Because most of these young artist have never performed out of their own discipline, this collaboration has provided them with invaluable new-found skills, enormous confidence as well as exposing them to many additional theatre related subjects.

Unique, fresh, full of spice TAPAS is not to be missed!

Tickets cost R45.00, Pensions, Scholars and Students R30. Blocks of 10 or more less 10%. Book through Computicket, Artscape Dial-A-Seat on (021) 421 7695, Shoprite, Checkers or www.computicket.co.za

Posted in: TAPAS