The Theatre at the Rockwell launches with the première production of Shiza iKapa (The Heat of Cape Town) - created and produced by dynamo diva, Ramaine Barreiro-Lloyd of RBL Productions. Ramaine also leads the talented cast in the musical filled with the diverse cultures and sounds of the Cape's colourful characters.
The Rockwell Executive, Colin Judin was inspired to create the theatre after seeing a previous Ramaine Barreiro-Lloyd production AmaZink Live in Stellenbosch.
"The Waterkant has become such a cosmopolitan part of Cape Town. We had space available at the Rockwell and I thought it would be a great addition of unique flavour and experience to the arts and culture scene. After seeing Ramaine and her cast performing in AmaZink Live, I knew I wanted to bring that energy to The Rockwell." says Judin.
The show is set in Marcia's Tonic Tavern and introduces the patrons and characters who frequent it - all singing and dancing with true South African zest. The cast includes well-known performers Tebogo Louw, of Idols fame, and O'Ryan Winter, from e.tv's Backstage and well-known on stages throughout South Africa. Ramaine is known for handpicking talented cast members from SA's townships. Rising stars in the making, they have gone on to perform at Sun City, Montecasino as well as in Dubai.
"The cast is ridiculously talented!" says Ramaine. "The singing, dancing and acting is unbelievable. It's extremely high-energy!"
The all South African song list, including some beloved favourites will have the audience singing and grooving along. This is after all, a fully interactive experience.
"It's not just another theatre", Judin explains, "there are four stages. It's four-dimensional and the experience is happening all around you, the audience, and it includes you!"
"Even the meal is interactive. We serve a three-course dinner that is local, traditional, flavoursome and authentic. It's a communal dining experience. You interact with others at your table as you're serving the food from shared dishes on the table."
The menu changes regularly and has been specially crafted to match the culture behind the story, with authentic flavours and traditional dishes from places like Bo-
Kaap. Even the crockery and pottery it's served in has been specially designed, hand-made and sourced through a local community upliftment project.
Energy and upliftment run right through this experience.
"A percentage of the net profit of the show will be donated to the upliftment of Arts and Culture in the area, in particular to Prestwich Primary school which is across the road." says Judin.
Ramaine is thrilled by the prospect. She loves what she calls her "heart projects" and the idea that the success of this production will allow her to share her passion to uplift others.
This vibrant local song, dance and dinner experience is sure to delight audiences and keep them entertained with soulful renditions of home-grown classics, delicious tastes and flavours and foot-stomping fun!
The production runs from Wednesday to Saturday nights starting 10 April 2015. Tickets are available at Computicket or from The Rockwell All Suite Hotel &
Apartments.
For more, go to www.rockwellhotel.co.za/theatre
