Aardklop 2010 festival programme

Classifications
A (All), PG (Parental guidance), AO (Adults only), L (Language), V (Violence), S (Sex), N (Nudity), B (Blasphemy), P (Prejudice)

Theatre

As die broek pas

As die broek pas (Afr.) (No u/16: L)

As die broek pas (Jacke wie Hose) is a one-woman play by German playwright Manfred Karge. The play investigates the life of a woman who, after the untimely death of her husband during the economic disaster of the Weimar period, takes over his identity to make a living as a crane operator at the factory where he used to work. Her insights in a wasted life leaves her with many questions about love, the status of women, the value of survival and the nature of a male-dominated society. With Antoinette Kellermann and designed and directed by Marthinus Basson.

Absa Mooirivier. 75 min. R90. 28 September 8.30pm, 29 September 11am, 30 September 8.30pm, 1 October 9am, 2 October 5.30pm.

Autopsy (Eng.) (A)

Award-winning Jennie Reznek and Faniswa Yisa (Every Year, Every Day, I Am Walking) team up again. Directed by Mark Fleishman and also featuring Dann-Jaques Mouton, Autopsy is a magical thriller with some realism - an African story of land, love and money. Première.

Central Primary School. 60 min.R85. 30 September 11.30am, 1 October 5.30pm, 2 October 6pm. Govan Mbeki Hall. Free. 28 September 12am.

Die proponentjie

Die proponentjie (Afr. farce) (A)

When the new (unmarried) dominee arrives in town the mothers and daughters flock to the parsonage to lend a hand. Surely the young man needs an upright, assiduous wife at his side, but not without earning the approval of his fastidious housekeeper Rachel. A farce by Pieter Fourie with, amongst others, Deon Lotz, Susan Beyers, Erica Wessels and Ilse Oppelt.

Sanlam Auditorium. 90 min.R95. 28 September 6.30pm, 29 September 1.30pm, 30 September 9pm, 1 October 9am, 2 October 9pm.

Die vreemdeling

Die vreemdeling (Afr.) (A)

Magnet Theatre's Mark Fleishman returns with a theatre jewel, starring David Johnson, Ephraim Gordon and Dann-Jaques Mouton. The story of a town surrounded by 'n fence and a young girl who opens the gate for the stranger from the other side.

Boys High. 75 min. R75. 29 September 11.30am, 30 September 5.30pm, 1 October 9am, 2 October 11.30am. Govan Mbeki Hall. Free. 28 September 3pm.

Dinsdae by Morrie

Dinsdae by Morrie (Afr.) (A)

An adaptation of Mitch Albom's Tuesdays with Morrie. It tells the story of Tiaan who lost contact with his favourite professor and mentor, Morrie. Sixteen years later he sees an interview with Morrie, talking about being diagnosed with ALS - a terminal disease. And so Tiaan returns, every Tuesday, to visit his former professor and learn about life. With Chris van Niekerk and Pedro Kruger.

Beeld Totius Hall. 100 min. R90. 28 September 2pm, 29 September 8.30pm, 30 September 9am, 1 October 4.30pm, 2 October 2.30pm.

Dood van 'n verkoopsman (Afr.) (A)

Willie Loman had dreams of greatness, but he is an ordinary man. After 36 years he looks back on his life as a salesman, a husband and a father. Times present and times past flow into one. A translation of Arthur Miller's universal, timeless and moving Death of a Salesman with Ben Kruger and Bettie Kemp as the Loman couple, supported by an outstanding cast and directed by Bobby Heaney.

Sanlam Auditorium. 150 min. R100. 29 September 9am, 30 September 5pm, 1 October 1pm, 2 October 1.30pm.

Draadwerk

Draadwerk (Afr.) (AO)

A moving drama by Daleen Kruger, winner of the 2009 Nagtegaal Prize, about the Owl House, the elderly Helen Martins and the young Koos Malgas and a friendship that transcended the conventions of a community. "If you want to live in the Karoo and you want to survive the Valley of Desolation, you just hope and pray the Lord has made a few extra knots in your wiring ... " - Koos Malgas. With Aletta Bezuidenhout and Denver Vraagom.

ATKV Laerskool President Pretorius. 75 min. R90. 28 September 8.30pm, 29 September 8.30pm, 1 October 5.30pm, 2 October 9am.

god van chaos

god van chaos (Afr. comedy) (No u/12: L)

An Afrikaans adaptation of Yasmina Reza's God of Carnage (winner of three Tony Awards). Two pairs of parents decide to meet to discuss a nasty incident between their sons - in a civilised manner. The gathering starts off quite genteel, but slowly deteriorates and becomes a suburban war zone - with apple pie, brandy, sarcasm and razor-sharp wit being used as weapons. With Anna-Mart van der Merwe, Johann Nel, Martelize Kolver and Leon Kruger.

kykNET Gimmies. 120 min. R100. 28 September 8.30pm, 29 September 9am, 30 September 8.30pm, 1 October 12 noon, 2 October 8.30pm.

Is It Because I'm Jack? (Eng. dark comedy) (No u/16: L/D/N)

As provocative as Die generaal. As politically incorrect as Green Man Flashing. As irreverent as Bafana Republic. Combining elements of these award-winning works, Mike van Graan's dark comedy about life, friendship and loyalty features four hot young male acting talents. Première.

Central Primary School. 75 min. R85. 28 September 8.30pm, 29 and 30 September 5.30pm, 1 October 2pm, 2 October 11.30am.

Korte mette met Die Versamelde Werke van William Shakespeare

Korte mette met Die Versamelde Werke van William Shakespeare (Afr./Eng. comedy) (A)

Three actors, 37 plays, 154 sonnets, two epic poems in only 99 minutes! Nine successful years on Broadway. Now five shows at Potch ... in Afrikaans (well, partly). An adaptation and translation of The Reduced Shakespeare Company's The Complete Works of William Shakespeare [abridged] written by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield. With Waldemar Schultz, Eben Genis, Wessel Pretorius. Première.

Hoër Volkskool. 99 min. R90. 28 September 8.30pm, 29 September 9am, 30 September 5.30pm, 1 October 2.30pm, 2 October 8.30pm.

Leopards, Love Potions and Other Marico Tales (Eng. comical storytelling) (A)

Eric Nobbs takes up the mantle of the late great Patrick Mynhardt as Oom Schalk Lourens. Nobbs brings these wonderfully humorous and touching stories by Herman Charles Bosman to a new generation of theatre lovers.

NG Kerk Noord Hall. 60 min. R85. 28 September 8.30pm, 29 September 5.30pm, 30 September 5.30pm, 1 October 8.30pm, 2 October 5.30pm.

Magspel (Afr.) (AO)

There are no rules, morally or otherwise, only power and the manipulation of power. The strongest and the most devious get everything. Machiavelli and the De Medicis understood the game of power all too well. And nothing has changed. Hertzog Prize-winner Deon Opperman's Magspel returns to the stage after 11 years and is still as valid as ever. A tour de force with, amongst others, Sandra Prinsloo and André Odendaal. Première.

Sanlam Auditorium. 115 min. R100. 28 September 9am, 29 September 5.30pm, 30 September 1pm, 1 and 2 October 5.30pm.

Pregnant Pause

Pregnant Pause (Eng. comedy) (A)

Pregnant Pause explores the joyous highs and challenging lows of pregnancy and parenthood. It is a journey fraught with complexities and challenges on every level, resulting in a hilarious but always truthful and detailed exploration of life as a parent. Directed by the award-winning Sylvaine Strike with Michael Richard and Charmaine Weir-Smith.

Central Primary School. 80 min. R85. 1 October 11am, 2 October 2.30pm.

Proesstraat (Afr. improvisation comedy) (PG)

kykNET's highly popular comedy now on stage at Aardklop. Come and see how the talented actors of Proesstraat have to think on their feet (or fall over them), how they sweat and at times lose the plot completely. With Waldemar Schultz, Wikus du Toit and an array of surprising guests.

kykNET Gimmies. 45 min. R95. 28 September 9am, 29 September 1.30pm, 30 September 2.30pm, 1 October 9am, 2 October 4.30pm.

Slap Koejawel [adj. Slack noun Guava] & Other Tit Bits (Eng. comedy) (PG: L)

This absurdly funny and touching play brings two great actresses of stage and television together again - Annelisa Weiland of 7de Laan fame and Vanessa Cooke, best known for her work at the Market Theatre. The action finds two stressed-out actresses in a tatty dressing room, preparing for the first preview of an untried new play. Première.

Central Primary. 60 min. R85. 28 September 11.30am, 29 September 2.30pm, 30 September 2.30pm, 1 October 8.30pm, 2 October 9am.

Spyt (Afr.) (No u/16: L/S)

Too late, too late, always too late. Men and women and what it leads to. Delicate hearts, desirable bodies. And then the regret. A drama about relationships with a difference: a tragicomedy with dark humour and distinctive dialogue. With Spyt Ingrid Winterbach, Hertzog Prize-winner, makes her debut as a playwright. Première.

Absa Mooirivier. 90 min. R90. 28 September 1.30pm, 29 September 8.30pm, 30 September 9am, 1 October 5pm, 2 October 11.30am.

Take 5 Comedy

Take 5 Comedy - Die Comedy-revolusie (Afr./Eng. stand-up comedy) (PG: L)

The comedians of the Comedy Revolution come from all over - some young and charming, others old hands in the funny business. With Mel Miller, Melt Sieberhagen, Pierre Breytenbach, Jan B and the White Warrior.

Boys High. 60 min. R75. 29 September 8.30pm, 30 September 2.30pm, 1 October 11.30am, 2 October 8.30pm.

Theatre Package
Pregnant Pause, Is It Because I'm Jack? and Autopsy (1 October - respectively 11am, 2pm and 5.30pm.) R225.

Sol Plaatje Discourse Series
Come and join us at Ziets@Rapport - a special festival restaurant. Included in the price of the discussions of the Discourse Series is a continental breakfast. The afternoon discussions include a glass of wine.

Diskoers 1: Die stembus vs die rubberkoeël/The ballot box versus the rubber bullet

In 2011 South Africa will have its municipal elections. This follows on a year characterised by rioting masses voicing their dissatisfaction with service delivery. Will this be the dawn of a new era?

Ziets@Rapport. 90 min. R70. 28 September 7.30am.

Diskoers 2: Wit olifante of ware infrastruktuur?/White elephants or useful infrastructure?

Majestic soccer stadiums were built, KwaZulu-Natal has a brand new airport and all over South Africa improvements have been made. And now we sit with the account. Is it worth the money?

Ziets@Rapport. 90 min. R70. 29 September 7.30am.

Diskoers 3: Jou makarapa en my bloubulhoringhoed/You wear your makarapa; I'll wear my Blue Bull hat

The Bulls painted Soweto blue. Bafana Bafana caused a yellow tsunami. Who are we? How do you define your culture? Are we one proud nation or are we different groups thrown together at the southern point of Africa?

Ziets@Rapport. 90 min. R70. 30 September 7.30am.

Diskoers 4: Jy is wat jy eet /You are what you eat

Big companies are accused of monopolistic behaviour; some are in cahoots and fix prices. Food is part of the political game and questions are being asked about GM foods. Do we know what we put on the table?

Ziets@Rapport. 90 min. R70. 1 October 7.30am.

In gesprek 1: Ons is 'n vloekende volk / We swear like troopers

We may cover the children's ears, but we all know we have some wonderful South African expletives. Luckily there is nothing wrong with our sense of humour. A light-hearted look at swear words and our own brand of jokes.

Ziets@Rapport. 60 min. R50. 29 September 4.30pm.

In gesprek 2: Ad Destinatum Persequor

The University of Pretoria is a completely different place than 15 years ago, which can be said for quite a few universities. What does the Latin expression "pursuing towards destiny" mean for present-day students? Come and listen to students from different campuses what they have to say about the future.

Ziets@Rapport. 60 min. R50. 30 September 4.30pm.

Dance and Site-specific Theatre

Betésda (Afr./multilingual) (No u/14: L)
A magical site-specific production (using a swimming pool), written by Nicola Hanekom with, amongst others, Neels van Jaarsveld and Stian Bam. Be prepared to be bowled over by the choreography and music. An apocalyptic journey: at times funny, at times moving and definitely exciting.

Van Loveren Die Dam Swimming Pool. 60 min. R90. From 28 Sept. to 2 October 7pm.

Ripped

Ripped (A)

A theatrical dance explosion of rhythm, athleticism, artistry and entertainment, which could be paralleled to the likes of a racing action-thriller film or a wildly colourful, form-inspired Kandinsky. A celebration of South African choreography, including works by Kelsey Middleton and Supa Zungu.

Beeld Totius Hall. 90 min. R100. 28 September 8.30pm, 29 September 9am, 30 September 4.30pm, 2 October 11.30am.

Music and Music Theatre

Afri-Frans (Afr./French) (A)
After a nationwide tour the amazing Myra Maud returns to South Africa to wow audiences with her French adaptations of well-known Afrikaans songs. She shares the stage with Anna Davel and Matthys Maree.

Beeld Totius Hall. 75 min. R120. 28 September 5.30pm, 29 September 5.30pm, 30 September 8.30pm, 1 October 9am, 2 October 8.30pm.

Die kortstondige raklewe van Anastasia W (Afr.) (No u/18: S/L/B/V)

Writer Marlene van Niekerk (Triomf, Agaat) and director Marthinus Basson present a razor-sharp satire. Music theatre with a touch of the absurd, a substantial dose of black humour and a dash of social commentary. Music: Braam du Toit and Mr Cat and the Jackal. With Nicole Holm, Eben Genis, Marlo Minnaar and Dean Balie.

Beeld Totius Hall. 105 min. R95. 28 September 9am, 29 September 2pm, 30 September 12 noon, 1 October 8.30pm, 2 October 9am.

Glorious! (Afr./Multilingual) (PG)

Glorious voices and fantastic prizes being awarded. An exceptional evening with Jannie Moolman (also the master of ceremonies), Gloria Bosman, the Afrika Mamas and the AngloGold Ashanti Choir, accompanied by a five-piece band. Musical director: Janine Neethling. Director: Bondina Osterhoff. The following prizes will be awarded: the AngloGold Ashanti/Aardklop Smeltkroes Prize, Beeld's Aartvark Prize and Absa's prizes for the best actor and best actress. A prize-winning evening where the ceremonial activities will be kept to a minimum and the audience can enjoy and celebrate outstanding talent.

Sanlam Auditorium 80 min. R100. 1 October 9pm.

Konsertina

Konsertina 11430 (Afr.) (A)

An unusual musical journey through the imagined diary of a Wheatstone concertina, dating from 1862. An instrument used to comfort people in churches and at funerals; of joyous rhythms - heard in dance halls with a boeremusiek flavour, but also in Sophiatown with a distinct African beat; and even a classical instrument. With Ollie Viljoen (also musical director) Ian Roberts (narrator and musician) and Niël Rademan (director). Producer: Ingrid Howard. Première.

POK Hall. 80 min. R100. 29 September 5.30pm, 30 September 12.30pm, 1 October 7pm, 2 October 9pm.

Medumo Jazz Fountain (Eng./Multilingual) (A)

Cool vibes and the newest and best acts of African contemporary jazz, brought to you by OppiKoppi Productions. Log on to www.oppikoppi.co.za for more information.

Vodacom Cricket Stadium. 600 min. R80. 3 October - gates open at 12 noon, show starts at 1pm.

Nianell: Sand & Water (Afr./Eng.) (A)

Nianell is not only known for her outstanding voice, but also as an exceptional songwriter. With Sand & Water she proves once again why she is considered one of South Africa's virtuoso artists.

Klipdrift Elgro Hall. 90 min. R120. 28 September 5pm.

One Act - With Four Scenes (Afr./Eng.) (A)

Elzabé Zietsman - actress, singer, foodie - and Rocco de Villiers - pianist, producer, cocktail snob - together again on the same stage after 15 years. In One Act - With Four Scenes, Elzabé and Rocco do what they know best: entertain audiences. They celebrate their past successes, live in the here and now and wonder what the future holds.

POK Hall. 80 min. R120. 28 September 10am, 29 September 8.30pm, 30 September 9am, 1 October 1pm, 2 October 7pm.

OppiAarde (Afr./Eng.) (A)

Featuring, amongst others, Jack Parow and Die Heuwels Fantasties. One of the highlights on the yearly rock calendar. Go to www.oppikoppi.co.za for the latest information.

Vodacom Cricket Stadium. 660 min. R100 (at Computicket) and R120 (at the gates). 2 October - gates open at 12 noon, show starts at 1pm.

Ses Snare 2 (Afr./Eng.) (A)

Mathys Roets, Mel Botes, Blackie Swart, Leon Ecroignard, Wouter van de Venter and Théan Kotzé with a celebration of the music of the greats, such as Queen, Dire Straits, Bob Dylan and Sting. Also expect fun and laughter.

Klipdrift Elgro Hall. 90 min. R90. 29 September 3pm, 30 September 6pm,1 October 10am, 2 October 8.30pm.

Vivere

Vivere (Multilingual) (A)

Jannie Moolman and Joseph Clark take the audience on a musical journey with light classical music, opera, rock, pop and jazz. A showcase of their outstanding vocal diversity.

Beeld Totius Hall. 90 min. R120. 1 October 1.30pm, 2 October 5.30pm.

Classical Music

2 Cellos Recital (PG)
Polina Burdukova and Carel Henn, accompanied by Kerryn Wisniewski (piano), explore the wonderful world of the cello - the most versatile string instrument. The programme includes works by Vivaldi, Handel, Tortelier, Albeniz, Piatti and Paganini.

kykNET Conservatoire. 70 min. R85. 28 September 11.30am.

Acis and Galatea (PG)

Handel's beautiful and tragic baroque opera performed in South Africa for the first time on original instruments. With Kobie van Rensburg (director), vocal students from the NWU and the baroque ensemble Furor Musicus from the Netherlands.

kykNET Conservatoire. 160 min. R80. 28 September 5.30pm, 29 September 7pm.

Crème Chopin (OB)

2010 is the 200th celebration of Frédéric Chopin's birthday. A recital with some of his most popular and beautiful piano and chamber music, featuring Zanta Hofmeyr (violin), Susan Mouton (cello) and Charl du Plessis (piano).

kykNET Conservatoire. 70 min. R85. 29 September 11.30am.

Eight Seasons with Daniel Rowland and COSA

Eight Seasons with Daniel Rowland and COSA (OB)

The London-born violinist Daniel Rowland and COSA will combine Astor Piazzolla's Four Seasons with the Vivaldi work of the same name: perhaps the best-known piece of classical music there is.

Sanlam Auditorium. 120 min. R120. 3 October 2pm.

Handel's Messiah: A Cappella (PG)

Handel conducted his Messiah many times and often altered the music to suit the needs of the singers and orchestra available for each performance. The consequence: no single version can be regarded as the "authentic" one. Many more variations and rearrangements were added in the subsequent centuries. This version, arranged by Janine Neethling (also the musical director) with assistance from Jaconell Mouton, Roelof Colyn, Fanie Fouché and Mariëtte Labuschagne, is the latest variation. The orchestra is replaced by a five-piece vocal ensemble. Soloists: Zanne Stapelberg (soprano), Minette du Toit-Pearce (mezzo-soprano), Siyabonga Maqungo (tenor) and Rouel Beukes (bass). Featuring the Puk Choir, conducted by Awie van Wyk.

Sanlam Auditorium. 70 min. R110. 29 September 9pm.

TOEAC - Klassieke akkordeonduo uit Nederland (OB)

An excitingly "different" duo from the Netherlands, whose presence on the stage is as intriguing as the music they play. These two young musicians, Renée Bekkers and Pieternel Berkers, deliver performances of passion and visual interest.

kykNET Conservatoire. 60 min. R100. 30 September 2.30pm and 2 October 9pm.

Visual Arts

Angus Taylor: Klont - 'n Dialoog met grond

Festival artist: Angus Taylor: Klont - 'n Dialoog met grond
Angus Taylor describes his work as follows: "For me art is an interaction with the material world. For my exhibition at Aardklop I use various different materials - compressed ground, rocks, grass and metals. I attempt to create a space where connections between discourses, disciplines and various thoughts intertwine." Klont consists of two aspects: temporary public sculptures - a new idea Taylor is exploring; and the exhibition in the gallery - an overview of his work and projects during the last three years, also including brand new works.

Main Gallery, Puk Campus; public spaces in Potchefstroom. Free

Bronze Age

Bronze Age is a multifunctional art foundry that specialises in casting sculptures in bronze. Artists around the world use their services. The design studio produces a wide range of products - lights, interior accessories, bowls and exclusive, once-off furniture pieces.

Alumni Hall, Puk Campus. Free

Guest Curator: Paul Boulitreau - L'Origine du monde - This Is Not a Porn Song

The title is borrowed from Gustave Courbet's famous 18th century painting The Origin of the World. Diane Victor, Judith Mason, George Setshedi, Pontsho Sikhosana, Leora Farber and many more offer their own approach to the problematic fine line between eroticism and pornography, projection and introspection.

Snowflake. Free

A verbis ad verbera - From Words to Blows

In Richardt Strydom's work the notion of cultural masochism as a step towards symbolic self-mortification becomes a hall of mirrors where the image of self becomes lost in a myriad of displays - often distorted, grotesque or vain. The violence that is portrayed is self-inflicted. The scars and injuries represent psychological scars that manifest physically and may be perceived as both metaphorical and real.

Snowflake. Free

Painters Who Print

Over the past 20 years of pioneering lithography in South Africa, Mark Attwood has noticed that artists who are primarily painters tend to make the most exceptional prints. South African painters who have worked at The Artists' Press reveal their vision in print form, including monoprints.

Alumni Hall, Puk Campus. Free

Spier Contemporary 2010
The winners from Spier Contemporary 2010 will be showcased at Aardklop for the first time. This extraordinary exhibition reflects on the depth and breadth of the South African experience.

Sanlam Auditorium, Puk Campus. Free

Stasis

Steven Bosch uses doves as a cultural metaphor - evoking ideas of freedom, peace, hope, love, purity, innocence, knowledge, sacrifice or migration. But it also illustrates how society is in stasis - in a state of apathy or constant feud. Intellectually the artist takes the viewer on a semiotic journey.

Snowflake. Free

The Paris-Jozi Collection

Supported by the Rendezvous Art Project, six South African artists had the opportunity to travel to Paris and be part of a workshop on lithography at the Atelier Pons, with master lithographer Elisabeth Pons offering assistance. Works of Hanneke Benade, Johann Louw, Lehlogondo Mashaba, Musha Neluheni and Pontsho Sikhosana will be on display.

Botanical Garden Gallery, Puk Campus. Free

Kunstoere (PG: No u/12)

Daily arts tours presented by Theo Kleynhans.

Sanlam Auditorium (starting point). 90 min. R55. 28 September to 2 October 9.30am.