Fans of Whitney Houston will not want to miss Belinda Davids in the international hit show, “The Greatest Love of All”, on the Mandela Stage at Joburg Theatre.
The Gqeberha-born singer pipped 15 000 hopefuls to bowl over John Van Grinsven, Showtime Australia’s creator and producer of the show.
In 2013, her career soared along with her vocals as she impressed fans locally and internationally.
“I am beyond excited to return to South Africa and perform for my incredible fans. The energy and love I feel here are unmatched, and I cannot wait to share this moment in time with you all, once again,” Davids said.
Following sold-out shows, numerous TV interviews and performances on “Britain’s Got Talent All Stars in 2023, where she bagged a Gold Buzzer, and BBC’s “Even Better Than the Real Thing”, she’s back in SA for a limited-run show.
In the show, directed by Van Grinsven, Davids belts out all the hits from “Greatest Love of All” to “I Have Nothing” and “I Will Always Love You”.
Where: Joburg Theatre.
When: August 23 to 25. Times vary from 8pm to 3pm and 2pm, too.
Cost: Ticket prices vary from R280 to R390 and can be booked through Webtickets or the Joburg Theatre Box Office. There are discounts available for groups of 10 or more.
Amaxelegu
Award-winning actor, writer, director, theatre-maker, performance artist and all-around creative powerhouse, Qondiswa James, helms this edgy three-hander.
It is one of the offerings born from the Market Theatre’s Play Development Programme, which was launched last year under the tutelage of artistic director, Greg Homann.
The production delves into the quagmire of modern-day relationships. It centres on the relationship between a non-monogamous young couple and the woman who lingers in the shadows cleaning up the mess they leave behind.
The story unfolds in the bedrooms of various characters residing in an anonymous city located in South Africa.
The narrative explores the parallel worlds of the haves and the have-nots as the characters skillfully navigate the complexities of social class and gender dynamics that shape their interactions.
The edgy play stars Shalima Mkongi as Thabisa, Luxolo Ndabeni as Azola and Nambitha Mpumlwana as Mama Priscilla.
Where: Barney Simon, Market Theatre.
When: Runs until August 25, 7pm.
Cost: R120 - R200 through Webtickets. No under 16 allowed.
Bonjour Monsieur Brel
Still keeping with the music theme, “Bonjour Monsieur Brel” delves into Jacques Brels colourful texts sung in four languages by Jannie du Toit.
The languages are French, Afrikaans, English and Dutch.
The songs are accompanied by the sounds of the piano, cello and guitar.
Du Toit is celebrated for his renditions of Brel and he has included them in “Brel in Brooklyn” in 2010.
This once-off performance takes place on Sunday with Susan Mouton on cello/ piano, Chanie Jonker on piano/ accordion and Du Toit on vocals and guitar.
Where: Theatre on the Square.
When: Sunday, August 25, at 3pm.
Cost: Call the theatre at 011 883 8606, for ticket prices and to book.
Climbing the Ladder
Gender-based violence in the workplace takes centre stage in this production at the Roodepoort Basement Theatre.
This show delves into the grim realities of GBV as one man embarks on a quest for justice.
The play follows Joshua, a young man looking to gain a foothold in the corporate world. But it proves an arduous goal as Catherine, a senior executive and his superior, displays toxic leadership traits.
The abuse becomes unbearable as it intensifies, impacting Joshua’s mental and emotional well-being. Despite his daily struggles, Joshua tries to do his job to the best of his abilities.
However, he seeks accountability when he eventually realises the full extent of Catherine’s manipulative ways, which include blackmail.
As such, he works on exposing her and, in so doing, plots her downfall.
Where: Basement Theatre at Roodepoort Theatre.
When: Saturday, August 24, at 6pm.
Cost: R100 via Webtickets.