WHAT’S ON? November 13-19
A Faint Patch of Light
Joburg Theatre, Braamfontein. November 15-18, different performance times
Having created what’s been described as a queering of Athol Fugard’s ‘Statements After an Arrest Under the Immorality Act’, Qondiswa James adapted the 1972 play to highlight the struggles of black lesbians in South African townships during apartheid. ‘A Faint Patch of Light’ has been nominated for two Fleur du Cap Awards and received a Standard Bank Cut Above Ovation Award. Performed by Indalo Stofile and Tshegofatso Mabutla, it details two women’s struggles as they negotiate love, desire, infidelity and violence. The production is not suitable for viewers under 16.
Tickets from R120 Webtickets. The Herald Cooking Masterclass — Full of Flavour
Capsicum Culinary Studio, Gqeberha. November 16, 6-8pm
If ever you’ve wanted to learn how to cook the perfect butter chicken curry, now is your chance. Experience an interactive cook with The Herald, Capsicum Culinary Studio, Checkers and Three Peaks wines as you learn from experts who love cooking. The best thing about this class is that at the end. you get to enjoy what you’ve prepared.
Tickets R390 through Quicket and include a welcome drink, ingredients, apron, the lesson, a bottle of wine and the dining experience.
Ficksburg Cherry Festival
Ficksburg showgrounds. November 17-18
The Free State town of Ficksburg has gained a reputation as being the cherry centre of South Africa. Each year, what has come to be known as the oldest crop festival in the country, takes place in the third week of November. Think tastings, tours and competitions; food and wine; entertainment; crafts and homemade products; a golf classic; and a half marathon. Keep an eye out for additional cherry festival-related events on farms in the vicinity. For more information, phone 082-920-5551 or 064-075-4175.
Pop-up Haunted House and Moonlight Market
Centurion Teater. November 17, 7-10pm
For some spine-tingling, spooky adventures that promise to thrill, pop in to the Centurion Teater as it unveils what is left of a haunted circus and the mysteries it holds. And when the scary part of the evening is done, pop into the moonlight market in the theatre’s courtyard, where a variety of goodies, eats and drinks will be on offer. Attendees must be 13 years or older to enter the haunted house.
Tickets from R80 through Quicket
Africa Fest 23 & Sama 29 Sunbet Arena at Time Square, Menlyn Maine, Pretoria. November 18, 4pm
After the South African Music Awards, which were to be hosted in KwaZulu Natal, were cancelled, Sama 29 is set to continue, this time at a new venue and in collaboration with the inaugural Africa Fest. The event will serve as the Sama’s official after-party and the line-up features some top amapiano artists, among them Makhadzi, Kabza De Small, DBN Gogo, Samthing Soweto, Kamo Mphela, Pabi Cooper, Nkosazana Daughter, Uncle Waffles, Mas MusiQ, Sam Deep, DJ Stokie and Lesego M in what is being called a “celebration of African talent, culture and the unifying power of music”.
Tickets from R170 through Computicket.
Kommetjie Festival Various locations. November 18, different event times
The annual Kommetjie Festival charity event is set to infuse the coastal town with fun and festivities. Planned events include a fun family walk or hike up the mountain at 7.30am, yoga classes, Nia dancing, volleyball, boeresport, a fancy-dress surf competition, a sandcastle-building contest, Anything that Floats competition and live music at Fisherman’s Garden from 2pm. As a day to showcase the village and its community spirit, the festival is open to everyone. For the full programme, visit facebook.com/kommetjiefestival.
The event is free, with some competitions requiring an entry fee. Tickets for the Fisherman’s Garden event cost R80 through Quicket.
Franschhoek Classic Car Festival
Various locations. November 18 -19, different times This inaugural event is a must-see for admirers of classic cars. As the main attraction, there will be a display of 40 vehicles from 40 marques at the Huguenot Monument. Ticket-holders will receive a special rate to visit the Franschhoek Motor Museum, while the Franschhoek Theatre will put on a spectacle of shows. Tickets cost R200 Quicket.
Nomadic Orchestra at Hangklip Hotel
Hangklip Hotel, Pringle Bay. November 19, 2-4pm
Formed to get people moving, the five-piece instrumental dance band will be bringing its infectious sounds to the Hangklip Hotel, with the option to enjoy only a show, a show and dinner, or a show, dinner and the night at the hotel. Inspired by music from southeastern Europe and Klezmer (an instrumental musical tradition of the Ashkenazi Jews of Central and Eastern Europe), gypsy and circus music, with a touch of western party music, it promises to be a night of tapping toes and moving hips. Tickets from R100 through Quicket.