Major boost for arts
SHOW: FUNDED BY PRESIDENTIAL EMPLOYMENT STIMULUS PROGRAMME African Pulse celebrates the Ndlovu Youth Choir.
Anew theatrical piece, titled African Pulse – Celebrating The Ndlovu Youth Choir, conceptualised and produced by Showtime Management is currently in production. This show was made possible through funding granted by the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme under the auspices of the National Arts Council.
Over 150 people within the arts industry will be employed in the production and staging of this show, from front of house staff to cleaners, crews and the creative team.
The live entertainment industry was one of hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic and resulting lockdown regulations. Losses to this industry over the past year were enormous and this production is assisting contract workers, freelance workers and suppliers.
“While providing much needed employment opportunities at the start of 2021, our long-term plan is to utilise the opportunity created through this grant to further add job creation by developing a show that could eventually tour locally and internationally, once touring opens up,” said Tony Feldman of Showtime Management. African Pulse – Celebrating the Ndlovu Youth Choir will be staged at Montecasino’s Teatro in Johannesburg on 1 May with two performances at 2pm and 6pm. In strict adherence to Covid-19 health and safety protocols, 250 spectators only will
While providing much needed employment opportunities, our long-term plan is to further add job creation by developing a show that could eventually tour locally and internationally, once touring opens up.
Tony Feldman, Showtime Management
be permitted to attend each performance.
Limited tickets are on sale at R250 each.
To avoid disappointment, book now at www.showtime. co.za.
Proceeds from ticket sales will assist an industry cause that is feeding crew and artists who have not been able to work for more than a year.
The storyline is inspired by the spirit of the Limpopo-based Ndlovu Youth Choir who, under the direction of Ralf Schmitt, rose to international fame last year when the group of unknown South African vocalists reached the finals of America’s Got Talent season 14.
African Pulse is a story of resilience, courage and the determination of a young group of South Africans coming together with a burning desire to become a recognised and successful choir.
Although they have no idea what the future may or may not hold, especially in often adverse circumstances, their relentless passion and ambition drives them, making them stronger and more determined to reach their goal.
This remarkable story is told through song and dance using the choir’s existing repertoire and its most successful hits.
These include Africa, Jolene, Shallow/Enxwemeni, Shape of you and Higher Love, and also featured are their newest and original compositions like Hold On, Ungandibulali as well as We Will Rise.
The multitalented creative team of Matthew Counihan (director), Ralf Schmitt ( musical director), Lesedi Job (scriptwriter and associate director), Alistair Kilbee (technical director, Gearhouse Splitbeam), Oliver Hauser (lighting designer), Sandra Dyer (choreographer), Thabang Sekele (assistant choreographer), Fried Wilsenach (sound designer) and Warren Le Grange (content director) bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the show.