Ipi Ntombi: An African Dance Celebration (1998) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have audio cassettes for Ntombi Marhumbhini. My friend gave them to me when I was in Malawi. When I came to the US, I wanted if I could find a VHS for the audio cassettes I have only to find Ipi Ntombi. I read the reviews, and I did not hesistate to buy it.
This movie is great. The way they sing and dance depicts African originality. Their voices are so sharp that I do not see it boring throughout. If you haven't watched this movie, please try to. You will not regret like I am not regretting having bought it. If you have watched Namu Lwanga from Uganda, it is almost at par. Namu Lwanga holds shows in colleges and universities all around United States.
Finally, I would advise to look for this movie and see for yourself.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Ipi Ntombi: An African Dance Celebration (1998)

Originally created by mother/daughter team Bertha Egnos and Gail Laiker, IPI NTOMBI (pronounced Ippy-Intombee and meaning "where are the girls") opened in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1974 and then played to standing ovations all over the world for the next six years. Now, more than 20 years later, this new, updated version sizzles with its return to the stage, blending the traditional rhythms of Africa with the modern heartbeat of its people. The company of 50, some of whom are direct descendants of the original cast members, dance the story of the Johannesburg mine worker, who sings of his love for the girl back home and his sense of separation from his tribal roots. The show has restyled the musical's most popular numbers and added some new ones, including the exhilarating "Four Important Porters from Potgietersrus."

Click here for more information about Ipi Ntombi: An African Dance Celebration (1998)

Master Harold & The Boys Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This 1984 filming of the most famous South African play preserves the most accomplished work of the adolescent Matthew Broderick and a heartbreaking performance by the great South African actor Zakes Mokae, who played Sam in the first production (at Yale in 1982).Although very, very talkie, and unabashedly a record of a stage work with three actors on a fairly simple set, the film is not visually static. There are many closeups, seemingly more often of reaction shots than of the speaker.
The play is set in 1950, two years after the enactment of apartheid restrictions in South Africa. The reduction of black adults to a status below that of a bratty, damaged white adolescent is central to the play.
One might wonder if the dismantling of apartheid makes this drama any less compelling. Seeing it both onstage and on video last week, I would answer: not at all. Though I knew what was coming, it still packed quite a punch. The situation of an economically privileged youth being parented by servants is not at all unique to South Africa of apartheid times. Indeed, the play could have been set in the American South of the same time with no change other than making the tea-shop a café. The emotional dynamics of the relationships do not even require racial differences between the boss's son and the workers, though some of the particular force of the last half hour rests on the racism institutionalized by apartheid.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Master Harold & The Boys

Click here for more information about Master Harold & The Boys

The Heritage Theatre - The Mysteries Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)A friend from church told my wife and me "you MUST see this!" He was right. It brings old familiar Bible stories richly to life in a fresh and new way. Great casting, clever humor in places, and amazing music and dance from a country (South Africa) where they have a lot of great singers and dancers.


Click Here to see more reviews about: The Heritage Theatre - The Mysteries

Created by Mark Dornford-May and Charles Hazelwood.In June 2001, this South African company’s first production, THE MYSTERIES, opened at Wilton’s Music Hall in London and within a day of the first reviews appearing had sold out.Over the next twelve months, the company became an international hit, touring festivals in Australia and America, as well as a sold-out run in the West End.Rarely in the world of theatre does a company appear to such instant and universal acclaim. YIIMIMANGALISO - THE MYSTERIES is a spectacular African version of the English Medieval Chester Mystery Plays.These timeless Biblical stories are brought to life through exhilarating songs, dance, and heart-breaking drama.It is both passionate and uplifting.An altogether stunning piece of theatre that breathes life into some of the greatest stories told. "A SPECTACULAR PIECE OF THEATRE. It puts the world on stage and squeezes tears of sorrow, joy and laughter along the way."TIME OUT. "MOVING, INVENTIVE, BEAUTIFUL. YOU FEEL THAT YOU HAVE DIED AND GONE TO HEAVEN."DAILY TELEGRAPH."It is impossible not to be swept away by this DRAMATIC DYNAMITE.Each story is a miracle of energy, invention and humour."EVENING STANDARD."THE MOST MAGNIFICENT AND MOVING EVENT OF THE YEAR" OBSERVER.

Get 10% OFF

Click here for more information about The Heritage Theatre - The Mysteries