Pencil these events into your diary right now
March 26 to April 3
We’re massive fans of the children’s classic Charlotte’s Web and already booked our tickets to the Kickstart Theatre Co’s production at the Botanic Gardens Amphitheatre. It tells the story of Wilbur, a cute, plucky piglet, who is rescued and hand-raised by a little girl named Fern, a barn full of delightful animal characters and a spider named Charlotte, who must use all her cunning to outwit the local farming community and save Wilbur’s life! The amphitheatre opens an hour before the show, so pack a picnic basket and blanket and get there early. Tickets are R150 for adults and R120 for pensioners and children under 12. Shows daily at 2.30pm except for Saturdays and Sundays, when they’re at 11am. It’s about an hour and a half with a 10 minute interval. Details: webtickets.co.za
16-17 April
If you’re looking for a family-friendly fun-filled adventure over the Easter Weekend, then catch a vintage train ride on the Umgeni Steam Railway. With departures at 8.30am and again at 12.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays, the leisurely ride heads off from Kloof Railway Station and meanders along the breathtaking Valley of 1000 Hills, through one of the oldest operating tunnels in SA to the half point destination, the Old Station Master’s House in Inchanga. There you can picnic, pop into the Inchanga Railway Museum, see the model train and shop at the Inchanga Market. Tickets are R290 for adults and R200 for pensioners and children under 12 and booking is essential. Details: umgenisteamrailway.com
14-18 April
Splashy Fen is back and we are beyond excited! Over the Easter weekend (Thursday April 14 to Monday April 18) festival goers (us included) will head to the famous site near Underberg in the Southern Drakensberg for a feast of the best of local music talent spread out over four unique stage areas. This year, the festivities on the Main Stage kick off with Mali Zulu, 4AM, Steve Umculo, Veranda Panda and the legendary Mango Groove (we caught up with them – read about it on page 18). The last day of the festival won’t disappoint … there’s a jam-packed line-up to remind us why this is all so good for the soul. Tickets are limited – no day visitors are allowed. Details: Book via splashyfen.co.za.
1-30 April
Those who enjoy hard-hitting, powerful art shouldn’t miss artist Andrea Walters’ multimedia exhibition which honours the women murdered by their partners. It’s called #OverMyDeadBody and comprises 50 Sunlight soap sculptures of the mouths of the silenced women, resting on transparent shelves, and a suspended death shroud. It includes an audiovisual performance and domestic items that refer to intimacy, sexuality and violence. The exhibition runs until end of May and Andrea will be on site to offer interactive walkabouts for visitors, including school learners. Doors open from 9am to 3.30pm during the week and 9am to 12pm on Saturdays. Durban Art Gallery, second floor, City Hall, Anton Lembede Street. Details: 031 311 2264.
