Pencil these events into your diary right now
Runs ‘til 7 July If you’re in the mood for a quirky musical, don’t miss KickstArt’s fabulous family musical, The Emperor’s New Clothes, over the July school holidays. Directed by Steven Stead, with magical designs by Greg King, musical direction by Roland Perold and fresh new orchestrations by Jaco Griessel, this colourful and highly entertaining musical will delight children and adults. Starring Daniel Anderson as Emperor Marcus and Roland Perold as The Swindler, joined by Marion Loudon, Lyle Buxton, Mthokozisi Zulu, Keryn Scott, Amahle Tembe and Roshanda Lewis, The Emperor’s New Clothes runs at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre until July 7. Details: Book through Webtickets.
4-9 July The 2024 South African International Quilt Festival will see quilters, fans and delegates from around the country flock to indulge in this mesmerising exhibition of intricate stitching, vibrant colours and heartfelt stories woven into each piece of art. Hosted by the KZN Quilters Guild, it’s all about expression through quilting in Voices in Cloth. With 500 quilts on display, a judged quilt competition and several special exhibitions, as well as a range of workshops as well as the Red Dress, an award winning global, collaborative embroidery project by British artist Kirstie Macleod that has travelled the globe for 14 years, providing an artistic platform for women around the world, many of whom are vulnerable and live in poverty, to tell their personal stories through embroidery. Details: saquiltfest2024.co.za
6 July If you rather fancy yourself enjoying heart-pounding horse races on the big screen (multiple screens actually) then why not book yourself a seat or a table at the July Ocean Lounge which, in collaboration with the Hollywoodbets Durban July, is hosting top notch entertainment, DJ’s, unlimited drinks, gourmet food and more than R1-million in prize giveaways on the day, all in the comfort of state-of-the-art the luxurious air-conditioned marquees. Tickets start from R4000. Secure parking at Suncoast Casino. Details: www.julyoceanlounge.com
For those into the art of brush pens …
Well-known local calligrapher Ingrid Lotter Smith will host two workshops at Birds Tea & Coffee in Durban North this month, the first of which takes place on Thursday, July 11 and is all about how faux calligraphy, using brush pens, can be a fun way to add a creative touch to your writing. From 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Notes provided. Cost is R350 a person or R300 per person if you’re enrolling for two workshops. Then, on Tuesday, July 16, you can learn to design and decorate an illuminated capital initial from 1.30pm to 4pm. Materials, including gold leafing, will be available for your use. Cost is R400 a person and no previous experience in calligraphy or painting is needed. Both workshops are suitable for adults and teenagers. Early registration is essential. Details: WhatsApp Ingrid on 083 443 4003.
How to write that memoir …
Have you always wanted to write your story, but aren’t sure how to go about it or lack the confidence to begin? Published author and experienced creative-writing facilitator Elana Bregin’s one-day practical workshop is designed to get you going – and give you the tools and motivation you need to continue. The course will cover aspects such as how or where to start, what to include, understanding the writing process, how to engage your reader, tips on good structuring, the ethics of truth-telling, trouble-shooting the challenges and more. It will be held on Saturday, July 13 from 8.30am to 2.30pm at 2 Loop Road, Hillcrest, and costs R750, which includes a resource pack. Details: [email protected] or 071 493 0791.
19-21 July Worth the drive … Join SA’s Golden Boy and founder of Smiling Soul Creations Brett Shuttleworth on a deeply personal journey of finding a place of belonging and home at his next Smiling Soul Retreat in Durbs from July 19 to 21. The retreat, that takes place at Salt Rock Hotel, invites those yearning to rediscover themselves. Be sure to book your space now. Details: retreats.smilingsoulcreations.com/durban
