Afrikaans music will yet again dance to the rhythm of a different drum when the local music spectacular Ro(c)k ’n Taal! blows new life into existing favourites.
This production – staged by Pieter Rademeyer Productions and Port Elizabeth’s amateur theatre group, ATKV-PEAAT – shows through a variety of songs that Afrikaans music encapsulates all aspects of life.
After a very successful run earlier this year, theatregoers get another chance to experience Afrikaans music at its best when the show returns to the Savoy Theatre from October 27 to 30.
According to Ro(c)k ’n Taal! director, Pieter Rademeyer Jnr, there is a definite need for Afrikaans productions of this nature. “The show was extremely well received in August and is back due to popular demand.
“We took fifty existing Afrikaans songs and gave them a fresh a modern twist with the help of music director Lilian Zeelie,” says Rademeyer, who is also one of the soloists.
He says the show is a kaleidoscope of sound and colour with clever décor and exquisite dance routines under the choreography of Marelize Marx.
According to him, each aspect of the production is interlinked for an ultimate sensory experience. “We show that Afrikaans is a living language that keeps abreast of the times.
“Sometimes the narrative is portrayed by the dancers and on other occasions stagehands are roped in to form part of the production,” says Rademeyer. “Excellent teamwork by cast and crew forms the foundation of the show’s success.”
The songs are divided into seven themes – spanning all aspects of life – to give structure to this music extravaganza.
The places theme mesmerises with hits like Johannes Kerkorrel’s “Hillbrow” and “Halala Afrika”; characters like Mannetjies Roux and Sarah de Jager are brought to life in the people theme; and love gets two categories, ending in a climax with Amanda Strydom’s “Stoom”.
There are also themes dealing with life’s bugbears, the bitter and the sweet and a celebration of all things good and fun, with songs like Karen Zoid’s “Afrikaners is Plesierig”.
Rademeyer says a tapestry of solos, duets and group singing gives depth and life to the production. The soloists – all from PE – are Rademeyer, Michael de Lange, Annelie Oosthuizen, René Mc Leod and Robynn King.
Singers are accompanied by a five-piece band, which forms the backbone of the production. “The band is an integral part of the show and lends extra impetus and energy to the performance,” according to Rademeyer.
People can bring their own snacks and sit at tables of eight, however tickets are sold individually. A cash bar will be available and the show starts at 7pm.
Tickets for Ro(c)k ’n Taal! costs R75 and is available from Westway Café on Cape Road, Newton Park, or phone them on 041 365 0217.
Issued by:
Full Stop Communications
Coetzee Gouws
041 368 4992
082 575 7991
coetzee@fullstopcom.com
www.fullstopcom.com
On behalf of:
Pieter Rademeyer & ATKV-PEAAT
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