People’s Post Claremont/Rondebosch E-edition 9 June 2026

Entriesopen forbusiness competition

Learnersfromacross Southern Africa are invitedtoenter the10th birthday editionofthe annual AllanGrayEntrepreneurship Challenge(AGEC)– the region’s most celebrated business competitionfor young people.

This milestoneyearbringsa bigger, bolder experience:morefun, more relevanceand more of the action-packedactivitiesthathas shaped adecadeofinspiring and sparking entrepreneurialspirit across theregion.

“Asthe Challengecelebratesits 10th year this year,it’samazing to seehow this competitioncontinuestospark interest andignitea passion forentrepreneurshipinso many youngpeoplefromall over Southern Africa,” says Charleen Duncan,HeadofPublicAffairs andCommunicationsatthe Allan Gray OrbisFoundation. “We’re proudofthe cultural movement theAllanGrayEntrepreneurship Challengehas spearheadedover thepastdecadeand theway it is reshapingthe entrepreneurialaspirations within Southern Africanyouth.Thiscompetition’s mission is to getmoreyoung peopleinterestedinstartingontheir entrepreneurialjourneysasearly as possibleinlife, becauseentrepreneurshipistransformativefor youngpeople, theircommunities, andtheir economies.”

Topstudentsget theopportunity to pitchtheir business ideas live at theAGECSummittoturn business plansintorealventures.

“Through fun,relevantand accessiblemeans,AGECexposes the foundational concepts of entrepreneurship,shiftingperceptions and creating aculture that excitesand inspires futureentrepreneurs,” says Duncan

HOWTHECOMPETITIONWORKS

AGEC startedasanonlinegame to getstudentsexcited about

GETYOUNG PEOPLE INTERESTED IN ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEYS

business, andsince inception, has grownintoa full-on entrepreneurialmovement.

Thegameisopentostudents from SouthAfrica, Namibia, Botswana andEswatini.

Thecompetition features ahigh school game basedona deep, scenario-based simulation that puts learners in thedriver’sseatof real-world business decisions.

Participants canpickfrom five differentshoptypes to starttheir “retailempire”.The game is free to play butrequires14MBofdata to play,onlineordownloaded forofflineplay. Thegamecan be played year-round,althoughprizes canonlybeearnedinthe competition timeframe. No priorbusiness, accounting or financeknowledge is required.The fast,smart and mobile-friendlyAGECdigital platform is designed to feel relevant,excitingand easy to use. The competitionalsoincludeshandson toolsfor teachers,physicalcard gameslikeStartup Shuffleand in real life (IRL)pitchingevents.

Participants standa chance to winexcitingprizes, includingcash andAllan Gray Unit Trusts

The finalBusinessPitch Challengewillrewardthe topthree students with incredible prizes, whilethe AllanGrayHighSchool Game features agenerousoverall prizepool.Schools canalsowin a specialprize forenteringthe most participants

More than 21 000 learners from four countries, andmorethan800 teachers,who participatethrough partnerships with teacherunions participate.

.Formoreinformation about the competition,visittheentrepreneurshipchallenge.com.

ELUSIVEJELLYFISHATTHEAQUARIUM

Visitorstothe TwoOceans Aquarium at the V&A Watefronthavearareopportunitytosee one of SouthAfrica’smostelusive jellyfishspecies up close.A thriving pink meanie jelly (Drymonema sp.) is currentlyonexhibit in theAquarium’s Jelly Gallery,captivating visitorswith its striking appearanceand impressive size PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Thenames Kelly-Amber Koopman(12), Zahnia Woodward (6 months), Uthmaan Taliep (2), Alnika Mitchell (14),Qadir Boer (4)and Machiano Geswind(4) andmanyothersshouldnever be forgotten.

They were children with dreams, laughter andfutures aheadof them

Instead, theirlives were cutshort by violence on theCapeFlats

As thecurtain comesdownon National ChildProtectionWeek, commemoratedfromFriday 29 MaytoFriday5 June under thetheme “Working together in ending violence againstchildren”, communities areremindedthat protecting children is everyone’s responsibility

Statistics released by theWestern Cape Department of Social Developmentpaint aheartbreakingpicture.Morethan43000 children arecurrently in foster care, whilea further 2800 children are beingcared forinNPO-run child andyouth care centres.

Thedepartmentalsorevealed that between Octoberlastyearand Marchthisyear, nearly 2000 reportsofchild abusewerereceived, highlighting theurgentneed for stronger protection measures and community involvement.

Gone arethe days when communities helped raisethe children; today, many families face the challenges of parentinginisolation,makingitmoreimportant than ever forneighbours, schools, organisationsand community leaderstoworktogethertoprotect andsupport youngpeople. Children deservesafehomes, safe streetsand safe schools. They deservetoplaywithout fear,to

grow withouttraumaand to dream withoutviolenceinterruptingtheir futures

Parentsand caregivers,please speakopenlytoyourchildren, know wheretheyare,check their phones andsocialmedia platforms, listen to theirfears and create spaces wheretheyfeel safe andprotected

To ourgovernments,createmore jobs so that children don’thaveto standonstreet cornersbegging for food

To ourjustice system,implement stricter laws andensure swiftjustice forthose perpetrating childmurders,abuse andviolence againstchildren. As acommunity we cannolonger turn ourbackand look theother way, report abuse, neglectand violence,and let’sstand together in protecting themostvulnerable.

To thechildren: your voice matters.Ifsomething feelswrong or unsafe,speak to atrusted adult,

teacher, family member,social worker or community leader

Youare notalone,and thereare people whocareabout your safety andwell-being.

LetusberemindedthatinMatthew 18:10the Biblesays: “See that youdonot despiseone of these littleones. ForI tell youthattheir angels in heaven always seethe face of my Father in heaven.” This scripturereminds us that children arepreciousinthe eyes of Godand worthy of ourprotection, care andrespect.Wehavea mandate to care forchildren, to safeguardtheir well-being, to speak outagainst abuseand neglect, and to ensure that everychild hasthe opportunitytogrowupina safe andnurturing environment. Childprotectionisnot only aconversationfor oneweek in theyear. It is adaily responsibility.Every childmatters,every childdeserves love andevery childdeservesthe chance to simply be achild

Cantreeshelpin climatechange?

NAMHLAMONAKALI

CapeTownresidents gathered at Kirstenbosch on Thursday 4Juneto explorehow trees canhelpbuild a climate-resilientcityduringa public lecture markingWorld EnvironmentDay, whichisobservedannually on Friday 5 June.

This year’s themehas notyet been officially announced. TheBotanical SocietyofSouth Africa’s Kirstenbosch Branch andthe SouthAfrican National Biodiversity Institute(Sanbi) hosted theevent,titledClimate Action:Trees,Conservation andUrban Resilience,atthe OldMutual Conference Centre

Thelecture attractedpeopleinterestedinthe role trees play in addressing climatechangeand strengtheningurban environments

OrganiserElvirenaHopesaidproceedsfrom theevent will support aspecialisttreeseminar plannedfor September.

“The seminaraimstobring together various tree expertsinour City to engage in,among othertopics, theresearchand conservation of SouthAfrica’sheritagetrees,” shesaid.

Thelecture formed part of along-standing partnershipbetween Sanbi’sKirstenbosch National BotanicalGardenand theBotanical SocietyofSouth Africa (Bot Soc)

AccordingtoHope, thetwo organisationshave worked together for113 yearstopromote the conservation andenjoyment of SouthAfrica’s indigenous plants

Arborist andtree-care specialist Francois Krigesharedinsightsfromhis experience managingtrees exposedtoenvironmental stress.

Hope said Krigeoffered apractical perspective on what climateresiliencelookslikeineveryday tree management He wasjoinedbylandscape architectClare

TREESHELP REGULATE TEMPERATURES,SUPPORT BIODIVERSITY AND PROVIDE INFRASTRUCTURE

Burgess, chairofTreeKeepersCapeTown, a volunteer-run non-profitorganisationthat workswiththe City of Cape Town to care for trees in public spaces

Burgesshas helped facilitate theplantingof more than 10 000 trees across Cape Town

“Mypresentationtouched on climatechange issues relevant to theCityofCapeTownand presentedideas around howtrees in theurban forest canmitigateclimate change,” Burgess said.“Ialsomentioned my work as chairof TreeKeepersCapeTown, an NPOrun by volunteerswhich playsanimportant role in assisting theCitywithtakingcareofits existing trees in ourpubliclandscapesand thethreats that these trees face from climatechange, bark stripping, pestsand diseases anddensification.”

Hope said Kirstenbosch itself demonstrates thevalue of urbantrees throughits Arboretum, forest trails andBoomslang canopy walkway.

“Itoffersa living demonstrationofhow trees functionasnatural infrastructure,principles that areequally critical in building climate-resilienturban environments,” shesaid.

Sheaddedthattrees help regulate temperatures, support biodiversity andprovide green infrastructure that cities increasingly rely on Residentswho missedthe lecturewillhave anotheropportunitytojointhe conversation in September.

Furtherdetails aboutthe seminarwillbe announcedclosertothe event.

WittebomejoyforParkhaven

Learners from WittebomeHigh School brought warmth and joytothe residents of ParkhavenOld AgeHome in Wynbergduring aheartfelt 30-minute visit on Saturday, 30 May. As part of theschool’s Outreach Programme, students arrived with afull afternoon planned playing Bingo, performing music, giving hand massages, andhanding outlovingly packed hampers filledwith everyday essentials. But it wasthe quietconversations that left the deepestmark.Learners listened to residentsshare stories of their youth, satwith those whohad no family visiting, and received blessingsthat,asone studentput it,“stuck to my heart.”Principal Clarice Fortuin said the visit embodied thecompassion and willingness to servethe school hopes to grow in everylearner. With moreinitiatives already in the pipeline,Wittebome’s outreach journeyisonlyjust beginning. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

FROMPAGE1

“The planting of more than 300CapeBeech seedlingsinNewlandsForestmarks another significant milestoneinour long-termcommitment to restoringand protecting this precious ecosystem,”saidJPLouw, SANParks Head of Communicationsand Spokesperson

Accordingt to SANParks,the initiative aims to restoreecologicalbalance in Newlands Forest whileaddressing ongoingenvironmental pressures, includingbarkstripping

Theorganisationsaysmonitoringofpreviously rehabilitatedsites hasshown encouraging results, with 150seedlingsplanted last year alongthe Woodcutters Trailreportedlyrecordingstronggrowthand survival rates.

“Weare encouraged by thestronggrowth observedalong theWoodcuttersTrail.Thisis earlybut meaningful evidence that ourefforts areworking.NewlandsForestfaces real and ongoingpressures, anditisour responsibility to respondwithsustained,science-led action,”

Louw said

TheNewlandsForestConservationGroup says it supportsefforts to restorenaturally forested areasbyplantingindigenoustrees wherematurespecimens have been lost to bark stripping,aswellasinareas that have opened up followingthe removalofalien invasive vegetation

“These initiativesplaya vitalroleinpreservingthe indigenous Afro-montane forest ecosystem,”saysWillemBoshoff,co-founderof theConservationGroup

AccordingtoBoshoff,hundredsofindigenous trees have been lost to illegalbarkstripping

over thepasttwo decades, making theplanting of indigenous saplings an importantcomponent of conservation efforts

“Assistingthe forest’s naturalrecovery throughthe planting of indigenous saplings aligns with ourlong-term vision of apristine, resilient, andhealthy indigenous forest,” he says He warnsthatalien invasive plants,bark stripping andthe illegalharvestingofindigenousplantscontinuetoposea threat to the forest

“Ongoing enforcement, public awareness, and conservation efforts arenecessary to protect this unique naturalasset,”Boshoff says He also acknowledged theroleplayedbykey partners in thebroader restorationeffort.

“Weneed to acknowledgethe valuable work beingundertakenbySANParks, theHonoraryRangers,and particularly theSugarbird Project. Theircontinued efforts to remove alien invasive speciesfromNewlandsForestand the surrounding areasare critical to therestoration andpreservationofboththe indigenous Afro-montane forest andthe endangered Peninsula GraniteFynbosecosystem,” he said Boshoff said that together,these initiatives were safeguarding oneofCapeTown’smost importantnatural environments forfuture generations.

Meanwhile, SANParks says ongoingmonitoringwillcontinueacrossall restored sites.

“SANParksremains firmly committedto securing thehealthand biodiversity of Table Mountain National Park forgenerations to come,” Louwsconcluded concluded.

Student tells of Gaza flotilla trip

WKEANANHARMSE

eeksafter returningto Cape Town following herdetention by Israeli authorities, HajarKagisoAlTha’irah AhjumMatheerecalled thepsychological andphysical toll of herhumanitarianmission to Gaza to People’s Post

The22-year-old Ottery resident andUniversityofthe WesternCape (UWC)postgraduate, whoispursuing aMaster’sdegreeinBioscienceat UWC.

Shewas theonlywoman among herfellow flotilla activistsontheir boat,who participated in theGlobal SumudFlotilla, acivilian-ledhumanitarian initiative that aimedto deliveraid to Gaza (“Hajargetshero’s welcome” People’s Post 26 May)

In an in-depth interviewwith People’s Post Mathee spokeonwhat shelearntduringher mission

Shesaidevery step of this expedition reignitedher courage.

“Itwas areminderthatwearen’t goingasindividuals with ourdifferentlabelsorindifferentboxes but as agroup of people united against oppression,occupation andinjustice From boarding theplane in Johannesburgtoarriving in Marmaris, attendingtotrainings,meetingat theportthe firsttime, standing with people from alloverthe world, packingthe boatswithhumanitarianaid Everystepofthe waypushedmeto keep going,”she recalled Despitethe terrorofthe interception at sea, Mathee said aoverwhelmingsense of couragecalmedher that moment

YOUARE CONSTANTLYON EDGE,WHATISGOING TO HAPPEN NEXT

“Seconds before interception there wasa littlefear, sure,but mostly calm filledwithcourage,something Ilearn from Palestinians,” shesaid.

Herhomecomingatthe airport“had itschallenges” butshe says sheis grateful to be home again.

“Weall come back with various levels of trauma butwehavebeen receivingall thenecessary help that we need.I’vebeen quitefortunate to have hadvarious platformswelcome me to speak, such as delivering the pre-Khutbahtalkatthe Ahlul-bayt mosque in Ottery,” shesaid.

Mathee says it’s importanttocontinuetoreceive theseplatforms and keep talkingabout thePalestinian struggle.

FEAR,UNCERTAINTY

“Whatweneed people to take home from this mission is that our struggles areinterconnected and that we allhavea duty to standand keep talkingabout theoppressedand dispossessed. We must recognisehow theimperialist,capitalist, oppressive system harmsusall,” shesaid.

Speaking at UWConTuesday 2 June alongsideher mother,Gadija Ahjum, Mathee describedthe experience as onemarkedbyfear, uncertaintyand intimidation after Israeliforcesintercepted the flotilla in internationalwatersinMay

“It’sanexperiencewhere youare constantly on edge becauseyou never know what is goingtohappennext,” shesaid.

The flotilla,carryinghumanitarian suppliesincluding baby formula, waterand medicalaid,was intercepted about268 kilometres off the Gaza coast. Activistsonboard were detained andtransported to Israel before laterbeing deported to their home countriesfollowing international pressure Mathee, oneofonlysix SouthAfri-

cans on themission andreportedly theyoungestactivistinvolved, said many passengerswererestrained with cabletiesand subjectedto harshtreatment whileincustody Sheallegedthatsoldierstightened restraints,forceddetainees to remain in uncomfortablepositions forextended periodsand subjectedthemto psychologicalintimidation.

“Hearing asoldier saythingslike, ‘I feel like killing someonetoday’, really affects youpsychologically,” shesaid. Mathee also claimedthatsoldiers

tore herheadscarf andconfiscated thehijabsofseveral Muslim women during theoperation

TEARSOFJOY

Despitethe ordeal,she said she hasnoregrets aboutparticipating in themission.“Palestinians have been crying outand pleading forassistance fordecades whilefacingoppression Give me some ointment formybruises,and Iwould go againtomorrow,” shesaid.

Mathee explainedthather decision to join the flotilla wasmotivated by herbeliefs andvalues. “Every part of my identity wastelling me that I needed to standupfor global justice. Icouldn’tcontinuewatchingthe atrocities that arehappening.I felt Ineeded to take amorehands-on approach.”

Herpubliccommentscomeshortly afteranemotional homecoming at Cape Town InternationalAirport, wherefamilymembers,supporters andmembers of thepublicgathered to welcomeher andfellowSouth Africanactivists home

Hermotherpreviouslydescribed thereunion as overwhelming,saying thefamilyshedtears of joywhen Mathee emergedfromthe airport arrivals hall.

Ajhumsaidshe remained proudof herdaughter’scourage andconviction.“When shetoldusshe wasgoing on the flotilla,itwas astatement from herside. Shedidn’trequire permission from us as parents,”she said “Itisthatexpression of commitment to values such as justice, human dignity, kindness andcompassion that Imarvelat.”

FromonetofiftyvegetablepatchesforECD’s

NAMHLAMONAKALI

Asinglevegetable patchplanted 10 yearsago hasgrown into acommunity initiative feedingthousands of children across Hout Bay.

What beganasone circular garden beddug into thegroundin2015has blossomedinto50mini-farmssupplying freshproduce to earlychildhood development(ECD) centresin ImizamoYethu andHangberg. This year,HoutBay-based non-profitorganisation(NPO) Love in aBowlcelebratesa decade of growingfood,creatingjobsand strengtheningcommunity connections.

Projectmanager Tjarla Norton, affectionatelyknown as the“Farm Queen”, said theorganisationstarted with asimpleidea.

“Wedug onecirclewiththe hope of growingenoughvegetablestomake soup fora single community programme,” said Norton

Thefarmcurrently growsclose to four tonnesoforganic vegetables monthlyand sell half of that andthen “donatethe rest to 23 community drop-offsinthe twolow-incomeareas

in ourvalley”

Everyweek, freshorganic vegetables harvestedfromLoveina Bowl’s mini-farms aredelivered to ECDcentres across thevalley, helpingprovide nutritious mealstoyoung children

“For many children,these meals areanimportant source of nutrition.

Knowingthatthe food wasgrown righthereinHoutBay by members of thecommunity makesitevenmore meaningful,” Norton explainedto People’s Post

TheNPO also opensthe farm to ECDcentres andschool groups, allowing children to connect directly with wheretheir food comesfrom.

“Wealsoopenedthe farm up for theECDsand thekidstocometothe farm,soweholdschool groups,” she said

Theorganisationcurrently employsnearly40peopleand interns, creating opportunitiesfor local residentstogainskills in agriculture, food production andenvironmental stewardship.

“Wehavealwaysbelievedthatfood security andemploymentgohandin

hand.Byinvesting in people,weare building stronger andmoreresilient communities,” Norton said

Akey part of theinitiativeisits community composting programme, whichcollectsfoodwaste from householdsand businessesand transforms it into nutrient-richcompost forthe farms.

“Whatsomepeoplesee as waste becomesthe foundation forgrowing freshfood. It is abeautiful example of acirculareconomy at work in our community,” shesaid.

Residentscan also supportthe organisation by purchasing fresh vegetables,eggs,bread andhoney at regularmarketdayshostedonthe farm

Revenuegenerated throughthese saleshelps fundfeedingprogrammes

andoperational costs.

Norton describedLoveina Bowl as more than afarming project.

“I am aforever member of theHout Baycommunity,and this organisation belongstothe community

“Wehavecreated aspace where people from allwalks of life can come together,learn,volunteer and contribute to somethingbiggerthan themselves,” shesaid.

Volunteers areencouragedtoassist with planting,harvestingand food distribution,while localbusinesses, restaurantsand non-governmental organisationscontinuetopartner with theproject to expand itsreach

Themarketrunsevery Tuesday andThursdayfrom9:00to14:00, as well as on thelastSaturdayofeach month.

13 economic innovators awarded

Tgory

TheNPC redirectssurplus productfromover 2000 retail stores to help launch micro-enterprises Tracey Chambers,co-founderofTakingCare

lb ng aj ry of families.”

Otherwinners included TheBluebirdGroup SA,which provides door-to-door workforce transport. AndResearchand Development

y’ ga business-friendly environmentwhile congratulatingthe Cape Chamberfor recognising businessesthatcontributetoeconomicgrowth andjob creation

‘Enc

TAudienceatprevious festival

SondheimatTheatreontheBay

Cape Town audiencescan look forwardtoan enchanting mixofromance,wit andemotional dramawhenCapeTownOpera (CTO)stages StephenSondheim’sacclaimedmusical ALittle NightMusic at Theatreonthe Baylater this month.

From Tuesday30JunetoSunday12July, the Fred Abrahamse-directed production will feature adistinguished cast of musicaltheatre performers, bringing to life astory of love,longing, jealousy andsecondchances setagainst oneof Broadway’s most celebrated musicalscores.

ThecastincludesMarcelMeyer as thecharismaticCount Carl-MagnusMalcolm,Kate Normington as Countess Charlotte Malcolm, Liné Jordaan as Anne Egerman, William Young as Henrik Egerman, Mia-CeciliaKriel as Fredrika Armfeldt andCTO HouseSoloist Brittany SmithasPetra Smith, whowon aFleur du CapTheatre Awardin2024for herportrayal of Mariain TheSound of Music,isexpectedtobring her acclaimedvocal anddramatictalents to the production

MusicaldirectorJoséDiaswillconduct from thepiano,while costumes have been designed by Marcel Meyer. Lighting design is by Nicolaas de Jonghand sounddesignbyDavid Classen. Abrahamsesaidthe enduring appeal of the musicalliesinits emotionaldepth “Itissophisticated andfunny,but beneath

theglitterthere is enormous tenderness and vulnerability. Sondheim’s writingisunmatched in itsintelligenceand emotionaltruth,” he said Firstperformed on Broadway in 1973, ALittle NightMusic wonsix Tony Awards,including Best Musical, andremains oneofSondheim’s most celebrated works. Theproductionfeatures theiconicsong“Send in theClowns”,alongside ascore renowned forits lush waltzes, sharp lyrics andemotional complexity . Ticketsthrough Webticketsand Theatreonthe Baybox office on 021 4383300.Advancebooking is recommended.Uptacon est ipsunt reproint

Seaforest on global stage

An enchanting underwater photograph capturinga colourful kelp forest takennearSimon’s Town hasplacedthe GreatAfrican Seaforeston theglobalstage aftergracing thecover of the latest editionof TIME magazine.The image, captured by Cape Town-based freediver and underwater photographer HelenWalne,showcasesthe vast biodiversity of theGreat African Seaforest, avastkelpecosystem stretching alongthe Cape coastline.

Walnetookthe now-famous photograph at a site calledA-Frame,which is closetoBoulders Beachoutside Simon’sTown.

TheGreat AfricanSeaforest is theonlycontinuousforestofgiant bamboo kelp (Ecklonia maxima)onthe planet.Fringingthe shores of Cape Town andstretchingover1000kmnorth into Namibia, this thriving marine ecosystem is home to unique biodiversity,including thousandsofspecies foundnowhere else.The photo appeared in TIME magazine’s feature– “The PowerHidinginUnderwaterForests”– which puts aglobalspotlight on oneofSouth Africa’s most extraordinarynatural wonders.

Walnetold Time OutCapeTown magazine that shehas been visiting thesitefor the past eightyears andwas drawntoa striking pink-purplesea anemonefeaturedinthe photograph. “Thatparticularsitebecamealmost like family,ora friend,” shesaid, describing it as oneofseveral speciallocations sheregularly returnstowithinthe seaforest.

TheGreat AfricanSeaforest is recognised as theworld’s only giantsea bamboo forest and supportsanextraordinary rangeofmarinelife, includingsharks, seals, octopus, abalone, rock lobsterand countlesssmallerspecies

Accordingto TIME,which drew heavilyonthe work of Cape Town-based SeaChangeProject, Save OurSeasFoundation, andthe 1001 SeaforestSpecies project.

Theecosystem gained internationalrecognition throughthe Oscar-winningdocumen-

tary My OctopusTeacher, filmed in thekelp forestsaroundthe Cape Peninsula. TIME’s featureexploresthe importance of kelp forests in supportingmarinebiodiversity, protecting coastlines andhelping absorb carbon in a warmingworld

Whilemanykelpforests globally face threats from climatechangeand pollution,research suggeststhe GreatAfrican Seaforesthas shown encouragingresilience.

ForSimon’s Town,the internationalrecognition is areminderthatone of theworld’s most remarkable naturalwonders lies just offshore, hiddenbeneath thewaves

ThePiratesofPenzancesailsintotheArtscapethisJuly

Pirates, policemen, romanceand comicchaos come to Artscape this winter as G&Spresentsa vibrantnew production of Gilbertand Sullivan’smuch-lovedcomic opera, ThePirates of Penzance,fromSaturday4 to Sunday 12 July PerformedinEnglish, filledwithhumour, andshorter than many traditionaloperas, The PiratesofPenzance offersanaccessibleand entertaining introduction to operafor families,younger audience membersand first-time opera-goers– whilestill delivering allthe wit, wordplay andmusical sparklethatGilbert and Sullivanaudiences know andlove.

Directed by DarrylJ Spijkers,withmusical directionbyAlastairCockburn, this bold new stagingbringsrenewed theatrical energy to one of themostenduringworks in comicopera, whileremaining firmly rooted in itsVictori-

an-era setting andcharm

ENTERTAINING

Theproductionfeaturesa cast of more than 60 performers anddancers,withliveaccompaniment provided by thenewly formed Cape Town Sinfonietta,a 26-piece orchestra. At atimewhenlarge live orchestras are increasingly rare in musicaltheatre andcomic operaproductions,audiences will have the opportunitytoexperienceSullivan’ssparkling scoreperformed in full.

Firstperformed in 1879, ThePirates of Penzance remainsone of Gilbertand Sullivan’s most popularand entertaining works. Filledwithrazor-sharp humour,fast-paced storytelling,swashbuckling adventureand memorablemelodies, theproductionincludes

favourites such as “I Am theVeryModel of a Modern Major-General”,alongside romantic duets, comicensembles andenergetic finales.

With itscolourful characters,livelystaging, dancers, fullorchestra andlarge cast,this production promises laughter,spectacle and musicalbrilliance in equalmeasure

It will runfor eightperformances, including threeafternoon matinees,between Saturday 4 andSunday12July.

. Tickets rangefromR225toR350.Book at Webtickets or the Artscape BoxOffice on 021 421 7695.

Colourful characters,livelystaging, dancers, orchestraand largecast,Pirates promises laughter, spectacleand musicalbrilliance. PHOTO:TIFFANY SCHULTZ