The magical production, “Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland”, is coming to Durban for one show only this festive season.
Starring some of the world’s top performers, this modern classic brings to life many beloved characters in a wildly imaginative and family-friendly show.
The play is by Christopher Wheeldon and is a riotous reimagining of Lewis Carroll’s iconic children's book of the same name.
The show was first staged in 2011, and since then, it has been an explosion of colour, stage magic and sophisticated choreography.
It was also the first collaboration between Wheeldon, composer Joby Talbot and designer Bob Crowley. The trio also created “The Winter’s Tale” and “Like Water for Chocolate” for The Royal Ballet.
“Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” features choreography by Wheeldon and is conducted by Koen Kessels and Martin Georgiev.
The music is by Talbot who is also overseeing orchestration.
“The result shows The Royal Ballet at its best, bringing together world-class dance with enchanting family entertainment and ingenious music and design,” a statement read.
Where: The Rhumbelow Theatre.
When: December 1.
Cost: Tickets cost R175 and are available through Webtickets.
“Alice in Africa”
Join Alice as she journeys through a land where the wonders of South African culture come to life.
Choreographed by Taryn Makaab Smit of the Break-thru Dance Company, eight local dancers will light up the stage in “Alice in Africa”.
Jane McMurchie performs in the lead role of Alice, while Olivia Wynne, Sophie White, Rosie White, Riley Venter, Isabella Barnaby, Ava Lewis and Rafaela Rocha make up the rest of the talented cast.
Audiences can expect vibrant costumes and props with bold patterns, earthy tones and a set that mirrors the vast landscapes of Africa.
Inspired by the rich tapestry of South African customs, Alice sets out on an incredible journey through a magical land in a compelling blend of dance and cultural heritage.
Guided by a whimsical white meerkat, Alice encounters an array of characters that embody the diverse spirit of Ubuntu.
Among her newfound friends is Mam’Zandi, a wise figure steeped in the wisdom of her ancestors, offering insights that resonate with the heart of African heritage.
Alice also meets the vivacious Mad Hattress, who injects humour into their journey.
In the midst of these colourful encounters, she meets the enigmatic Mbeki, a leopard whose presence is both majestic and mysterious. His moves are not only a dance but an expression of the deep connection to nature.
The Pantsula twins, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, inject an exhilarating beat into the tale with an electrifying street dance.
Meanwhile, the captivating Shongololo, adds a magical element to the story. Here, Alice is fully engrossed in dancing and learns to sense Africa's pulse as traditional music beats around the room.
But not everything in this vibrant land is harmonious.
The Queen of Hearts, a powerful figure whose selfish desires threaten the unity and spirit of Ubuntu that ties this kingdom together.
Alice discovers the value of resisting influences that divide people as she makes her way through the challenges of her journey, proving that genuine strength comes from cooperation and solidarity.
According to Smit: “This production celebrates African culture and movement while allowing our young dancers to explore themes of self-discovery and courage. It’s about honouring heritage and creating something new.”
She added: “It’s always incredible to watch the creativity of my team and the dreams for the dance company come alive on the stage.
“I’m so grateful to be able to create a production that celebrates African culture and brings something unique to our community.”
Where: Playhouse Drama Theatre.
When: November 29 to December 1.
Cost: Tickets cost R220 and are available through Webtickets.
Flatfoot Access Festival 2024
The Flatfoot Access Festival is currently on until Saturday, November 30.
The festival celebrates Flatfoot’s 21-year history of encountering disability through dance education and development work and more recently, in their professional development work.
The festival is offering workshops, panel discussions, and performances featuring the Flatfoot Dance Company, Flatfoot Downie Dance Company, Flatfoot Access Panthers and the Wentworth Arts and Culture Organisation’s Dance Movement.
About the festival, Flatfoot’s artistic director, Lliane Loots said: “It is a glorious moment of celebrating not just the incredible dancers, dance makers and choreographers participating but of the truly transformative power of dance to bind society together and empower a sense of community.”
Some of the festival’s highlights include a new production from the Flatfoot Downie Dance Company titled: “Time Spent …”.
“This is a dance journey into the intricacies of friendships and relationships, and the ever-changing nature of social circles,” shared Loots.
Flatfoot Access Panthers together with the Flatfoot Dance Company will perform “Songs of the Soul” and Dance Movement will perform “Coloured Boy” and “Serendipity” with choreography by Jarryd Watson.
Performances and workshops are taking place at The Stable Theatre.
The performances take place on Friday, November 29, and will be repeated on Saturday, November 30, at 6.30pm.
Cost: Tickets are R80 and can be purchased through Computicket. The Stable Theatre is wheelchair-friendly venue.