Chantal Stansfield’s From Koe’siestes to Kneidlach extended until 11 January and Jonathan Rubain’s Cape Jazz is Lekke! also on at the Baxter.
Cape Flats meets Joburg’s East Rand in Koe’siestes to Kneidlach
Following its nearly sold-out run so far and due to popular demand, television star Chantal Stanfield’s hilarious From Koe’siestes to Kneidlach has been extended by a week and will end on Saturday 13 January, running in the Baxter Golden Arrow Studio, at 8.15pm nightly.
Audiences and the media have raved about the production. Karen Rutter for WeekendSpecial described it as a “sweet, clever, funny and thoroughly contemporary production which is a love story on more than one level. And while it may sound funny to say a show about matzah balls makes for great entertainment over the Christmas season – it really does!” Orielle Berry from Cape Times said, “This kosher comedy is a delightful romp and a much needed and timely one during the festive season … It comes highly recommended.”
The one-woman piece is based on the comedic and true story of what happens when a girl from the Cape Flats meets and falls in love with a Jewish boy from Joburg’s East Rand. Stanfield shares her real life experiences in this story of cross-cultural marriage which starts with meeting her boyfriend’s family at her first Shabbos dinner and trying to learn and understand Yiddish, to ultimately, dealing with the confusion of her own identity and questions about her Afro hair – her pride and joy.
“The journey between these two cultures, experiences and backgrounds is best described in the title, playing on the similarities and differences of the two cultures” says Stanfield. “Koe’siestes are soft, sticky Cape Malay doughnuts, lightly spiced with aniseed and cinnamon, dipped in syrup and covered in desiccated coconut while Kneidlach are Jewish soup dumplings. They are made of matzah meal, eggs, water and fat, traditionally served in chicken soup and a staple on Passover and are also known as matzah balls. This story is really about the joy and humour that occurred during this cultural coming together for us.”
Fleur du Cap winner Megan Furniss directs the one-hander, with music by Paul Choritz, pre-show music compiled by RJ Benjamin, and lighting design is by Alfred Rietmann.
WHAT, WHEN & WHERE: From Koe’siestes to Kneidlach runs at the Baxter Golden Arrow Studio until Saturday, 13 January at 8.15pm nightly. Baxter Theatre Centre, Main Rd, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7700
Jonathan Rubain’s Cape Jazz is Lekke!
Also on at the Baxter Concert Hall until 13 January is Jonathan Rubain’s sensational homage to Cape Town’s rich jazz history – perfect for music lovers this summer. Rubain has assembled a stellar line-up of local legends for this season comprising Hilton Schilder, Kyle Shepherd, Dave Ledbetter and Candice Thornton, in a carnival celebration of the unique and prolific jazz compositions inherent to the Mother City. With this production Rubain and the musicians take audiences on an eclectic trip down memory lane with this home-grown sound and audiences have responded overwhelmingly with standing ovations at every performance.
“This is a dream come true for me,” says Rubain of his biggest show to date. “I am still in awe of the support from audiences every night – from people all around the country as well as foreigners visiting – it has been truly mind-blowing for me and the cast. Also, the privilege of sharing the stage with these incredible musicians makes it all the more special. Playing with Kyle Shepherd brings back so many memories of our time playing together for Robbie Jansen and Errol Dyers.”
WHAT, WHEN & WHERE: Cape Jazz is Lekke! runs in the Baxter Concert Hall until 13 January at 8.15pm nightly. Baxter Theatre Centre, Main Rd, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7700
TICKETS: Booking for either of these two shows is through Computicket on 0861 915 8000, online or at any Shoprite or Checkers outlet.
