Clipboard – July 16 2016

There’s some great stuff going on in our fair city and I would like to recommend getting your full enjoyment of it all … and I must remind you that Phantom – The Concert finishes tomorrow evening (Sat) so you have only THREE chances to see this before it ends and there’s no chance of a repeat! Book now or just pop along … it’s a real treat and not only will you enjoy it but you will reward a hugely talented and devoted team who have put together a superb show for us to enjoy!

Now running until Saturday July 16 – Phantom – The Concert. Reps Theatre. The Repertory Players present the music of one of the world’s favourite love stories, with all the great songs you know so well. Starring David Bvumbe as The Phantom and exciting new talents Natalie Carroll as Christine and Shaun Mundawarara as Raoul.  Evening shows tonight and tomorrow at 7pm; matinee at 2.30pm tomorrow. Tickets $8 to $15. Book at The Spotlight (call (04) 308159 or visit www.thespotlight.co.zw (online bookings available). Directed by Sue Bolt and musical direction by Meg Mackenzie. A treat for audiences of all ages.

Now running until Saturday July 16 – National Institute of Allied Arts Speech and Drama Festival.  Over 1 700 entries have been received and candidates will be presenting poems, prose, Shakespearean work, mime, speeches and news reading, to be adjudicated by visiting adjudicators. Venues to July 15: Performing Arts Theatre, Harare International School – Choral Speaking.  Tickets and full programme available at the venues. More information:  (04) 702989 or e-mail: niaa@yoafrica.com

Now running until Saturday July 16 – Homes and Styles Expo 2016. 8.30am to 4.30pm daily, Cresta Sango Conference Centre, Cresta Lodge, Greendale/Msasa. To find out about exhibitor rates, contact: events@vhmevents.co.zw, call 0773 226301 or 0772 105342. Cover charge: book on Webtickets until June 10 for discounted rates. $2, early bird one day admission only, $30, early bird admission plus seminar (one day pass), $6 for two-day admission, $45 for two-day admission plus seminar.

Now running until Saturday July 16 – Journey’s End. St John’s College Dramatic Society, proud winner of the Reps Afdis Award for Best School Production 2015, presents the classic World War One play, Journey’s End by R. C. Sherriff. Friday at 6.30pm and the gala performance on Saturday at 6.30pm for 7 pm (this includes cheese and wine beforehand.) Tickets are $5 each, on sale at the College Bursar or on the door. An exhibition of the work of the War Poets movement work will also be on display.

Friday July 15 – Christmas in July at The Spice Trader. 7pm to midnight. BYO drinks. Enjoy a three-course dinner with a fusion of Christmas and spicy delights. $35 per person. Individual tickets on sale. Pre-payment by card or cash required please. Please call or Whatsapp Chantelle on 0772 308953 for bookings.

Saturday July 16 – Cynthia Smith Memorial Bike Ride. Wingate Golf Club. Ride 15km, 25km or 50km (GPS needed). Registration from 7am. Fundraiser for VAWZ. Phone Chrystal on 0712 201553.

Saturday July 16 – Departures. Screening of this acclaimed Japanese film by Yojiro Takita in aid of the Harare Buddhist Centre. With English subtitles, this is an Academy Award winner –for Best Foreign Language Film of 2009. Screening time 2.30pm. Rokpa Centre, 34 Quendon Road, Monavale. Tickets $10, includes tea/coffee and food. This film begins as a narrative about a couple in financial crisis. Daigo Kobayashi’s orchestra has unexpectedly disbanded and to save money he and his wife, Mika move back to his hometown in northern Japan. We have no way of knowing, and indeed neither do they, that this is the beginning of a journey of profound growth and discovery. Looking into the employment ads, Daigo finds a promising offer at what sounds like a travel agency. He applies at a quiet little office where the interview is brief and he is given the job. He discovers the agency handles travel, all right — to the next world. It is an “encoffinment,” or undertaking, business. Japanese society channels the mourning around death into a beautiful ritual that provides comfort to the bereaved. Nonetheless it appears that the role of funeral professional is not embraced for friends and family. This gorgeous film is very moving and provides us with a seat amongst the bereaved at the beautiful ritual preparing the dead for burial.  The cello music that provides the soundtrack for this film is another good reason to come along and enjoy this art film. Parking at the Italian Club diagonally opposite the Rokpa Centre

Saturday July 16 – National Institute of Allied Arts Speech and Drama Festival Final Concert.  6pm, Performing Arts Theatre, Harare International School.  Tickets available in advance from The Spotlight.

Sunday July 17 – Toyota 200 Motor Racing. Donnybrook Raceway, gates opening 10am. The fastest cars and bikes push it to the limit at the Toyota 200km endurance race and an adrenaline-packed day of great racing. Admission $5 for adults; children under 12 free. Bar and catering. Jumping castles for the children.