The second season of the Jive Culture Shock competition is in full swing and it has a brand-new category where minstrel troupes are faced with the task of putting together a mini-musical.
At first I was sceptical about this concept because surely people who purchase tickets to watch this show are tuning in to see traditional items like the moppies and the Nederlandslied.
However, after watching a few of the productions, I am starting to believe that it is a valuable add-on to the show.
I do feel that because this is a Klopse and Malay choir competition, the storylines of the troupes are all confined to just that, but with the proper guidance, this too shall change and it will become better.
Riyaad Peters, the artistic director of show producers Oddball Concepts, says: “For the past 10 years we have always been doing community theatre and it only seemed the natural way to go.
“We want to try and create an opportunity for unknown performers to be showcased on a global stage.”
When asked about this new theatrical add-on to Culture Shock, judge Carlo Daniels replied: “Ek dink dit is amazing dat daar ‘n theatrical storytelling section is, because tussen ons music, terwyl ons practise, is daar klomp ander struggles wat ons deurgaan as coloured mense oppie Cape Flats, en ons makeer ‘n platform om daai feelings te express, whether deur poetry of ‘n song of ‘n sketch.
“Soe ek dink die theatrical section ‘n breath of fresh air die jaar en mense gaan dit enjoy.”
He adds: “People lead storied lives and everyone who walks into a rehearsal room comes with a story and this production item gives the opportunity for these stories to be told through the medium of drama.
“Hopefully new talent will be unearthed for Cape Town through this.”
Judge Amien Vardien, who is known for his expertise on the Nederlandslied still remained technical with regards to the singing within the drama pieces which is important because every show is a live competition and every night you should perform for a first prize.
He goes on to say: “The production that I have just seen stays in my mind and they had the “less is more” factor ... this production can be played anywhere in the world.”
Meanwhile, Rushney Ferguson, one of the new judges on the panel, came with a fresh eye and said: “I love the new category that’s been added to the competition this year.
“As a thespian it makes me so happy to know that non-theatre folk are learning about theatre.
“So hopefully this process will help the teams understand what it takes and also to learn more about putting together a production.
“This will then assist them with their other performances and enhance their skills even more,” said Ferguson.
In my opinion, this add-on will create even more opportunities for those laaities from the Klopse and Malay choirs who join these teams because they see it as an opportunity to grow their talent.
My favourite acting piece of the show so far was “Tjommies from Hanover Park” who moved the judges and the small audience in attendance to tears with their portrayal of life in Hanover Park.
This is definitely something everyone should see and it’s a performance that is more than worth the price of your Jive Culture Shock ticket.
The show also has a new MC in the form of charismatic Heart 104.9 presenter Aden Thomas, who commended Jive Culture Shock for giving Cape Town the opportunity to celebrate its culture during these trying times of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“For the last year and a half, we have been denied the opportunity to gather and celebrate and this is important.
“I am very glad that Heart FM have gotten involved with Oddball Concepts and YMA Consulting to showcase what authentic Cape Town is about.”
“The sooner we all get ourselves vaccinated, we can all go back to living our lives as per normal and we will see big events like the Kaapse Klopse street parade returning, but it is your choice in the end.”