The Drama Factory is an independent, intimate theatre for Somerset West, Strand and surrounds!
LATINOS FLAMENCOS LIVE
Highly acclaimed Bienyameen Camroodien and Los Guitanos presents a showcase of fiery flamenco dance, pulsating hot Latin rhythms and foot-tapping Mediterranean music that promise to dazzle!
The cast consists of several award-winning artists, including two of South Africa's leading flamenco dancers: Demi Johnson (Duena Jerez) & Ché Adams; Bienyameen Camroodien, a Kanna Award-winning musical director, as well as three of South Africa's leading family of flamenco guitarist soloists: Dawood Camroodien, Zayd Mayman & Mikaeel Bham, who also sings in Spanish, from S.A.’s leading live flamenco / Latino group, Los Gitanos.Donned in their colourful ponchos, Los Gitanos will perform flamenco & well-known Latin hits of the Gipsy Kings, known for their unique blend of flamenco, pop & salsa, such as the iconic Bamboléo, Djobi Djoba, Gitano Soy & Baila Me, amongst others, as well as foot-tapping Mediterranean music from Greece (Zorba, the Greek), the land of mañana, Mexico, (La Bamba), Italy (Volare,), Spain (Y Viva España & the bolero, Bésame Mucho), Cuba (Quantanamera), Brazil (Lambada) & Peru (Al Condor Pasa), to mention but a few.
Instrumentals are performed on mandolin, Spanish guitars and percussion that will include an enchanting, colourful collection of music such as the old Spanish folk tune, Malagueña, as well as other vibrant music (mentioned above), some redolent of the fiestas in Mexico & Spain and the carnivals in Rio that will trigger your desire to dance the lambada, salsa, rumba and samba! Come and be wisked away to the Sacromonte, the home of the Gitanos or gypsies in Adalusia, Southern Spain with the clicking of castanets, intricate hand clapping, flourishes of fiery finesse & impressive footwork of the flamenco dancers. Immerse yourself in this kaleidoscopic synergy of passionate music and brilliant flamenco dance. Your magical, musical destination – a breathtaking, exotic location.
- won the KANNA Award for Best Musical Director in La Rosa Spanish Dance Company’s dance production of “Blood Wedding” in 2005 & was their musical director for 7 years, performing internationally & nationally at the Grahamstown & Klein Karoo Arts Festivals with them.
- was honoured as flamenco guitar legend by the Legends Organization at the “Legends Concert”.
- was the solo instrumental finalist in the national talent televised programme, “Follow that Star”, finishing as runner-up in the Band & Instrumental Category.
- was also in the guitar duo finalist with Al Farid in the televised “Road to Fame” talent search.
- was selected in 1998 to perform at a masterclass with world-renowned Brazilian classical guitar duo, The Asaad brothers who were impressed with his stunning flamenco right hand technique.
- attended masterclasses with flamenco guitar maestro, Manolo Sanlucar, in 2011.
- Was commissioned in 2017 by Hollywood film director, Andy Sirkis, well known for his blockbuster movies, ‘Star Wars’, ‘Harry Potter’, ‘Planet of the Apes’ & ‘The Avengers’, to perform two of original tracks in his latest movie, ‘Breathe’.
- Lectured in 2011 at the prestigious & first ever Cape International Guitar Festival.
- Has a licenciate in music teaching & has lectured in music at the University of Cape Town, Natal & at the University of the Western Cape for several years & performs at the Graduate School of Business (University of Cape Town) frequently as part of Professor Walter Baets’ course titled, “Masterclass in Business”.
- has performed in Spain, Seychelles, Mauritius, India & Namibia.
- made his debut at age 8, when he was invited by the late Madame Caroline Holden to perform at the La Rosa Spanish Dance Company’s Graduation Ceremony at the University of Cape Town.
- impressed the Spanish Consul, at age 9 in 2009, when he performed in one of flamenco dance legend’s, Madame Mavis Becker’s, flamenco productions at the Hiddingh Hall in Cape Town.
- at age 10 was the youngest musician invited to perform at the National Teacher’s Awards in Cape Town & also performed live on several local radio & television programmes.
- won the first prize at age 12 in 2011 in the junior category of the prestigious first ever Cape Town International Classical Guitar Festival.
- appeared on television as a flamenco guitar soloist in ‘SA’s Got Talent’ television series at age 12 & was selected as one of the 40 best acts in Cape Town.
- appeared with his father, Bienyameen Camroodien, in the movie, ‘Breathe’ & had the privilege of performing with his father in a movie scene with the actor, “The Amazing Spider Man” star, Andrew Garfield.
- won 1st prize as the best instrumentalist (lead guitarist of his band 4Tunes), while in primary school, in The Battle of the Bands Competition for high schools.
- Is currently the youngest flamenco guitarist in S.A. & has performed in several major flamenco concerts in Cape Town with Dawood & Bienyameen.
- together with Bienyameen, Al Farid & Dawood, he appeared on television & performed in major productions at the Artscape Theatre;
- performed as 2nd guitarist alongside Dawood Camroodien in the Tierra Flamenca’s dance production.
- at age 19 completed her Instructor de Baile teaching qualification with the internationally recognised Spanish Dance Society.
- has danced as a soloist with La Rosa Spanish Dance Theatre & has performed to critical acclaim in numerous La Rosa productions, including ‘Bernarda’, Peña Flamenca & …’en el Tablao Flamenco’.
- studied with leading flamenco dancers & teachers in the world like Rafael Campallo, Immaculada Ortega, Concha Jareño & others.
- attended masterclasses since 2010 & performances annually at the Festival de Jerez, the ultimate flamenco showcase.
- launched her own professional flameno company, Tierra Flamenco, the culmination of a lifelong dream, at the age of 23, with the company’s first 3 productions, ‘Flamenco’, ‘Tres’ & ‘Lunares’ enjoying sold-out shows & rave reviews. Tierra Flamenca’s aim is to bring an authentic flamenco experience to S.A. audiences, where flamenco can be felt, experienced & explored in a South African context.
- Works with Bienyameen Camroodien, the country’s foremost flamenco guitarist, & Lorean Swartz, S.A.’s only flamenco singer.
- Alongside S.A.’s top Spanish Dance companies, as well as prominent Cordoba-born flamenco dancer, Angel Muñoz, Tierra Flamenca was selected by Dame Rhoda Rivkind & Sir Geoffrey Neiman to perform in ‘España 50’, the 50th anniversary celebration of the Spanish Dance Society at the Market Theatre in Johannesburg.
- has taught La Rosa Company classes, Dance for All’s Bridging Programme, as well as University of Cape Town Spanish Dance students.
- is frequently invited to perform as guest artist & to run courses at Carli Spanish Dance Productions & Rosa Jimenez Spanish Dance Theatre in Sasolburg, & Montoya Spanish Dance Theatre in Pretoria.
- was invited to teach at Alianza Flamenca’s Easter Seminar in Johannesburg in 2018.
- is currently a professional company soloist & part-time teacher at Tierra Flamenca under Ché Adams & her recent stage performances include ‘Ole’ (2019) & ‘Lyrics Still Matter’ (2020)
- completed her International Spanish Dance Society exams in 2018 & was awarded the Mercedes Molina Award for achieving a distinction in a senior syllabus exam.
- completed masterclasses with the likes of Angel Muñoz, La Truco, Belen Maya (Festival de Jerez 2016), Domingo Ortgeo & Leonor Leal.
Mark Haze - Stripped Down Show
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BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! Mark Haze, one of South Africa’s greatest singer/songwriters and runner-up of 2011 South African Idols Competition needs no introduction! He has firmly cemented himself as one of South Africa’s premier live rock acts.
Chart-topping rock singer, Mark Haze, Known for his wide vocal range, for being a showman, his signature sound and a combination of high energy Rock ‘n Roll, Mark does it again with his stripped down show that isn’t actually stripped down! The show is as mesmerising as it comes. Watch as Mark builds from scratch with acoustic and electric guitar, drum machine and loop station! The show will feature some of Mark’s favourite influences and covers throughout the history of Rock ‘n Roll like Bon Jovi’s hit “Dead or Alive, Guns ‘n Roses’ “Sweet Child of Mine”, The Beatles’ “Come Together”, Pink Floyd’s, “Brick in the Wall”, and Queen’s “Somebody to Love”, to mention but a few classic favourites, as well as some of Mark’s original material like “Monster”, his brand new single (off his ‘Authentic’ album) that is currently charting, as well as other songs off his ‘Authentic’ album, and also his Top 10 hit single “Good Riddance (Time of your Life)”.
Oozing on-stage charisma, Mark possesses the ability to command the largest of audiences, as well as connect personally with people when he performs at a more intimate venue – something not easily done when moving from large stages with a full band to a simpler acoustic setup where he is face to face with the audience. His powerful vocals, and soulful, skilled guitar playing, are a force to be reckoned with.
Mark Haze promises a show experience like no other can offer - an escape into a world where nothing else matters. You will find yourself lost in the moment –only the music will exist once he begins to sing. Expect soaring vocals and dynamic guitar work. Each performance is treated as though it would be his last!
“Good Riddance” ("Time of Your Life” – African Version – Mark Haze Live https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKvregyEQsU
“Come Together” – Acoustic Looper – Mark Haze Live Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JETklWgDCCk
“Monster” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?
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Rumours of Fleetwood Mac
Back By Popular Demand! Rumours of Fleetwood Mac is a tribute show centered around one of Fleetwood Mac’s most successful albums Rumours (1977) that spent 31 weeks at No 1 on the Billboard charts. Rumours remains a candid songwriting triumph that cemented Fleetwood Mac’s status as one of the greatest rock bands of all time. Featuring a full band made up of some of Cape Town's top musicians, Rumours of Fleetwood Mac takes the audience into an audio landscape filled with ‘classic time-capsules of memories’ with tracks like Go your own way’, ‘Don’t Stop’, ‘Dreams’, ‘Everywhere’ and ‘Second hand news’.
The earworms of Fleetwood Mac scattered throughout the show are guaranteed to have you smiling, foot-stomping & singing along to these iconic music gems.
Rumours of Fleetwood Mac features Skye Wilson on lead vocals & rhythm guitar, Greg Schoeman on lead guitar & vocals, Ant Kinsey on bass & vocals, Malcolm Cassisa on drums & backing vocals and Wendy van Rensburg on keyboards & backing vocals, creating a blend of outstanding musicianship and harmonies.