Press: Satin To Sequins – More Than A Minstrel

The festive musical production Satin to Sequins – More than a Minstrel, directed by the award-winning Alistair Izobell, will light up the Baxter Concert Hall stage for three weeks only, from the 28th June 2018.

Written and produced by Oddball Concepts, the production aims to entertain audiences while hoping to de-stigmatise the perceptions and culture of the Cape Town minstrels. The stellar cast is made up of Carmen Maarman (Aunty Merle The Musical, District Six-The Musical), Carlo Daniels (Kat and the Kings, District Six Kanalla), Austin Rose, Tashreeq De Villiers, Shadley Schroeder and Ashtevahn Mintoor, accompanied by a live band.

Fictional character Mr Biggs and The Woodstock Darlings first entertained crowds in 2014 with a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run a minstrel troupe. This 2018 reworked version will also show the human side to the minstrel, so often misconstrued by many. After all, there is more to the guy in the satin suit - he also pays taxes and he also struggles with love and loyalty.

This musical spectacle brings audiences the festive season vibe in winter, with original songs performed by authentic, seasoned minstrels and musicians who are all well respected in their particular troupes.

Moeshfieka Botha, media commentator, watched it in 2014. “We want to belong. We want to know that those around us, understand us and our goals, and respect our love for the common cause. And when you watch SATIN TO SEQUINS you feel just that ... because THE CAST FEELS IT, and therefore PORTRAYS it!”

Director Alistair Izobell has a long-standing history with the Klopse competitions and is fascinated by the unique creole sound. “The influences of these rhythms and sounds come from various sources that go back to the Cape’s early history - American, Dutch, Khoi, Asian, African influences all played a vital role. This production will be our interpretation of those influences.”

The minstrels, also known as the ‘Kaapse Klopse’ are generally associated with thugs who come from crime-infested areas on the Cape Flats. For some this may be true, but for the vast majority - who also happen to be law students, entrepreneurs and business people - it is not the case. They would like to see this culture evolve and be recognised and acknowledged as a legitimate part of the Cape cultural heritage.

Writer, Riyaad Peters, who is also a lecturer at a prestigious sports institute, is testament to being more than a minstrel. “For far too long we’ve been looked at as clowns parading in the streets of Cape Town. It’s time that people appreciate it just as much as they would the Rio Carnival. Such is its potential?”.

Regarded as a highly competitive sport made up of two months of singing competitions the troupes compete for no payment at all except for what is generally referred to as ‘bragging rights’. Furthermore, preparation for this usually happens all year round.

Oddball Concepts is creating a platform for talented young enthusiasts.

Satin to Sequins – More than a Minstrel, runs during the June school holidays, every night at 8:15pm (except Sundays), from 28 June, with matinees on Saturdays 20 June, 7 July and 14 July at 4pm.

Tickets are R150 and booking is through Webtickets, online at www.webtickets.co.za, or at selected Pick n Pay stores. For discounted group block bookings and fundraisers contact Faghri on 064 684 8992.