Reps Theatre Maasdorp Ave / Sam Nujoma St, Harare, Zimbabwe

Latest Reps Newsletter - September 2007

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Hello again! As I said last month, the ongoing challenges of life in Zimbabwe affect all of us each and every day and Reps is no exception to this. In particular we are finding it difficult to acquire a comprehensive and regular supply of drinks for the bars, for which Mike Foster spends huge amounts of time trying to lay his hands on even the smallest quantities of beverages - so we would appreciate any help in sourcing these! Nonetheless we forge ahead with a number of positive developments and events that help make life more pleasurable for us as members and for members of the public who enjoy what Reps offers. New members keep joining, shows keep happening and we all try to get on with life as best we can.

Brush Up Your Shakespeare

Linda Hyde is directing a feast of Shakespeare for Reps, with the production being staged on the open air stage in the National Ballet grounds between October 3 and 7. It is called Brush Up Your Shakespeare and features a full but abridged version of King Lear - an A Level set book this year - as well as excerpts from Julius Caesar, Macbeth, A Midsummer Night's Dream and Romeo and Juliet. Performances are 7pm except for Saturday October 6, which is at 4pm. Booking has opened at The Spotlight for this production, which is recommended for audiences of all ages. As an open air production, audiences are being encouraged to bring their own blankets and cushions or light chairs. Schools are being given a special invitation to attend and anyone from a school who would like to know can contact the Reps office for more details.

Afdis Schools Festival entry on stage

One of the entries in this year's Afdis Schools Festival, undertaken by Reps with support from African Distillers, is to be staged at Reps to enable members and others to see what was entered. This will be the Eaglesvale play, Nongogo, which will be staged in Theatre Upstairs on Friday September 28 and Saturday September 29 (7pm each night). It had been hoped to also host the Peterhouse play, Boeing Boeing, but for logistical reasons the school cannot send in their students to perform. Well worth watching.

Stretch, Dance and Groan

Next up on the main stage is Debbie Fleming's dance show ... and anyone who has been down at the theatre in recent weeks will have seen a lively bunch of dancers doing their thing in rehearsals - complete with stretching and groaning and not mention lots of laughter, too! Booking opens soon and it will run from October 16 to 20 (a short run so get in early with your bookings). As always with Debbie's productions this will be a fast and lively event that will have maximum enjoyment for all.

Jazz It Up

The jazz evening is still planned for Saturday October 13 in the National Ballet grounds. Tony Palmer and the Detema Jazz Band will perform from 4pm to 10pm and there will be food and drink available (as much as we can lay our hands on, in fact). Entry fees go to Reps and National Ballet.

Reps Golf Day and family fun day

This is planned for Sunday October 14, with golf at Country Club in the morning, followed by prizegiving in the Reps Members' Bar later. Families are being encouraged to come down to the prizegiving, as youngsters will be hosted to films in the Club Room, while parents can socialise in the bar. More information from Chris Charnley or the Reps office. The golf is open not only to the top golfers, but also to the hackers!

Reprobates

This unusually-titled group has been formed to spread knowledge and understanding about the basics of the theatre to as many people as would like to become more proficient and more knowledgeable - and more active. It's more than a Repteens for the older set and it will workshop ideas and bring out talents, as well as give a platform to people who wish to be more active in various areas of the theatre, not the least as actors and actresses and as directors. For more information on how to get in on this act, contact Sue Bolt at bolts[at]celsys.co.zw.

Old Mutual Helps Again

A superb donation of $93 million from Luke Ngwerume and the team at Old Mutual has meant another bout of upgrading for the Reps foyer, most notably the curtains and seat covers. I would like to thank Old Mutual most sincerely for yet another generous sponsorship and, to Luke in particular I would like to say well done for helping us keep theatre live - and comfy!

Farewell to Peter Bosley and Len Mepham

Many of you will have heard of the passing of Peter Bosley, one of the most active people in the entertainment scene in this country for many years. His passing marks the end of an era, especially for those people who saw him in productions of all kinds, including a number of the Reps stage. Condolences from us all to his family and friends. Condolences also to the family and friends of Len Mapham, who passed away recently. He was active in the theatre, especially in the front of house area of activity.

Needed

We need to find one or more sewing machines for the Wardrobe team - an essential component within this busy department and one which every show relies on for major input. May I appeal to you all to look around to find one or more, either as a donation or at a very good price? We have many items on our wish list, but the sewing machines may well be something for which help can be provided. These need to be domestic, metal and cased machines, preferably Singer, Elna or Belina makes.

Did you know ... ?

... that the Reps website is the place to visit to catch up on news of what is going on. Please also recommend it to others as a source of information. The address is www.reps.co.zw and the site is kindly hosted by MWEB Zimbabwe as a free service (they also give us e-mail and Internet access as a free service, too). Mark Hyde is our webmaster, which he does despite his very busy schedule and other commitments. Anyone with input for the site - or feedback - can send it to the Reps office (reps[at]mweb.co.zw)

Until next time, keep well

Regards

Tim Garrard, Chairman

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