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

Reps Reporter - September 2013

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Introduction

The year is hurtling towards its conclusion and the pace in and around continues to be fast, with a range of different shows coming up on stage and other activities taking place. It’s summer, so why not come down and enjoy a social evening on the Tada Terrace?

New talent in focus

Dozens of aspiring performers take to the stage in the Starbrite Finals, which are taking place on the Main Stage on Thurs Sep 26 and Fri Sep 27 (both 6pm). Hosted by Barney Mpariwa, these shows are being televised for Ztv. Included in the line-up are singers, dancers, comedians and specialist acts. The shows are open to everyone and tickets are $5. Book at The Spotlight.

A Viennese treat

Linda Hyde and Lorna Kelly have been working hard to create a colourful and entertaining musical revue, featuring songs from four well-known operettas and called A Festival Of Viennese Operetta. This runs on the Main Stage for only a week, so people must book early to get themselves a seat in what promises to be a popular show. Singers on stage include well-known solo and choral singers as well as a line-up of interesting new young talent on stage for the first time. Performances are Tues Oct 1 (7pm preview – pensioners free); Weds Oct 2 (7pm gala night for Well Woman Clinic); Thurs Oct 3 and Fri Oct 4 (7pm) and then matinees on Sat Oct 5 and Sun Oct 6 (both 2.30pm). Book at The Spotlight.

After that on Main Stage

Coming to the Main Stage soon after the operetta will be an Italian jazz evening, an Alliance Francaise cabaret show and a rock show called Repstock. Watch out for more specific details of these shows, including how and when to book. Thereafter we have our annual nursery schools end-of-year productions, followed by the Dance Trust of Zimbabwe’s Stars of Tomorrow show, a return of National Ballet’s HIFA show When They’re Gone (back by popular demand after selling out at HIFA and at Reps in May) AND then it’s on to the 2013 pantomime, Cinderella, which will be directed by Graham Crutchley.

An audition for this will be taking place on Sunday 6th October at 10.00 a.m. in the Adrian Stanley Room if you are keen to be involved on stage or backstage. Zane Lucas will be back to direct the new year show, Noel Coward’s Private Lives. An audition for this is scheduled for Saturday September 28 at 2pm. In Theatre Upstairs, October will see the final work on the upgrading programme and later in the year Repteens will be staging their end-of-year show.

Socially entertaining

Musical events are held to add value to your social experience in the members’ bar or elsewhere. We need to know what you think about these events and the entertainers we engage to perform, so send us your feedback and your ideas. Coming up in the bar in coming weeks are performances by Alphonse Chui, Mande Snyman and Roy Freestone, Retrospex, Tony Palmer and Mike Freeman, Country Jukebox disco, Kevin Whaley’s disco, Rob Osborne and others, and there are the monthly pub quiz events (usually the second Sunday at 11.15am) as well as the Evening of Words once every two months). We now also have a monthly darts evening in the club room, to which everyone’s invited. Ideas for new events or names of potential new performers are welcome and wanted.

Strategic Planning

A report-back was held to give members a chance to see what is planned for Reps by Exco, and the event attracted a dozen or so people. We would like to have had a bigger turnout, but the people there engaged in a lively discussion on various matters about Reps and it was good to see people enthusiastic about the society and the theatres and about what can be done to increase everything – membership numbers, participation on stage and back stage, audience numbers and so on. If you have thoughts and ideas, don’t leave them to yourself; share them with members of Exco and others, whether by e-mail or popping down and chatting at the theatre. It’s our society and we must all be involved in charting the way forward and ensuring the best of and from Reps now and in the future.

Young groups active

Preps and Repteens are up and running for the third term and heading towards end-of-year productions to show off skills acquired and talents exposed. Preps is for the under-13s and takes place Saturday mornings from 10am in the Adrian Stanley Room, while Repteens (13-19s) meet Fridays 5.30pm in the Repteens Room. Encourage as many youngsters to come along as possible so we can ensure the future of our society through succession.

Membership must increase

New members are constantly being sought for Reps and it’s important that all members play a part in identifying them and signing them up. A new brochure has been produced which spells out everything an aspiring or potential member needs to know. Why not come to the office and collect some of these, to hand to friends, family and colleagues? We would like to double the current membership by AGM time and while that may sound lofty it is certainly not unthinkable or unachievable … all that is needed is a concerted and dedicated membership drive by each and every one of us. A membership increase will result in increased revenue, more sales in the box office and bar and possibly more people for on stage, backstage or support activities. Don’t forget the many benefits additional to discounted theatre tickets and access to the bar: these include discounts provided by Adrienne’s and Da Eros restaurants, Innovate gym, AV Electronic, National Gallery and National Trust, as well as from our newest benefit supplier, Inns of Zimbabwe. We are on an exercise to increase the number of these benefits … all of which adds value!

Cats update

Millie and Panda continue to be visible around Reps, having well and truly settled in (they found us, not the other way round!). Spike seems to have disappeared again (which is good news for the two girls), so the remaining pair are in charge of rat control. We still provide them with food and water (thanks especially to Philippa Johnston who does most of this) and anyone who wishes to help with a donation towards food acquisition or donation of food can take this to Philippa. Millie is a friendly cat and likes to meet members and other visitors, while Panda is more than a little shy and will probably run away from strangers.

Help get the word out

Please remember that we are always looking for people to help with poster and flier distribution and if you can play a role in this regard please call Philippa in the Reps office. E-fliers received by e-mail should be sent on to your databases so the word spreads as widely and frequently as possible.

Did you know ...

... that repainting of the theatre building has started, with extensive repair and maintenance work, followed by repainting, having taken place on the east-facing stage end of the main theatre building? More will follow. If you can donate paint, this would be most welcome!

Until next time, keep cool and well

Reps Exco

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