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

Latest Reps Newsletter - October 2006

All editions of the Reps Reporter:
January 2006 | March 2006 | May 2006 | July 2006 | October 2006 | December 2006 | January 2007 | April 2007 | May 2007 | August 2007 | September 2007 | November 2007 | January 2008 (1) | January 2008 (2) | April 2008 | July 2008 | September 2008 | October 2008 | December 2008 | February 2009 | March 2009 | April 2009 | August 2009 | October 2009 | November 2009 | January 2010 (1) | January 2010 (2) | March 2010 | May 2010 | June 2010 | September 2010 | December 2010 | February 2011 | March 2011 | May 2011 | June 2011 | July 2011 | September 2011 | October 2011 | November 2011 | December 2011 | January 2012 | February 2012 | April 2012 | May 2012 | June 2012 | July 2012 | August 2012 | September 2012 | October 2012 | November 2012 | January 2013 | February 2013 | March 2013 | April 2013 | May 2013 | June 2013 | July-August 2013 | September 2013 | October 2013 | March 2014

Summer is back and Reps continues to be a busy venue for theatrical entertainment for the Harare community. Membership of the Repertory Players is still growing at a steady pace and despite all the problems we face we can be satisfied that we are in good shape and fulfilling the tasks expected of us as a dramatic society.

Refurbishment

The carpet project has raised just over $1 million (new currency) and an order has been placed for a carpet for the foyer, scheduled to be laid during the two-week maintenance period of October 23 - November 3. Many thanks to all those people and organisations who gave so generously and to the people whose efforts helped us raise these funds - very impressive indeed in any circumstances and even more amazing when one considers the pressures on all our pockets at the present time. There will be disruptions while the carpet is being laid so please bear with us during this time, I'm sure you will enjoy our new look Foyer.

Gate passes

As many of you already know, gate passes are in use, to try to make our car park a little more secure. Please co-operate with the gate staff when entering and leaving, making sure you secure your passes and do not lose them.

Social events

A Social Events and Bar Liaison Committee was formed earlier this year, to oversee socials and other activities for members' entertainment. Kathy Keen was asked to chair this committee and she has been doing so with energy and ideas. She will be away from Zimbabwe for a few months in the near future so Tony Miles has agreed to chair it in her absence. Please liaise with Tony on any matters in this regard. Tony has also been instrumental in making sure the upstairs bar (Club Room) is functioning properly and we are grateful to him for the efforts he has made in this regard. It is hoped to continue upgrading this facility and if any fundraising takes place towards it, we ask that you support these with the usual generosity for which our members are well known. During recent shows, there has been a lot of effort put into foyer bars (such as during the run of Elvis Lives) and this hard work is commendable. Kathy Keen has also reported that Ian Strachan of MusicMate has offered to sponsor the entertainment at one social event each month - thanks to Ian and MusicMate for that support.

Backstage

That Reps stalwart, John Bonney, has agreed not only to be co-opted onto the Executive Committee, but also to become Stage Director and to chair the very important Backstage Committee, which has responsibility for key areas of stage management, sound, lighting and other technical inputs. Thanks to John for agreeing to do all of this and for the really exciting activities already taking place surrounding these areas of endeavour. John is planning to undertake technical training in the near future so people who are interested can make contact with him through the office for more details on who and how. Sue Greener is heading up the lighting side and Tracey Garrard the sound side.

Poster and flier distribution

Perhaps the most important means of communication about our productions is through direct means, and in this regard posters and fliers play a vital role. The Marketing and Publicity Committee would like to ask members to register to distribute these to friends, colleagues and to local notice boards. If everyone took a few, these could be used to effectively ensure saturation coverage around Harare of upcoming productions. Please advise either the Reps office or Stan Higgins (aquarius@mweb.co.zw) if you can assist.

Flowers

We would like to ask whether any members would be prepared to help decorate the foyer during Reps productions in 2007, specifically with floral works of art and flower displays. One or two such displays in the foyer enhance the venue tremendously and would be very much appreciated. Perhaps if one or two people volunteered for each of the shows, we would be able to ensure that something could be done for every show next year. Please contact Stan Higgins or the Reps office if you are kindly able to assist.

Programme 2006

Unfortunately The Little Grimley duo (Last Panto and Last Tango) had to be postponed because one of the four actors had to pull out, so this means we shall not be having this comedy production in Theatre Upstairs in November. We hope it can be revived during 2007, as it is a delightful double production that will appeal to our audiences.

Exciting news is that everything is moving full steam ahead for this year's pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk. This is being directed by Gill West and, having been successfully cast, rehearsals are now underway. It will star such names as Marc Thomas and Paul Shephard and will have Meg McKenzie as musical director. The production opens on December 7 (preview night previous day) and runs until December 23. There will be matinees on Saturday December 9 and 16, as well as on the public holiday, December 22 - on these days there will be no evening performances. This will be a popular show and we ask that you tell everyone about it and also book to see it as soon as booking open at The Spotlight on November 20.

Linda Hyde is planning a Flanders and Swann show for December 31, as a tribute to these great songwriters. This may be tied in with a dinner as well, so a good way to see out the old year and see in the new one.

Programme 2007

The Production Committee has brainstormed a calendar of activity for next year and has pencilled in a production schedule, following a meeting attended by committee members and interested would-be directors. Among these will be six or seven Reps productions on the Main stage and a further three or four Reps productions in Theatre Upstairs. Added to this will be National Ballet shows and private hire productions, which will give the theatre yet another busy and successful year. More information about this schedule will be given in the next newsletter, when confirmations have been given. Almost needless to say, what is needed are actors and actresses, directors, backstage teams, casts and crew of all kinds - as well as audiences. So all members are encouraged to get involved in one or another to make these productions the success they deserve to be. Steering all of this will be the Production Committee, led by Gill West, to whom all enquiries and suggestions should be directed.

Schools news

Congratulations to St John's College on winning the 2006 Afdis-sponsored Reps Schools Festival, which was adjudicated by Chris Charnley. Their production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (helmed by Paul Shephard) was named best production of the six entries, but unfortunately because of time constraints it has not been possible for this show to enjoy a short production run at Reps, as is the tradition. It is hoped that the festival will run again in 2007 and that it will continue to grow and be a useful boost for schools' theatre in and around Harare.

Until next time, best wishes

Tim Garrard, Chairman

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