Braamfontein Bulletin
Dear Readers
Welcome to the November edition of the Braamfontein Bulletin. This newsletter is an initiative of the Braamfontein Management District.
The Bridge Diner opened with a bang early in October with gypsy/blues outfit Them Particles headlining for the slightly jaded smattering of Joburg intelligensia that gathered to lurch to their tunes. This venue, situated on quiet Juta Street, close to the Nelson Mandela Bridge, will be hosting open mike sessions on the weekend of 15 and 16 November, as well as DJs, visual artists and other posers in the near future. Treat yourself to the best desserts this side of the Limpopo, courtesy of chef Morgan ...the main dishes are pretty killer too!
There is so much on in Braamfontein this month from live music, theatre, art exhibitions and much more. If you have any events or Braamfontein related news, please send it to communications@braamfontein.org.za for inclusion in the next edition.
Until next month. The BMD team
Aengus breaks new ground with the Argyle Precinct
Aengus Property Holdings is turning the Joburg CBD into a sought-after residential address with the conversion of an entire city block at the hub of Gautrain commuter belt into quality loft apartments.
Four residential buildings are being renovated into 427 stylish and contemporary one-bedroom and studio apartments. Aengus is renting the apartments fully furnished, complete with state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment.
Braamfontein Property keeps going UP!
Congested roads and sky-high fuel prices are leading people, especially students, to choose living in Braamfontein … in turn leading to a demand for residential accommodation … and consequently raising property values.
A number of buildings have been converted from office space to living space, including College House, 100 Jorissen, The Liberty, Broadway, The Manhattan, Times Square and Madison Lofts. The company South Point has already accommodated 700 students and this year it will accommodate another 750 people by renovating No1 Biccard Street, previously known as the Siemens building.
Region F acknowledges City Improvement Districts
The City of Johannesburg embraces the model known as city improvement districts (CIDs). Region F acknowledges the input and contribution made by these companies through the implemention of a sustained educational programme, an improved by-law enforcement strategy and strategic partnerships with business, street-traders, tourists and other stakeholders with a vested interested towards a 'World Class African City'.
Rea Vaya
This is just a reminder that if the construction on the roads - which seems to be taking place just about everywhere - is driving you crazy, it is because the Rea Vaya (We are going) Bus Rapid Transit system is being installed. The dust, noise and traffic delays are all worth it, because Rea Vaya will substantially alleviate the City’s historical congestion problems.
What's on at the Sub-station, Wits
The Sub-station hosts Grey-green Greasy Border, an interactive video work by Tegan Bristow. Tegan grew up on the Zimbabwe side of the Limpopo. Today she watches border jumpers trying to negotiate the river – some don’t make it. Like an old cassette, everything is in slow motion … everyone is waiting for real change to happen in Zimbabwe.
Saturday 1 November to Wednesday 13 November. Details:
Drama for Life Conference
The Division of Dramatic Art, Wits School of Arts in collaboration with Drama for Life announces the initial Africa Research Conference in Applied Drama and Theatre on the 7th – 9th November 2008 at the Wits Theatre Complex in Braamfontein.
Drama for Life is a programme born from the idea of using applied drama and theatre practices in the fight against HIV and AIDS in Africa.
What's on at the Civic Theatre Complex
Snow White will be on the stage of the Civic’s Nelson Mandela Theatre from October 29 to December 31. Starring Tobie Cronje, Bianca le Grange and Daniel Buys.
Comedian Chris Forrest has a one-night-only show, at the Tesson Theatre, on 26 November. Book now at VIP Ticketing on 011 877-6854.
Stand-up comedian Martin Jonas does a one-man-show for two nights only, at the Tesson Theatre, on 28 and 29 November. Book at VIP Ticketing on 011 877-6854.
What’s on at Wits
The Black Tie Ensemble
The Wits Theatre hosts The Black Tie Ensemble’s annual festive concert in collaboration with Unisa Music Foundation. The Black Tie Ensemble Opera Chorus will put in an appearance, as will the Chamber Orchestra of South Africa, conducted by Chris Dowdeswell. Tickets at R110 and R50 for kids and pensioners. Wednesday 28 November, at 8pm. Details: Merle on 011 482 4310
Callback – a musical revue
Famous casting director, Michael Shurtleff, who penned the book Audition, says: “To go into acting is like asking for admission to an insane asylum. Anyone may apply, but only the certifiably insane are admitted.” For every actor that gets a job, hundreds don’t and the only way to get a job is to subject oneself to the grueling process of auditioning. With music from several classics, the light-hearted musical revue Callback looks at the process of auditioning: from the dream, to the nerves, the rejection and persistence. With Gina Shmukler as director and Bryan Schimmel as musical director.
Wits Downstairs Theatre
14 – 22 November at 8pm; 1.15 performances on 19, 20 & 21 November
Abdullah Ibrahim Trio Live
Abdullah’s latest album ‘Senzo’ means ancestor in both Chinese and Japanese and in Sotho it translates at ‘Creator’. Its his first solo piano recording in over a decade.
Wits Great Hall, 7 November at 8pm.
RAD vocational bursary awards
Wits Theatre 9 November @ 10h30
Book @ Computicket ( R40,50)
The RAD Central Gauteng Panel initialized these Awards as an encouragement to students who partake in the Royal Academy of Dance examinations to demonstrate their prowess in classical ballet. There are four sections; Intermediate, Advanced Foundation, Advanced 1 and Advanced 2.This year the teachers conducting the classes are Bernise Silvius (Intermediate), Deborah Gush (Advanced Foundation), Anja Carstens (Advanced 1) and Angela Malan (Advanced 2).