There’s no shortage of entertainment in the Cape Town Central City and we’re confident you’ll find something to enjoy safely from galleries to theatres, restaurants and bars. Here’s our selection of what you can experience in the CBD in the next weeks.
ART
Drawing from the collection
Now on till 28 February 2022
The South African National Gallery is showing a great exhibition highlighting that drawing has been and remains an important and central element of visual art. The show features a variety of unknown and prominent visual artists who work in different styles. Together, they showcase a range of drawings as well as works on paper.
Where: Iziko South African National Gallery, Government Ave
When: 10h00 – 14h30 (Tuesday to Sunday)
Cost: R15 – R30
www.iziko.org.za
Planetarium
Now on till 23 April 2021
The Planetarium has three amazing shows to be enjoyed by the whole family. These include Sunstruck which explores the power of the sun and its birth, Beyond The Sun which is a journey through the universe and Tycho to the Moon, an incredible trip into space.
Where: Planetarium, 25 Queen Victoria St
When: 10h00 – 14h30 (Tuesday to Sunday)
Cost: R60 – R30
www.iziko.org.za
Kemet: Life in Ancient Egypt
Now on till 31 March 2022
If you’ve ever wanted to explore ancient Egypt, check out this Iziko exhibition in partnership with the Friends of Design: Academy of Digital Arts. Using augmented reality, the show looks into how prehistoric Egypt has shaped our world today in terms of writing systems, pharaohs, science and technology, beliefs and religion, and recreation.
Where: Iziko Slave Lodge, Cnr Adderley and Wale streets
When: 10h00 – 14h30 (Tuesday to Saturday)
Cost: R30 – R15
www.iziko.org.za
The South African Jewish Museum
Ongoing
The South African Jewish Museum protects and celebrates Jewish culture and heritage in the country and is one of the must-visit places in the CBD. Inside the premises are interactive displays, audio-visual presentations, and fascinating artefacts to help visitors understand the rich history of the Jewish community. The venue also offers private tours for visitors.
Where: South African Jewish Museum, 88 Hatfield Street
When: 10h00 – 16h00 (Sunday to Thursday), 10h00 – 14h00 (Friday)
Cost: R100 – R50
www.sajewishmuseum.org.za
Serithi: The Aura of a Black Woman
Now on till 8 April 2021
Visual storyteller Manyatsa Monyamane uses photography to tell stories that are usually not depicted in mainstream media. In her latest work, Serithi, she highlights “the erasure of black bodies, specifically the bodies of black women in modern history”. The different women photographed are shown freely embracing their true selves.
Where: THK Gallery, 52 Waterkant St
When: 10h00 – 18h00 (Tuesday to Friday), 10h00 – 15h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.thkgallery.com
Keep it in the family
Now on till 10 April
The Central City’s latest gallery, THEFOURTH, has a beautiful presentation by London based artist Alexander James. The show features surreal portraits and figures which are a response to the vibrant Cape Town Central City. Interestingly, the exhibition is a result of the first GorgeousFOURTH artist residency programme, a collaboration between THEFOURTH gallery and the Gorgeous George hotel. Email buzz@thefourth.co.za to make an appointment to see the exhibition.
Where: THEFOURTH, 4th Floor Exchange Building (28 St Georges Mall)
When: 10h00 – 17h00 (Tuesday to Friday), 10h00 – 14h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
https://www.facebook.com/THEFOURTHCPT
Not enough time to do nothing
Now on till 30 April
The past few months have given many of us time to reflect, and this has been the case for artist Andrew Kayser as well. He explains that his latest work explores his experiences over the past 18 months and highlights where he has been and what lies ahead. “It’s an exciting time. It’s time to get moving,” he says on the gallery’s website.
Where: THK Gallery, 52 Waterkant St
When: 10h00 – 18h00 (Tuesday to Friday), 10h00 – 15h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.thkgallery.com
The long view
Now on till 30 April 2021
“The Long View” by artists Rentia Retief and Larita Engelbrecht comprise oil painting interpretations of various South African landscapes. Both Retief and Engelbrecht love mountain trails and this is reflected in their work. Strict Covid-19 safety protocols are in place at the galley, and they look forward to welcoming patrons.
Where: EBONY/CURATED, 67 Loop St
When: 09h00 – 17h00 (Monday to Friday), 09h30 – 13h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.ebonycurated.com
Liminal hiatus
Ongoing
In these trying times, it is easy to get bogged down by the bad things around us, but “Liminal Hiatus” at GalleryOne11 reminds that we can go beyond our current circumstance if we imagine the limitless possibilities. The show includes over 20 artists who specialise in different mediums and is not to be missed.
Where: GalleryOne11, 111 Loop St
When: 09h00 – 16h00 (Tuesday to Friday), 10h30 – 12h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.ebonycurated.com
Blom, blommer, blomste
Now on till 31 March
Indulge your senses by checking out Linda Pretorius’s latest exhibition, “Blom, Blommer, Blomste”, now showing at Michael Chandler’s Voorkamer Gallery at Chandler House in Church St. Curated by Chandler himself, the owner and resident artist, this work of painted flowers is arranged in a way that allows views to work out “where on the scale of 'Blom' they belong” starting from “the quietest of Pretorius’s paintings to the most exuberant”.
Where: Chandler House, 53 Church St
When: 10h00 – 17h00 (Monday to Friday), 10h00 – 14h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.chandlerhouse.co.za
Kuzodlula (It will pass)
Now on till 31 March 2021)
Enjoy a wonderful group exhibition featuring artists Lindele Mzweli, Samson Mnisi, Zwelethemba Myendeki, Daniel Ignacio Baeta and Kyle Jardine. The show has fascinating artworks including hand signs and portraits in ink and graphite as well as acrylic paintings and charcoal drawings.
Where: 70 Bree St
When: 09h00 – 16h00 (Monday – Friday)
Cost: Free
www.youngblood-africa.com
More meaningful in your absence
Now on till 15 April 2021
Tangeni Kambudu’s “More meaningful in your absence” exhibition has been extended till April 2021. Catch it at the Association for Visual Arts Gallery (AVA) if you hadn’t done so. It deals with how we view ourselves and relate to each other and includes an installation of eight mirrors shaped like clothing patterns, hanging on a rail, and twelve framed mirror artworks hung from walls. You can view the exhibition both online and at the gallery.
Where: Association for Visual Arts Gallery (AVA), 35 Church St
When: 10h00 – 17h00 (Monday to Friday), 10h00 – 13h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.whatiftheworld.com
What keeps me up at night
Now on till 31 March 2021
Check out interesting paintings by nineteen-year-old Jozua Gerrard at WORLDART. The young artist says on the galley’s website that art helped him cope with his mental health. “I could pour out all of the feelings which I didn’t have the vocabulary to express into these creations and it just gave me a new perspective on self-worth,” he said.
Where: WORLDART, 54 Church St
When: 10h00 – 17h00 (Monday to Friday), 10h00 – 13h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.worldart.co.za
11:11
Now on till 29 April 2021
The title of Eclectica Contemporary’s latest group exhibition is inspired by “synchronicity, serendipity and sustainability”. The show joins contemporary art with contemporary African designers, ceramicists, and creatives in conversation with the gallery’s collection of iconic mid-century modern and vintage furniture pieces. The exhibition is open-ended and new pieces are continually added or rotated.
Where: Eclectica Contemporary, 69 Burg St
When: 10h00 – 17h00 (Monday to Thursday), 10h00 – 14h00 (Friday)
Cost: Free
www.eclecticacontemporary.co.za
StateoftheART Gallery Award 2021
1 April to 30 June 2021
And the show goes on! After postponing their 2020 StateoftheART Gallery Award 2021 due to Covid-19, StateoftheART is reviving the contest and R40 000 is up for grabs for the winner. The competition aims to unearth the next art superstar in South Africa who will best showcase the theme, “On the Brink: Visualising Climate Change”. Applications officially open online between 1 April to 30 June 2021 for artists aged 18 and above who are permanent South African residents and who have not yet held a solo exhibition with a commercial gallery. The winner will be announced in September and will have their solo exhibition in 2022.
https://www.stateoftheart-gallery.com/award
EATERIES & OTHER EVENTS
An intimate evening with Villa 47and Glen Carlou
31 March 2021
Villa 47 is hosting an intimate dinner in partnership with winery Glen Carlou. The evening will see patrons treated to six-course food and wine pairing menu with Glen Carlou’s range of wines. To book, call 021 741 0250 or 021 418 2740 or send an email at reservations@villa47.co.za.
Where: Villa 47, 47 Bree St
When: 18h30
Cost: R595
www.villa47.co.za
Gin Saturdays
Ongoing
Gin Saturdays are back at The Station On Bree which means gin lovers can indulge in no less than five double G&Ts with garnish. Available gins include Cruxland, Triple Three, Bull Dog and Tanqueray. Book your spot today so you don’t miss out on a selection of local and international award-winning gins on offer.
Where: The Station On Bree, 207 Bree St
When: 14h00 – 19h00
Cost: R200
www.thestation.capetown
Hänsel und Gretel
3 till 10 April 2021
Artscape Theatre Centre is slowly welcoming audiences back to its premises under strict Covid-19 protocols. One of the productions on display is the popular tale by the Brothers Grimm of Hänsel und Gretel. It has been reimagined by Cape Town Opera director Alessandro Talevi. Only four shows are available, and one is already sold out. Don’t miss out.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: 18h00
Cost: R400
www.artscape.co.za
Coppelia
15 April 2021
If you’re a fan of classical ballet, treat yourself to Coppelia a classic ballet based on a story by the legendary E.T.A. Hoffmann and with music by French composer Leo Delibes. The aim is to also give younger dancers a chance to showcase their skills on a professional stage. The production will be held under strict Covid-19 measures.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: 18h00
Cost: R150 – R200
www.artscape.co.za
The Relaunch Of Gina at The Raptor Room
26 April
Join in on the celebrations at The Raptor Room as stand-up comedian Eugene Mathews marks his 38th birthday and 10 years in the industry. The new show centres around Eugene, who goes by Gina onstage, having fears about approaching 40 years and being bullied at school.
Where: The Raptor Room, 79 Roeland St
When: 21h30
Cost: R90
https://bit.ly/3rRUnWm
Laughter On Lockdown SA’s Stand-up Comedy Celebration
4 April 2021
Since laughter is the best medicine, treat yourself to a stand-up comedy show at Gallery 44 and Theatre. The main act is award-winning comedian Gino Fernandes, and he’ll be supported by three upcoming comics. Surprises are also on the cards.
Where: Gallery 44 and Theatre, 44 Long St
When: 21h30
Cost: R150 (single) – R200 (double)
https://bit.ly/3ePLtF1
Macrame Weaving with Brittany Stroebel
10 April 2021
If you’ve got plants at home and would like to display them creatively, this class on making Macrame plant hangers is for you. Macramé is described as the art of knotting string in patterns to make decorative articles. The ticket price includes material, tea, and snacks.
Where: The Ladder, 136 Bree St
When: 10h00 – 13h00
Cost: R480
www.theladderon136.com
Introduction to Illustration by Karen Vermeulen
17 April 2021
Entrepreneur, illustrator, teacher, and designer Karen Vermeulen says, “if you can draw simple shapes, you can learn illustration.” She’ll be running a workshop at The Ladder teaching participants to draw in a fun way. The bonus is that an artistic background isn’t necessary to join the class.
Where: The Ladder, 136 Bree St
When: 14h00
Cost: R500
www.theladderon136.com
Artscape Theatre Centre’s 50th anniversary celebrations
Ongoing
Artscape Theatre Centre recently screened their 50th anniversary concert featuring some of South Africa’s finest dancers and musicians. The good news is the venue is making the concert available to view online for the rest of the year. The recording, directed by Basil Appollis a renowned theatre and TV drama director, has performances by Cape Town Opera, Jazzart Dance, Unmute Dance Company, Cape Town City Ballet, the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra and Zip Zap Circus School. Also included are top Cape Town performers such as Dizu Plaatjies, Vicky Sampson, Hilton Schilder, Zinzi Nogavu, Sylvia Mdunyelwa, Diana Ferrus, Nicola Hanekom, Alistair Izobell, Vusi Mahlasela, Coenie de Villiers and more.
Where: Artscape YouTube Channel
Cost: Free
https://bit.ly/3f3dwkE
Open Sesame
Ongoing
The Central City’s newest Rock 'n Roll bar, Open Sesame, has exciting events to enjoy throughout the week. This includes Music Quiz Night on Thursdays, performances up and coming bands on Wednesdays and live music on Fridays and Saturdays. To ensure safety, Covid-19 measures are in place at the venue.
Where: Open Sesame, 62 Hout St, Cape
When: 15h00 – 02h00 (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday), 13h00 – 02h00 (Friday and Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.opensesamebar.co.za
East City Cycles Friday Social Ride
Every Friday
Where: East City Cycles, 50 Harrington St
When: 05h45 – 07h30
Cost: Free
www.eastcitycycles.com
Story time for children at Book Lounge
Every Saturday
Where: Book Lounge, 71 Roeland St
When: 11h00 (all kids are welcome and there’s no need to RSVP)
Cost: Free
www.booklounge.co.za
First Thursdays
First Thursday of every month
Where: Cape Town CBD including inside galleries and restaurants
When: 17h00 till late
Cost: Free
www.first-thursdays.co.za
Thursday Night Ride Club
Every Thursday
Where: Rook Cycles, 295 Long St
When: 19h00 (every Thursday)
Cost: Free (bring your bike or rent one for R100)
www.rookcycles.com
IMAGES: Rook Cycles, Open Sesame, The Ladder on 136, Artscape Theatre Centre