Latest news with #Playhouse
IOL News
2 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Muzi Sikhakhane's 'Odyssey of Liberation': A Rebel Advocate's Journey
Muzi Sikhakhane's 'Odyssey of Liberation': A Rebel Advocate's Journey with Rev Dr Allan Boesak Image: Supplied He is a rebel with a cause, and he is drawing attention to struggles and prejudices that the previous and present generation of African lawyers are saddled with. Advocate Muzi Sikhakhane, a respected figure in the country's legal circles, shared profound insights into the experiences of black professionals, particularly in his field of trade, in the book that he penned. Sikhakhane's first book; Odyssey of Liberation: A Memoir of a Rebel Advocate, underwent its Durban launch on Friday at the Playhouse. Odyssey of Liberation: A Memoir of a Rebel Advocate, a book by advocate Muzi Sikhakhane Image: Supplied Rev Dr Allan Boesak, a well known prominent cleric, politician, and anti-apartheid activist wrote the book's foreword. The book was originally launched privately in Muldesdrift, Gauteng, in December 2024. A public launch of the book happened, also in Gauteng, in April, before last week's Durban showing. The book is a culmination of Sikhakhane's long-held ambition to narrate not only his journey but also the collective struggles of his fellow African brothers. At the core of his message lies the poignant reminder of the harsh judgments faced by black professionals, even by their own communities. "I have always wanted to chronicle my own history which is the history of most African people, the hardships they endured, the perpetual violence of poverty and the never-ending persecution they face in the land of their birth," Sikhakhane explained. This urgency to document their experiences stemmmed from the recognition that the adversity faced by black advocates is often exacerbated by societal biases. "Black advocates tend to be judged harshly for who their clients are, while their white counterparts never face such criticism," he noted, underscoring a critical imbalance that persisted within the legal framework. The advocate's narrative transcends personal experience; it serves as a mirror reflecting the broader societal bigotry rooted in pervasive white power. "In my story, I wanted to shine the light on the bigotry in our society," he remarked. Sikhakhane's work does not shy away from confronting uncomfortable truths, aiming to foster honest dialogue about the betrayal and disillusionment that has accompanied the African journey to independence. His decision to conduct multiple book launches was intentional, as he seeks to stimulate discussions centred around the future of African people. His new book aims to educate readers and initiate a constructive conversation on true liberation, a concept that he argued as being largely unfulfilled. "It's about mental emancipation and breaking the chains that tie African people to their own oppressors," he elaborated. Sikhakhane emphasised the importance of owning the narrative. "I do it on my own as I realise that mainstream media is engineered to avoid the discussion," he said, contending that it remained an extension of white control in the public dialogue. His work, standing apart from unusual media narratives, called for an awakening that challenged existing power dynamics. While the book was ultimately his, Sikhakhane acknowledged contributions from individuals like Professor Isaac Shai and his dedicated team. Their collaborative efforts in editing have enriched his narrative tapestry, allowing his voice to resonate more profoundly with readers. DAILY NEWS
Hypebeast
2 days ago
- Business
- Hypebeast
tm:rw Is Reimagining the Tech Retail Space in NYC
In New York City's Times Square, tm:rw, a 20,000-square-foot tech retail space for 'founders, inventors, and visionaries who believe in shaping what's next,' is set to open in the historic Candler Building on Tuesday, July 29, with a futuristic take on the shopping experience. Founded by Nathalie Bernce and Jacov Nacktailer, the all-new, three-floor shopping concept invites customers to experience cutting-edge products from start-ups to the world's largest consumer conglomerates in a highly immersive environment. Designed in collaboration with Harry Nuriev, the space allows visitors to test out the most up-to-date tech through an ever-evolving lineup of activations and collaborations across several unique spaces. The shop, which features the world's largest 3D retail hologram by HYPERVSN, as well as one of only three Transparent 4K Smart TVs in the world, the LG OLED T, is divided into several sections. 'The Playhouse,' for instance, is a funhouse for e-sports, VR, and video game testing; 'The Studio' offers a living-room karaoke experience by Vizio MicMe; 'The Barber Shop' houses tech-forward mirrors and state-of-the-art grooming products, and 'The Sanctuary' features a best-in-class home audio experience with various speaker systems and music-related devices. 'tm:rw was designed to evoke curiosity and adventure,' said Bernce, the company's CEO. 'This is a space where innovation enhances—not replaces—the human experience. We've built a home for those who think differently, and a destination that invites discovery.' The founders explained that the store is the culmination of almost ten years of reshaping retail stores worldwide, including those for Selfridges in London, KaDeWe in Berlin, and Rinascente in Rome. Their goal with the shop is to create a stage where 'concepts from emerging creators andiconic brands alike can be explored, shared, and brought to life.' 'We aim to inspire,' said Jordan Traxler, Global Head of Marketing. 'What sets tm:rw apart isn't just our carefully curated product offering, it's the elevated treatment of each customer and brand partner alike. tm:rw isn't about spectacle for its own sake; it's about making what's next feel personal, meaningful, and memorable. How does this product enrich my life?' tm:rw officially opens on Tuesday, July 29, in the Candler Building. Take a first look inside the store via the gallery above.
Axios
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
"My Fair Lady" enchants at San Francisco Playhouse
Fans of musical theater are in for a real treat: "My Fair Lady" has landed at the San Francisco Playhouse. Why it matters: The theater company is ending on a crowd favorite for the last show of the 2025 season. Devotees of the 1964 Audrey Hepburn film won't be disappointed. State of play: The musical's leads are all standouts. Adam Magill is a triumph as Henry Higgins and Jillian A. Smith brings a soaring voice and beautiful fragility as Eliza Dolittle. Don't sleep on the supporting cast — I could've watched Heather Orth deliver the withering glances of Henry Higgins' housekeeper Mrs. Pearce all night. Between the lines: Both the film and musical run for nearly three hours, but the Playhouse production is as well-paced as an Ascot race horse. The show hews closely to the film in keeping many beloved set pieces — such as the masterfully choreographed street-sweeper dance sequences and famous race scene, complete with elaborate monochrome costumes. My thought bubble: As an Aussie in America, I've heard my fair share of mangled Commonwealth accents onstage. But the cast largely passed the test of capturing London's varied accents, thanks to the production's dialect coaches. I was especially impressed by Eliza's elocutionary glow-up by Act II.
Sydney Morning Herald
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
Beloved theatre reopens its doors for Sydney Fringe
Darlinghurst's much-loved Eternity Playhouse is set to spring back to life more than a year after closing its doors. The historic Palmer Street venue will reopen in September as the Off Broadway Hub for this year's Sydney Fringe Festival. The Playhouse stage has been dark since resident company Darlinghurst Theatre went into liquidation in June last year. 'It's just so nice that those doors will be open again,' says Patrick Kennedy, confirmed last night as the festival's new CEO after being appointed on an interim basis about a month ago. 'It was a real loss to the community having those doors shuttered. We're terrifically overwhelmed to be the first people back.' Kennedy, who took on the top job following the resignation of long-time CEO Kerri Glasscock, said the festival had worked tirelessly with the City of Sydney to be able to seal the Playhouse deal, revealing the contract was finally inked last Friday. A City of Sydney spokesperson said the council would operate the theatre for the next three years, the Fringe being the first event to use the venue. Loading 'The City of Sydney will introduce a range of locally produced performing arts in 2026, and we look forward to an exciting year ahead with a full line-up of performances taking over the theatre,' the spokesperson said. 'Long term, we intend to lease the theatre to a resident company or operator to ensure the theatre remains operational.' This year's Fringe festival, which starts on September 1, will feature more than 460 events across 10 festival hubs and four separate precincts – inner west, central, eastern and Greater Sydney.
The Age
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Age
Beloved theatre reopens its doors for Sydney Fringe
Darlinghurst's much-loved Eternity Playhouse is set to spring back to life more than a year after closing its doors. The historic Palmer Street venue will reopen in September as the Off Broadway Hub for this year's Sydney Fringe Festival. The Playhouse stage has been dark since resident company Darlinghurst Theatre went into liquidation in June last year. 'It's just so nice that those doors will be open again,' says Patrick Kennedy, confirmed last night as the festival's new CEO after being appointed on an interim basis about a month ago. 'It was a real loss to the community having those doors shuttered. We're terrifically overwhelmed to be the first people back.' Kennedy, who took on the top job following the resignation of long-time CEO Kerri Glasscock, said the festival had worked tirelessly with the City of Sydney to be able to seal the Playhouse deal, revealing the contract was finally inked last Friday. A City of Sydney spokesperson said the council would operate the theatre for the next three years, the Fringe being the first event to use the venue. Loading 'The City of Sydney will introduce a range of locally produced performing arts in 2026, and we look forward to an exciting year ahead with a full line-up of performances taking over the theatre,' the spokesperson said. 'Long term, we intend to lease the theatre to a resident company or operator to ensure the theatre remains operational.' This year's Fringe festival, which starts on September 1, will feature more than 460 events across 10 festival hubs and four separate precincts – inner west, central, eastern and Greater Sydney.
