Latest news with #ZaneMeas
IOL News
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Bianca Amato takes centre stage: a look at 'A Doll's House Part 2' and South Africa's flourishing theatre scene
Bianca Amato with Zane Meas in 'A Doll's House Part 2'. Image: Supplied South African stage and TV actress Bianca Amato has a wealth of experience working in the US, with several Broadway shows and appearances in 'Blue Bloods', 'Elementary' and 'The Big C', under her belt. On home soil, she's celebrated for her role in 'Binnelanders' and theatre credentials. Currently starring in "A Doll's House Part 2" at Theatre on the Square, she shared her excitement about the production and discussed how its reception compares to her international experiences. 'While I was in the US, I witnessed and was part of a very robust culture of theatre-going, both in New York City (NYC) and regionally. I'm not sure how it is now, though, as the climate has changed somewhat since Covid. "But NYC is a very vital place theatrically, and I long to invest in and cultivate the same kind of joy and discernment with our company's work here in South Africa,' she revealed.. 'I feel very lucky to have performed in 1500-seaters to full houses, night after night, across the US, and to feel a part of something that is very validated, very cared for, and invested in. It was such a gift. 'And now I am experiencing SA audiences for the first time in 25 years doing this show, and I must say Joburb audiences, even when small, are really bubbly and responsive and vocally appreciative.' "A Doll's House Part 2" centres on Nora Helmer (Amato) walking away from her husband and children in 1879. She yearns for independence. However, fifteen years later, she returns home with a request that rocks the family. The script is cleverly penned to inspire debate while also offsetting the tense moments with comic levity. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Biana Amato in a scene from 'A Doll's House Part 2'. Image: Supplied On slipping into the skin of Nora, opposite Zane Meas, Charlotte Butler and Simone Neethling, she shared: 'I have had a challenge with Nora, as her choices are different to mine. And the choices she makes are very incendiary. "But I fully respect her and her path. I see her as an activist, in a sense, as someone who feels the weight of greater things driving her. For people with that kind of purpose-driven life, sacrifices inevitably need to be made. 'And there is absolute logic and clarity in her decisions. The issues arise because her choices are not selfless. And oftentimes, society finds women who are not soft and maternal, women who put their own journeys first, to be abhorrent. Whereas men are forgiven for that all the time, even celebrated. 'So when I live in Nora, I have to shed my subconscious judgement, and honour her truth, her guts, her fierce honesty, her wit, and her purpose. And I also have to embrace her hubris. The wonderful thing about the play, the brilliant thing, is that each character is flawed, and none of them are wholly right. 'But they each have valid and totally relatable viewpoints. As an audience member, you are allowed to look at relationships through these four lenses and choose your side. And I guarantee you'll change your mind a few times.
IOL News
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
KZN's locally shot Treasure Hunt selected for screening at prestigious US film festival
A locally shot movie, Treasure Hunt has been selected to be screened at the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) in Miami Beach, Florida. Image: Supplied KwaZulu-Natal film company's debut feature film, Treasure Hunt, has been selected for screening at the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) in Miami Beach, Florida. KZN's CAP Studios, a pioneering film company based in Embo in the Valley of a Thousand Hills, said it was excited about the recognition. The screening will take place on June 14 at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Florida. The film company said the ABFF is a prestigious Academy Award-qualifying festival that celebrates Black talent in film and television. 'The American Black Film Festival is an incredible platform for us to share our story with a new audience,' CAP Studios founder Chim Onyebilanma said. Onyebilanma, who wrote and directed Treasure Hunt, confirmed that he will be attending the movie premiere in Miami, saying, 'My tickets and visa are ready!' Veteran actor Zane Meas on the set of Treasure Hunt which has been selected to be screened at the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) in Miami Beach, Florida. Image: Supplied He said the selection was testament to the hard work and dedication of their entire team and he mentioned the contribution of Happiness Mpase, the associate producer. "We are proud to be representing South Africa and our community on the global stage.' The film is about an ex-con who finds stolen jewellery—and the criminals who want it back. But beneath the crime story lies a powerful message about choices, redemption, and second chances. The movie was also filmed in the heart of the Valley of a Thousand Hills and the company said the locals offered their talents, homes and cars to make it happen. Veteran actor and broadcaster Zane Meas, who stars in the film, praised its message. 'Treasure Hunt is a movie about making the right choices in life and a movie I believe that people would love,' he said. The production brought together a cast of renowned South African actors including Meas, Moopi Mothibeli, Muzi Mthabela, Trevor Gumbi and Samukele Mkhize. They collaborated with young local talent from Embo, highlighting the rich potential within underrepresented communities. Adding international expertise to the film's production was celebrated cinematographer Isaac Alongi, who served as Director of Photography. The executive producers included Onyebilanma, Frances Dlongolo and Kike Adeniyi. Onyebilanma added that lead actors Moopi Mothibeli and Melissa Mkhize, who hails from the Embo community, are also hoping to join him at the festival, pending finalisation of funding.
