Last night I was lucky enough to be among privileged guests at the launch of The Rockwell theatre and the debut of Shiza iKapa (The heat of Cape Town) in De Waterkant. Rockwell executive, Colin Jurdin, was inspired to open the theatre after seeing a live performance of AmaZink (RBL Productions) in Stellenbosch.
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| O’Ryan Winter, Ramaine Barreiro-Lloyd and Tebogo Louw |
We were welcomed by hosts one of my curl-crush’s Pearl Thusi and the dapper Phat Joe, who incidentally assisted in making the theatre a reality. We hung out at The Rockwell’s bar area which is situated very close to the entrance of the hotel (nice one Rockwell), and wandered into the gorgeous courtyard section. The hotel is truly one of Cape Town’s hidden gems. Why didn’t anyone tell me about this place!?
The doors to the brand new theatre opened at about 7.30 and I immediately felt at home when I entered Marcia’s Tonic Tavern, the setting Shiza iKapa takes place at. Seriously, the theatre is a tavern – with a taxi, graffiti, long tables and colourful chairs to boot! Felt as if though I was in a bustling, energetic township.
Starters was a bowl of chicken livers and dumplings with pot bread, that left you wanting more. Yes, this is dinner theatre at it’s best, honey – with starters, mains (succulent lamb chops, umngqusho and mielies) and your choice of 3 local desserts (melktert, malva or peppermint crisp). True Kaapie style.
The show started as soon as our bowls were removed. I was a bit concerned that we were seated so far from the stage, then pleasantly surprised to discover that there were infact 4 stages, so the action happens all around you.
Headed by the dynamic Ramaine Barreiro-Lloyd, the production is full of energy, fresh talent, throw in the phenomenal O’Ryan Winter and Tebogo Louw, oodles of passion and you have Shiza iKapa (The heat of Cape Town).
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| Cape Town’s power-house, Ramaine Barreiro-Lloyd |
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| Some of the cast: Lacricia, Sam, Archie, Patricia, Leticia and Kraake |
I don’t want to give away to much but this needs to be said:
1. Ramaine Barriero-Lloyd is a powerhouse of note #MindBlownEverytime
2. The rest of the cast is on fire.
3. Singing along, dancing, screaming and thumping on tables with your hands is encouraged, and you know this bossiekop did a whole lot of head bopping too.
4. Certain songs such as O’Ryan’s rendition of Redemption Song, Ramaine’s Special Star and the national anthem will give you goosebumps.
5. The food is best described as finger licking lekker huis kos. I’m still dreaming about those chops.
6. Shiza iKapa will get you talking for awhile and you will want to see it more than once. It is on my Top 5 list of Things you have to do in Cape Town.
, I’m Amanda.