After numerous extension to its highly acclaimed first season, District Six - KANALA returns to The Fugard Theatre ON 22 NOVEMBER 2O16.
It is set to continue its magical celebration and recreation of the vibrant musical culture that was part of 1960's District Six.
Popular music that reverberated through Hanover Street, the Star Bioscope, the Tafelberg Hotel, the La Fiesta, the Drill and City Hall and the Green Point Track is exuberantly recreated by a fabulously talented cast.
Created by David Kramer to commemorate the declaration of District Six as a “whites only” group area in 1966, the musical produced by Eric Abraham for the Fugard Theatre, opened precisely 50 years to the day after the Group Areas Act declared District Six as a "whites only” area and played to capacity for 5 months.
“I am truly honoured by the heartfelt response to Kanala that we received from the local community. I know that Taliep would have been thrilled to have his work showcased in a theatre in Caledon Street, which was once part of District Six.” – David Kramer
KANALA HAS BEEN EXTENTED AND WILL RUN UNTIL 26 FEBRUARY 2017
(Edited 09 January 2017)
Almost all of the songs featured in KANALA were written by David Kramer and his partner, the late Taliep Petersen. Evergreens such as The Seven Steps of Stone, Lonely Girl, Sexy Boys, Mavis and It’s New Year. There are also traditional songs and new Kramer compositions such as the 11th of February, Cowboy and Vandag Issie Dag.
Most of the original cast have been retained while there have also been a few additions as some of the original cast and band members are now committed to other projects.
Returning to reprise their roles this season are Loukmaan Adams (District Six the Musical, Kat & the Kings), Carmen Maarman (Ghoema, Madame Zingara), Carlo Daniels (Some Like It Vrot, Orpheus in Africa), Natasha Hess (West Side Story, Orpheus in Africa), Sne Dladla (2016 Fleur De Cap Winner for Orpheus in Africa), Edith Plaatjies (Blood Brothers, Orpheus in Africa), Kashiefa Blaauw (Remembering The Lux) and Cleo Raatus (Black Dog, The Fall). 
Taking over the demanding role of the narrator is Anray Amansure who we recently featured in the Woman 2 Woman production we wrote about in October. As we have noted in our review article of the first run of KANALA, the narrator not only tells the story from the side-lines but becomes veritably immersed in the stage action as if she has magically time-travelled to the District Six of the 1960's.
We caught up with Anray in between her frenetic rehearal schedule.
"I feel really honoured to be playing the role of the granddaughter of 'Evaline' whose world was turned upside down after being forcibly removed from District Six."
"Being able to take the audience on the journey that my character so often found herself on while listening to her granny sharing those beautiful memories with her is amazing."
"I feel really blessed to be part of this production and to work with people who really 'get it'; People who understand that it's not just about Acting, Singing and Dancing really well..." she continued.
"It's about nostalgia and about allowing the audience to experience District Six and even have them longing to have been part of such a close-knit community."
The performers are supported by a live six piece band which has undergone a slight few changes and is now under the leadership of Dylan Roman but remains under the sterling guidance of Musical Director Alistair Izobell. The set is designed by Saul Radomsky, Costumes by Birrie le Roux,
Sound design is by Aki Khan and Lighting design is by Daniel Galloway and Benjamin du Plessis, Video Projection Design and Mapping is by James Cooke, Daniel Manners and Benjamin du Plessis.
During the season earlier this year, the Cape Town media had many high praises for the production.
“Superb…Kanala is a slick production; the set, the music all achieve a standard that the Fugard has become known for.” – Sunday Times
“A slick, seamless and fast paced celebration.” – The Daily Maverick
"Kanala.......leaves one in tears of laughter, followed by tears of heartbreak, followed by more laughter" - www.whatsonincapetown.com
“Nothing less than Brilliant” is what we at www.bruinou.com called it and we are really proud that our verdict of the first run is blazoned across posters and massive billboards all over the city, along highways and at the Cape Town international airport.
Having been in contact with some of the cast members and production team and in our regular conversations with Shihaam Domingo of The Domingo Effect who handles publicity for the show, we can assure you that even if you have seen the first run of District Six - KANALA, it will be well worth it seeing it a second time around.
The new additions to the cast have been selected with the aim of enhancing the overall experience as everyone involved in the production have endeavoured to improve on what is already a winning formula.
If you have missed out on the first run or...
If you are from another part of the country or a different part of the world and you are planning to visit Cape Town this summer...
we urge you...
Do not deny yourself this magical experience.
Tickets ranging from R130 – R220 are available through The Fugard Theatre’s Box Office on 021 461 4554 or www.computicket.com, Computicket outlets and all Shoprite/Checkers stores nationwide. Family of Four Specials for the first four Thursdays of the run are available from the Fugard Theatre Box Office only. There are also excellent discounts for pensioners and group bookings when booking through the theatre’s box office.
KANALA HAS BEEN EXTENTED AND WILL RUN UNTIL 26 FEBRUARY 2017
(Edited 09 January 2017)