Bhagwan Gave Me This Life The return of a HIT play, in Hindi.

Bhagwan Gave Me This Life was written and directed by well-known theatre veteran Vivian Moodley and is brilliantly performed by Pranesh Maharaj.

Billed as a Hindi play, it is performed in the unique Durban patois that developed from Hindi, with smatterings of English and isiZulu. Set in Inanda in 1981, the drama focusses on the life reflections of a widower Balram. “Vivian had a script in his hand that he wanted me to read. I lunged at it, to get back to him a day later and say that I'll do it. That's when he gave me the ultimate twist in this production: He wanted me to perform it in Bhojpuri (Nataalie Hindi). The Producers at the time were not convinced that a theatre piece in Hindi, in this day and time, would ever work. To be honest, I was not convinced either. Then Vivian and I got to carving this piece of art and four weeks later it was ready to open. That full house and standing ovation on the opening night is what gave us hope. Hope that this kind of serious theatre has a place in this country and in this world. We made some promises back then about taking the play around... well, we are back.” - Pranesh Maharaj. 

The sight of those wood and iron, or tin houses as they were known, evoke strong feelings for many people. The corrugated walls, wooden doors with patterned glass panels, sash windows and the verandas with lush coastal vegetation around them speak of a bygone era, although many of those same houses are still standing today. We find a disconsolate Balram, snoozing on an upholstered car seat, propped up against the wall. He is not sleeping peacefully – his dreams recall the tragic dramas of his life and when he awakens, it is to find himself still alive – and alone. Loneliness is the biggest enemy that elderly people have to overcome – and when they have had a life surrounded by family members and the community, it can be a hard pill to swallow. We watch Balram struggle as an ageing man, portrayed with great sensitivity and authenticity by the much younger Pranesh, go through some of the daily rituals that help his day pass. He prays by the shrine, fills the upturned wheel rim with water for the birds and takes a nip of cane spirits from a small bottle hidden in a safe box. There are other treasures in that box and the sight of them bring to mind memories of his youth. The anklets with bells and the silver headdress that were worn by his wife, recall his first meeting when he was a shy young man in the marriage market. With amazing skill and expertise, Pranesh paints the portraits of the eccentric aunts that acted as marriage brokers, as well as playing the entire family of characters who attend the wedding.

Pranesh play out the male and female roles with an adroit combination of hilarious lip syncing and the use of his own tuneful and powerful voice. Most impressive are the tabla-like rhythms that he extracts from an old paint tin in his pursuit of happiness.We are carried along on the wave of the story, a story that, says Vivian, is a composite picture of the community he grew up in and and inspiration that stem from various 'Indian' communities within the Greater Durban area. The tale of the two brothers, the woman abused by her alcoholic husband, the grandparents longing for a child – all are grist to the mill of the story teller. Pranesh shoulders all the roles, giving each their weight and value, teasing out the comedic lines and giving full range to the dramatic tragedy that serves as the denouement. The human condition can be described as the unalterable part of humanity that is inherent and innate to human beings and is not dependent on factors such as gender, race or class. It includes concerns such as the meaning of life, the search for gratification, the sense of curiosity, the inevitability of isolation, or awareness regarding the inescapability of death. 

While Bhagwan (God) gave me this Life is almost 90 % Hindi, it was possible to follow the characters and their ranging emotions due to Pranesh’ expert acting and musicianship – ask anyone who has watched the piece already. One of the objects of this very worthwhile project is to take pride in mother tongue and to preserve its use, so ‘culture specific’ is to the point, yet it contains much laughter and 'edge of the seat' drama. Following back to back successes with lengthy runs at various venues in 2014/15, the play has been revived. So Come watch it at the Durban North Conference Centre on 02, 03, 04 & 05 May 2019. Tickets are R150 per person at COMPUTICKET online or at Shoprite / Checkers. 

Celebrate the most romantic day of the year with a delectable Valentine’s dinner at The Plettenberg, which begins at 18h30, on 14 February 2018. Share a special moment with your significant other while enjoying the magnificent views over the Indian Ocean.

 The Menu at ‘SeaFood’ restaurant will be a feast for the senses starting off with Knysna Oysters & L’Ormarins Brut, Beetroot Cured Salmon Gravadlax, Basil compressed apple, caviar cream, bagel crisps, cucumber & beetroot salad, or opt for, a Duo of Goat’s Cheese, Stuffed marrow flowers, pine nut crusted, goat’s cheese truffle, courgette & tomato salad, Mango & Ginger Sorbet, Lemongrass Glazed Fermosa Bay Line Fish, Coconut beurre blanc, steamed pak choi, sesame seed prawns.

Alternatively, you could also opt for the Wild Madagascar Pepper Beef Fillet served with Duck fat potatoes, kale pesto, purple beans, and caramelised onion puree. Dessert for Two will consist of White coffee brûlée, litchi & lime meringue, lavender & pink gin granita, dark chocolate & vanilla kisses.

Finally, Coffee & Tea will be served to round off your delectable meal. 

SeaFood at THE PLETTENBERG

40 Church St, Plettenberg Bay 

For more information or bookings contact:

theplettenberghotel.com

044 332 030

Celebrate the most romantic day of the year with a delectable four-course Valentine’s Day dinner at The Marine, Hermanus, on 14 February 2018. The price is R720 per person with wine pairing*, and R475 per person without the wine pairing.

The menu will consist of the following; a welcome drink in the form of L’Ormarins Brut*, Kataifi Prawns served with sweet corn purée, corn kernel and red onion salsa, basil oil with a glass of Southern Right Sauvignon Blanc*, Smoked Duck Breast served with beetroot, goats cheese mousse, raspberry purée, pistachio crumble with a glass of Creation Pinot Noir*, Grilled Beef Fillet served with carrot purée, asparagus, pearl onions, crispy sweetbreads with a glass of Boschrivier Cabernet Sauvignon*.

Additionally, you could opt for the Pan Roasted Line Fish served with asparagus, crushed potatoes, blistered vine tomatoes, champagne velouté with a glass of Joostenberg Chardonnay*. Lastly, dessert will be served in the form of Croquembouche to share, served with strawberry mousse filled choux puffs, chocolate and caramel sauce, almond praline, bittersweet chocolate ice-cream with a glass of Bon Courage Noble Late Harvest*. Spoil your loved one and your taste buds with The Marine this Valentines. The Marine, Hermanus, is part of The Collection by Liz McGrath.

For more information or booking contact:

+27 (0)28 313 1000 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | themarinehotel.co.za

PANDORA’s exquisite universe of hand-finished, heartfelt jewellery makes popping the question more meaningful than ever before.

There is only one thing almost as exciting as getting engaged: asking your best friends to be in your bridal entourage. Picking your bridesmaids is also the perfect occasion to honour long-standing friendships and to show gratitude to the special ladies standing by your side before, during and after the big day.

As one of the world’s best-loved jewellery companies and affordable luxury brands, PANDORA offers a range of beautifully crafted, high-quality gifts that a bride-to-be can fall for without breaking the bank: timelessly stunning bracelets, necklaces and earrings – all made with love by skilled craftspeople.

The hand-finished sterling silver, 14k gold and PANDORA Rose jewellery can be can be mixed, matched and styled according to the preferences of the bride.

Each piece can also be personalised with a unique engraved message for each bridesmaid.

Launching just in time for the summer wedding season, the bridesmaid gift collection will be available in-store and online starting from June 2017.

#DOPANDORA        #DOFriendship

PANDORA Bracelets from R899, Charms from R499. Instore : June 2017

Shop online at www.pandorashop.co.za or visit www.pandora.net or to be inspired, join the PANDORA Club, view the sizing guide or for your nearest stockist.

Whether your family outing is fishing, hiking, swimming or just chilling in the fresh air, GLAD will help you to make any outdoor activity special.  

With GLAD Press’n Seal you can turn any cup into a travel cup, simply seal the top of the cup or glass and stick a straw through – so if you are going on a bumpy adventure, there won’t be any spills.

Prepare some tasty snacks and wrap them individually in GLAD Cling Wrap or GLAD Zip Seal Bags and pack them in a cooler box to munch later.

Use GLAD Ice Cube Bags to keep your cooler box cold at picnics and braai’s, plus use them to add ice-cubes to cool drinks.

When hiking, take empty GLAD Zip Seal Resealable Sandwich Bags to store your garbage until you can dispose of it in a suitable bin.

GLAD Zip Seal Resealable Bags are perfect for holding shells and other souvenirs found on outdoor adventures.

When by the pool, sea, or any body of water – keep your camera, phone, or tablet safe, secure, and dry in a GLAD Zip Seal Bag.

GLAD Refuse Bags with Forceflex Stretchable Strength are great for camping - use them to keep pillows and camping gear clean and dry – as well as for cleaning up and safely disposing of your rubbish.

When camping, store toilet paper in a GLAD Zip Seal Resealable Bag to keep it clean and dry but still accessible.

Protect your first aid kit in a GLAD Zip Seal Resealable Bag. Their 'zip seal' ensures sterile medical supplies like bandages, band aids and lotions stay dry and clean. 

GLAD is always happy to help on all special occasion. GLAD wishes all Dads a spectacular Father’s Day!   All GLAD products are made for your convenience with the purpose of keeping your food fresh for longer. GLAD – Saving good food. From going bad. Visit www.glad.co.za for more information and follow ‘GLAD SOUTH AFRICA’ on Facebook; Available in the GLAD aisle of most supermarkets.

Looking for an unusual Valentine's Day gift - look no further...

These funky handles from Handles Inc are sure to make her smile :)

Available from Handles Inc.

With Handles Inc you can easily create a slick designer pad, quirky villa feel, a bathroom haven or a cutting-edge office environment with their quality handles and bathroom accessories. Architects and interior designers know that it’s details like these that make a space truly unique and exceptional. With a collection of over 9000 items to inspire you, Handles Inc has specialist designer pieces personally selected from top global manufacturers. With these exclusive ranges and a design-savvy team on hand to assist, Handles Inc will help you make your home or office a space that reflects your individuality – and a dream to live or work in. For your local stockist visit www.handlesinc.co.za or call 021-422 2322.  

PANDORA's new interactive tool helps men choose something that their significant other truly desires, with the help of her friends.

According to a global PANDORA gifting survey, a staggering 83% of men have difficulty finding a gift for their partner. 75% of women have pretended to like a gift they have received in their past so as not to appear impolite. Jewellery ranks high among the most wanted gifts. Men, however, typically opt for flowers, chocolates or perfume when gifting their spouse.

This year, finding the perfect Valentine's Day gift will get a lot easier with the new PANDORA Gift Finder. The digital tool aimed at men allows the gift-giver to make an initial selection from a catalogue of jewellery and then consult the recipient's friends via Facebook and e-mai; to shortlist the perfect gift. The tool sends the results to the gift-giver, allowing him to make the final decision. The chosen gift can then be easily transferred to PANDORA's e-store or the nearest retailer.

In matters of heartfelt gift-giving, men and women may still have their disagreements, but neither will refuse the perfect gift that is just one click away. Visit the PANDORA Gift Finder by visiting Pandora.net.

PANDORA jewellery is available across South Africa in Gauteng at Sandton, Eastgate, Fourways, Brooklyn, Menlyn Park, Woodlands, Clearwater, Cresta, Forest Hill, East Rand Mall, Rosebank, Mall of Africa and Greenstone; in Cape Town at the V&A Waterfront, Cavendish, Somerset, George, Canal Walk and Tyger Valley: in KwaZulu-Natal at La Lucia, Pavilion, Ballito and Watercrest; in Nelspruit at Riverside Mall and in Eastern Cape in Bay West and in selected Edgars stores and fine jewellers nationwide and Mauritius, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

PANDORA designs, manufactures and markets hand-finished and contemporary jewellery made from high-quality materials at affordable prices. PANDORA jewellery is sold in more than 100 countries on six continents through approximately 8,900 points of sale, including more than 1,900 concept stores.Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, PANDORA employs more than 17,800 people worldwide of whom approximately 12,000 are located in Gemopolis, Thailand, where the Company manufactures its jewellery. PANDORA is publicly listed on the NASDAQ Copenhagen stock exchange in Denmark. In 2015, PANDORA’s total revenue was DKK 16.7 billion (approximately EUR 2.2 billion).

Valentine's Day cherishes love and romance, and is a day to celebrate your partner. 

GLAD has a few handy hints and ideas to help make your Valentine’s day that little bit better.

When the weather is fine, plan a romantic picnic!

• Pack a picnic basket using snacky foods that you can enjoy under the sun or stars; use GLAD Zip Seal Snack Bags to store them in to keep the pesky ants out and to keep the food germ-free
• Keep your refreshments cool using GLAD Ice Cube Bags in your cooler box – you can also take out the hygienically sealed ice blocks to use in your drinks once you’ve opened and poured the drinks
• Wrap plates of food in Cling Wrap to keep everything from spilling or messing
• Keep salad dressing or sauces in a small GLAD Zip Seal Snack Bags. To serve, simply snip the corner of the bag and pour!
• Use large GLAD Zip Seal Freezer Bags to put dirty dishes and cutlery in so that there is less mess at the end of the evening
• GLAD WaveTop Tie Citrus Fresh Scented Bags are perfect for cleaning up mess after a picnic - the WaveTop Ties let you easily and hygienically close the bag and the citrus fresh scent helps control odours for the car ride home

Making a nice dinner?

• Use GLAD Bake & Cooking paper to wrap meat, chicken or fish in individual ‘parcels’ to bake or steam – be creative and use different herbs and spice it up!
• A heathy, low-fat way to cook is to use GLAD Bake & Cooking Paper over the pan, between the food and the pan. It has a special non-stick coating that eliminates the need for fats and oils. It also saves you pan-scrubbing time

Time for a little dessert!

• Wrap and seal chocolate chips and crushed nuts in GLAD Press’n Seal, keeping them in the fridge/freezer. They are kept fresh and ready to sprinkle over chocolate desserts and ice creams.
• Make chocolate dipped strawberries and refrigerate on a plat or tray lined with GLAD Bake & Cooking Paper to stop them from sticking

GLAD is happy to help on all special occasions and fits in to every space, time and budget!

GLAD – Save good food. From going bad.