Keynote speaker
On 20 September, I will be the keynote speaker at the 15th anniversary celebration of the HIVOS Culture Fund in Amsterdam. The Hivos Culture Fund, set up in 1995, supports independent artistic initiatives in developing countries.
Mike's Got His Men!
After an intensive audition period, I'm delighted to announce the final cast selection for my upcoming comedy "Is It Because I'm Jack?" Clyde Berning, Andrew Laubscher, Morne Visser and Anele Matoti will feature in the play - a dark comedy about life, friendship and survival. Four young friends in the prime of their lives confront their mortality when one of them - a stand up comic - is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Is it all just a bad joke? ....You can find out in September, when we open at the Aardklop festival. Cape Town and Pretoria dates to be announced.
New Play!
I'm just putting the finishing touches to my new play - a dark comedy about life, friendship and loyalty called "Is it because I’m Jack?" The play was a commission for the Aardklop Festival in September this year and will be directed by Yvette Hardie. We're working on ideas for a Cape Town run later this year, so watch this space!
From Africa With Laugh
Excerpts from my comedy "Bafana Republic 3: Penalty Shootout" were performed by Lungi Pinda as part of the African Arts Institute’s project “From Africa with Laugh.” This production featured 3 comedians from Zimbabwe, Kenya and Zambia at the Baxter Theatre from 10 June-3 July.
Reworking the World Conference
I recently attended a conference in Sweden - together with 1700 people from 120 countries - called "Reworking the World." I was there to participate in a seminar on the creative industries and cultural entrepreneurship as sectors for employment. While there, I was invited to participate in a reading of "Seven," an internationally acclaimed play about the stories of 7 women from Russia, Ireland, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nigeria, Guatemala and Cambodia. I read the part of Mukhtar Mai from Pakistan, as the only man in the cast….
Play Launch With Copenhagen Collective
Earlier this year, I was approached by a Danish theatre company to write a short play on the subject of 'time.' Several playwrights around the world were briefed to write at the same time on the same day, with the collection of plays ready to be printed and produced this week in Copenhagen. I only wish I could be there to see it happen, but I'll be attending a launch of my own in Franschhoek!
Essay Publication and Panel Discussion
I've had an essay published in "Sport Versus Art: A South African Contest," edited by Chris Thurman and published by Wits University press. The launch is being held on Wednesday 19 May 2010 at the Sigrid Rausing Studio at the Fugard Theatre in District 6.
Scripts Published
Hot on the heels of the publication of 'Green Man Flashing' earlier this year comes an edition of 'Iago's Last Dance' - my trilogy of plays around the theme of HIV/AIDS. Junkets Press has once again done a beautiful job and the scripts are available on order from MVG Productions. Please contact Carla on info@mikevangraan.co.za for ordering details.
Franschhoek Book Launch
I will be celebrating the publication of 'Iago's Last Dance' - my 2009 trio of playlets dealing with the theme of HIV/AIDS - with a launch at the Franschhoek Literary Festival. On the 14 May at the Franschhoek Screening Room, you can catch a once-off screening of extracts from the play, as filmed during the 2009 run in Grahamstown. Scripts will be on sale and snacks will be readily available...come and join me!
MVG Theatre Club
I'm delighted to launch my new-look Theatre Club, together with my new-look website for April! For R250 per year membership fees, you get a free ticket to one of my shows, discounts on all bookings with (my own and affiliated) theatre productions, exclusive monthly events and lucky prize draws.
Publication of Plays
As a result of some of my plays being studied at university and senior school levels, some of these works have been published. In the last 12 months, 'Some Mothers’ Sons' was published by Wits University Press as part of an anthology of new South African plays, 'Green Man Flashing' was published by Junket Press who are also about to publish the trilogy, 'Iago’s Last Dance.' Should you wish to order any of these, write to info@mikevangraan.co.za.
London Book Fair Staged Readings
This year’s London Book Fair runs from 19-21 April and focuses on South Africa with numerous local writers being featured at book launches, panel discussions and public lectures. I will stage readings of four recent plays in London from 22th-24th April to introduce my work to one of the world’s key theatre markets.