Friday, May 23, 2014

Gaynor Young #InstantInspiration

Thank you Gaynor Young! Thank you for the joy of your blog "'Ear 'Ear"and the incredible gift of sharing your journey with the digital world. I stumbled across it as I searched through many entertainment, theatre or arts blogs and I am so profoundly happy that I did. It was the perfect thing at the perfect moment.

As artists, we so often fall victim to our own self-doubt, criticism and cynicism. We allow our 'artistic' selves to run away with endless questions, musings and often hopeless convictions about the industry or our careers.
And then you get to read a post (The Loved One!) by someone who many years after a tragic and horrific accident in a theatre and two cochlear implants later, for the first time was able to listen, really listen to a performance by the wonderful South African vocal artist PJ Powers, ... and tears begin to well up.
You read the post called Pardon! on forgiveness for those who held responsibility for this tragedy and cannot stop the gentle tears from spilling over.

Gaynor, your story is such a well known tale among theatre folk and your name synonymous with theatre safety and tragedy. BUT what people don't bother thinking about is what came after, how many challenges you must have faced and conquered since then, how you have turned that event into a pivotal moment of change and motivation in your life and how you manage to inspire so many by what you continue to accomplish day by day.

I can not wait to delve deeper into the depths of your blog and somehow get a hold of your book 'My Plunge to Fame'.

Thank you for reminding me that life is a gift, that every day is a gift and that every obstacle we face is a gift... to be more, to do more and to live more.

For #InstantInspiration go and read or follow Gaynor's blog 'Ear 'Ear and follow her on twitter at @earearblog.

Much inspired love,

Monday, May 19, 2014

Reik Na Die Sterre #ComingAttractions

Reik Na Die Sterre - Die Grootste Afrikaanse Musical nog ooit!


Many performers begin their careers going from contract to contract and job to job, merely grateful to be working - not always considering where life or their careers are taking them. But then there are some among us who have a very clear idea of where they are headed, it is purely a case of how and when they'll get there.
My husband, Ferdinand Gernandt is one of those incredibly talented and driven individuals and this is a forthcoming project he's in the middle of preparing for - I can not tell you how excited I am for it!

The Smash Hit Company has been developing this original project for over a year now and it is mind-blowing to think that in such a short time it will become a reality. Ferdinand wrote the piece around the memorable and well-known music of the Afrikaans legend Bless Bridges. However it is a completely fresh original story (not relating to the life of Bless) and all the newly arranged songs by Murray Lubbe further enhances and carries this tale about young love, war and family.

Here is the newly released music video of the title song 'Reik Na Die Sterre' sung by Willem Botha and Kristen Raath. Produced by The Smash Hit Company.


This production has secured some of the most talented artists in our industry, a powder keg full of well-knowns and up-and-comings!
The magical Sarah Theron and Richard van der Westhuizen will portray the parents of young Stephan, played by the talented Willem Botha. Neels Clasen will be playing the militaristic father of beautiful young Jana, who will be portrayed by the bright Kristen Raath, making her theatrical debut. The full cast list further includes Kenneth Meyer, Lee Scott, Marcel Spaumer, Marco Spaumer, Zak Hendrikz, Weslee Swain Lauder, Reg Hart, Clint Lesch, Phillip Schnetler, Stephan van der Walt, Emil Haarhoff, Tristin Gernandt, Annica Steenkamp, Joanna Abatzoglou, Michelle Pieterse, Stefania duToit, Pulane Rampoana, Suzaan Helberg, Nastassja Jooste, Sarah-Ann Kroukamp and Marijke Bezuidenhout.

Here is a 'behind-the-scenes' chat with Willem Botha, on set of the music video shoot at the Groenkloof Nature Reserve in Pretoria.


Hubby will be directing and choreographing for Reik Na Die Sterre, which is about to go into rehearsals and preparations from the 8th of June. Doors at the The State Theatre will officially open on 10 July for this exciting project (running until 3 August) and tickets are already available at Computicket.

I personally cannot wait and will be front and centre at the Opening!
So opgewonde hiervoor!! Yay x

Chat soon,