April is one of the busiest times in Joburg, with school holidays, public holidays and the inevitable Easter weekend. We’ve collected April highlights in one convenient place, from the first until the last week of the month to ensure your calendar offers something different every time.
POPArt IMPROV x MARKET THEATRE LAB LIVE IMPROV SERIES
Theatre is alive in South Africa, and it’s been living and breathing for centuries. We are a nation of storytellers and POPArt Improv’s collaboration with Market Theatre Lab is the latest page in our storied history. Showing for one night only in April – and then another single night of performances in May – patrons will see a once off improvised performance for their eyes only. Hilarious and thought provoking as only South Africans can be, POPArt’s Improv troupe includes names like Ncumisa Ndimeni, Dwayne Vorster, Eduardo Cachucho and more.
Where: The Market Theatre, Ramolao Makhene Rd, Market Square, Johannesburg
When: 7 April 7pm
Cost: R100
BREL/PIAF
Edith Piaf and Jacques Brel are two of Europe’s most accomplished and influential performers on either side of World War II. The music of Piaf, whose stardom rose and shone in the 1930s and 40s, and Brel, who enjoyed success in the 1950s and 60s, is brought to life by Andrew Schwarz and Amanda Strydom, accompanied by David Boverhoff and Coenraad Raal on piano. Music from both artists has been performed in South Africa and abroad in French and English. Schwarz and Strydom will perform songs including Amsterdam, La vie en Rose, La Chanson de Jacky, Les Bourgeois among several others.
Where: Montecasino Theatre, William Nicol Dr, Fourways, Johannesburg
When: 22 April – 22 May
Cost: R135 – R300
CARNIVAL CITY EASTER HOLIDAY FUN
Though Carnival City is a welcoming space for folks and families of all ages, their Easter Holiday offerings provide a great occasion for families with little ones. Children aged 5-13 can enjoy an exclusive Easter tent experience with fun arts and craft stations and the Easter Bunny bouncing in for a photo opportunity. However, it’s not only the little ones who are catered for this April, as Carnival City rolls out the red carpet for all on Easter weekend. From the timeless magic of the arcade, to ten-pin bowling and go-kart racing, your long weekend is sorted with Carnival City’s wide variety of family-friendly experiences.
Where: Carnival City, Century Rd, Witpoortjie, Brakpan, Boksburg, Gauteng
When: 15 – 18 April
Cost: Free entrance
SILENT VOICE SCREENING
Our burgeoning national film industry boasts years of experience at the highest level, despite still finding its feet in modern film. Written and directed by the award-winning Aubrey Sekhabi, Silent Voice speaks to the South African realities of money and violence, providing meaningful commentary on life in our country. Starring Boitumelo Shisana wa Sekgobela, Zezo Ngqobe and Tumelo ‘Don’ Mosenye, the film both celebrates our national storytellers while focussing on the microstories present across the length and breadth of South Africa. Silent Voice is the sixth production from the South African State Theatre and Ster-Kinekor Theatre’s collaboration, a partnership that screens theatre content across South Africa.
Where: Newtown Junction Ster-Kinekor Theatres, Rosebank and Brooklyn Nouveau, and Sterland
When: 2pm and 5pm screenings
Cost: From R115
MMOHOBLOCK MARKET
End your month off with a family-friendly experience at the Mall of Africa. Returning for the first time in full flight since the pandemic hit, the organisers of the much-loved Linden Market present the MmohoBlock Market for the first time. Presenting a plethora of local businesses and attractions, organisers have locked down the urban setting of Waterfall Park at Mall of Africa. Featuring live music, carnival rides and over 100 local crafts, arts and food traders the MmohoBlock Market is set for a big debut and plans to stay as a permanent fixture in the calendar of Joburg and its surrounds.
Where: Waterfall Park Events Arena, Mall of Africa, Cnr Lone Creek &, Magwa Cres, Waterval City, Midrand, Johannesburg
When: Saturday 30th April 10am to 6pm
Cost: Free entry
TOTAL ECLIPSE BY ECLIPSE RESTAURANT
For the duration of April, the Eclipse Restaurant in Sandton is offering a unique fine dining and theatre experience. Total Eclipse is filled with poetry readings, dancing performances, opera stagings and aerial highlights like gymnastics and light shows. Live music and cabaret cavorts set this dining experience apart from others in the city. Enjoy a gourmet a la carte menu featuring starters, mains and desserts, though it is not included in the cover charge. Only available two days a week, the final performances of this dining experience are not to be missed.
Where: Eclipse Restaurant, Hotel Sky Sandton, 150 West St, Sandton, Johannesburg
When: Running until 30 April. Friday and Saturday, from 6.30pm
Cost: Cover charge, R250pp. Excluding the a la carte menu.
COTTON FEST
South African music festivals are back and Cotton Fest is carrying the torch as the first major festival to kick things off in 2022. Early bird tickets have sold out for this two day music festival however tickets are still available. Hosted at The Station, a vibrant and picturesque venue in Newtown, Cotton Fest is carrying out a college theme for its post-pandemic return. Welcoming back the class of 2022 to the University of Cotton Fest, the festival will tap into college themes with its stages, set up and paraphernalia. DJ Lag, Costa Titch, Cassper Nyovest, Blxckie and dozens of other artists will perform and are not to be missed.
Where: The Station, Cnr Carr St and Nelson Mandela Bridge, Newtown, Johannesburg
When: Saturday 23 April and Sunday 24 April
Cost: Saturday R300 | Sunday R300
