This Week & Beyond
It's officially the last week of summer but it is still hot hot hot!
It might be the last week of summer, but it feels like it is only getting started. It is scorching out there. Plus, as I write this, Newlands is still on fire. With the wildfires in California still fresh in everyone’s minds, we are so grateful to our firefighters who battle fires day and night to keep us safe. Updates
If you ever see a fire, be the first to report it: Fire emergencies (24hours):
Landline: 107; Cellphone: 021 480 7700
If you are worried that your sunscreen is damaging your body or the sea, or just that it has too many airmiles of its own, here is a locally produced, human and ocean-friendly alternative Seascreen, or plain old Zinc from Back2nature.
We heard about these ocean and human-friendly products from the folks at Nude Foods, Cape Town’s fabulous plastic-free grocery store.
The store we’ve all been waiting for
(From January 2018) I am just back from my first visit to Nude Foods, the grocery store we have all been waiting for! I do mean all of us.
Nude is hosting a zero-waste, all-natural Beauty Showcase this Saturday (March 1) from 10.30am to midday:
Discover the future of beauty with three incredible zero-waste brands that are redefining sustainability:
Alta Africa: Immerse yourself in luxurious skincare powered by African botanicals. Ethically sourced ingredients, natural nourishment, and a commitment to sustainability.
Noodees: Revolutionise your self-care routine with dissolvable hand & face wash. Glamping, road-tripping, or a five-star stay: Noodees has you covered without leaving a trace
Enough: Experience the magic of upcycled coffee grounds in premium skincare. From scrubs to serums, this range proves that beauty and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.
Attendees at this event can expect engaging demos and product giveaways as they learn about the zero-waste beauty movement. Even if you can’t make it to Saturday’s event have a look at the four websites above (including Nude); you will be amazed at what is happening in the world of shopping with care and kindness.
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While on the topic of the wonders of nature, local legend Tielman Haumann will be doing a guided tree tour in De Waal Park on Tuesday February 25, from 5.45pm (sharp!). Nobody knows the trees of De Waal (and beyond) better than Tielman; you will be surprised at what you will learn. The walk is free of charge. Dogs and children are welcome. Meeting point pin (near the tennis courts).
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The Oranjezicht City Farm, just up the road, is holding a Seed Saving Workshop on Saturday from 9-11am. Discover the art of seed saving in a practical workshop led by Ryan Ausker, Production Manager at Oranjezicht City Farm. Learn how to select, harvest, dry, and store seeds to ensure a thriving garden year after year. This hands-on session will explore the importance of heirloom and open-pollinated seeds, biodiversity preservation, and techniques to improve seed quality. Cost: R350 per person. Tickets
Something a little less outdoorsy … we saw the movie Conclave last week, and absolutely loved it. What a brilliant take on the cardinals getting together to select a new pope. The movie gave a fascinating view of their intellectual, spiritual and moral dilemmas. To be honest, we felt a little rebellious going to see it, and our good old Catholic guilt has been amped up a little with the real Pope’s current illness. We do hope he recovers soon. News from the Vatican
And … um … well … not from the Vatican … this week sees the opening of the highly anticipated Faustus in Africa at the Baxter:
A devilishly good idea ...
I got passed a little note from Lara Foot saying that William Kentridge and Handspring Puppet Company’s classic, Faustus in Africa!, will be restaged at The Baxter Flipside from February 26 to March 22, 2025. I was aghast since I knew not of this collaboration.
You do not want to miss this ... Tickets
In other theatre news, Cape Town seems to be awash with musicals. Even with all the publicity and the ‘Award-winning Broadway musical’ accolades I just can’t seem to get excited about Dear Evan Hansen, which is on at Artscape.
I have read some decent reviews about the show (about social media, high school children and tragedy, I am told) but have heard privately that it is quite formulaic. I just can’t seem to rustle up any enthusiasm for musicals about modern life/tragedy.
Give me Pirates of Penzance or Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat any day. That said, I am sure lots of you, theatre aficionados and other weirdos, will be intrigued by the sound of Thrill Me, a crime story-cum-musical about the 1924 murder of a young boy by a couple known as the ‘thrill killers’. Showing at Theatre on the Bay this week.