‘Rigoletto’ with cellphones

DAWN KENNEDY|Published

Award-winning director Marthinus Basson launches the Cape Town Opera 2017 season with a contemporary staging of Verdi’s Rigoletto that places themes of power, money, ...

Taking the leap from ballet to opera

DAWN KENNEDY|Published

A CALORIE- laden chocolate tart, missing one single bite, sits on the desk in front of Canadian choreographer Joshua Beamish. Not the usual dancers’ diet, I observe. ...

The joys of playing pool

DAWN KENNEDY|Published

MY partner, Tom and I are playing pool against a couple of crusties – a nickname for England's mud stained travellers.

Refreshing Citrusdal hot springs

DAWN KENNEDY|Published

Rejuvenate with a visit to the natural hot springs in Citrusdal. Winter is the best time to wallow in the mineral-rich pools.

Pokémon: gotta catch ‘em all

DAWN KENNEDY|Published

Across the globe gamers are venturing out into their cities to find Pokémon. All you need is a compatible phone, comfy shoes and a sense of adventure.

Complexities of playing ancient game Go

DAWN KENNEDY|Published

BENT studiously over a board, thoughtfully moving pebble-like pieces, two guys are engaged in a 5 000 year old activity.

Swimming dragon: martial art to hone body

DAWN KENNEDY|Published

IT IS a well known aphorism that when the pupil is ready, the master will appear.

Wonderful initiative trains young voices

DAWN KENNEDY|Published

I’M GOING to the Masiphatisani Primary School, in Vredenburg, to watch the start of the Opera Amabali Ethu outreach programme.

Cycads: a living collection

DAWN KENNEDY|Published

LOUISE HECKL is nervous. She is auctioning her 35 year old 200 plant collection.

Don’t miss Stellenbosch street soirée

DAWN KENNEDY|Published

Twice a month until the end of March Drostdy Street in Stellenbosch is transformed into a jostling hub of wine, music and food, writes Dawn Kennedy.

5 must-try activities to experience in 2016

DAWN KENNEDY|Published

After a year of exploring the weird, wonderful and innovative, here are five must-try activities for you to experience in 2016.

Birds of a feather

DAWN KENNEDY|Published

On my stoep, as the sun softened, a flock of birds circled, as though of one mind, in a wide arc above my roof, ...

Uncorked: visit estates and meet the winemakers

DAWN KENNEDY|Published

TAKE a breathtakingly beautiful valley, combine it with the opportunity to taste new releases from world class wine estates and you have an unrivalled opportunity ...

Waterfront Boktown: awesome experience

DAWN KENNEDY|Published

Despite their loss against Japan last week, you can still support the Springboks on the big screen at the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre, writes Dawn Kennedy.

Eclectic catalogue of a Shifty rebel

DAWN KENNEDY|Published

Every now and again I’m made aware that only coming to this country in 1994 has given me a very skewed view of South Africa, akin to dating a reformed drug addict ...

Getting on board

DAWN KENNEDY|Published

Roll a dice, pick a card and explore a world of exciting games beyond old favourites Monopoly and Trivial Pursuit at The Big Box Cafe.

Alma Martha gallery a boost to up-and-comers

DAWN KENNEDY|Published

Juliana Irene Smith felt a mild headache, a remnant from the night before’s Art Throb party, as she stepped into Albert Road’s not-for-profit Alma Martha gallery ...

Birds of a feather

DAWN KENNEDY|Published

I've joined the Cape Bird Club's monthly birding walk at Rondevlei because I want to know more about the winged visitors who besiege my home with a chorus of mad ...