A Musical Revue by Simthandile Mtolo
Seabrooke’s Theatre, DHS: 3, 4, 5 Dec at 7pm
It Grows, The Musical is a solo music revue and multi-media art exhibition experience that looks at the complexity of life and love, from an honest and intrinsically personal perspective of a black woman working in the arts – created and performed by Durban performer and visual artist, Simthandile Mtolo which comes to Seabrooke’s Theatre on DHS campus between 3 and 5 December.
In It Grows, The Musical, Mtolo is releasing music that has been simmering for a very long time. Music that she wrote over the years, inspired by experience and emotions, which she has held onto waiting for the right time to perform. A time of introspection and creativity over lockdown has prompted her to take to the stage with it now.
“The songs are divided into segments that touch on values and morals, responsibilities and love, and are interconnected together with subtle comedy and interactive links,” she explains. Mtolo will be singing live – her music and lyrics are original.
Mtolo is a seasoned songstress and multi-disciplined arts practitioner who has been a full-time creative specialist for 15 years. “I have remained loyal to an authentic creative delivery and the importance of its relationship to an audience and I have spent lockdown nurturing my craft and adding to my body of work,” explains Mtolo.
In this production, she will also be exhibiting a range of pieces she has been working on, inspired by introspective growth and the ability to acquire absolute satisfaction from reaching within. Her pieces use wool and printed fabrics, and mostly admire the authentic features of African women. Mtolo will also have her hand made bead collection on display.
Through her business, Ebonygypsy, she has produced several conceptual events such as The Township Jazz Society which is an innermost jazz affair that features between 8 to 10 local jazz bands from around Durban and has showcased in venues such as The Protea Edward Hotel and Artizen Lounge. Another is my annual all female production titled, A Woman, A Hat, A Bag, And Her Belly. This show debuted at the Catalina Theatre in 2011 and featured Durban’s greatest hidden gems in various performance styles, as well as some expecting mothers through an adorable movement piece and fashion show.
Anticipate a feast for your eyes while you enjoy a drink, compliments of KWV. Tickets available at Web Tickets at R150. https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1504114489 Follow her on Instagram @SimthandileMtolo, @TownshipJazz Twitter @_Simthandile_ And on Facebook @SimthandileMtolo @TownshipJazzSociety @Ebonygypsy.