UMOJA at the Baxter

Sting Music (Pty) Ltd presents UMOJA, The Spirit of Togetherness at the Baxter Theatre from October 3 to 7. This internationally acclaimed musical tells the tale of indigenous South African music from the earliest rhythms to kwaito, from traditional love songs to lullabies and other musical expressions of rural life. It tells the story of migrant labourers and their families, of life in the shebeens and the cultural melting-pot of Sophiatown, forced removals as well as the celebration with gumboot dancing and vibrant jazz and gospel music recalling the huge helpings of faith and courage that saw black South Africans through some of the country's stormiest historical passages. Despite its occasional moments of reflection and pathos, Umoja is a loud, colourful, and jubilant celebration of life that audiences, whatever their cultural backgrounds, have found infectiously delightful and uplifting. Performances run from October 3 to 7 at 20h00 and matinees are on Saturday, October 7, at 17h00 and Sunday, October 8, at 15h00. Prices range from R164, R132 and R88. Book online through Computicket.

Special ticket prices for UCT community

The Baxter Theatre Centre is trying to increase interaction with the university community. If you would like regular information about productions on at the Baxter Theatre and special offers for staff, please email your contact details to baxter@baxter.uct.ac.za. Baxter online newsletters are short announcements sent out about three times a month. Send us your details if you would like to receive the Baxter diary of events, published five times each year. You may also like to consider a show at the Baxter for your year-end function. Contact Sharon on 021 680 3962, or salexand@baxter.uct.ac.za for more information and also about special block discount prices.

Awake the African Spirit Society dinner

Que-Tropha at the Arena Theatre

The Arena Theatre will present the play Que-Tropha from October 5 to 7. It is a satirical comedy on the current socio-political climate of Zimbabwe and the characters are a representation of the political beliefs imbued inside and outside the government circles. The play is set in a fictitious African military state of Graceland where the ageing military leader, Commander Rogue, finds his power being challenged by hybrid traitor rats that have invaded his most treasured possessions. The leader will not stop at anything for fear of being banished to the dusty bin of history. Abuse of power, conspiracy, arrogance and manipulation becomes part of the game. Animal-rights activists take this opportunity to find relevance in a country where openness and tolerance have since opted out. How they survive government machinery is left to the imagination. Que-Tropha will play at the Arena Theatre, 37 Orange Street, Gardens. Tickets cost R35 and R25 for students, pensioners and for block bookings over 10. Please call 021 480 7129 or email bookings@hiddingh.uct.ac.za for bookings or more information.

Healing documentary

Psychology department's Dr Helgo Schomer will feature in a 30-minute television documentary, The Healing Power of Nature, on SABC3 on Sunday, October 16, at 18h30. Schomer works with AIDS carers and those who have been victims of trauma.